Flexibly interfaceable portable computing device

• US 6,362,440 B1
• Filed: 04/30/1998
• Issued: 03/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Karidis, John Peter, Smith, Ronald Alan, Steinbugler, Robert Edward, Nathan, Krishna Sundaram
• Primary Examiner(s): Shankar, Vijay
• Application Number:
  US09/070,391
• Time in Patent Office: 1,426 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/168, 345/169, 345/158, 345/173, 345/174, 345/175, 345/179, 178/18.01, 178/18.03, 178/18.05, 178/18.06, 178/18.07, 178/18.09, 178/18.1, 178/19.01, 178/19.03
• US Class Current: 178/18.01
• 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 1/1624 with sliding enclosures, e.g. sliding keyboard or display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1632 Pen holder integrated in the computer

Abstract

A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device includes a display coupled to a processor, which is coupled or selectively coupled to either or both of a keyboard and a recording unit. The display and the keyboard provide a first user interface to the processor. The recording unit is superimposable with a removable markable surface. A stylus allows user marking on the markable surface. The stylus provides a stroke signal and a stroke mark. The recording unit, the markable surface, and the stylus provide a second user interface to the processor. Optionally, the display also contributes to providing the second user interface to the processor. Switching among viewing modes for the display, and synchronization of information between the processor and a processor of the recording unit are also provided. A casing can enfold the display, the keyboard, and the recording unit to form a relatively slim profile. A portable computer system can have a display, a keyboard, and thick components enfolded and/or located within an overall thickness substantially equal to a sum of a first thickness for the display plus a second thickness for the keyboard, to present a slim profile.

Claims

1. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising,:

a first processor;

a display coupled to said first processor and a keyboard coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit including a working surface thereon and said recording unit including a second processor;

said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information; and

said recording unit selectively coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said second user interface further comprises said display.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a logic design implementation coupled to said first processor, wherein said logic design implementation allow user switching among viewing modes for said display.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said viewing modes include portrait and landscape modes.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising a logic design implementation coupled to said first processor, wherein said logic design implementation serves to switch among viewing modes for said display.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said logic design implementation switches among said viewing modes responsive to status of one or more of said keyboard and said recording unit.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said viewing modes include portrait and landscape modes, wherein said logic design implementation switches to portrait mode when said recording unit is coupled to said first processor and in use, and wherein said logic design implementation switches to landscape mode when said keyboard is in use.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said recording unit includes a second display.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said processor is a first processor and said recording unit includes a second processor.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second processors are coupled to respective first and second logic design implementations which serve to synchronize information between said first and second processors.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said first processor.

15. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a first processor;

a display coupled to said first processor and a keyboard coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit including a working surface thereon and said recording unit including a second processor;

said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information; and

said recording unit coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said second user interface further comprises said display, said device further comprising

a logic design implementation coupled to said first processor, wherein said logic design implementation serves to switch among viewing modes for said display responsive to status of one or more of said keyboard and said recording unit, wherein said viewing modes include portrait and landscape modes, wherein said logic design implementation switches to portrait mode when said recording unit is in use, and wherein said logic design implementation switches to landscape mode when said keyboard is in use.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said first and second processors are coupled to respective first and second logic design implementations which serve to synchronize information between said first and second processors.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said first processor.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

21. The device of claim 15, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said first processor.

22. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a first processor;

a display coupled to said first processor and a keyboard adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit including a working surface thereon and said recording unit including a second processor;

said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information; and

said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein said second user interface further comprises said display.

24. The device of claim 23, further comprising:

a logic design implementation coupled to said first processor, wherein said logic design implementation serves to switch among viewing modes for said display responsive to status of one or more of said keyboard and said recording unit.

25. The device of claim 22, wherein said viewing modes include portrait and landscape modes, wherein said logic design implementation switches to portrait mode when said recording unit is coupled to said first processor and in use, and wherein said logic design implementation switches to landscape mode when said keyboard is coupled to said processor and in use.

26. The device of claim 22, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said first processor.

27. The device of claim 22, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

28. The device of claim 22, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

29. The device of claim 22, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said first processor.

59. The device of claim 22, wherein said recording unit is coupled to said first processor by a mechanical connection.

30. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a first processor;

a display coupled to said first processor and a keyboard adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit including a working surface thereon;

said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information;

said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor; and

said recording unit having a second processor, wherein said first and second processors are coupled to respective first and second logic design implementations which serve to synchronize information between said first and second processors.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein said second user interface includes said display.

