Abstract:
A user interface support apparatus for securing wireless computer peripherals (WCP) such as a keyboard and a pointing device is disclosed. The user interface support apparatus comprises a board comprising (i) a keyboard area on a top surface of the board and configured to secure a keyboard and (ii) a pointing device area on a top surface of the board. The user interface support apparatus also comprises a pointing device support structure secured to the pointing device area of the board and operable in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the pointing device support structure in conjunction with the pointing device area of the board stores the pointing device. In the second mode, the pointing device support structure provides a planar surface on which to operate the pointing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/820,180, filed on May 7, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/826,007, filed on May 21, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to U.K. Patent Application No. 1310184.5, filed on Jun. 7, 2013, and U.K. Patent Application No. 1317048.5, filed on Sep. 25, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an interface portable lapdesk for organizing and securing of wireless computer peripherals. 
         [0003]    With recent developments of display devices and network devices, a computer can be connected to a television (TV), allowing any tasks or operations performed online through the Internet to be viewed on a large TV screen. Additionally, an Internet TV is integrated with an internal computer and/or an internal wireless transceiver to connect to the Internet. The Internet TV allows for a user to view online contents on the large TV screen. The capability of the computer to connect to the TV and the Internet enables the user to experience the Internet TV. For example, the user can browse the Internet and view online contents from a third party hosting site in a living room while lying on a sofa. 
         [0004]    For the user to fully utilize and experience the Internet TV, it is useful to have wireless computer peripherals (WCPs) interfacing with the Internet TV. The WCPs are wireless input and output devices for the computer such as a wireless keyboard, mouse, track ball, joy stick, camera, microphone, printer, speaker, and etc. By using the WCPs, the user can conveniently perform operations on the Internet TV without wires that limit the user&#39;s mobility and cause inconvenience to the user. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]    Embodiments relate to a user interface support apparatus that provides a stable platform to operate one or more user interfaces communicating with a computer. The user interface support apparatus is operable in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the pointing device support structure in conjunction with the pointing device area of the board stores the pointing device. In the second mode, the pointing device support structure provides a planar surface on which to operate the pointing device. The user interface support apparatus includes a board. The board includes a keyboard area on a top surface of the board and secures a keyboard. The board also includes a pointing device area on the top surface of the board. The user interface support apparatus also includes a pointing device support structure secured to the pointing device area of the board. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the pointing device support structure and the pointing device area enclose the pointing device to store the pointing device. At least a portion of the pointing device support structure may be detachable from the pointing device area. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, a portion of the pointing device support structure is permanently secured to the pointing device area. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the user interface support apparatus includes a pointing device support structure securing mechanism. The pointing device support structure securing mechanism includes a first pointing device support structure securing element and a second pointing device support structure securing element. The first pointing device support structure securing element is on the pointing device support structure. The second pointing device support structure securing element is on the pointing device area. The pointing device area secures the pointing device support structure via the pointing device support structure securing mechanism. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the first pointing device support structure securing element is provided at a corner of the pointing device support structure. The first pointing device support structure securing element may be provided on a perimeter of the pointing device support structure. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the user interface support apparatus includes a first keyboard securing element on the keyboard area for coupling to a second keyboard securing element on the keyboard. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the user interface support apparatus includes a spacer. One end of the spacer is coupled to the keyboard area, and another end of the spacer is coupled to the keyboard. The spacer may be detachable from the keyboard and the keyboard area. Height of the spacer may be adjustable. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the user interface support apparatus may include a protruding member on the board. The user interface support apparatus may include a slot on the board. The user interface support apparatus may include an open area on the board. The open area may include materials with friction. The protruding member, slot, and/or the open area prevent items from slipping. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the user interface support apparatus includes a pad on a bottom surface of the board. The bottom surface of the board faces away from the top surface of the board. The pad may be detachable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a user interface apparatus in an operation mode, according to one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the user interface support apparatus in a storage mode, according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of a wireless computer peripheral (WCP) removed from the user interface support apparatus, according to embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the keyboard and the user interface support apparatus, illustrating a spacer to secure the keyboard with a cavitous form factor, according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional views of the user interface support apparatus with a pad attached to a bottom surface of the user interface support apparatus, according to embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the user interface support apparatus with a slot, protruding member, and open area to place items such as remote controllers, cell phones, or other peripherals, according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a diagram comparing user interface support apparatus in the storage mode according to one embodiment and a conventional lapdesk placed against a surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Principles disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the features of the embodiments. 
