Portable input device for computer

• US 20050035950A1
• Filed: 09/23/2004
• Published: 02/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ted Daniels
• Original Assignee: Ted Daniels
• Inventors: Daniels, Ted
• Application Number:
  US10/949,149
• Publication Number:
  US 20050035950A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/169
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1669 Detachable keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0231 Cordless keyboards

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for improving the functionality of a remote input device while allowing for the input device to perform a number of roles. This is achieved by providing a detachable keyboard within a portable computer capable of functioning as both a hardwired, internal input device and as a remote, wireless input device. The input device of the invention is capable of being housed within a portable computer and performs as a typical on-board input device. In addition, the input device may be removed from the base of the computer and used as an internally-powered wireless control device. In the latter mode the communication between the input device and the computer takes place through a wireless link existing between the input device and the computer.

Claims

1. A portable personal computer, comprising:

a base having a controller for controlling operations thereof;

a display attached to said base; and

a removable wireless input device for communicating with said controller in said base through a signal interface when mounted into said base or through a wireless connection when removed from said base.

2-44. -44. (Canceled)