WO1991003012A1 - Compact input/output apparatus - Google Patents

Compact input/output apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1991003012A1
WO1991003012A1 PCT/AU1990/000346 AU9000346W WO9103012A1 WO 1991003012 A1 WO1991003012 A1 WO 1991003012A1 AU 9000346 W AU9000346 W AU 9000346W WO 9103012 A1 WO9103012 A1 WO 9103012A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
section
keyboard
keyboard section
supplementary
main
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1990/000346
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Milan Hudecek
Original Assignee
Robotron Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robotron Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Robotron Pty. Ltd.
Publication of WO1991003012A1 publication Critical patent/WO1991003012A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G06F1/1666—Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/04—Casings portable; hand held
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/046—Casings convertible
    • H01H2223/05—Casings convertible composed of hingedly connected sections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/046—Casings convertible
    • H01H2223/052—Casings convertible reductible in size, e.g. for transportation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/002—Calculator, computer

Definitions

  • COMPACT INPUT/OUTPUT APPARATUS This invention relates to input and .output apparatus such as of the kind used for electronic information processing, particularly computing apparatus.
  • Computer systems have become progressively smaller for the equivalent processing capacity.
  • "laptop" computers are about the size of a briefcase.
  • a display section frequently comprises an LCD display which hinges upwardly from the main body which incorporates both the keyboard and the processing circuitry.
  • One limitation on the size of general purpose computer apparatus has been the requirement in a generally conventional keyboard arrangement of alphabetic keys, function keys, numeric keys, and other keys such as cursor movement keys, alternate function keys such as the "control" and “alt” function keys in addition to the "shift” key.
  • the minimum size of a computer system designed for portability has, at least in width, been constrained by the size of the conventional keyboard and the spacing of the keys necessary for normal touch control by the operator.
  • an input/output apparatus for use with processing means and for enabling input of data by a user to the processing means and enabling display of an output of the processing means
  • the apparatus including an input means for user input of data and which comprises a main keyboard section arranged to lie generally flat in use for substantially normal use as a data input keyboard, the input means further including a supplementary keyboard section movable relative to the main keyboard section between an operative position and a stored position, the operative position of the supplementary keyboard section comprising a generally flat position in which the supplementary keyboard section is located to form an extension of the main keyboard section' so that the keys of both the main keyboard section and the supplementary keyboard section can be used together as a generally conventional unitary keyboard arrangement, the stored position of the supplementary keyboard section comprising a position in which the supplementary keyboard section overlies the boundaries of or is generally coextensive with the boundaries of or is within the boundaries of the main keyboard section in plan view so that the area occupied by the main and supplementary keyboard sections is substantially reduced when the supplementary keyboard section
  • the area of the apparatus in plan view occupied by the input and output means when in their respective stored positions is generally equal to the area of the main keyboard section in plan view.
  • the main keyboard section may comprise a generally conventional keyboard arrangement having alphabetic keys in a conventional arrangement and dimensions so as to be readily usable by people familiar with the conventional keyboard layout, the main keyboard section further including a generally conventional arrangement of a shift key, control key, alt key and return or enter key, function keys being provided across a top of the main keyboard section, the supplementary keyboard section being provided with a generally conventional arrangement of numeric and cursor control keys, the arrangement being such that the main and supplementary keyboard sections when the supplementary keyboard is in its operative position define a generally conventional "extended" keyboard layout with conventional dimensions so as to be readily used by a person familiar with the conventional layout.
  • the supplementary keyboard section is coupled to the main keyboard section for hinging movement between its operative and stored positions.
  • the supplementary keyboard section may be hinged to a right hand edge of the main keyboard section so that the supplementary keyboard section is foldable to its stored position in which it is located over the top of a right hand side portion of the main keyboard section and so that the keys of the main and supplementary keyboard sections face each other.
  • the display section comprises a visual display screen coupled to the main keyboard section for hinging movement about a top edge of the main keyboard section, whereby the display section is movable from a stored position in which the display section is in a position overlying a major part of the main keyboard section and is foldable upwardly to expose the display screen towards the user.
  • the supplementary keyboard section and the display section together substantially completely overlie the area of the main keyboard section when both the supplementary keyboard section and the display section are in their respective stored positions.
  • the supplementary keyboard section and the display section may be releasably securable in their respective stored positions for storing and carrying of the apparatus.