         [0022]    In the drawings, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. The shape, size and regions, and the like, of the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity. 
         [0023]    Embodiments relate to a user interface support apparatus that has a support structure for operating a wireless computer peripheral (WCP) and for storing one or more WCPs. The user interface support apparatus can be operated in one of two modes: an operation mode and a storage mode. In the operation mode, the user interface support apparatus provides a support structure on which to operate the WCP. In the storage mode, the user interface support apparatus provides a securing mechanism to enclose the WCP. 
         [0024]    The WCP herein refers to wireless input devices to control computers and output devices operated by the computers. The WCP includes, but is not limited to, a wireless keyboard (generally referred to herein as a keyboard), pointing device, camera, microphone, printer, speaker, and etc. The pointing device herein refers to a wireless input device for a user to input spatial operations to a computer. The spatial operations include, but are not limited to, pointing, clicking, and dragging operations to control a computer. For example, the pointing device can be a wireless mouse, a track ball, a track point, or a joy stick. 
         [0025]    The pointing device support structure herein refers to an apparatus providing a surface on which to operate the WCP in the operation mode and also securing the WCP in the storage mode. For example, the pointing device support structure may be a mouse pad with flexible materials. 
       EXAMPLE USER INTERFACE SUPPORT APPARATUS 
       [0026]    A user interface support apparatus provides a portable medium to enable a user to control a computer connected to a TV in a living room. Because the WCP are intended to be used on a desk in an office, it is difficult to operate the WCP in a place where a desk is not available. Embodiments enable the user to operate the WCP in various places without a desk (e.g., in a living room or a bedroom). 
         [0027]    In addition to providing a portable space, the user interface support apparatus securely holds the WCP in a pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket secures the WCP omnidirectionally (i.e., in all direction). The pocket is formed by the pointing device support structure in the storage mode. The pocket formed by the pointing device support structure provides a flexible securing mechanism that can repeatedly secure or remove the WCP. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a user interface support apparatus  101 A in an operation mode. The user interface support apparatus  101 A can be carried around and used at a place remote from a computer. In the operation mode, the user interface support apparatus  101 A provides a surface for operating the WCP. The user interface support apparatus  101 A may include, among other components, a board  100 , and a pointing device support structure  110 . 
         [0029]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the WCP includes a keyboard  120  and a pointing device  130  to interface with a computer connected to a TV (not shown) or a computer embedded in an Internet TV (not shown). The keyboard  120  is attached to a keyboard area (which is not shown in  FIG. 1  since the keyboard area is hidden underneath the keyboard  120 ) on a top surface of the board  100  using a mechanism described below in detail with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The keyboard  120  may be purchased separately and be secured to the board  100 . 
         [0030]    The pointing device support structure  110  is used as a generally planar surface on which to operate the pointing device  130 . In addition, the pointing device support structure  110  is used as a part of a storage mechanism to secure the pointing device  130  when not in use. The pointing device support structure  110  is attached to a pointing device area (which is not shown in  FIG. 1  since the pointing device area is hidden underneath the pointing device support structure  110 ). The pointing device support structure  110  is on the top surface of the board  100  as a flat padding with a generally planar surface with low friction. For example, the pointing device support structure  110  may be a mouse pad secured to the board  100 . 
