(12) United States Patent
`Paratore
`
`USOO624.3258B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,243,258 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`(54) HAND HELD USER COMPUTER
`INTERFACE
`
`(75) Inventor: Robert M. Paratore, Woodinville, WA
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Intermec IP Corp., Woodland Hills,
`CA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/307,369
`(22) Filed:
`May 7, 1999
`(51) Int. Cl." .................................................... G06F 1/16
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 361/680; 361/681; 345/168;
`235/145
`(58) Field of Search ..................................... 361/680-682,
`361/683; 341/22; 345/168-172,905; 235/145;
`400/489, 682, 691, 692, 693; 312/208.1,
`208.4; 364/708.1
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1992 Blonder ................................ 361/822
`5,103,376
`6/1993 Ma ....................
`... 364/708
`5,224,060
`8/1993 Register et al. ..
`... 340/706
`5,241.303
`12/1993 Abell, Jr. et al. .....
`... 361/729
`5,268.816
`1/1994 Bartlett et al. ....
`... 361/681
`5,276,589
`5,375,076 * 12/1994 Goodrich et al......
`... 361/680
`5,504,483
`4/1996 Hoffmann et al. ..................... 341/22
`
`
`
`8/1996 Kumar et al. ........................ 361/680
`5,548,477
`5,681,220 * 10/1997 Bertram et al. ...................... 345/169
`5,712,760
`1/1998 Coulon et al. ....................... 361/680
`5,864,490
`1/1999 Van Bost .......................... 364/708.1
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Leo P. Picard
`Assistant Examiner-Hung Van Duong
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-O'Melveny & Myers LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A hand held user computer interface is capable of being
`automatically Switched between a keyboard input mode and
`a pen input mode. When the computer is pivoted to the pen
`input mode, the keyboard is automatically disabled allowing
`the user to grip the keyboard without concern about acci
`dentally hitting a key. The hand held computer comprises a
`display portion pivotally connected to a keyboard portion by
`a hinge. In the keyboard input mode, the display portion is
`at an angle with respect to the keyboard portion. The
`keyboard portion is pivotable to a position underneath the
`display portion So that the display portion overlies the
`keyboard portion and faces upwards to form a comfortable
`Writing Surface. The rotation of the keyboard is detected and
`the computer automatically Switches mode to disable the
`keyboard portion and activate the pen input mode. Thus, no
`manual knob or Switch control is needed to change from
`keyboard input mode to pen input mode or Vice versa. The
`hand held computer eliminates interference from the key
`board portion while in the pen input mode. The keyboard
`may then be used for easy gripping and keeping control. AS
`a result, the computer design can be made Small and light.
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`17 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 5, 2001
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`Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 6,243,258 B1
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`Lenovo EX-1024,
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 5, 2001
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`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 6,243,258 B1
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`FIG. 5
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`506
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`ENTER
`KEYBOARD
`MODE
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`504
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`IS
`SWITCH
`IN CONDUCTIVE
`STATE
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`DISABLE
`KEYBOARD
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`508
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`510
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`Lenovo EX-1024,
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,243,258 B1
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`TO}} |NOO HEMOd
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`Lenovo EX-1024,
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`US 6,243.258 B1
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`1
`HAND HELD USER COMPUTER
`INTERFACE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to computer Systems, and
`particularly to hand held computers that are practical for
`data entry through either a keyboard input arrangement or a
`pen input arrangement.
`2. Description of Related Art
`A variety of hand held computerS Such as laptops and
`palm-top computers have become very popular and are
`widely used for both business and personal activities. Hand
`held computers typically include a keyboard portion hinged
`to a display portion. While user input to computing devices
`has been generally through a keyboard and mouse, pen
`computer capability (using recognition of handwritten
`inputs by a pen acting upon a display Surface) is desirable for
`certain types of hand held computers, especially in mobile
`tasks that require a more limited extent of textual input.
`Mobile users often must enter data while Standing, holding
`the computer in one hand (with the display open and firmly
`Supported), and the pen in the other. In a sitting position, it
`should also be possible to use the pen with one hand while
`balancing the computer on the user's knee, leaving one hand
`free. In a particular Setting, for example, hand held comput
`erS are used in busineSS meetings for note taking purposes.