  • electrical connections for transfer of electrical signals from one section which is hinged to an adjacent section may be provided by flexible conductors extending between the two sections generally at the axis of hinging movement so that the electrical conductors flex as the sections are relatively hingedly moved.
  • data conveying signals between sections of the apparatus which are movable relative to each other may be conveyed between those sections without electrical contact.
  • the transfer of data may be effected by signal transferring means selected from electromagnetic signal transfer means, optical signal transfer means and optoelectric signal transfer means.
  • the supplementary keyboard section when the supplementary keyboard section for example is in its operative position, there may be light emitting diodes or light output ends of optical fibres precisely aligned with k corresponding respective, .sensors in the adjacent edge of the main keyboard section to provide for transfer of signals upon operation of the keyboard.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in its operative position for use
  • Fig, 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 showing the sections in their stored positions.
  • the illustrated apparatus includes an input means 10 for user input of data, e.g. to a processor means (not shown) which may be separate to or part of the apparatus (e.g. within one of the components).
  • the input means 10 comprises a main keyboard section arranged to lie generally flat in use for substantially normal use as a data input keyboard.
  • the input means 10 further includes a supplementary keyboard section 12 movable relative to the main keyboard section 11 between operative and stored positions (Figs 1 and 2 respectively). The operative position of the supplementary keyboard section is shown in Fig.
  • the stored position of the supplementary keyboard section 12 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a position in which the supplementary keyboard section 12 is generally coextensive with the boundaries 13 of the main keyboard section 11 in plan view so that the area occupied by the main and supplementary keyboard sections 11 and 12 is substantially reduced when the supplementary keyboard section 12 is in its stored position.
  • An output means 20 for output of data comprises a display section 21 such as an LCD display is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 and is movable between operative and stored positions.
  • the operative position of the display section 21 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a generally upright position of the display section enabling the viewing of data displayed by the display section 21.
  • the stored position of the display section 21 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a position in which the display section is generally coextensive with the boundaries 13 of the main keyboard section 11 in plan view.
  • the entire apparatus can adopt a stored condition in which the area occupied by the sections in plan view is substantially less than the area of a conventional data input keyboard.
  • the main keyboard section 11 comprises a generally conventional keyboard arrangement, having alphabetic keys 15 in the conventional arrangement and dimensions so as to be readily usable by people familiar with the conventional keyboard layout.
  • the main keyboard section 11 is preferably provided in the case of an English language keyboard with the conventional arrangement of alphabetic keys 15 known as the "Qwerty" arrangement.
  • the other keys are also generally conventional including, for example, the arrangement of the shift key 16, control key 17, alt key 18 and return or enter key 19.
  • the function keys 25 are provided across the top of the main keyboard section 11 again as the conventional keyboard layouts.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 is provided with a generally conventional arrangement of numeric and cursor control keys 26.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 by a hinge arrangement 30 for movement between its operative and stored positions.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 is hinged to the right hand edge 31 of the main keyboard section 11 so that the supplementary keyboard section 12 can be folded upwardly and over the top of the right hand side portion 32 of the main keyboard section 11 so that the keys of the main and supplementary keyboard sections face each other.
  • the display section 21 is preferably a visual display section such as an LCD display screen 22 which is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 by a hinge arrangement 33 for hinging movement about the back edge 34 of the main keyboard section 11.
  • the display section 21 is movable from a stored position in which the display section is in a position overlying the major part of the main keyboard section 11 and is foldable upwardly and rearwardly to expose the display screen towards the user.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 and the display section 21 together substantially completely overlie the full area of the main keyboard section 11 when both the supplementary keyboard section 12 and the display section 21 are in their respective stored positions.
  • the supplementary and display sections may be releasably secured by securing means 35 in their stored positions for storage and carrying.
  • the preferred embodiment of the electronic input/output apparatus as described herein and illustrated can enable a very compact storage of the sections in their folded position.
  • the apparatus when in its deployed operative position can provide a generally conventional overall keyboard arrangement including a full range of alphanumeric and function keys and be generally conventional in size for ready use by persons familiar with conventional keyboard layouts and sizes.
  • the general area of the apparatus in plan view when in its stored position may be about 2/3 to 3/4 of the area of a conventional IBM PC computer keyboard arrangement, i.e. may be about 300mm by 150mm.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 may be movable by being detachable from the main keyboard section 11 and being capable of movement to a stored position, e.g. overlying the right hand end 32 of the main keyboard section 11.
