EP0698237A1

EP0698237A1 - Peripheral keyboard and screen device for computers

Info

Publication number: EP0698237A1
Application number: EP95907717A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Marc Patret
Original assignee: Source Developpement SA
Current assignee: Source Developpement SA
Priority date: 1994-03-02
Filing date: 1995-01-30
Publication date: 1996-02-28
Also published as: WO1995024008A1; US5661633A; CA2162044A1; FR2717000A1; JPH08510077A; FR2717000B1; SG49251A1

Abstract

A peripheral device for computers and the like, including a thin flat housing suitable for placing on a work surface and having a generally planar smooth top surface, a keyboard (ZC, ZC', ZC') and a flat screen (ZE) arranged in a central area (Z3) of the device, and two blank areas (Z1, Z2) located on either side of the central area. The size of the housing is such that it forms a desk pad permanently occupying one portion of the work surface (PT). The device is useful for improving computer or work station ergonomics.

Description

D I S POS I T I F PERI PHERI QUE A CLAVI ER AND SCREEN FOR COMPUTER

The present invention relates generally to computer equipment, and more particularly to a new arrangement of peripheral devices for personal computers or workstations.

Conventionally, a computer comprises a main housing (central unit) and a keyboard and a screen physically separated from the central unit.

In portable computers, a single articulated housing comprises in a basic part the central unit and the keyboard, and in the other part the screen, of the liquid crystal type.

Such an arrangement of the central unit and of the peripherals is not optimal because, in all cases, the computer or its peripherals neutralize an important place on the work surface of the user. In addition, the presence of connecting cables between various elements is both unsightly, impractical, and a source of problems in the event of disconnection or deterioration.

EP-A-0 398 055 also discloses an electronic "notepad" with a sensitive flat screen. Such a device has a reduced dimension, of the order of that of a sheet of paper, and a significant thickness. It has a certain size on a work surface. In addition, due to the non-flatness of its upper surface, it can in no way encourage the user to use it as a writing desk or the like.

Document DE-A-35 11 353 describes an electronic notepad which can take the form of a flat keyboard and screen device. However, such an electronic notepad is similar to a portable computer of the hinged screen type, in the fully positioned deployed. There is nothing to suggest that such a device be used as a writing desk or the like, and it is simply an object that is more cluttering the user's work plan. Finally, EP-A-0 251 492 discloses a microcomputer of which all the components are mounted in a relatively thin housing and which has a generally planar upper surface.

However, due to the fact that the box houses all the components of a microcomputer, this box is necessarily relatively thick, which again poses the problem of space and which does not encourage the user use it as a writing desk or the like. The present invention aims to propose a new arrangement of peripherals for personal computer, workstation or the like, which is particularly practical and aesthetic, and does not pose problems of space requirement of the work plan of the user. Thus, the invention relates to a peripheral device for a computer or the like, characterized in that it comprises: a flat, thin box, able to rest on a work surface and having a generally flat and smooth upper surface, a keyboard and a flat screen arranged in a central zone of the device, and two blank zones located respectively on either side of said central zone, and in that the housing has dimensions chosen so that it constitutes an occupying desk pad permanently part of a work plan.

Preferred, but not limiting, aspects of the device of the invention are as follows: - the screen is arranged between the keyboard and an edge of the device on the user side.

the device comprises: a metal frame comprising a peripheral frame and receiving the keyboard and the flat screen, a transparent plate covering said screen, a thin plate having an opening at the keyboard and defining with said transparent plate a generally smooth surface, and a flexible membrane covering said transparent plate and said thin plate.

- The transparent plate constitutes a device for detecting x / y coordinates superimposed on the flat screen (211). - The keyboard consists of a plurality of depressed keys separated from each other by partitions, said keys and said partitions defining a generally planar and continuous upper surface against which said membrane is applied. - Said keys and said partitions have rounded edges.

- Said membrane is printed on its inner face, while remaining transparent at the screen.

- The device has a depth of about 40 to 60 cm and a width of about 60 to 80 cm, and a thickness of about 15 mm.

- The housing comprises a housing open upwards, in which the keyboard is removably received and surface electrical contact means between a housing of the keyboard and a wall of the housing.

- the keyboard housing has a generally smooth bottom surface, said keyboard can also be turned 180 ° and placed in the housing so that said bottom surface comes substantially in flush with the rest of the top surface of the device.

- The device comprises in the vicinity of an edge on the user side of the wedging portions projecting downwards, intended to cooperate with the edge of a work surface.

- The device comprises a single cable for its connection to the central unit of a computer.

- This cable opens out from one of the wedging parts.