`Since the clicking of a keyboard may be disruptive in the
`meeting, a pen input arrangement allows the user to use the
`computer as electronic paper, thus avoiding disruptions in
`the meeting. Another advantage of pen computers is that
`non-textual information, Such as drawings, graphs, or
`diagrams, may be recorded.
`It has been recognized that a keyboard/pen arrangement
`would benefit many applications and users. Many hand held
`computers use a keyboard/pen arrangement for data entry,
`Such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,816 to Abell, and
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,589 to Bartlett. It is known in the art to
`use dual position display Screens for keyboard/pen arrange
`ments. When the display screen is in its substantially vertical
`position, the keyboard is disposed in a Substantially hori
`Zontal position So that a user may view the display Screen
`when using the keyboard to enter data. When data is to be
`entered through a graphics pen, the display Screen is dis
`posed in a Substantially horizontal position, and the key
`board is disposed in a Substantially vertical position. An
`example of Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,103,376 to Blonder.
`A problem with the known keyboard/pen computer
`arrangements is that the keyboard/mouse portion of the
`computer Stays active and gets in the way when a user is
`entering data using a graphics pen. The user has to be careful
`not to hit a key accidentally, which would input erroneous
`data; therefore, the user cannot use the keyboard portion as
`a grip to keep the computer Steady when using the graphics
`pen. This leads to computer designs that are larger in size
`and heavier in order to reduce the need for gripping. Since
`it is desired to keep the weight and Size of a hand held
`computer to a minimum So that a user can carry the
`computer more easily, this increased weight and size is
`therefore not desirable. Another drawback of these devices
`is that the pen input is not automatically activated. Instead,
`a manual knob or a Switch is needed to activate the
`keyboard/mouse input or the pen input.
`Accordingly, a need exists to provide a simple and light
`weight keyboard/pen computer interface Such that the com
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`puter Switches mode automatically to disable or activate the
`keyboard when appropriate. It would be further desirable to
`provide a keyboard/pen computer interface in which the
`keyboard does not interfere with the use of the computer
`when it is in a pen input mode.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a hand
`held user computer interface is provided. The hand held user
`computer interface can be automatically Switched between a
`keyboard input mode and a pen input mode. When the
`computer is pivoted to the pen input mode, the keyboard is
`automatically disabled allowing the user to grip the key
`board without concern about accidentally hitting a key, thus
`allowing the computer design to be Small and light-weight.
`More particularly, the hand held computer comprises a
`display portion pivotally connected to a keyboard portion by
`a hinge. In the keyboard input mode, the display portion is
`Substantially in a non-coplanar position with respect to the
`keyboard portion. The keyboard portion is rotatable about
`the hinge all the way around to a position in which the
`keyboard portion is underneath the display portion. When
`the keyboard portion is pivoted, the motion is detected and
`the computer automatically Switches mode to disable the
`keyboard portion and activate the pen input mode. Thus, no
`manual knob or Switch control is needed to change from
`keyboard input mode to pen input mode or Vice versa. The
`hand held computer thereafter operates as an electronic
`notepad eliminating interference from the keyboard portion
`while the computer is in the pen input mode. The disabled
`keyboard may then be used for easy gripping of the
`computer, which results in a Smaller and lighter computer.
`A more complete understanding of the hand held user
`computer interface will be afforded to those skilled in the art,
`as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects
`thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed descrip
`tion of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to
`the appended sheets of drawings which will first be
`described briefly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand held computer
`according to an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a side view of a hand held computer in a
`keyboard input position according to an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a side view of a hand held computer in a pen
`input position according to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 4 shows a simplified Schematic diagram of an
`exemplary electronic organization of internal hardware for a
`keyboard and pen input computer.
`FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process for recognizing a
`keyboard input mode or a pen input mode according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`The present invention provides a hand held user computer
`interface that Satisfies the need for a computer that can
`automatically be Switched between a keyboard input mode
`and a pen input mode, thus avoiding interference by the
`keyboard when the computer is in the pen input mode and
`allowing the overall computer design to be Small and light
`weight. In the detailed description that follows, it should be
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`Lenovo EX-1024,
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`

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`US 6,243.258 B1
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`appreciated that like element numerals are used to describe
`like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.
`Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a hand held
`computer according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion is provided. A hand held computer 10 as constructed in
`accordance with the present invention is generally com
`prised of an upper case 12 pivotally coupled along one edge
`to a lower case 14 by a hinge 18. The upper case 12 has a
`back side that provides the exterior case of the computer 10.