  • the supplementary keyboard section 12 may be slidably or telescopically movable from a stored position, e.g. lying under the right hand 32 end of the main keyboard section 11.
  • the apparatus may be usable with processing circuitry which may be located within the main keyboard section 11 for example.
  • the apparatus may comprise an input/output apparatus for use with a separate processing apparatus with the input/output apparatus being coupled by suitable cables or the like to the processing apparatus.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A compact input/output apparatus for use with a computer includes a main keyboard section (11) arranged to lie generally flat in use for normal use as a data input keyboard, and a supplementary keyboard section (12) hinged to the main keyboard section (11) and having an operative flat position so that the keys (15-19, 25, 26) of both the main keyboard section (11) and the supplementary keyboard section (12) can be used together as a generally conventional unitary keyboard arrangement. The stored position of the supplementary keyboard section (12) comprises a position in which the supplementary keyboard section (12) overlies the main keyboard section (11) in plan view. A display section (21) is coupled to the main keyboard section (11) and movable between an operative upright display position and a stored position overlying the main keyboard section.

Description

COMPACT INPUT/OUTPUT APPARATUS This invention relates to input and .output apparatus such as of the kind used for electronic information processing, particularly computing apparatus. Computer systems have become progressively smaller for the equivalent processing capacity. Presently, "laptop" computers are about the size of a briefcase. In these computers, a display section frequently comprises an LCD display which hinges upwardly from the main body which incorporates both the keyboard and the processing circuitry. One limitation on the size of general purpose computer apparatus has been the requirement in a generally conventional keyboard arrangement of alphabetic keys, function keys, numeric keys, and other keys such as cursor movement keys, alternate function keys such as the "control" and "alt" function keys in addition to the "shift" key. In the past, the minimum size of a computer system designed for portability has, at least in width, been constrained by the size of the conventional keyboard and the spacing of the keys necessary for normal touch control by the operator.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic input/output apparatus which provides a keyboard for substantially conventional data input and which is capable of very compact storage, e.g. for ready portability.
According to the present invention there is provided an input/output apparatus for use with processing means and for enabling input of data by a user to the processing means and enabling display of an output of the processing means, the apparatus including an input means for user input of data and which comprises a main keyboard section arranged to lie generally flat in use for substantially normal use as a data input keyboard, the input means further including a supplementary keyboard section movable relative to the main keyboard section between an operative position and a stored position, the operative position of the supplementary keyboard section comprising a generally flat position in which the supplementary keyboard section is located to form an extension of the main keyboard section' so that the keys of both the main keyboard section and the supplementary keyboard section can be used together as a generally conventional unitary keyboard arrangement, the stored position of the supplementary keyboard section comprising a position in which the supplementary keyboard section overlies the boundaries of or is generally coextensive with the boundaries of or is within the boundaries of the main keyboard section in plan view so that the area occupied by the main and supplementary keyboard sections is substantially reduced when the supplementary keyboard section is in its stored position; the output means of the apparatus comprising a display section coupled to the main keyboard section and movable between an operative position and a stored position, the operative position of the display section comprising a generally upright position of the display section enabling the viewing of data displayed by the display section, the stored position of the display section comprising a position in which the display section overlies the boundaries of or is generally coextensive with the boundaries of or within the boundaries of the main keyboard section in plan view; the arrangement of the supplementary keyboard section and the display section being such that when both are in their respective stored positions, the area in plan view occupied by the input and output means is substantially less than the area thereof when the supplementary keyboard section and display section are in their operative positions.
Preferably the area of the apparatus in plan view occupied by the input and output means when in their respective stored positions is generally equal to the area of the main keyboard section in plan view.
The main keyboard section may comprise a generally conventional keyboard arrangement having alphabetic keys in a conventional arrangement and dimensions so as to be readily usable by people familiar with the conventional keyboard layout, the main keyboard section further including a generally conventional arrangement of a shift key, control key, alt key and return or enter key, function keys being provided across a top of the main keyboard section, the supplementary keyboard section being provided with a generally conventional arrangement of numeric and cursor control keys, the arrangement being such that the main and supplementary keyboard sections when the supplementary keyboard is in its operative position define a generally conventional "extended" keyboard layout with conventional dimensions so as to be readily used by a person familiar with the conventional layout. Preferably the supplementary keyboard section is coupled to the main keyboard section for hinging movement between its operative and stored positions. The supplementary keyboard section may be hinged to a right hand edge of the main keyboard section so that the supplementary keyboard section is foldable to its stored position in which it is located over the top of a right hand side portion of the main keyboard section and so that the keys of the main and supplementary keyboard sections face each other. Also, in the preferred arrangement, the display section comprises a visual display screen coupled to the main keyboard section for hinging movement about a top edge of the main keyboard section, whereby the display section is movable from a stored position in which the display section is in a position overlying a major part of the main keyboard section and is foldable upwardly to expose the display screen towards the user. With this preferred arrangement, the supplementary keyboard section and the display section together substantially completely overlie the area of the main keyboard section when both the supplementary keyboard section and the display section are in their respective stored positions.