- The device comprises wireless connection means with an auxiliary peripheral device, in particular with a mouse.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a part of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, - there FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II- II of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2, wedged on a work surface,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device once mounted,

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, and

- Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a charging and communication base for electronic notepad.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 1 to 3 a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The device comprises a framework 100, preferably made of cast aluminum alloy, which includes a peripheral frame 101 and interior members 103.

The framework 100 in this case has an asymmetrical shape, and a thickness of the order of 15 mm. It has, in two corner regions intended to be placed at an edge, user side, of a work surface

PT (see Figure 3), two parts in excess 102, 104 which project downward. One of these parts 102, for example to the right of the user, constitutes a departure for a cable C for connecting the device to the central unit of a computer of the personal computer type. One of the parts 102 and 104 receives an on-off switch (not shown) for the various organs of the device.

Each of the parts 102, 104 has a generally triangular cavity receiving a loudspeaker, respectively 213, 214, so as to give the device an aptitude for sound reproduction. a miniature microphone 215, for example of the electret type, received in the framework at the level of the central region of the edge of the device extending between the parts 102 and 104, is provided.

In addition, a series of openings for miniature potentiometers 210 for adjusting the contrast and brightness of the screen, sound level, etc. are provided in a lateral edge of the frame 101 of the framework 100.

The framework 100 is intended to house in the different interior spaces defined by the members 103 a certain number of elements: a keyboard CL comprising a plurality of keys for depression 212, preferably of the electromechanical type; a flat liquid crystal screen 211, in particular a color screen according to the so-called "TFT"technology; an infrared transmitter / receiver device 218 for wireless communication with an auxiliary peripheral device such as a mouse (not shown) or the like; various printed circuit boards 217 in particular for controlling the screen 211 and decoding the keyboard CL.

We also observe that a transparent plate or slab 221, constituting a device for detecting the x / y position of a stylus, or of the tactile type, comes to be placed above the screen 211 while being wedged in place by the members 103. This x / y coordinate detector is preferably of the resistive type, known per se. Its electrical connection is made at a lateral appendage 221a.

The different elements housed in the device housing can be connected to each other in different ways. In a basic embodiment, suitable multicore cables are provided which find their way through the framework. Alternatively, a single printed circuit may be provided covering the entire extent of the elements of the device and comprising conductive tracks connecting the various elements to each other.

As shown more precisely in FIG. 2, the device housing includes, below the framework 100, a bottom plate 200, for example made of aluminum sheet, wedging in appropriate recesses of the frame 101 of the frame 100, so as to provide a generally smooth base surface.

We observe in Figure 2, in the thickness of the frame 100 and between its members 103, the liquid crystal screen 211 surmounted by the transparent panel 221, and the keyboard CL. It is observed that each key of this keyboard is constituted by a fugitive electromechanical switch 212b mounted on a printed circuit 212c and one of which control rod receives a generally domed cap 212a.

Between the adjacent keys are provided partitions 219 constituted by a piece of molded plastic material comprising as many cells as there are keys 212, and having the same height as the keys. In this way, at the upper surface of the cabochons 212a, the upper edges of the piece 219 provide some surface continuity between the tops of the adjacent cabochons, for the purposes explained below.

In addition, also for the purposes explained below, the edges of the caps 212a and partitions 219 are softened.

There is provided, above the framework 100, a flat plate 220 made of aluminum sheet. This plate has a first opening the size of the transparent plate 221, and a second opening at the keys of the keyboard CL. The transparent plate 221 is embedded in the first opening, so that its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the plate 230. Furthermore, the elements of the keyboard CL are positioned in height so that the upper surface of the cabochons 212a and partitions 219 is generally coplanar with the upper surface of the plate 220.

The plate 220 rests by its peripheral edge on a support frame 105 of the frame 101, and is wedged in place by vertical recesses 106. The fixing and sealing are ensured for example by gluing. Above the plate 220, the plate 221 and the keyboard CL is provided a flexible membrane 230, for example made of polyester and a few tenths of a millimeter thick, which extends continuously over the entire surface of these elements. This transparent membrane 230 is screen printed on its lower surface, so as to present a dark shade. It has at the screen 211 an area 231 which is left transparent. It furthermore presents, at each of the keys of the keyboard, patterns 232 enabling these keys to be identified.

The membrane 230 is fixed to the device by a suitable adhesive.

It will be observed here that the flexibility of the membrane allows the user to press the keys of the keyboard, the stroke of which is preferably 1 to 4 mm, the membrane temporarily deforming at the level of the key considered when it is pressed. It will also be observed that the rounded edges of the cabochons 212a and of the partitions 219 makes it possible to avoid wear on the membrane at their level during its repeated deformations.

