IE20020714A1 - An independent, lightweight, desktop keyboard of a personal computer containing a detachable multipostion display. - Google Patents

Abstract

An independent, lightweight, desktop keyboard of a Personal Computer contains a display to replace the normal C.R.T. screen display of a personal computer. The keyboard assembly is compatible with all input devices but for the benefit of this invention shall be shown with all input devices but for the benefit of this invention shall be shown with a touch screen display. The display can be fixed or detachable and can be multi-directional depending upon the user's requirements. The keyboard contains minimal memory circuits and a small battery support for the control of key functions, icon selection and short-term storage of information. For clarity reasons the keyboard and all of the contained support devices shall be now referred to as the "device". The said device was designed to allow the multiply usage of one system at one time without increasing cost and complexity of the communication system. It can also be seen that the device can be adopted to suit a wider range of usage such as a stand-alone device or as a communication link to existing PC's via a network or direct link to a server. <Figure 1>

Description

An independent, lightweight, desktop keyboard of a Personal Computer contains a display to replace the normal C.R.T. screen display of a personal computer. The keyboard assembly is compatible with all input devices but for the benefit of this invention shall be shown with a touch screen display. The display can be fixed or detachable and can be multi-directional depending upon the user’s requirements. The keyboard contains minimal memory circuits and a small battery support for the control of key functions, icon selection and short -term storage of information. For clarity reasons the keyboard and all of the contained support devices shall be now referred to as the “device”. The said device was designed to allow the multiple usage of one system at one time without increasing cost and complexity of the communication system. It can also be seen that the device can be adopted to suit a wider range of usage such as a standalone device or as a communication link to existing PC’s via a network or direct link to a server.

X^ fl 1 DESCRIPTION.

This invention relates to desktop keyboard, with a low powered display mechanism with battery and minimal memory backup tha make up a communication device for a computer system and more; particularly to such a device, which is easily adaptable to multiple user and multipurpose arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

Personal computers and Laptop computers have both got the inherited problems being that they are costly devices. They become even more costly to be connected to and supported by a multiple user system. Each station must have a Screen, a Keyboard, a CPU, a Mass memory storage unit and a battery back up pack.

Personal organisers, personal assistants and Palm tops have been developed to suit the mobile user. They too have their inherited problem of being very small and difficult for touch-typing. They also have a tendency to be damaged, lost or stolen quite easily.

Portable, Folding electronic units and notebooks have also been designed to reduce the size of devices while providing better touchtyping but have proven to be awkward to assemble and disassemble by the user. Some had to have straps and grips designed for their proper use purpose thus leading to further complications.

IE Ο 2 Ο 7 14 In the standard office or factory each computer terminal must have all of the associated pieces of equipment i.e. disk drives, power supplies, processors and mass memory devices. Most of these auxiliary pieces of equipment are not used to their full potential and can be regarded as a waste of valuable expenses. They may be connected to a network and have access to main mass memory backup servers which results in duplication in purpose and expense.

The similar scenario also applies to schools were it is very costly to set up more than one computer terminal.

In the average household there is usually more than one user and it is normal that all of the users want to use the computer at the same time. Buying another computer is a costly solution to the problem.

What is needed is a means of communicating with one computer system by more than one person without all of the extra costly auxiliary devices. This device must suit existing input devices and be easily adaptable to various user requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved Personal computer keyboard with a display contained therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an easier means of access to computer information.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a low power means of display for Personal computers.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an easy method of connecting more than one user to said computer system.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a more cost efficient means of multiple accesses to one computer terminal.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a means of accessing computer information in different environments.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved keyboard, which has a display, so positioned for optimum viewing IE Ο 2 07 14 and within reach of the user especially for the viewing and selection of icons e.g. via a touch screen.

In one embodiment, a computer keyboard with a multidirectional display is disclosed. The keyboard comprises a standard or near standard keyboard where the numerical section is replaced for positioning of a static or detachable multi-position display. A small memory and back up battery is contained as part of the display for purpose of key selection and limited memory storage of selected information so that the device can act as a stand-alone device. The device can also be plugged into existing Personal computers or with the attachment of a larger memory, an antenna and battery pack it can be changed into a portable computing device.

Additional advantages, features and objectives can be seen further by the detailed description of the said drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the following drawings.

FIGI. Illustrates the invention as a stand-alone device and schematically shows the device with a display (103) contained therein and can be regarded as a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG2. Illustrates the device connected to existing personal computer.

FIG 3A. Illustrates the display in the closed position.

FIG 3B. Illustrates the display in an open position.

FIG3C. Illustrates a front perspective view of the device of Fig 3A and 3B. It also shows the display as a multidirectional device which is the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG 3C. Also, shows that the user can move the display to his preferred location by using either of the 2 location points (125) on the keyboard housing which is a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

IE Ο 2 Ο 7 14 FIG 4Α. Illustrates a front view of the display.

FIG 4B. Illustrates a rear view of the display.

FIG 4C. Illustrates a front perspective of the display.