The supplementary keyboard section and the display section may be releasably securable in their respective stored positions for storing and carrying of the apparatus.
In the embodiment in which sections are hinged together, electrical connections for transfer of electrical signals from one section which is hinged to an adjacent section may be provided by flexible conductors extending between the two sections generally at the axis of hinging movement so that the electrical conductors flex as the sections are relatively hingedly moved. In an alternative possible emboidment, data conveying signals between sections of the apparatus which are movable relative to each other may be conveyed between those sections without electrical contact. For example, the transfer of data may be effected by signal transferring means selected from electromagnetic signal transfer means, optical signal transfer means and optoelectric signal transfer means. In particular, when the supplementary keyboard section for example is in its operative position, there may be light emitting diodes or light output ends of optical fibres precisely aligned with k corresponding respective, .sensors in the adjacent edge of the main keyboard section to provide for transfer of signals upon operation of the keyboard.
Possible and preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in its operative position for use, and
Fig, 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 showing the sections in their stored positions. The illustrated apparatus includes an input means 10 for user input of data, e.g. to a processor means (not shown) which may be separate to or part of the apparatus (e.g. within one of the components). The input means 10 comprises a main keyboard section arranged to lie generally flat in use for substantially normal use as a data input keyboard. The input means 10 further includes a supplementary keyboard section 12 movable relative to the main keyboard section 11 between operative and stored positions (Figs 1 and 2 respectively). The operative position of the supplementary keyboard section is shown in Fig. 1 and comprises a generally flat position in which the supplementary keyboard section 12 is located to form an extension of the main keyboard section 11 so that the keys of both the main keyboard section 11 and the supplementary keyboard section 12 can be used together as a generally conventional single or unitary keyboard arrangement. The stored position of the supplementary keyboard section 12 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a position in which the supplementary keyboard section 12 is generally coextensive with the boundaries 13 of the main keyboard section 11 in plan view so that the area occupied by the main and supplementary keyboard sections 11 and 12 is substantially reduced when the supplementary keyboard section 12 is in its stored position.
An output means 20 for output of data comprises a display section 21 such as an LCD display is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 and is movable between operative and stored positions. The operative position of the display section 21 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a generally upright position of the display section enabling the viewing of data displayed by the display section 21. The stored position of the display section 21 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a position in which the display section is generally coextensive with the boundaries 13 of the main keyboard section 11 in plan view.
With this arrangement, when the supplementary keyboard section 12 and the display section 21 are both in their respective stored positions (Fig. 2) the area occupied by the input and output means 10, 20 is generally equal to the area of the main keyboard section 11 in plan view.
Thus the entire apparatus can adopt a stored condition in which the area occupied by the sections in plan view is substantially less than the area of a conventional data input keyboard.
In the illustrated embodiment the main keyboard section 11 comprises a generally conventional keyboard arrangement, having alphabetic keys 15 in the conventional arrangement and dimensions so as to be readily usable by people familiar with the conventional keyboard layout. In particular, the main keyboard section 11 is preferably provided in the case of an English language keyboard with the conventional arrangement of alphabetic keys 15 known as the "Qwerty" arrangement. The other keys are also generally conventional including, for example, the arrangement of the shift key 16, control key 17, alt key 18 and return or enter key 19. The function keys 25 are provided across the top of the main keyboard section 11 again as the conventional keyboard layouts.