         [0031]    Although the keyboard  120  and the pointing device  130  are illustrated as the only WCP in  FIG. 1 , additional devices such as wireless motion sensors, speakers, and etc., can also be secured to the user interface support apparatus  101 A to afford enhanced functionality to the user interface support apparatus  101 A. 
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment, the board  100  may be of appropriate materials with a smooth surface, so that the pointing device  130  can be used directly on the board  100 , without need for the pointing device support structure  110 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates the user interface support apparatus  101 B in a storage mode, according to one embodiment. A portion of the pointing device support structure  110  secured to the board  100  is partially or wholly detachable, and hence, the pointing device support structure  110  and the pointing device area (not shown) of the board  100  may form a pocket. The opening (i.e., a mouth) of the pocket formed by detaching the pointing device support structure  110  from the board  100  enables the user to insert the pointing device  130  into the pocket. Alternatively, at least a portion of the pointing device support structure  110  is permanently secured to the board  100 , and an unattached portion of the pointing device support structure  110  may be stretched to insert the pointing device  130  into the pocket. 
         [0034]    After the pointing device  130  is inserted, the detached portion of the pointing device support structure  110  can be re-attached to the pointing device area, thus enclosing the pointing device  130  omnidirectionally. The pointing device support structure  110  is preferably of highly flexible or elastic materials, so that it can flexibly cover the pointing device  130  and press the pointing device  130  against the board  100  and thereby secure the pointing device  130  to the board  100 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3A  illustrates the keyboard  120  and the pointing device support structure  110  removed from the user interface support apparatus  101 , according to one embodiment. Because the pointing device support structure  110  is removed from the board  100 , the keyboard area  302  and the pointing device area  304  are now shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0036]    The keyboard area  302  secures the keyboard  120 . The pointing device area  304  secures the pointing device support structure  110  on the board  100 . In  FIG. 3A , bottom surfaces of the keyboard  120  and the pointing device support structure  110  are shown to better illustrate the securing mechanisms. 
         [0037]    A keyboard securing mechanism  306  is used to attach the keyboard  120  to the keyboard area  302  of the board  100 . The keyboard securing mechanism  306  includes at least one keyboard securing element  324  placed on a bottom surface of the keyboard  120  and at least one associated keyboard securing element  320  placed on the keyboard area  302  of the board  100 . In one embodiment, the keyboard securing mechanism  306  may be hook and loop type fasteners. Alternatively, the keyboard securing mechanism  306  and the pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  may be, but not limited to, snap hook, zip, pressure button, flexible cord, magnetic coupler, or adhesive material type fasteners. 
         [0038]    The keyboard securing element  324  may be implemented on any surface of the keyboard  120 . For example, the keyboard securing element  324  is implemented on a top surface of the keyboard  120 , where the top surface of the keyboard  120  faces away from the bottom surface of the keyboard  120 . In case where the keyboard securing element  324  is implemented on the top surface of the keyboard  120 , the keyboard securing element  324  may be placed where keys are not present on the top surface of the keyboard  120 . Alternatively or additionally, the keyboard securing element  324  may be implemented on any side of the keyboard  120 , where one end of any side of the keyboard  120  is connected to the bottom surface of the keyboard  120  and another end of any side of the keyboard  120  is connected to the top surface of the keyboard  120 . 
         [0039]    Although not necessary, an additional keyboard securing mechanism  330  may be implemented to provide further secure holding of the keyboard  120 . The additional keyboard securing mechanism  330  can be implemented with a similar securing mechanism with respect to the keyboard securing mechanism  306 , and therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As the keyboard securing mechanism  306 , the additional keyboard securing mechanism  330  may be implemented on at least any one of the bottom surface, top surface or any side of the keyboard  120 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the keyboard area  302  includes a cavity on the board  100  that (bespokely) fits a matching keyboard  120 . The matching keyboard  120  is in a particular size and shape to be secured on the keyboard area  302 . The keyboard securing mechanism  306  may include a keyboard securing element  320  on the keyboard area  302 . The keyboard securing element may be a clip to secure the matching keyboard  120  in place on the keyboard area  302  on the board  100 . Alternatively, the keyboard securing element  320  may be flanges that are particular to the matching keyboard  120 , and mate to hold the matching keyboard  120  in place. 
