Abstract:
A keyboard that includes at least two planes of keys and a communication port. The keyboard can be configured to include a back-to-back position. In the back-to-back position, the planes can be jointed so that each plane has outwardly facing keys which are fixed relative to the other plane at approximately a one-hundred and eighty degree angle (e.g., between one hundred and seventy degrees and one hundred and eighty degrees) relative to the other plane. The communication port can establish a communication linkage between the keyboard and a computing device. When in the back-to-back position, key presses from the keyboard are able to be conveyed across the communication linkage to be interpreted as input by the communicatively linked computing device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of keyboard devices, more particularly, to an optionally repositionable keyboard having a back-to-back position. 
         [0002]    Mobile devices have become an increasing trend in consumer electronics. Portable media players, mobile phones, mobile computers, and the like have become common among consumers. The way users interact with these mobile devices can vary significantly, but their input requirements can be the same. For example, mobile phones can require the input of both text and numbers, but commonly mobile phones only implement a keypad. Inputting text on a keypad can become troublesome and time consuming. Some devices can implement a touch screen, which can be used in conjunction with an on-screen keyboard. Other devices even implement a miniature keyboard. 
         [0003]    There is one common problem with these input solutions: the inability to type quickly. When users are mobile, there are situations that can require quick access to information on a portable device. Input restrictions can prevent quick access to data on a mobile device. A more intuitive solution is needed for improved mobile input efficiency. A device is needed in which can provide a well-known keyboard standard, while still being mobile. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One aspect of the present invention can include a keyboard having two planes of keys and a communication port. The keyboard can be configured to include a back-to-back position. In the back-to-back position, the planes can be jointed so that each plane has outwardly facing keys which are fixed relative to the other plane at approximately a one-hundred and eighty degree angle (e.g., between one hundred and seventy degrees and one hundred and eighty degrees) relative to the other plane. The communication port can establish a communication linkage between the keyboard and a computing device. When in the back-to-back position, key presses from the keyboard are able to be conveyed across the communication linkage to be interpreted as input by the communicatively linked computing device. 
         [0005]    Another aspect of the present invention can include a method for utilizing a keyboard. In the method, a keyboard having a back-to-back position can be identified. In the back-to-back position two planes of keys can be jointed so that each plane has outwardly facing keys which are fixed relative to the other plane at approximately a one-hundred and eighty degree angle relative to the other plane. The keyboard can be positioned between two hands so that the inward portion of the hands face one another with the keyboard having the back-to-back position being in between the two hands. Keys on opposing sides of the keyboard can be pressed using fingers on the hand nearest the outwardly facing keys. The key presses can be accepted as input by a computing device communicatively linked to the keyboard. 
         [0006]    Still another aspect of the present invention can include a method for configuring a repositionable keyboard. In the method, a keyboard having a set of usable positions can be identified. The usable positions can include first position and a second position. The keyboard can be utilized in the first and second positions, wherein key presses are interpreted as input by a communicatively linked computing device when the keyboard is in either the first or second positions. The keyboard can be manipulated to reconfigure it between the first and second positions. The first position can be a back-to-back position and the second position can be an approximately flat position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a system of a keyboard device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates scenarios for using a keyboard having a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a method for using a mobile repositionable keyboard having a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention can include a mobile repositionable keyboard. This keyboard can be split into individual parts. One such embodiment can include the keyboard being split directly in the center, to allow the repositioning (or folding) of the keyboard in half. Although this can be the preferred embodiment and is shown in the diagrams, the present invention can be split up into any number of individual parts. 
