Multi-configuration input device

• US 9,674,335 B2
• Filed: 10/30/2014
• Issued: 06/06/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Inventors: Zheng, Wei, Chen, Able, Yang, Sheau Jiun, Ho, Po-Lin
• Primary Examiner(s): Milord, Marceau
• Application Number:
  US14/424,011
• Publication Number:
  US 20160277562A1
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 455557
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1654 the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1669 Detachable keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7246 by connection of exchangeable housing parts
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities

Abstract

A multi-configuration input device is described. In one or more examples, an input device comprises a connection portion configured to be secured to a mobile computing device using a magnetic connection, an input portion having one or more sensors configured to generate inputs responsive to user interaction, a support portion rotationally secured to the input portion and the connection portion and effective to assume a cover configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device, and further effective to assume a stand configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are position at an acute angle with respect to one another, and an operating system selection key operable to select from a plurality of operating systems.

Claims

1. An input device comprising:

a connection portion configured to be secured to a mobile computing device using a magnetic connection;

an input portion having one or more sensors configured to generate inputs responsive to user interaction;

a support portion being rotatable in relation to the input portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a viewing configuration, the support portion rotationally secured to the input portion and the connection portion and effective to assume a cover configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are both positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device, and further effective to assume a stand configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another; and

an operating system selection key operable to select from a plurality of operating systems.

2. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein positioning of the support portion and the input portion forms a coplanar relationship to cover the display device.

3. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the input portion is rotatable in relation to the support portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a stand configuration that supports the mobile computing device upright such that a display device of the mobile computing device is viewable by a user and the one or more sensors are accessible by the user.

4. An input device as described in claim 3, further comprising one or more sensors configured to disable wireless communication of a wireless communication device responsive to detection that the input device is not in the stand configuration.

5. An input device as described in claim 3, further comprising one or more magnets configured to secure the connection portion to the input portion when in the stand configuration.

6. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the viewing configuration includes the display device of the mobile computing device is positioned for viewing by a user and the input portion is positioned to a rear of the mobile computing device opposite the display device.

7. An input device as described in claim 6, wherein the support portion is positioned generally perpendicular to the display device and the input portion such that when placed on a surface a portion of the display device that is closer to the support portion is elevated in relation to a portion of the display device that is further from the support portion to support angled viewing of the display device.

8. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the support portion is rotationally secured to the input portion using a flexible hinge.

9. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the support portion is rotationally secured to the connection portion using a flexible hinge.

10. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the support portion is rotationally secured to the input portion and the connection portion using fabric.

11. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are configured as mechanical keys, pressure sensitive keys, or capacitive sensors.

12. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the connection portion includes one or more magnets having a complementary shape of a housing of the mobile computing device.

13. A keyboard comprising:

a connection portion configured to be secured to a mobile computing device using a magnetic connection that is removable using one or more hands of a user;

an input portion having one or more sensors configured to generate inputs responsive to user interaction;

a support portion being rotatable in relation to the input portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a stand configuration, the support portion rotationally secured to the input portion using a flexible hinge and rotationally secured to the connection portion using a flexible hinge, the support portion effective to assume a cover configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are both positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device, and further effective to assume the stand configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another; and

an operating system selection key operable to select from a plurality of operating systems.

14. A keyboard as described in claim 13, wherein the flexible hinges are formed using a fabric.

15. A keyboard as described in claim 13, wherein the stand configuration supports the mobile computing device upright such that a display device of the mobile computing device is viewable by a user and the one or more sensors are accessible by the user.

16. A keyboard as described in claim 13, wherein the input portion is rotatable in relation to the support portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a viewing configuration in which a display device of the mobile computing device is positioned for viewing by a user and the input portion is positioned to a rear of the mobile computing device opposite the display device.

17. A keyboard as described in claim 13, wherein the input portion is rotatable in relation to the support portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a cover configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device.

18. A keyboard comprising:

a connection portion configured to be secured to a mobile computing device using a magnetic connection that is removable using one or more hands of a user;

an input portion having one or more sensors configured to generate inputs responsive to user interaction;

a support portion being rotatable in relation to the input portion and the connection portion is rotatable in relation to the mobile computing device to assume a plurality of configurations, the support portion rotationally secured to the input portion and rotationally secured to the connection portion using a fabric that extends from the connection portion and across the support portion to the input portion, the support portion implemented for a dual purpose as a cover configuration in which both the support portion and the input portion are positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device, and further as a stand configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another; and

an operating system selection key operable to select from a plurality of operating systems.

19. A keyboard as described in claim 18, wherein the plurality of configurations including:

the stand said configuration that supports the mobile computing device upright such that a display device of the mobile computing device is viewable by a user and the one or more sensors are accessible by the user;

a viewing said configuration in which the display device of the mobile computing device is positioned for viewing by the user and the input portion is positioned to a rear of the mobile computing device opposite the display device; and

a cover said configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are both positioned to cover the display device of the mobile computing device.

20. A keyboard as described in claim 18, wherein the mobile computing device is a mobile phone or tablet.