The supplementary keyboard section 12 is provided with a generally conventional arrangement of numeric and cursor control keys 26. The main and supplementary keyboard sections 11 and 12 when the supplementary keyboard section 12 is in its operative position shown in Fig. 1, define or form a generally conventional "extended" keyboard layout with generally conventional dimensions so as to be readily used by a person familiar with the conventional layout. The supplementary keyboard section 12 is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 by a hinge arrangement 30 for movement between its operative and stored positions. The supplementary keyboard section 12 is hinged to the right hand edge 31 of the main keyboard section 11 so that the supplementary keyboard section 12 can be folded upwardly and over the top of the right hand side portion 32 of the main keyboard section 11 so that the keys of the main and supplementary keyboard sections face each other. Furthermore, the display section 21 is preferably a visual display section such as an LCD display screen 22 which is coupled to the main keyboard section 11 by a hinge arrangement 33 for hinging movement about the back edge 34 of the main keyboard section 11. With this arrangement, the display section 21 is movable from a stored position in which the display section is in a position overlying the major part of the main keyboard section 11 and is foldable upwardly and rearwardly to expose the display screen towards the user. The supplementary keyboard section 12 and the display section 21 together substantially completely overlie the full area of the main keyboard section 11 when both the supplementary keyboard section 12 and the display section 21 are in their respective stored positions. The supplementary and display sections may be releasably secured by securing means 35 in their stored positions for storage and carrying.
Electrical connections such as flexible condutors 40 and 41 between the various sections are provided at the axis of or through the hinges 30 and 33 so as to be protected against damage.
It will be seen that the preferred embodiment of the electronic input/output apparatus as described herein and illustrated can enable a very compact storage of the sections in their folded position. However, the apparatus when in its deployed operative position can provide a generally conventional overall keyboard arrangement including a full range of alphanumeric and function keys and be generally conventional in size for ready use by persons familiar with conventional keyboard layouts and sizes. In the particular preferred embodiment, the general area of the apparatus in plan view when in its stored position may be about 2/3 to 3/4 of the area of a conventional IBM PC computer keyboard arrangement, i.e. may be about 300mm by 150mm.
It will be appreciated that modifications of the arrangement described and illustrated may be possible. For example, instead of the supplementary keyboard section 12 being movable by means of a hinged connection 30 to the main keyboard section 11, the supplementary keyboard section 12 may be movable by being detachable from the main keyboard section 11 and being capable of movement to a stored position, e.g. overlying the right hand end 32 of the main keyboard section 11. Alternatively, the supplementary keyboard section 12 may be slidably or telescopically movable from a stored position, e.g. lying under the right hand 32 end of the main keyboard section 11. The apparatus may be usable with processing circuitry which may be located within the main keyboard section 11 for example. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise an input/output apparatus for use with a separate processing apparatus with the input/output apparatus being coupled by suitable cables or the like to the processing apparatus.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An input/output apparatus for use with processing means and for enabling input of data by a user to the processing means and enabling display of an output of the processing means, the apparatus including an input means (10) for user input of data and which comprises a main keyboard section (11) arranged to lie generally flat in use for substantially normal use as a data input keyboard, the input means (10) further including a supplementary keyboard section (12) movable relative to the main keyboard section (11) between an operative position and a stored position, the operative position of the supplementary keyboard section (12) comprising a generally flat position in which the supplementary keyboard section (12) is located to form an extension of the main keyboard section (11) so that the keys (15-19, 25, 26) of both the main keyboard section (11) and the supplementary keyboard section (12) can be used together as a generally conventional unitary keyboard arrangement, the stored position of the supplementary keyboard section (12) comprising a position in which the supplementary keyboard section (12) overlies the boundaries (13) of or is generally coextensive with the boundaries (13) of or is within the boundaries (13) of the main keyboard section (11) in plan view so that the area occupied by the main and supplementary keyboard sections (11, 12) is substantially reduced when the supplementary keyboard section (12) is in its stored position; an output means (20) of the apparatus comprising a display section (21) coupled to the main keyboard section (11) and movable between an operative position and a stored position, the operative position of the display section (21) comprising a generally upright position of the display section (21) enabling the viewing of data displayed by the display section (21), the stored position of the display section (21) comprising a position in which the display section (21) overlies the boundaries (13) of or is generally coextensive with the boundaries (13) of or within the boundaries (13) of the main keyboard section (11) in plan view; the arrangement of the supplementary keyboard section (12) and the display section (21) being such that when-both are in their respective stored positions, the area in plan view occupied by the input and output means (10, 20) is substantially less than the area thereof when the supplementary keyboard section (12) and display section (21) are in their operative positions.
