Patent Publication Number: US-11662777-B2

Title: Physical keyboards for multi-display computing devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/173,485, which was filed on Feb. 11, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,240, which was filed on Dec. 11, 2018. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/173,485 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,240 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/173,485 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,240 is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to computing devices, and, more particularly, to physical keyboards for multi-display computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some multi-display computing devices include a software-based keyboard that appears on one of the displays of the computing device to enable the user to type. User experience typing on a software-based keyboard is typically unsatisfactory compared to a physical keyboard. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an example dual display computing device with an example physical keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure where the computing device is in an open position and the keyboard is in a stowed position. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device of  FIG.  1    with the keyboard stowed toward a front of the computing device. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  1    taken along the  3 - 3  line of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic illustration of the computing device of  FIG.  1    showing transition of the keyboard from the stowed to the deployed position. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the computing device of  FIG.  1    with the keyboard in the deployed position. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic illustration of bottom view of the computing device of  FIG.  5    with the keyboard in the deployed position showing an example recess for stowage of the keyboard. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  5    taken along the  7 - 7  line of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the example computing device of  FIG.  1    with an alternative example physical keyboard in an alternative stowed position. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device of  FIG.  8    with the physical keyboard stowed toward a rear of the computing device. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  8    taken along the  10 - 10  line of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the computing device of  FIG.  8    with the keyboard in an alternative deployed position. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device of  FIG.  11    with the keyboard in the deployed position showing an example recess for stowage of the keyboard. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  11    taken along the  13 - 13  line of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of the computing device of  FIG.  11    showing example keyboard and display coupling elements. 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  5    taken along the  15 - 15  line of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  5    taken along the  16 - 16  line of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  17    is an enlarged view of an example keyboard and example activation zone. 
         FIG.  18    is an enlarged view of an example stylus and example display. 
         FIG.  19    is a block diagram of the example computing device and the example keyboard of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  20    is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions which may be executed to implement the example computing device of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  21    is a flowchart representative of additional example machine readable instructions which may be executed to implement the example computing device of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  22    is a block diagram of an example processing platform structured to execute the instructions of  FIGS.  20  and  21    to implement the computing device of  FIG.  19   . 
     
    
    
     The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Users of computing devices such as laptops, tablets, and flexible display devices that include dual displays or multiple displays have been hesitant to adopt form factors that implement a software-based keyboard that appears on a screen or display of the computing device. As used herein “dual display” means two displays, and “multiple display” means two or more displays. The disclosures herein related to dual displays apply to multiple displays and vice versa. In addition, “screen” and “display” maybe used interchangeably. A software-based keyboard appearing on the display of the computing device is two-dimensional and fails to provide a satisfactory typing experience for the user. Some purveyors of such computing devices offer physical keyboards that are separately sold as accessories for the computing device, which adds costs. In addition, these accessories are stowed separately, increasing the likelihood the accessories are misplaced or lost. 
     Disclosed herein are example multi-display computing devices that have example physical keyboards that are stowable with the device. The physical keyboards provide users with a gratifying typing experience as the users are able to depress physical keys on the keyboard. In addition, users are able to type more quickly on a physical keyboard than on a software-based keyboard. In some examples, the keyboards are tethered to the computing devices via, for example, a soft hinge. In some examples, the soft hinge is a flexible band. In some examples, the soft hinge is an elastic band. Deployment and stowage of the keyboards enable the computing devices to switch between single display and multiple display modes. 
     Also disclosed herein are example keyboard illumination mechanisms that leverage the illumination of one of the displays of the computing device. For example, the keyboard is disposed on the display, and the illumination of the display is transmitted through the keyboard from the beneath. The illumination of the display lights the keys of the keyboard to enable a user to identify the keys of the keyboard by sight in a dark environment. These example illumination features of the keyboard and computing device enable a reduction in the components of the keyboard because the keyboard does not need to include a backlit module or other dedicated illumination hardware within the chassis of the keyboard. The simplified keyboard structure allows a reduction in the height and thickness of the keyboard, which facilitates stowage in the computing device. 