`The upper case 12 comprises a pen input Side or display unit
`2, which is preferably a liquid crystal display. The display
`unit 2 may further include Sensing circuitry for detection of
`the position of a pointer, Such as a pen.
`The lower case 14 generally comprises a keyboard 4
`having a pointing device 6, Such as a touch pad, a track ball
`or a mouse. AS is conventional, the keyboard 4 has a
`plurality of alphanumeric keys each adapted to generate a
`character Signal upon its depression. The lower case 14 may
`also have a hard disk drive 8, a floppy disk drive 15, a battery
`case 16 and a mother board assembly (not shown). The hinge
`18 includes a positioning mechanism for allowing the key
`board 4 to pivot relative to the position of the display unit 2.
`In most instances, the hinged positioning mechanism com
`prises a hinged arm integrally molded to the lower case 14
`25
`and a Support arm integrally molded to the upper case 12.
`The hinged arm and Support arm are typically formed from
`the same tempered plastic as the case of the computer 10 and
`are tightly fitted Such that a user has to push on the lower
`case 14 in order to cause it to pivot. Electronic circuitry
`usually spans the hinged positioning mechanism in order to
`allow the keyboard to communicate with the display. In a
`keyboard input mode, the pivoting motion of the display unit
`2 is limited to a Substantially non-coplanar position as
`shown in FIG. 2. In a pen input mode, the keyboard is
`allowed to pivot and extend all the way back to a position in
`which the display unit 2 is in a Substantially horizontal
`position to overlie the keyboard 4, as shown in FIG. 3.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of a hand held
`computer in a keyboard input position according to an
`embodiment of the present invention is provided. The upper
`case 12 is Substantially in a non-coplanar position with
`respect to the lower case 14 So that a user can easily use the
`keyboard to input data as is conventional. The lower case 14
`has a bottom wall 21, on which a Switch 22a is located near
`hinge 18. The upper case 12 has a back wall 23, on which
`a bracket 22b is located directly opposite Switch 22a. It
`should be noted that Switch 22a may be located within hinge
`18 or anywhere along the bottom wall 21 of the lower case
`14 with bracket 22b located in a corresponding position on
`the back wall 23 directly opposite switch 22a. In this
`position, Switch 22a and bracket 22b are not in contact with
`each other and the keyboard is active in an operational
`orientation. The Switch 22a is depressible and operatively
`connected to the computer circuitry within the lower case
`14.
`Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of a hand held
`computer in a pen input position according to an embodi
`ment of the present invention is provided. For data entry
`using a pen, the lower case 14 is extended back all the way
`around to a position underneath the upper case 12. The upper
`case 12 overlies the lower case 14, thus the display unit 2
`faces upwards in order to form a comfortable writing
`Surface.
`For use with the display unit 2, a pen 30 is provided that
`may have an elongated cylindrical configuration. It is envi
`Sioned that data can be entered into the computer by literally
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`Writing the data acroSS the display Screen using the pen 30.
`The pen 30 may be active and contain electronic circuits, or
`purely passive and function as a conductive element to
`contact a matrix of conductors, or even a mechanical ele
`ment to contact a two-dimensional-Sensing Surface at a
`certain point. An active pen may further include a cabled
`link to the computer 10, or may have a wireless data link. If
`a purely passive pen is used, position-Sensing circuits are
`located in the display unit 2. It should be noted that the
`display unit 2 may be responsive to other Screen input
`devices as known in the art, Such as a finger of a user.
`In this position, the Switch 22a is depressed when the
`lower case pivots to a position underneath the upper case
`Such that the upper case overlies the lower case. This causes
`the Switch 22a and the bracket 22b to engage each other and
`the keyboard to be automatically disabled in a non
`operational orientation. Thus, there is no need for a manual
`knob or Switch control to change from keyboard input mode
`to pen input mode. The user can easily hold the computer in
`one hand and the pen in the other hand. When the computer
`is in the pen input mode, the user can grip the computer
`without concern of inputting erroneous data by hitting the
`keys of the disabled keyboard. The keys of the keyboard
`may be evenly Spaced or recessed into the plane of the lower
`case So that the computer sits more Stable if the user desires
`to use the computer on top of a working desk or table.