         [0041]    A pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  attaches the pointing device support structure  110  to the pointing device area  304  of the board  100 . The pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  can be implemented with similar securing mechanism with respect to the keyboard securing mechanism  306 , and therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As in the keyboard securing mechanism  306 , the pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  includes at least one pointing device support structure securing element  314  placed on a bottom surface of the pointing device support structure  110  and at least one associated pointing device support structure securing element  310  placed on the pointing device area  304 . The bottom surface of the pointing device support structure  110  is facing away from a top surface of the pointing device support structure  110  on which to place the pointing device  130  in the operation mode. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 3A , four pointing device support structure securing elements  314  are placed on each corner of the pointing device support structure  110 . Alternatively, the pointing device support structure securing elements  314  may be placed along a perimeter of the pointing device support structure  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The pointing device support structure securing element  314  may be implemented on any surface of the pointing device support structure  110  to ensure secure holding of the pointing device  130 . For example, the pointing device support structure securing element  314  is implemented on the bottom surface of the pointing device support structure  110 . 
         [0043]    Alternatively, the pointing device support structure securing element  314  is implemented on the top surface of the pointing device support structure  110 . In such a case, a portion of the pointing device support structure  110  can be folded or rolled to enable the pointing device support structure securing element  314  to contact the associated pointing device support structure securing element  310 . Alternatively, the pointing device support structure securing element  314  and/or the associated pointing device support structure securing element  310  can extend to contact with each other. The associated pointing device support structure securing elements  310  are placed on the pointing device area  304 , such that each pointing device support structure securing element  314  and the associated pointing device support structure securing element  310  can contact. 
         [0044]    Implementing the pointing device support structure securing elements  314  on each corner or a perimeter of the pointing device support structure  110  allows easy attaching and detaching of the pointing device support structure  110  from the pointing device area  304 . This implementation also allows securing the pointing device  130  in the storage mode by utilizing elastic property of the pointing device support structure  110  that causes the pointing device support structure  110  to press the pointing device  130  against the board  100 . Although the pointing device support structure  110  in  FIG. 3A  has a rectangular shape, the pointing device support structure  110  may have any arbitrary shape. For example, the pointing device support structure  110  may have, but not limited to, a circular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or oval shape. The number, shape, and placement of the pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  may be adjusted according to the shape of the pointing device support structure  110 . 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the pointing device support structure securing mechanism  308  has four pointing device support structure securing elements  314  on the corners of the bottom surface of the pointing device support structure  110 , and four associated pointing device support structure securing elements  310  at corresponding locations on the pointing device area  304 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0046]    Alternatively, the pointing device support structure securing element  314  may run along a perimeter of the pointing device support structure  110  as shown in  FIG. 3B . The pointing device support structure securing element  314  may run along the whole or part of the perimeter of the pointing device support structure  110 , and seal the pointing device support structure  110  and the pointing device area  304  in the storage mode. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the keyboard  120  and the board  100  of the user interface support apparatus  101  with a spacer  410  to secure the keyboard  120  of a cavitous form factor, according to one embodiment. Cavitous form factors are not unusual in keyboards  120 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the keyboard  120  has a cavitous portion  402 . In such a case, the keyboard securing element  324  on the keyboard  120  and the associated keyboard securing element  320  on the board  100  may not come into contact. Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , a spacer  410  is provided between the keyboard  120  and the keyboard area  302  as a medium for connecting the keyboard  120  and the keyboard area  302 , thereby securely fixing the keyboard  120  to the keyboard area  302 . The spacer  410  facilitates secure attachment of the keyboard  120  with the cavitous portion  402 . 