     Also disclosed herein are example keyboard triggering mechanisms in which displacement of a key of the keyboard is detected by a sensor. The displaced key is identified and correlated to a software-based or emulated keyboard on one of the displays of the computing device, where data related to the identified key is further processed by the computing device. In this example, the keys of the keyboard are not directly wired to components of the computing device. Thus, the circuitry and other hardware used to connect the keys of a keyboard in a traditional keyboard, including flex cables, may be excluded from the example keyboard. This reduction in keyboard components further enables a reduction in the height or the thickness of the keyboard and in the cost of the system without affecting functionality of the keyboard. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an example dual display computing device  100 . The computing device  100  is in an open position and includes an example first display  102  and an example second display  104 . The first display  102  and the second display  104  are coupled via means for coupling the first display  102  and the second display  104  including, for example, an example first hinge  106 . 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  1   . The computing device  100  includes an example keyboard  108 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the keyboard  108  is in a stowed position where an example backplate  110  of the keyboard  108  is positioned facing toward the exterior of the computing device  100 . In this example, the keyboard  108  is stowed toward a front of the computing device  100 . In this context, the “front” of the computing device  100  is the side of the computing device  100  adjacent a user of the computing device  100  when the computing device  100  is in use. The computing device  100  also includes an example means for coupling the keyboard  108  to the second display  104  including, for example, an example second hinge  112 . In this example, the second hinge wraps around the front of the computing device  100 . 
       FIG.  3    is a cross sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  1    taken along the A-A line of  FIG.  1   . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the computing device  100  includes an example first housing  114 . The first display  102  is disposed in the first housing  114 . The example computing device  100  also includes an example second housing  116 . The second display  104  is disposed on a first side of the second housing  116 . The keyboard  108  is stowed in the second housing  116  such that the backplate  110  is aligned with a second side of the second housing  116 . In some examples, the backplate  110  is flush or substantially flush with the second side of the second housing  116 . In such examples, the thickness or Z-height of the keyboard  108  is less than that of the second housing  116 . 
     Also, in some examples, the backplate  110  includes example feet  117 . In the illustrated example, the feet  117  is a continuous loop, forming a looped foot. In other examples, the feet  117  may be separate, discrete elements. Also, the illustrated example feet  117  are composed of a rubber material. In other examples, other materials or combination of materials may be used. In some examples, the feet  117  are included the reduced Z-height of the keyboard  108  and do not protrude or do not substantially protrude from the second side of the second housing  116 . 
     In the stowed position, example keys  118  of the keyboard  108  are disposed in an interior of the second housing  116  and beneath the second display  104 . The keyboard  108  is stowed adjacent to components of the second display  104  and/or the computing device  100  including, for example, a main processing board  120 . In this example, the main processing board  120  is disposed in the second housing  116  adjacent to the first hinge  106  or otherwise closer to the first hinge  106  than the keyboard  108 . In some examples, the second hinge  112  houses a flexible printed circuit to transmit signals between the main processing board  120  and the keyboard  108 . 
     The second hinge  112  also is shown in  FIG.  3   . In this example, the second hinge  112  is a soft hinge. In some examples, the second hinge  112  is elastic including, for example, an elastic fabric. In some examples, the second hinge  112  may include an artificial leather. In other examples, other materials or combination of materials may be used. 
       FIG.  4    is a schematic illustration of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  1    showing a transition of the keyboard  108  from the stowed position to a deployed position. When a user wants to remove the keyboard  108  from the stowed position, the user releases the keyboard  108  from the second side of the second housing  116 . The keyboard  108  is rotated outward and pivots around via the second hinge  112 . The keyboard  108  is placed on the surface of the second display  104  on the first side of the second housing  116  in a deployed or use position. In the deployed position, the keys  118  of the keyboard  108  face upward and are accessible by the user. 
     As noted above, in some examples, the second hinge  112  is a soft hinge. In other examples, the second hinge  112  may be a hard hinge. In such examples, the second hinge  112  enables the keyboard  108  to rotate from the stowed position to the deployed position along the front of the second housing  116  and/or second display  104 . 
       FIG.  5    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the computing device  10  of  FIG.  1    with the keyboard  108  in the deployed position. In this example, the deployed position is toward a front of the second display  104  and the second housing  116 , for example on a palmrest. In addition to the keys  118 , the keyboard  108  also includes an example trackpad  122  and an example trackpad button  123 , which is a physical button. The trackpad  122  and trackpad button  123  can be used to control a mouse, for example. The flexible printed circuit in the second hinge  112  may also be used to transmit signals to and from the trackpad  122  and trackpad button  123 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the keyboard  108  does not cover the entire second display  104 . There is an exposed portion  124  of the second display  104 . When the keyboard  108  is disposed on the second display  104 , the computing device  100  can be set to a keyboard enabled mode. The keyboard enabled mode, in some examples, is a single display mode where the first display  102  is enabled and the second display  104  is not enabled and visual text, graphics, indicia, etc. are shown on the first display  102 . Thus, in this example, the computing device is in a single display and keyboard mode. In some examples, in the keyboard enabled mode, the first display  102  and the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  are used to present visual media to the user. Also, in some examples, the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  may be used to provide additional function keys, emoticon insertion keys, and/or other input icons or keys. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  5    with the keyboard  108  in the deployed position and, thus, not visible in  FIG.  6   .  FIG.  6    shows an example means for stowing the keyboard  108  including, for example, an example recess  126 . In this example, the recess  126  is located on the second side of the second housing  116  distal to the first hinge  106  and near the front of the second display  104  and second housing  116 . 