Preferably, the height of the recess provided in the frame part 101 of the frame 100 is slightly greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the aluminum sheet 240 and the polyester membrane 230, so as to prevent untimely tearing. of said membrane. it will be observed here that the adaptation of the device of the invention to keyboards corresponding to different countries (for example "azerty", "qwerty" keyboards, etc.) is carried out extremely easily by modifying the screen printing of the flexible membrane 230.

As shown in Figure 1, the single cable C ends in a bundle comprising a plurality of standard CN connectors for connecting the device to the central unit of a personal computer, and in particular: to the video output, to the keyboard input, - one or two serial ports, especially for the auxiliary device (mouse), - a stereo output for speakers, - an audio input for the microphone,

- a continuous power source for the liquid crystal display and the various electronic control circuits. Due to the uniqueness and the position of the cable C, the space requirement is reduced to a minimum. In particular, it can be easily fixed below the user's worktop to the central unit.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the upper surface of the device being constituted by a continuous sheet 230 and tightly connected to the frame, said surface can constitute, when the keyboard and the screen are not used, a work surface ordinary. The device is protected from dust, liquids, etc., which guarantees its reliability.

Figure 3 clearly shows the distribution of the different elements on the surface of the device.

It will first be observed that the keyboard CL is arranged above the screen, which is quite practical for working flat, the screen being located in the space between the arms of the user typing on the keyboard.

The device comprises two essentially blank lateral zones Zl, Z2, on which the user's arms can rest during work, and a central zone Z3, of width close to that of each zone Zl, Z2, in which a zone is provided. ZE screen and a plurality of keyboard areas, namely two ZC areas constituting a conventional alphanumeric keyboard. Another zone ZC constituting a numeric keypad, and a zone ZC "constituting a group of four cursor keys, overlap in the blank zone on the right Z1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, according to which a keyboard is used, generally indicated at 400, which is housed in a housing generally parallelepiped shape having along one of its edges contacts 402. It is intended to be received in a housing 120 formed in the thickness of the device. In this housing 120 are also provided contacts intended to cooperate with the contacts 402.

In this variant, the keyboard 400, when not in use, can be removed from the housing 120, turned over 180 ° and replaced in the housing 120 in this position, so as to expose its bottom surface upwards, smooth. In this way, a generally smooth top surface pad is obtained, which can be used as an ordinary pad when not used as a peripheral computer assembly.

FIG. 4 also shows that the device optionally comprises two units 213, 214 for reading smart cards (memory cards), in particular according to the PCMCIA standard, and preferably two backlighting units arranged in the vicinity of the units 413, 414 and intended to locate the associated insertion slots 110, 112 provided in frame 101.

Advantageously, the computer constituted by a central unit and the peripheral device as described above, or even any type of conventional computer, can be brought to communicate with a portable computer of the electronic notepad type, so known per se. In this case, the device according to the invention can advantageously be equipped, in a manner not illustrated, with a housing for such an electronic notebook, with mutual contacts ensuring both the recharging of the batteries of the notebook and the two-way communication between the computer, via cable C.

And a computer as well as an electronic notepad can be brought to memorize events, which must be organized and kept in chronological order. We will now describe a protocol allowing, when the notepad is connected to the computer for example in the manner described above, to update, automatically and transparently for the user, files of such stored events both in the computer and in the notebook.

Illustrated below in column A is the content of a notepad event buffer, respectively Ea, Eb and Ec, with the associated date and time determined from the internal clock of the notepad. In column B, the content of a computer buffer is similarly displayed, with five events E01 to E05 and the associated date and time, determined by the internal clock of the computer.

(B) COMPUTER (A) NOTEBOOK

Nive3u of A Level of B

07-01 - 1994 08:45:53 07-01 - 1994 08:45:53 |

Data. Eveπ hour. Data. hour Even.

07-01 - 1994 08:45:53 E01 03-01 - 1994 10:39:25 Ea 07-01 - 1994 10:48:24 E02 08-01 - 1994 10:42:55 Eb 07-01 - 1994 17 : 12:06 E03 10-01 - 1994 13:45:12 Ec 08-01 - 1994 21: 31: 40 E04 10-01 - 1994 1 1: 20: 47 E05

AUTONOMOUS USE

When the notepad is placed on its support ₍ or connected to an appropriate cable) so as to be connected to the computer, an update protocol is triggered automatically and transparently for the user (preferably in background task) so as to merge, in a buffer memory contained for example in the computer, the events Ea-Ec and E01-E05, by reclassifying them in chronological order, as illustrated below. PUT IN CONTACT

Interruption triggered A and B level

10-01-1994 11:20:47

Merger and buflerisation of Date events. hour Even. known in A and B Clock registration.