2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the area of the apparatus in plan view occupied by the input and output means (10, 20) when in their respective stored positions is generally equal to the area of the main keyboard section (11) in plan view.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the main keyboard section (11) comprises a generally conventional keyboard arrangement having alphabetic keys (15) in a conventional arrangement and dimensions so as to be readily usable by people familiar with the conventional keyboard layout, the main keyboard section further including a generally conventional arrangement of a shift key (16), control key (17), alt key (18) and return or enter key (19), function keys (25) being provided across a top of the main keyboard section (11), the supplementary keyboard section (12) being provided with a generally conventional arrangement of numeric and cursor control keys (26), the arrangement being such that the main . and supplementary keyboard sections (11, 12) when the supplementary keyboard (12) is in its operative position define a generally conventional "extended" keyboard layout with conventional dimensions so as to be readily used by a person familiar with the conventional layout.
4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 characterised in that the supplementary keyboard section (12) is coupled to the main keyboard section (11) for hinging movement between its operative and stored positions.
5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that the supplementary keyboard section (12) is hinged to a right hand edge (31) of the main keyboard section (11) so that the supplementary keyboard section (12) is foldable to its stored position in which it is located over the top of a right hand side portion (32) of the main keyboard section (11) and so that the keys of the main and supplementary keyboard sections (11, 12) face each other.
6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 characterised in that the display section (21) comprises a visual display screen (21) coupled to the main keyboard section (11) for hinging movement about a top edge (34) of the main keyboard section (11), whereby the display section (21) is movable from a stored position in which the display section (21) is in a position overlying a major part of the main keyboard section (11) and is foldable upwardly to expose the display screen (22) towards the user.
7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that the supplementary keyboard section (12) and the display section (21) together substantially completely overlie the area of the main keyboard section (11) when both the supplementary keyboard section (12) and the display section (21) are in their respective stored positions.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the supplementary keyboard section (12) and the display section (21) are releasably securable in their respective stored positions for storing and carrying of the apparatus.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7 characterised in that electrical connections for transfer of electrical signals from one section which is hinged to an adjacent section are provided by flexible conductors (40, 41) extending between the two sections generally at the axis of hinging movement so that the electrical connectors (40, 41) flex as the sections are relatively hingedly moved.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that data conveying signals between sections of the apparatus which are movable relative to each other are conveyed between those sections without electrical contact, the transfer of data being effected by signal transferring means selected from electromagnetic signal transfer means, optical signal transfer means and optoelectric signal transfer means.
PCT/AU1990/000346 1989-08-18 1990-08-14 Compact input/output apparatus WO1991003012A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPJ5830 1989-08-18
AUPJ583089 1989-08-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1991003012A1 true WO1991003012A1 (en) 1991-03-07

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0472361A2 (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-02-26 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Portable personal workstation
DE9115209U1 (en) * 1991-12-07 1992-03-19 Keitel, Stefan, Dipl.-Ing. M.Phil./Brunel Univ., 6460 Gelnhausen Keyboard for connection to a computer
EP0538329A1 (en) * 1990-07-10 1993-04-28 Mark Goldstein Keyboard.
EP0640489A2 (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-03-01 Wilson L. Chiu Foldable keyboard
US5703578A (en) * 1997-01-16 1997-12-30 International Business Machines Corporation Folding keyboard
US6174097B1 (en) 1997-03-21 2001-01-16 Simon Richard Daniel Collapsible keyboard

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0538329A1 (en) * 1990-07-10 1993-04-28 Mark Goldstein Keyboard.
EP0538329A4 (en) * 1990-07-10 1993-09-29 Mark Goldstein Keyboard
US5424728A (en) * 1990-07-10 1995-06-13 Goldstein; Mark Keyboard
US5543790A (en) * 1990-07-10 1996-08-06 Goldstein Technology Pty Limited Keyboard
EP0472361A2 (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-02-26 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Portable personal workstation
EP0472361A3 (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-12-02 Oy Nokia Ab Portable personal workstation
DE9115209U1 (en) * 1991-12-07 1992-03-19 Keitel, Stefan, Dipl.-Ing. M.Phil./Brunel Univ., 6460 Gelnhausen Keyboard for connection to a computer
EP0640489A2 (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-03-01 Wilson L. Chiu Foldable keyboard
EP0640489A3 (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-05-24 Wilson L Chiu Folding keyboard.
US5703578A (en) * 1997-01-16 1997-12-30 International Business Machines Corporation Folding keyboard
US6174097B1 (en) 1997-03-21 2001-01-16 Simon Richard Daniel Collapsible keyboard

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