         [0011]    One significant position for the keyboard is to position the keyboard sections back-to-back with keys facing outwards on each side. A user can position his hands to cup this keyboard (in a modified praying position) and can use this keyboard configuration in a space constrained situation. In one embodiment, the back-to-back keyboard need not be position-able, but can instead be a fixed keyboard implementation. The back-to-back keyboard can be used without a supporting surface, as a user&#39;s hands applied in opposing directions provide sufficient support. Advantageously, keys can be arranged in a “standard” QWERTY fashion, so that skilled typist can leverage their existing skills when using the back-to-back keyboard. In various embodiments, support and slide structures can be included with the back-to-back keyboard to facilitate its use. The repositionable (and fixed back-to-back) keyboard can optionally include a pointing device. 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a system  100  of a keyboard device  102  in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. User  104  can interact with keyboard device  102  to interface with computing device  140 . In one embodiment, the keyboard device  102  can have a QWERTY layout (e.g., US-International layout, UK-Extended Layout, etc.) of keys of sufficient size and spacing to permit touch typing. Other embodiments for other layouts (Dvorak, Colemak, etc.) can also be accommodated by system  100 . 
         [0013]    One novel configuration of keyboard device  102  is a split keyboard configuration in which two halves of a keyboard are positioned back-to-back with outwardly facing keys. This is a usable configuration of device  102 , where a user  104  can utilize it while it is cupped between his/her hands, each hand having access to half of the available keys. A hand-to-keyboard coupler  108  and/or a hand-to-keyboard stabilizer  110  can exist to permit a user&#39;s hands relative to the keyboard device  102  to remain in a type-able position. 
         [0014]    While the keyboard device  102  can be a fixed device having a back-to-back or approximately back-to-back positioning, it can also be a repositionable device. This repositionable (foldable or otherwise detachable) device can have two or more usable positions. For example, the device can be used in a traditional “flat” position, in a back-to-back position, or in intermediary positions (such as when folded at a forty-five degree angle with outward facing keys. A keyboard coupler  116  can be used to join different potions of the keyboard together to create these different usable positions. A fold lock  106  can be used to lock the keyboard device in a user selected intermediary position (e.g., at a forty-five degree angle, at a sixty-degree angle, etc.). In one embodiment, two halves of a separable keyboard device  102  can be decoupled and used while in a decoupled state. For example, one half of a keyboard can rest on a right armrest of a chair and another rest on a left armrest of the chair, while the separated keyboard is still usable. 
         [0015]    In various configurations, the keyboard device  102  can also include an optional pointing device  112 , which functions as mouse, trackball, track point, track pad, and the like. A wireless and/or wired communication port  104  can permit the device  102  to communicate with computing device  140 . Further, when keyboard device  102  is permitted to be decomposed into two or more usable segments, each segment can have a communication port  104  (e.g., wireless transceiver) for communicating to the other segment and/or for communicating with computing device  140 . 
         [0016]    As used herein, computing device  140  can be any computing device capable of interfacing with keyboard device  102 . Commonly, computing device  140  can be a mobile computing device, such as a PDA (personal data assistant), POCKET PC, mobile phone, or the like. Computing device  140  can also be a stationary device, such as a laptop computer, a workstation computer, a server computer, and the like. 
         [0017]    Communication ports  142  and  104  can be used to establish communication between keyboard device  102  and computing device  140 . Communication ports  104  and  142  can employ any communication protocol and can be wired or wireless. Communication ports  104  and  142  can be implemented to conform to USB, serial, BLUETOOTH, WIFI, PS/2, WIRELESS USB, RF, and other standards. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the keyboard device  102  can be an input accepting device having distinct keys for each letter of an alphabet and each number. Keys can also exist for a space bar, an enter button, shift, control, alt, and other such keys. The keyboard device  102  can conform to numerous standards, which include a QUERY standard, QUERTY extensions, and the like. Thus, although the keyboard device  102  is able to be split into two distinct sides (one for each hand), it is nevertheless a “full” or “compact” keyboard having a standard set of keys, which can be pressed using standard key presses of learned typists. When the keyboard is folded or split, the split occurs along “standard” typing regions. For example, after being split (assuming a QUERTY keyboard), a left hand can be associated with keys of: 
         [0019]    top row—12345; 
         [0020]    next row—&lt;tab&gt; qwert; 
         [0021]    next row—&lt;Caps Lock&gt; asdfg; 
         [0022]    next row—&lt;shift&gt; zxcvb; 
         [0023]    next row—&lt;ctrl&gt; &lt;OS key&gt; &lt;alt&gt; &lt;space &gt;. 