07-01-199408: 45: 53 E01

07-01-199410: 48: 24 E02 Update procedure

07-01-199417: 12: 06 E03 day in spot of lor.d

08-01-199410: 39: 25 Ea of the two devices

08-01-199410: 42: 55 Eb

08-01-199421: 31: 40 E04 Erasing of

10-01-199413: 45: 12 Ec event

10-01-199411: 20:47 E05 after update

This protocol is also responsible for resetting the internal clocks of the computer and the notepad. Then, the contents of the buffer memory containing the merged events is used to update event files contained in the mass memories of the computer and the notebook, and finally the buffers of the computer and the notebooks are emptied so you can later collect other events during their stand-alone use, as shown below.

RESULT CONTACT

Level of A Level of B

10-01-1994 11:20:47 ® 10-01-1994 11:20:47 ®

Date. hour Even. Date. hour Even. It will be noted here that, when the electronic notepad is equipped with a card reader, for example of the PCMCIA type, the aforementioned protocol can be implemented when a memory card originating from the notepad is inserted in one readers 413, 414 equipping the device according to the invention.

Thanks to this aspect of the present invention, events collected by the user using the computer or the notebook are grouped in a coherent manner at the level of the two devices, and this without the user having to carry out manipulations.

Now with reference to FIG. 5, an electronic notebook generally indicated at 450 has been illustrated, which conventionally comprises a central unit associated with memories and input / output circuits, a screen 452 of the liquid crystal type. and a simplified keyboard 454. The notebook also includes a series of contacts 456 flush with one of its lateral edges.

According to the invention, there is provided, in association or not with the peripheral device according to the invention, a support, generally designated by the reference 500, for the notepad 450.

This support comprises a recessed housing 510 for the notebook, on a wall of which are provided electrical contacts 506 intended, when the notebook is placed there, to cooperate with the contacts 456 of the notebook.

According to an essential aspect, the support 500 comprises both:

^• a power supply unit 502, making it possible from the mains voltage to generate a DC voltage to recharge the batteries of the notebook via some of the contacts 456, 506;

^• a modem 504, supplied with electricity by the block 502 and connected (preferably by a serial link) to the notepad 450 by other contacts 456, 506. The modem can be connected to the telephone network by an appropriate cord.

In this way, the notepad 450 can be devoid of a modem, this function being able to be ensured by the support 500 as soon as the notepad rests on the latter.

Thus, by placing the notepad in its support, it simultaneously ensures, in an extremely practical way for the user, the recharging of the batteries and its ability to communicate with remote sites via the telephone network. Of course, the modem can be provided for sending and receiving faxes.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but the skilled person will be able to make any variant or modification according to his spirit.

Claims

1. Peripheral device for a computer or the like, characterized in that it comprises: a flat, thin box, able to rest on a work surface and having a generally flat and smooth upper surface, a keyboard (CL) and a screen flat (211) arranged in a central zone (Z3) of the device, and two blank zones (Zl, Z2) located respectively on either side of said central zone, and in that the housing has dimensions chosen so as to what it constitutes a desk pad permanently occupying part of a work plan (PT).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen (211) is arranged between the keyboard (CL) and an edge of the device on the user side.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises: a metal frame (100) comprising a peripheral frame (101) and receiving the keyboard (CL) and the flat screen, a transparent plate (221) covering said screen, a thin plate (220) having an opening at the level of the keyboard and defining with said transparent plate (221) a generally smooth surface, and a flexible membrane (230) covering said transparent plate and said thin plate.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transparent plate (221) constitutes a device for detecting x / y coordinates superimposed on the flat screen (211).

5. Device according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the keyboard (CL) consists of a plurality of depressed keys (212) separated from each other by partitions (219), said keys and said partitions defining a generally planar and continuous upper surface against which said membrane (230) is applied.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said keys (212a) and said partitions (219) have rounded edges.

7. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said membrane (230) is printed on its inner face, while remaining transparent at the screen (211).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a depth of the order of 40 to 60 cm and a width of the order of 60 to 80 cm.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it has a thickness of about 15 mm.

10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing comprises a housing (120) open upwards, in which the keyboard (400) is removably received and means for surface electrical contact (402) between a keyboard housing and a housing wall.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the keyboard housing (400) has a generally smooth bottom surface, said keyboard also being able to be turned 180 ° and placed in the housing (120) so that said bottom surface comes substantially flush with the rest of the upper surface of the device.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises, in the vicinity of an edge on the user side, wedging parts (102, 104) projecting downwards, intended to cooperate with the edge d 'a work plan (PT).

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a single cable (C) for its connection to the central unit of a computer.

14. Device according to claim 13 attached to claim 12, characterized in that the cable (C) opens out from one of the wedging parts (102).

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises wireless connection means with an auxiliary peripheral device, in particular with a mouse.