`It should be noted that there are numerous ways of
`automatically activating or disabling the keyboard. In addi
`tion to using a mechanical Switch, the keyboard connection
`may be internally Switched to ground, a reed Switch with a
`magnetic contact may be used, a mercury Switch may be
`used, or an optical detection Sensor may be used in the same
`way as Switch 22a. The alternative Switches may be con
`nected within the lower case and would detect when the
`position of the lower case is in a position underneath the
`display portion, thereby disabling the keyboard. For
`example, a position Sensor provides signals indicative of the
`position of the moving lower case with which it is associated
`relative to Some fixed datum. The Sensor may automatically
`detect the upper case position when the upper case is within
`the object detection field by Sensing object Sensing energy
`reflected off the upper case.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, a simplified Schematic diagram
`of an exemplary keyboard and pen input computer is pro
`vided. The computer comprises a processor 400, a controller
`402, a clock/timing generator 408, a cache random access
`memory (RAM) 406, a main memory 404, a power supply
`422, a battery 423, a Flash erasable programmable read only
`memory (EPROM) 410, a digitizer chip set 420, a micro
`controller 412, a keyboard control logic 414, a liquid crystal
`display (LCD) contrast control 444, a VGA controller 440,
`an LCD 442, and an input/output (I/O) slice 428. It should
`be noted that this is only a partial list of the components
`included in the computer. The processor 400 is connected to
`the main memory 404 and the cache RAM 406. The pro
`cessor 400 receives a clock input from the clock/timing
`generator 408. The controller 402 is connected to receive
`clock line SYSCLK from the processor 400, and a clock
`signal from the clock/timing generator 408. The controller
`402 includes an internal bus interface logic, which is con
`nected to bus 407. The Flash EPROM 410 is connected to
`the controller 402 and contains code for a basic input output
`System (BIOS) and for an operating System.
`The microcontroller 412 is also connected to the control
`ler 402 and receives keyboard inputs through associated
`control logic 414. The keyboard control logic 414 receives
`an input signal through the controller 402 when switch 22a
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`and bracket 22b are in contact with each other to disable the
`keyboard when it is pivoted to a position underneath the
`display unit, as shown in FIG. 3.
`The microcontroller 412 is also connected to the LCD
`contrast control logic 444. This logic, together with Video
`signals from the VGA controller 440, controls the LCD 442.
`Connected to bus 407 is an optional interface logic (not
`shown), which can be connected to a modem or a local area
`network (LAN) interface card. Also connected to bus 407 is
`the digitizer chip Set 420, which is connected to detect and
`measure the movements of the computer's pen. The power
`supply 422 is connected to bus 407 and is driven by battery
`423. The I/O slice 428 plugs into the side of the computer 10
`using an 86 pin connector, for example. This connector
`expansion unit provides industry-standard connectors for
`Serial ports, parallel ports, SCSI interface, and for optional
`docking to external display and/or keyboard units.
`Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of the process for
`recognizing a keyboard input mode or a pen input mode
`according to an embodiment of the present invention is
`provided. In step 502, the processor detects the status of
`Switch 22a. In step 504, if the processor recognizes that the
`Switch 22a is in a conductive State, for example by detecting
`a current value or a Zero Voltage value acroSS the Switch,
`which corresponds to a closed Switch position, the proceSS
`goes to Step 506. If the processor recognizes that the Sensor
`Switch 22a is in a non-conductive State, for example by
`detecting a Zero current value or a Voltage value across the
`Switch corresponding to an open Switch position, the proceSS
`goes to step 508. In step 506, the processor enters the
`keyboard input mode. In step 508, the keyboard is disabled,
`and in Step 510, the processor enters the pen input mode.
`It should now be apparent that the keyboard 4 pivots
`between an orientation that may be called its non
`operational position underneath display unit 2 as shown in
`FIG. 3, and an orientation that may be called its operational
`position, at an angle with respect to display unit 2 as shown
`in FIG. 2. Inasmuch as the keyboard 4 and display unit 2
`require only a simple motion to move between operational
`and non-operational orientations, the use of the computer in
`pen input mode is facilitated and the difficulties of the prior
`art regarding keyboard interference are avoided.
`Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a hand
`held user computer interface, it should be apparent to those
`skilled in the art that certain advantages of the within System
`have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that
`various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodi
`ments thereof may be made within the Scope and Spirit of the
`present invention. The invention is further defined by the
`following claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A hand held computer comprising:
`a main body portion including an integrated keyboard;
`a display portion including an integrated display;
`a hinge pivotally connecting Said main body portion and
`Said display portion wherein Said display portion is
`pivotable between a keyboard enabled position and a
`keyboard disabled position, wherein in Said keyboard
`enabled position, Said main body portion is Substan
`tially non-coplanar with respect to Said display portion
`enabling Said main body portion to lie on a flat Surface
`with Said display portion angled to facilitate viewing by
`an operator, and in Said keyboard disabled position,
`Said main body portion is coplanar with respect to Said
`display portion enabling Said main body portion to be
`disposed behind Said display portion with Said inte
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`US 6,243.258 B1
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`grated keyboard facing downward and Said integrated
`display facing upward;
`a Switch adapted to detect Said main body portion pivoted
`to Said keyboard disabled position; and
`a processor connected to Said Switch, Said processor
`adapted to automatically disable operation of Said inte
`grated keyboard upon detection by Said Switch of Said
`main body portion pivoted to said keyboard disabled
`position, whereby Said integrated keyboard does not
`interfere with operation of Said integrated display as a
`pen-based input device when Said main body portion is
`in Said keyboard disabled position.
`2. The hand held computer of claim 1, wherein said
`integrated display further comprises pen input circuitry
`adapted to allow data entry as Said pen-based input device.
`3. The hand held computer of claim 1, further comprising
`a pen that includes active electronic circuitry, wherein Said
`integrated display is responsive to data inputted by Said pen.
`4. The hand held computer of claim 1, wherein said Switch
`further comprises a Sensor.
`5. The hand held computer of claim 3, wherein said pen
`is connected to Said computer via a cable.
`6. The hand held computer of claim 3, wherein said pen
`is connected to Said computer via a wireleSS communication
`link.
`7. A hand held computer comprising:
`a main body portion including an integrated keyboard;
`a display portion including an integrated display;
`means for connecting Said main body portion and Said
`display portion, Said connecting means allowing Said
`display portion to pivot Selectively with respect to Said
`main body portion So as to alter an angle between said
`integrated keyboard and Said integrated display,
`wherein a keyboard disabled position is defined in
`which Said display portion is pivoted to be Substantially
`coplanar with Said main body portion Such that Said
`integrated keyboard and Said integrated display face in
`opposite directions, and
`means for disabling Said integrated keyboard upon Said
`display portion being pivoted to Said keyboard disabled
`position, Said integrated keyboard remaining operable
`in all other relative positions of Said main body portion
`and Said display portion.
`8. The hand held computer of claim 7, wherein said
`connecting means further comprises a pivoting hinge.
`9. The hand held computer of claim 7, wherein said
`disabling means further comprises a Switch.
`10. The hand held computer of claim 7, wherein said
`disabling means further comprises a Sensor.
`11. The hand held computer of claim 7, wherein said
`disabling means further comprises a processor adapted to
`execute a Stored program to detect Said keyboard disabled
`position.
`12. The hand held computer of claim 7, further compris
`ing pen input circuitry connected to Said integrated display
`for data entry.
`13. The hand held computer of claim 7, further compris
`ing a pen that includes active electronic circuitry, wherein
`Said integrated display is responsive to data inputted by Said
`pen.
`14. The hand held computer of claim 13, wherein said pen
`is connected to Said computer via a cable.
`15. The hand held computer of claim 13, wherein said pen
`is connected to Said computer via a wireleSS link.
`16. In a hand held computer comprising a main body
`portion having an integrated keyboard and a display portion
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`having an integrated display, Said display portion being
`pivotable with respect to Said main body portion, a method
`comprises the Steps of:
`detecting that Said display portion has pivoted to a Sub
`Stantially coplanar position with respect to Said main
`body portion Such that Said integrated keyboard and
`Said integrated display face in opposite directions,
`disabling Said integrated keyboard when Said display
`portion is pivoted to Said coplanar position; and
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`US 6,243.258 B1
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`enabling Said integrated keyboard when Said display
`portion is pivoted to all positions other than Said
`coplanar position.
`17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step
`of enabling a pen input device when said display portion is
`pivoted to Said coplanar position.
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`Lenovo EX-1024,
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`