Flexibly interfaceable portable computing device

• US 6,628,267 B2
• Filed: 09/18/2001
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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:
  US09/954,738
• Publication Number:
  US 20020024499A1
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/158, 345/168, 345/169, 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
• US Class Current: 345/168
• 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 processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information; and

said recording unit selectively coupled to said processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, said stylus and said display provide a second user interface to said processor, and said display presents a user viewable dynamic image even when said markable surface is opaque.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said recording unit is foldably connected to said keyboard.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a logic design implementation coupled to said processor, wherein said logic design implementation allows 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 1, further comprising a logic design implementation coupled to said 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.

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

10. 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 and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

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

60. The system of claim 1 wherein said first user interface and said second user interface are simultaneously operable.

7. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information;

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

a logic design implementation coupled to said processor, said logic design implementation serves to switch among viewing modes for said display, said viewing modes include portrait and landscape modes, and said logic design implementation switches to portrait mode when said recording unit is coupled to said processor and in use, and said logic design implementation switches to landscape mode when said keyboard is in use.

9. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information;

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

wherein said processor is a first processor and said recording unit includes a second processor, and 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. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information, and wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display; and

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

14. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information; and

said recording unit coupled to said processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, said stylus and said display provide a second user interface to said processor, and said display presents a user viewable dynamic image even when said markable surface is opaque.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

19. The device of claim 14, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

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

61. The system of claim 14 wherein said first user interface and said second user interface are simultaneously operable.

15. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information;

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

a logic design implementation coupled to said 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.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said processor is a first processor and said recording unit includes a second processor, and 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. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information, and wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display; and

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

21. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information; and

said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said processor, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, said stylus and said display provide a second user interface to said processor, and said display presents a user viewable dynamic image even when said markable surface is opaque.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein said recording unit is foldably connected to said keyboard.

23. The device of claim 21, further comprising:

a logic design implementation coupled to said 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 21, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

27. The device of claim 21, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

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

51. The device of claim 21, wherein said recording unit is coupled to said processor by a mechanical connection.

62. The system of claim 21 wherein said first user interface and said second user interface are simultaneously operable.

24. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information;

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

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

26. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a processor;

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

a recording unit separate from said display, said 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 a visible indication of said section of information, and 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; and

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

29. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a casing;

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

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

a recording unit connectable with said casing and adapted to be coupled to said processor, said recording unit being separate from said display and 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 a visible indication of said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, said stylus and said display provide a second user interface to said processor, and said display presents a user viewable dynamic image even when said markable surface is opaque; and

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

30. The device of claim 29, wherein said recording unit is foldably connected to said keyboard.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein one or more of optical, electrical, wireless, infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical links allow said recording unit to be coupled to said processor.

32. The device of claim 29, wherein one or more of optical, electrical, wireless, infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical links allow said keyboard to be coupled to said processor.

33. The device of claim 29, wherein said display is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

34. The device of claim 29, wherein said keyboard is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

35. The device of claim 29, wherein said recording unit is pivotally connectable to said casing by a hinge.

36. The device of claim 29, wherein said casing includes one or more pockets.

37. The device of claim 29, wherein a portion of said casing comprises aluminum.

38. The device of claim 29, wherein an exterior surface of said casing includes leather.

39. The device of claim 29, wherein an exterior surface of said casing comprises a leather-like texture.

40. The device of claim 29, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

42. The device of claim 29, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

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

41. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a casing;

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

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

a recording unit connectable with said casing and adapted to be coupled to said processor, said recording unit being separate from said display and 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 a visible indication of said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said processor, and wherein said stylus provides selectable first and second operating modes thereof, said first operating mode serves to provide said stroke signal and said stroke mark, and said second operating mode serves to provide a stroke signal for at least one of pointing and drawing with respect to said display; and

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

44. 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 processor and said keyboard adapted to be coupled to said processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said processor, said method comprising:

connecting a recording unit with said casing, said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said processor, said recording unit being separate from said display and 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 a visible indication of said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, said stylus and said display provide a second user interface to said processor, and said display presents a user viewable dynamic image even when said markable surface is opaque.

45. The method of claim 44, 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.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of said keyboard and said recording unit are detachably connected with said casing.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein said display includes a touch screen, and wherein said touch screen provides a third user interface to said processor.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein said stylus and said device include a wireless link therebetween.

50. The method of claim 44, wherein said stylus includes a microphone, and wherein said microphone provides a third user interface to said processor.

48. 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 processor and said keyboard adapted to be coupled to said processor, wherein said display and said keyboard provide a first user interface to said processor, said method comprising:

connecting a recording unit with said casing, said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said processor, said recording unit being separate from said display and including a working surface thereon, said working surface being superimposable with a removable markable surface;

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 a visible indication of said section of information, wherein said recording unit, said markable surface, and said stylus provide a second user interface to said processor, and

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

52. A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device, comprising:

a display coupled to a processor;

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

a recording unit having an integral non-transparent working surface thereon, said recording unit adapted to be coupled to said processor, wherein said recording unit provides a second user interface to said processor, wherein said first user interface and said second user interface are simultaneously operable; and

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

53. The device of claim 52 wherein said display and said keyboard are foldably connected to said recording unit.

54. The device of claim 52 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.

55. The device of claim 52, wherein said working surface is superimposable with a removable markable surface.

56. The device of claim 55, 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.

57. The device of claim 56 wherein said display and said keyboard are foldably connected to said recording unit.

58. The device of claim 56 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.

59. The device of claim 52, wherein said display includes a touch screen.

63. The device of claim 52 further comprising a plurality of thick components, wherein the presenting a slim profile comprises said display, said keyboard, and all thick components of said system being at least one of enfoldable and locatable within an overall thickness substantially equal to a sum of a first thickness for said display plus a second thickness for said keyboard.