FIG 4D. Illustrates a front view of the hinged mechanism for the display.

FIG 4E. Illustrates a perspective view of the hinge mechanism for the display.

FIG 5. Illustrates how easy the device can be connected to multiple user set-ups within the home.

FIG 6. Illustrates how easy the device can be connected for factory and office environment.

FIG 7. Illustrates the benefits of a device installed within the education system and also shows the devices connected as a slave device to one computer (109).

FIG 8. Is a block diagram of the communication system employed according to the present invention.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT.

The present invention is a desktop keyboard with a display contained therein. As the display is contained within the keyboard a touch screen collapsible display as a preferred embodiment enables the user to access and view information more easily as it is within easy reach.

Referring now to the drawings FIG 1 there is shown a keyboard (101) and collapsible touch screen (103) where the said device can be seen as a stand-alone device. It has its own memory and battery support to retain limited inputted information.

In FIG2 there is shown a perspective view of a keyboard and collapsible display in accordance the invention comprising of a keyboard (101), which contains a plurality of keys for inputting text and numerical information on a contained display (103). By means of a single cable the device can be attached to a Personal computer. ¢0207 )4 FIG3A shows the display (103) in a closed unused position where the display is protected and locked (120) into a secured position. FIG 3B Illustrates a front view of the device but this time the touch screen display (103) is in the open unlocked position. In the open position the power on/off switch (110) and brightness control (111) is accessible to the user.

The manufacturer can make the device to suit left or right display positioning but is can be seen that the provision of location holes (125) on the keyboard body would be the best solution.

In the third preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG 3C the display can be shown to be detachable and multidirectional at the same time to suit the user’s requirements.

FIG 4D and FIG 4E show that detachable hinged mechanism (112) is so designed to clip onto the display and can be inserted into the frame of the keyboard at predrilled locations (125). It provides a means of support for the display as well as a means of positioning the display in different locations for viewing purposes.

FIG 4B shows the rear view of display (104) where the processor, memory devices and backup are contained (105). It further shows that the port connections (107) to other devices are also located.

The display (103) which has its own housing (104) contains memory back up (105) electronic devices such as Processors (121), E-prom (122), Ram (123) and Rom (124) that are used to communicate with the display and also provide a method of saving and displaying information. The display housing (104) also holds the battery backup (106) for retaining information within the Ram memory (123). There is a communications port (107) connected so that the device can communicate with a host C.P.U. unit (109) and server (114).

FIG5 through to FIG 7 shows that the communication port (107) is easily adaptable as to connect to a multiple user network (108) or to a single user interface device. A single cable connection from the device provides access to the main computer host (109) via a cable network (108).

All of the above are shown in greater detail in FIG8.

FIG7 shows that the device can be installed within a school environment where the teacher can input his information to the same ΙΕΟ 2Ο7 14 6.

P.C. and display his information to each individual student thus the device can be incorporated as a slave device.

Referring now to FIG 8 there is shown how the device works within the unit and how it communicates with the outside world via the communications port (107). The important key element being the processor (121), which handles and controls data transfer to and from component parts. The type of processor will depend on the speed requirements of the user. The memory devices (122), (123), (124) are used to retain information and to display pre-programmed icon representation on the screen. The type and size of memory will depend upon the amount of memory needed by the user. Other input devices (129) can be used instead of or as well as the touch screen display.

The battery unit (106) assists in the retention of stored information.

It also supplies electrical power when the device is operating in a remote area or when used as a portable device. The power supply (130) provides power at the right voltage to run each device, normally 5 volts for logic operations and 12 volts for power. The power supply is supplied through a mains adaptor typically 110V or 220 V depending on the country where the device is used.

While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS. What is claimed is:

1. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a PersonalComputer system comprising: A near standard size keyboard containing a plurality of keys, a flat display with a memory unit, a processor for executing programs, a battery backup section, on-off button, brightness control, speaker, multiple connection ports for connecting to networks or personal computers, connection ports for connecting additional input and output devices, an i/o port which is electrically connected to a processor, electrical cable with terminations from keyboard to display for inputting text and numerical information on an attached display.

2. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personal computer system of claim 1 wherein, the keyboard contains a recess to contain the display.

3. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personal computer system of claim 1 wherein, the processor, battery and memory electronic circuits allow the said device to act as a stand-alone device.

4. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein, the connection ports allow easy connection to computer systems and networks thus allowing a multiple use of the said invention.

5. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 2 wherein the recess contains a further recess to house the hinge attachment of the display.

6. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein the display can be fixed or multidirectional or detachable or a combination thereof.

7. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein the display is attached to a pivoting multi-directional ball-joint hinge assembly. IE Ο 2 Ο 7 1 4 8.

8. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein holes are provided for positioning of the display to best suit the user’s requirements.

9. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein the connection terminals allow easy connection to all input, memory and output devices.

10. A Computer Keyboard and Collapsible display for a personalcomputer system of claim 1 wherein complete unit can be easily coupled to the mobile communications network.