         [0024]    After split a right hand can be associated with keys of: 
         [0025]    top row—67890-=&lt;backspace&gt;; 
         [0026]    next row—yuiop[ ]\; 
         [0027]    next row—hjkl;&#39;&lt;enter&gt;; 
         [0028]    next row—bnm,./&lt;shift&gt;; 
         [0029]    next row—&lt;space&gt; &lt;alt&gt; &lt;OS key&gt; &lt;ctrl&gt;. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the keyboard device  102  can be a special purpose keyboard with key mappings specific to an electronic game or set of electronic games. In another embodiment, this keyboard device  102  can include an accelerometer and other components to detect a movement of the entire keyboard device  102  in space, especially when positioned in a back-to-back embodiment. 
         [0031]    Hand-to-keyboard coupler  108  can be any object or device that can keep user  104 &#39;s hand attached to keyboard device  102 . Hand-to-keyboard coupler  108  can be implemented as wrist straps. These wrist straps can implement any attachment device, including, but not limited to, VELCRO, buttons, snap attachment devices, and the like. 
         [0032]    Hand-to-keyboard stabilizer  110  can be any object or device that can stabilize keyboard device  102  when being used by user  104 . In certain situations when keyboard device  102  is in use, it is contemplated that it can be troublesome to keep keyboard device  102  anchored and/or stabilized for efficient typing. Hand-to-keyboard stabilizer  110  can be implemented as, but is not limited to, a counterweight, counterbalance, or the like. Hand-to-keyboard stabilizer  110  can be omitted in certain embodiments, but can be any object to provide the functionality described. 
         [0033]    Sliding mechanism  114  can be a mechanism that can allow sections of keyboard  102  to slide. Sliding mechanism  114  can allow the sliding of each section individually, or even smaller portions of each section to slide individually. Sliding mechanism  114  can be implemented in any way to include the described functionality. For example, sliding mechanism  114  can include ball bearings and rails for each keyboard section to slide. 
         [0034]    Keyboard coupler  116  can be the device or object that can join the individual sections of keyboard device  102 . Keyboard coupler  116  can allow keyboard device  102  to fold, slide, magnetically join, or otherwise reposition along the joint created by keyboard coupler  116 . In some embodiments, keyboard coupler  116  can allow the decoupling of each section of keyboard device  102 . Keyboard coupler  116  can allow the communication between each keyboard section. In the case that keyboard coupler  116  can allow the decoupling of keyboard device  102 , it is contemplated that keyboard coupler  116  can make use a communicator (not shown) to communicate with the other keyboard sections wirelessly. Keyboard coupler  116  can be implemented in any way, including, but not limited to, using magnetized metals, using a hinge connector, or the like. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates scenarios  202 ,  220 ,  250  for using a keyboard having a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The scenarios include: an intermediary position scenario  202 , a decoupling scenario  220 , and an anchor scenario  250 . These are not intended to be exhaustive, but are intended to illustrate concepts expressed herein. The scenarios  202 ,  220 ,  250  can be performed in context of system  100  or any approximately equivalent system. 
         [0036]    Intermediary position scenario  202  can illustrate a repositionable keyboard  204  being folded along its keyboard coupler  206  into intermediary position  208 . One folded into intermediary position  208 , a lock mechanism can be used to keep repositionable keyboard  204  in its position. Intermediary position scenario  202  can also illustrate repositionable keyboard  204  being folded into folded position  210  from intermediary position  208 . Folded position  210  can illustrate a maximum position repositionable keyboard  204  can be folded. Position  210  represents a back-to-back position in which press-able keys are positioned within two planes in opposing outwardly facing directions. The intermediary position  208  can be a usable position of the keyboard  204 . The optional fold lock mechanism can permit intermediary position  208  to be fixed so that the two key containing planes are at any angle from zero to one hundred and eighty degrees from each other. 