         [0048]    The spacer  410  may simply be a length or mass of resilient sponge, or the like. The spacer  410  may include a surface (which may itself be hook and loop type fastener) for attaching to, for the present example, the keyboard securing element  324 , and an opposing surface for attaching to the associated keyboard securing element  320 . Thus, the keyboard  120  with the cavitous form factor may be secured to the keyboard area  302  of the keyboard  120  via the spacer  410 . The height of the spacer  410  may be adjusted accordingly. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional views of the user interface support apparatus  101  with a pad attached to a bottom surface of the board  100 , according to one embodiment. The bottom surface of the board  100  faces downward away from the top surface of the board  100 . In  FIG. 5A , a cushion-type pad  510  is attached to the bottom surface of the board  100  for the user&#39;s comfort when in use. The pad  510  may be permanently attached to the board  100  or be removable for replacement with another pad  510 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 5B  is a diagram illustrating the user interface support apparatus  101  with a pad  520  attached to the bottom surface of the board  100 , according to one embodiment. The pad  520  of  FIG. 5B  includes two concave curves for comfortable fitting over the user&#39;s legs. Alternatively, a bottom surface of the board  100  may be shaped specifically without the pad  510  or  520  for use on the user&#39;s lap. Instead, the bottom surface of the board  100  may be shaped with two concave curves, so that the board  100  fits comfortably over the user&#39;s legs in a manner similarly to how a chair or stool is often shaped for the user&#39;s posterior. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the user interface support apparatus  101  with a slot  610  and a protruding member  620  according to one embodiment. The slot  610  is used for placement and safekeeping of objects  630  to prevent them from slipping during the operational use of the user interface support apparatus  101 . The objects  630  that may be placed in the slot  610  may include, for example, remote controllers, cell phones, pens, wallets and key chains. The protruding member  620  prevents the objects  630  from sliding down the user interface support apparatus  101 , and can be used for placement and safekeeping of objects  630  as well. 
         [0052]    The open area  640  can be used to place objects  630 . The open area  640  may be implemented with materials having high friction that enable the open area  640  to prevent objects  630  from slipping. The slot  610 , protruding member  620 , and open area  640  may be provided in any location(s) about the board  100 , and there may be a plurality of slots  610 , protruding members  620 , and open areas  640  on the board  100  for placement of other objects  630 . 
         [0053]    In addition, the user interface support apparatus  101  may be formed with a handle  650  on a lateral end of the board  100 . The handle  650  facilitates picking up the board  100 , when it is placed in the storage mode propped against a wall or laid on a flat surface. The handle  650  may be in the form of an aperture, or recesses that are shaped specifically for the user to hold at the lateral ends of the board  100 . The handle  650  may be placed in any position on the board  100 , and there may be a plurality of handles  650  for allowing better grip to the user. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a comparison view of the user interface support apparatus  101  in the storage mode against a conventional lapdesk  700 . In  FIG. 7 , the user interface support apparatus  101  is shown in the storage mode when propped up against a wall  710 , in comparison to the conventional lapdesk  700 . The TV room environment is different to a standard computer room/office environment. It may be desirable for the user interface support apparatus  101  to be put aside, especially upright, for use at a later point, to be transported to an alternate address, or to be stored away. 
         [0055]    The conventional lapdesk  700  do not have the features for securely storing of the WCP including the keyboard  120  and pointing device  130  omnidirectionally. Thus it can be seen that, stored propped up upright against the wall  710 , the WCP and other elements, have all fallen off the conventional lapdesk  700 . However, with the user interface support apparatus  101 , the keyboard  120  and the pointing device  130  remain omnidirectionally secured to the board  100 . 
         [0056]    The advantages of the interface support apparatus include, among others, (i) providing a portable operating space, (ii) securing the WCP omnidirectionally, and (iii) facilitating the Internet TV usage. 
         [0057]    While particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.