Detachable keyboard

Details Detachable keyboard Detachable keyboard

1998-10-08

2001-11-13

Wong, Albert K. (Department: 2635)

Coded data generation or conversion

Bodily actuated code generator

Including keyboard or keypad

C341S020000, C345S168000, C361S689000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06317061

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to input devices and in particular to a detachable keyboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of personal computers, the desk-top computer includes a keyboard unit, a display unit and a main unit which contains all of the essential circuitry of the computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), the power supply and data storage devices (e.g., floppy and hard disk). Personal computers support a variety of applications, some of which require extensive keyboard interaction while other applications merely require alphanumeric input.
Computer users typically choose the type of keyboard they want. Some want a very simple keyboard only supporting alphanumeric entries. Other computer users want a keyboard with alphanumeric entries plus additional functions. Once a user has selected a keyboard, the user is at a disadvantage in terms of not having the option to switch back and forth between a complete keyboard and a partial keyboard. Unless there are two separate keyboards available, the computer user does not have a choice between the complete keyboard versus a partial or reduced functionality keyboard.
A keyboard purchased for a home computer system typically supports one or more computer users. For instance, one computer user inputs data into the computer system via a ten-key pad section. With this feature included on a complete keyboard, the user is able to take advantage of the keyboard for data entry tasks. Other computer users may desire to play computer games, e.g., computer scrabble, where the keyboard is passed among game players for entry of selected letters. In this later example, a partial keyboard is more beneficial to the computer users. The partial keyboard is lighter in weight and smaller in size as compared to the complete keyboard, yet still provides users their desired data entries into the computer system.
Therefore, there is a need for a keyboard that is adaptable to provide the functions desired by a computer user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A detachable keyboard provides options to a computer user between a complete keyboard and a partial keyboard. The complete keyboard serves as a traditional keyboard on a desktop or other flat service. The partial keyboard allows the user to remove it from the detachable keyboard and operate it as an input device, but at reduced functions. The full functionality of the detachable keyboard serves as a traditional keyboard on a desktop or other flat surface. The stripped down functionality of the detachable keyboard allows a user to remove the removable keyboard from the docking station and operate it as an input device separate from that of the docking station.
In one embodiment, the detachable keyboard is a keyboard comprising a first keyboard having a first set of functions, and a docking station having a second set of functions, wherein the docking station is adapted to receive the first keyboard that is coupled to the docking station. The first keyboard is operatively coupled to the keyboard docking station via a wired or wireless link. Likewise, the docking station is operatively coupled to a host system, such as a computer, via a wired or wireless link. Furthermore, the first keyboard is user selected for coupling directly to the host system instead of through the keyboard docking station.
In another embodiment, a computer system comprises a processor, and a keyboard coupled to the processor. The keyboard further comprises a first keyboard having a first set of functions, and a docking station having a second set of functions, wherein the docking station is adapted to receive the first keyboard that is coupled to the docking station. The first keyboard is coupled to the keyboard docking station via a wired or wireless link. Likewise, the docking station is coupled to a host system, such as a computer, via a wired or wireless link. The first keyboard is also user selected for coupling directly to the computer system instead of through the keyboard docking station.
The detachable keyboard is a device that is adaptable to the user's needs with respect to entering data and commands into a computer. If the user desires to simply enter textual information, the partial keyboard is removed from the docking station to meet the user's needs. Furthermore, since the partial keyboard is removable, the user may operate the keyboard in a more comfortable position, i.e., away from a desk top or other flat surface. In combination, the partial keyboard and the docking station provides a full function keyboard to the user.
Therefore, having a detachable keyboard permits a computer user to choose between a complete keyboard and a partial keyboard. In different embodiments of the invention, interfaces, keyboard layouts, and mode/status displays of varying scope are described. For instance, various embodiments presented herein for the detachable keyboard and the partial keyboard allow for operation in either a wireless configuration or a wired configuration with each other and the computer. Still other and further embodiments, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the following detailed description.


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