         [0037]    Decoupling scenario  220  can illustrate a repositionable keyboard  204  being decoupled into decoupled keyboard  222 . Decoupled keyboard  222  can include two individual parts that can be used separately. The individual parts of decoupled keyboard  222  can convey the input they receive to each other and/or to a centralized component that aggregates the key presses. In some embodiments, one part can act as a communicator, which can convey the input to the device the keyboard is connected to. In this embodiment, the other individual parts would convey input they receive to the communicator. As shown, decoupled keyboard  222  can be reattached in a folded state (or reattached, then folded) to create folded position  224 . The decoupled keyboard  222  can be mounted or affixed to a support structure, such as shown by illustration  254 . Coupling the discrete section in foldable position  224  can utilize any coupling technology, such as magnetic coupling, hook-and-loop fastening, buttoning or snap based coupling, coupling by sliding one extruded section into a matching groove, utilizing a suction cup coupling, etc. 
         [0038]    Anchor scenario  250  illustrates several anchor scenarios. For example, repositionable keyboard  204  is shown attached to hand  251  with hand-to-keyboard coupler  252 . In this example, repositionable keyboard  204  can be anchored to hand  251 . This anchoring can occur discretely for each hand, or can occur jointly causing two hands to cup the keyboard  204  having a back-to-back configuration (e.g., in a modified praying position or a position with palms facing each other and the keyboard  210  positioned in between the palms). User  253  is shown in a position where he/she can interact with repositionable keyboard  204  with both hands, using each opposing hand as an anchor supporting the other. In yet another example, anchored repositionable keyboard  254  can be anchored to anchor surface  252 . Anchor surface  252  as shown can be a chair. Anchored repositionable keyboard  254  can be a decoupled repositionable keyboard  204 . Each individual part of anchored repositionable keyboard  254  can be attached to each arm rest of anchor surface  252 . This anchoring is not limited to arm rests and can occur with any stable surface able to serve as an anchor. Further, anchoring using a stable surface can be used with any scenario  202 ,  220 . For example, a support member can attach to a center of a keyboard in intermediary position  208  to support the keyboard against a desktop or other horizontal surface. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a method  300  for using a mobile repositionable keyboard having a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Method  300  can be performed in context of system  100 . 
         [0040]    Method  300  can begin with step  302 , where the user can interact with the repositionable keyboard. The user can interact with the repositionable keyboard in an initial state or configuration. In step  304 , the user can determine a more suitable keyboard arrangement. For example, the user can determine that folding the keyboard in half and placing it in a back-to-back position would be more efficient. The user can also choose to fold the keyboard in an intermediary position, or to attempt one or more intermediary positions to determine one which is appealing. In step  306 , the user can fold the repositionable keyboard into an intermediary position using a locking mechanism. In step  308 , the user interacts with the repositionable keyboard in its intermediary position. In step  310 , optionally, typing conditions can change. For example, the user can switch their environment in which they&#39;d like to type (i.e. the user took a train to work and has arrived). In step  312 , the user can decide to change the repositionable keyboard arrangement. The condition change in step  310  can influence the decision the user makes in step  312 . In step  314 , the user can decouple the repositionable keyboard and can place it on a work surface. In step  316 , the user can interact with the repositionable keyboard in the decoupled state on a work surface. 
         [0041]    It should be appreciated that not every keyboard is able to be decoupled, folded, or otherwise repositioned. A fixed keyboard in a back-to-back position should be considered within scope of the present invention. Also, folding and decoupling are not necessarily mutually exclusive embodiments, as indicated by method  300 . That is, a single implementation of a keyboard can permit folding, locking in an intermediate position, creating a back-to-back configuration, and decoupling into two or more discrete (and usable) keyboard planes. 
         [0042]    The diagrams in  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
         [0043]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0044]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.