32. The device of claim 30, wherein said recording unit is selectively coupled to said first processor, and wherein said first and second logic design implementations serve to synchronize said information when said recording unit is coupled to said first processor.

33. The device of claim 30, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said first processor.

34. The device of claim 30, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

35. The device of claim 30, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

36. The device of claim 30, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a user interface to at least one of said first processor and said second processor.

37. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a casing;

a display connectable with said casing, said display being coupled to a first processor;

a keyboard connectable with said casing, said keyboard adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit connectable with said casing and adapted to be coupled to said first processor, said recording unit including a working surface thereon and said recording unit including a second processor, said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor; and

wherein said display, said keyboard, and said recording unit are enfoldable in said casing to present a slim profile.

38. The device of claim 37, wherein said second user interface includes said display.

39. The device of claim 37, wherein one or more of optical, electrical, wireless, infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical links allow said recording unit to be coupled to said first processor.

40. The device of claim 37, wherein one or more of optical, electrical, wireless, infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical links allow said keyboard to be coupled to said first processor.

41. The device of claim 37, wherein said display is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

42. The device of claim 37, wherein said keyboard is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

43. The device of claim 37, wherein said recording unit is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

44. The device of claim 37, wherein said casing includes one or more pockets.

45. The device of claim 37, wherein a portion of said casing comprises aluminum.

46. The device of claim 37, wherein an exterior surface of said casing includes leather.

47. The device of claim 37, wherein an exterior surface of said casing comprises a leather-like texture.

48. The device of claim 37, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

49. The device of claim 37, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

50. The device of claim 37, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

51. The device of claim 37, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said first processor.

52. A method of enhancing interface flexibility of a portable computing device having a display connectable with a casing, and a keyboard connectable with said casing, said display being, coupled to a first processor and said keyboard adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor, said method comprising:

connecting a recording unit having a second processor with said casing, said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said first processor, said recording unit including a working surface thereon, said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface; and

said markable surface being markable with a stylus when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said first processor.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of connecting said display, said keyboard, and said recording unit to said casing such that said display, said keyboard, and said recording unit can be enfolded in said casing.

54. The method of claim 52, wherein at least one of said keyboard and said recording unit are detachably connected with said casing.

55. The method of claim 52, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said first processor.

56. The method of claim 52, wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, wherein said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and wherein said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display.

57. The method of claim 52, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

58. The method of claim 52, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said first processor.

60. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a display coupled to a first processor;

a keyboard adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said first processor;

a recording unit including a second processor;

said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit provides a second user interface to said first processor; and

wherein said display, said keyboard, and said recording unit are enfoldable to present a slim profile.

61. The device of claim 60 wherein said display and said keyboard are foldably connected to said recording unit.

62. The device of claim 60 further comprising a first region and a second region, wherein said keyboard and said display are located in said first region and said recording unit is located in said second region, and wherein said first region and said second region are pivotably connected.

63. The device of claim 60, wherein said recording unit comprises a working surface thereon, said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface.

64. The device of claim 63, further comprising a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section of information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide the second user interface to said processor.

65. The device of claim 64 wherein said display and said keyboard are foldably connected to said recording unit.

66. The device of claim 64 further comprising a first region and a second region, wherein said keyboard and said display are located in said first region and said recording unit is located in said second region, and wherein said first region and said second regions are pivotably connected.

67. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a display coupled to a first processor wherein said display provides a first user interface to said processor;

a recording unit including a second processor;

said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said first processor, wherein said recording unit provides a second user interface to said first processor; and

wherein said display and said recording unit are enfoldable to present a slim profile.

68. The device of claim 67 wherein said display is foldably connected to said recording unit.

69. The device of claim 67 further comprising a first region and a second region, wherein said display is located in said first region and said recording unit is located in said second region, and wherein said first region and said second regions are pivotably connected.

70. The device of claim 67, wherein said display includes a touch screen.

71. The device of claim 67, wherein said recording unit comprises a working surface thereon, said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface.

72. The device of claim 71, further comprising a stylus allowing user marking on said markable surface when said working surface is superimposed with said markable surface, said stylus providing a stroke signal and a stroke mark, said stroke signal conveying to said recording unit a section or information, said stroke mark conveying to said markable surface said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said processor.

73. The device of claim 72 wherein said display is foldably connected to said recording unit.

74. The device of claim 72 further comprising a first region and a second region, wherein said display is located in said first region and said recording unit is located in said second region, and wherein said first region and said second region are pivotably connected.