     The keyboard  108  is held into place in the recess  126  by a magnetic connection. For example, there are magnets or magnetic elements in or on the keyboard  108 , there are complementary magnetic elements in or on the computing device  100 . The attraction of the magnetic elements releasably hold the keyboard  108  in the recess  126 . In other examples, other releasably couplable fasteners may be used such as, for example, latches, snaps, hook features, loop and hook fasteners, etc. 
       FIG.  7    is a cross sectional view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  5    taken along the B-B line of  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  7    shows the keyboard  108  disposed on the second display  104  while connected to the second housing  116  via the second hinge  112 . In addition, the position of the keyboard  108  relative to the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  and alignment of the keyboard  108 , second display  104 , and recess  126  are also shown. 
       FIG.  8    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the example computing device  100  of  FIG.  1    with an alternative example keyboard  109  in an alternative stowed position, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   .  FIG.  8    illustrates that the computing device  100  has the same appearance in the open position and dual display mode when the keyboard  108  is stowed in the position of  FIG.  2    and when the keyboard  109  is stowed in the position of  FIG.  9   . The keyboard  108  of  FIGS.  1 - 7    and the keyboard  109  of  FIGS.  8 - 14    have similar features but are stowed in different areas of the computing device  100 . Thus, disclosure in this patent, other than the location of the keyboards in the stowed and deployed positions, related to one keyboard  108 ,  109  applies equally to the other keyboard  109 ,  108 . 
       FIG.  9    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  8    with the keyboard  109  stowed toward a rear of the computing device  100  adjacent to or otherwise closer to the first hinge  106  than the front of the second display  104 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the keyboard  109  is in a stowed position where the backplate  110  of the keyboard  109  is positioned facing toward the exterior of the computing device  100 . 
     The computing device  100  also includes the second hinge  112  that couples the keyboard  109  to the second display  104 . In this example, the second hinge wraps around the front of the computing device  100  from the keyboard  109 . With the keyboard  109  stowed toward the rear of the computing device  100 , the second hinge  112  wraps a longer distance to the front of the second display  104  than when the keyboard  108  is stowed toward the front the second display  104  and the computing device  100 . To accomplish the longer wrapping distance, the second hinge  112 , in this example, includes an example extension or tail  128 . In the stowed position, the tail  128  covers a portion of the second side of the computing device  100 . In this example, the tail  128  is the same material as the second hinge  112 . In other examples, the tail  128  may be other materials or combination of materials. 
       FIG.  10    is a cross sectional view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  8    taken along the C-C line of  FIG.  8   . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the computing device  100  includes the first housing  114  in which the first display  102  is disposed. The computing device  100  also includes the second housing  116 . The second display  104  is disposed on the first side of the second housing  116 . The keyboard  109  is stowed in the second housing  116  such that the backplate  110  is aligned with a second side of the second housing  116 . In some examples, the backplate  110  is flush or substantially flush with the second side of the second housing  116 . In such examples, the thickness or Z-height of the keyboard  109  is less than that of the second housing  116 . 
     In the stowed position, example keys  118  of the keyboard  109  are disposed in an interior of the second housing  116  and beneath the second display  104 . The keyboard  109  is stowed adjacent to the main processing board  120  and other components of the second display  104  and/or the computing device  100 . In this example, the main processing board  120  is disposed in the second housing  116  adjacent to the second hinge  112  or otherwise closer to the front of the second housing  116  than the keyboard  109 . The main board  120  is also positioned between the second display  104  and the tail  128 . 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  8    with the keyboard  109  in an alternative deployed position. In this example, the deployed position is away from the palmrest and toward the rear of the second display  104  and the second housing  116  adjacent to or otherwise closer to the first hinge  106  than the front of the second display  104  and second housing  116 . In the example of  FIG.  5   , the keyboard  109  does not cover the entire second display  104 . However, the tail  128  of the second hinge  112  covers the portion of the second display  104  not covered by the keyboard  109 , i.e., the palmrest. 
