Computer system with collapsible keyboard and alternate display functions and processing method thereof

• US 7,054,973 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2003
• Issued: 05/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mitac Technology Corporation (MiTAC Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Mitac Technology Corporation (MiTAC Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Chen, Chin Hsiang
• Primary Examiner(s): Perveen, Rehana
• Assistant Examiner(s): Daley, Christopher
• Application Number:
  US10/386,789
• Publication Number:
  US 20040093449A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,175 Days
• Field of Search: 710/100, 710/260, 361/680
• US Class Current: 710/260
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1631 Panel PC, e.g. single housing hosting PC and display panel
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0221 Arrangements for reducing keyboard size for transport or storage, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F3/0216 takes precedence; for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1666
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes

Abstract

A computer system with collapsible keyboard and alternate display functions. The computer system includes a main body which stores at least one application. A monitor and collapsible keyboard are coupled to the main body, the keyboard disposable in an open operating position and a folded position. A signal generating device is coupled to both the collapsible keyboard and the main body to generate a first signal when the keyboard is folded. A keyboard controller is integrated into the main body to receive the first signal. An interrupt request controller in the main body is coupled to the keyboard controller to send a first interrupt request when in the folded position.

Claims

1. A computer system, comprising

a main body for storing at least an application;

a monitor coupled to the main body;

a keyboard coupled to the main body, disposable in at least an open operating position and a folded position, wherein, when disposed in the folded position, the keyboard covers a first partial area of the monitor and leaves uncovered a second partial area of the monitor;

a signal generating device coupled to the keyboard and the main body to generate a first signal when the keyboard is in the folded position;

a keyboard controller integrated into the main body for receiving the first signal, determining that the keyboard has been folded; and

an interrupt request controller in the main body coupled to the keyboard controller to send an interrupt request when the keyboard is folded, terminating active applications, and executing and displaying a new application on the second partial area of the monitor.

2. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal generating device comprises a magnetic switch-activated when the keyboard is folded, the magnetic switch then generating a first signal.

3. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal generating device generates a second signal when the keyboard is opened, according to the second signal activating the interrupt request controller, which issues a second interrupt request to the application.

4. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a remote controller is used to switch and control applications.

10. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard is collapsible.

11. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when disposed in the open operating position, the keyboard leaves uncovered the entire monitor.

12. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when disposed in the folded position, applications are only displayed in the second partial area of the monitor.

5. A method of processing a keyboard and alternate display functions, comprising:

providing a computer system with a monitor and a keyboard, disposable in at least an open operating position and a folded position, wherein, when disposed in the folded position, the keyboard covers a first partial area of the monitor and leaves uncovered a second partial area of the monitor;

generating a first signal when the keyboard is folded;

a keyboard controller receiving the first signal;

the keyboard controller starting an interrupt request controller and, according to the first signal, determining that the keyboard has been folded;

the interrupt request controller sending a first interrupt request to stop any active applications in the computer system; and

when the keyboard is folded, executing and displaying a new application on the second partial area of the monitor.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein generating the first signal further comprises:

activating a magnetic switch when the keyboard is folded; and

the magnetic switch generating the first signal.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

generating a second signal when the keyboard is opened;

the keyboard controller starting the interrupt request controller, according to the second signal determining that the keyboard has been opened; and

sending a second interrupt request to the application.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

when the keyboard is opened, displaying a dialogue window comprising choices of applications to be executed on the monitor; and

the dialogue window, according to user input, executing one of the applications.

9. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein a remote controller is used to switch and control applications.

13. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the keyboard is collapsible.

14. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, when disposed in the open operating position, the keyboard leaves uncovered the entire monitor.

15. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, when disposed in the folded position, applications are only displayed in the second partial area of the monitor.