Portable computer with flip keyboard
First Claim
1. A computer, comprising:
- a display screen;
a transparent input panel having opposed first and second planar surfaces, wherein the first and second surfaces are contact sensitive and configured for receiving user input;
grooves formed in the input panel to slidably accommodate a flexible template with QWERTY key markings;
a hinge that secures the input panel over the display screen when in a closed position, and secures the input panel away from the display screen and any other objects of the computer when in an opened position; and
a switch for deactivating the first planar surface and activating the second planar surface when the input panel is rotated about the hinge and secured in the open position.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable computer, such as a tablet personal computer, is provided having a display screen, a transparent input panel, and a hinge. The hinge can secure the input panel over the display screen when in a closed position, or secure the input panel away from the display screen when in an opened position. At least one of the opposed first and second planar surfaces of the input panel are contact-sensitive. At least one of the first and second surfaces can also include a resistive film or a capacitive film. Transceivers can be mounted on the computer near the lateral extents of the input panel for measuring acoustic, magnetic, electromagnetic, or optical signals transmitted across a surface of the input panel to detect where an object is placed upon or near the input panel. The input panel can also accommodate a template containing a QWERTY keyboard. When the input panel is opened and the keyboard template is inserted thereon, the input panel can receive keyboard input; when closed, the input panel can receive a stylus or fingertip input.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A computer, comprising:
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a display screen; a transparent input panel having opposed first and second planar surfaces, wherein the first and second surfaces are contact sensitive and configured for receiving user input; grooves formed in the input panel to slidably accommodate a flexible template with QWERTY key markings; a hinge that secures the input panel over the display screen when in a closed position, and secures the input panel away from the display screen and any other objects of the computer when in an opened position; and a switch for deactivating the first planar surface and activating the second planar surface when the input panel is rotated about the hinge and secured in the open position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer, comprising:
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a display screen; a transparent input panel having opposed first and second planar surfaces, wherein the input panel is adapted for rotatable securement over the display screen when in a closed position and away from the display screen and any other object associated with the computer when in an open position; and a QWERTY keyboard template for slidable insertion into grooves formed on the first planar surface of the input panel to secure the template against the first planar surface of the input panel so that a user can enter information into the computer via the second planar surface when the input panel is secured in the open position. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for entering information upon a computer, comprising:
- applying a first object to a first planar surface of an input panel detachably secured over a display screen;
rotating the input panel away from the display screen;
further rotating the input panel about an axis extending through the input panel perpendicular to the axis around which the input panel rotates away from the display screen;
slidably inserting a keyboard template into grooves formed on a second planar surface of the input panel; and
applying a second object to the first planar surface, whereby only the first planar surface of the first and second planar surfaces is contact-sensitive. - View Dependent Claims (17)
- applying a first object to a first planar surface of an input panel detachably secured over a display screen;
Specification