       FIG.  12    is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  8    with the keyboard  109  in the deployed position and, thus, not visible in  FIG.  12   .  FIG.  12    shows an example means for stowing the keyboard  109  including, for example, the example recess  130  for stowage of the keyboard  109 , which is similar to the recess  126  disclosed above. In this example, the recess  130  is located on the second side of the second housing  116  adjacent to the first hinge  106  and near the rear of the second display  104  and second housing  116 . 
     The keyboard  109  is held into place in the recess  130  by a magnetic connection. For example, there are magnets or magnetic elements in or on the keyboard  109 , there are complementary magnetic elements in or on the computing device  100 . The attraction of the magnetic elements releasably hold the keyboard  109  in the recess  130 . In other examples, other releasably couplable fasteners may be used such as, for example, latches, snaps, hook features, loop and hook fasteners, etc. 
       FIG.  13    is a cross sectional view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  11    taken along the D-D line of  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  13    shows the keyboard  109  disposed on the second display  104  while connected to the second housing  116  via the tail  128  and the second hinge  112 . In addition, the position of the keyboard  109  relative to the first hinge  106  and alignment of the keyboard  108 , second display  104 , and recess  130  are also shown. In this example, the second display  104  is covered by the keyboard  109  and the tail  128 . 
       FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of the computing device  100  of  FIG.  11    showing example keyboard and display coupling elements including an example first coupling element  132  disposed in or coupled to the keyboard  108  and an example second coupling element  134  disposed in or coupled to the second housing  116 . The first coupling element  132  and second coupling element  134  form means for positioning the keyboard  109  on the second display  104 . These example elements can be applied equally the example of  FIG.  5   . In this example, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  are magnetic elements. For example, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  maybe magnets. Alternatively, the first coupling element  132  or the second coupling element  134  may be a magnet and the other of the first coupling element  132  or the second coupling element  134  is a magnetizable element such as, for example, a metal plate or bar. 
     As the first coupling element  132  is brought into proximity with the second coupling element  134 , a magnetic force attracts the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134 . The magnetic force brings the keyboard  109  into position on the second display  104 . The magnetic force may be used to hold the keyboard  109  in place while a user strikes keys  118  of the keyboard  109 . 
     Also, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  aide in the proper positioning of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104 . This is useful when the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  as shown in  FIG.  5    and the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  is used to present visual materials to the user. In such examples, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  position the keyboard  108  such that the keyboard  108  does not obscure the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104 . In some examples, the length of the second hinge  112  also aides in proper placement of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104  in the deployed position. 
     In some examples, the length of the tail  128  enables the keyboard  109  to be withdrawn from the recess  130  and placed on a surface adjacent to the computing device  100 . In such examples, the keyboard  109  may be enabled for use while both the first display  102  and the second display  104  are both enabled for use. Compared to the example of  FIG.  5   , in this example, the entire second display  104  would be available for the presentation of visual media. 
     In  FIG.  14   , the first coupling element  132  is disposed on or in the keyboard  109  on the side of the keyboard  109  facing the user, and the second coupling element  134  is disposed on or in the second housing  116  at or near a midway point of the second housing  116 . In other examples, the first coupling element  132  and/or the second coupling element  134  may be disposed in other positions. For example, the second coupling element  132  may be disposed in or on the second housing  116  at or near the second hinge  112  when the keyboard  108  is coupled to the second display  104  as shown in  FIG.  5   . Also, in some examples, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  may be positioned at the rear of the keyboard  109  and second housing  116 , respectively, closer to the first hinge  106 . In yet other examples, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  maybe positioned on one or both lateral or left and right sides of the keyboard  109  and the second housing  116 , respectively. Other placements or combination of placements may be used. In addition, though one first coupling element  132  and one second coupling element  134  is shown in  FIG.  14   , other numbers (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) may be used. Also, the number of first coupling element(s)  132  and the number of second coupling element(s)  134  may not match. For example, there may be two first coupling elements  132  that are couplable to one relatively longer second coupling element  134 . In other examples, different first coupling elements  132  are couplable to different second coupling elements  134  in different positions. 
     In some examples, the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134  incorporate a sensor. In some examples, the sensor is a Hall effect sensor. The sensor, as disclosed in more detail below, can transmit data representative of the placement or presence of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104  including, in some examples, the position of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104 . The data indicated of the presence and/or position (and/or absence) of the keyboard  109  may be used to determine an operating mode of the computing device  100 . For example, detection of the keyboard  108  on the second display  104  near the second hinge  112  can prompt the computing device  100  to enter a keyboard enabled mode with the first display  102  and the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  enabled. In addition, detection of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104  near the first hinge  106  can prompt the computing device  100  to enter a keyboard enabled and single display mode with the first display  102  enabled. Further, detection of an absence of the keyboard  109  on the second display  104  can prompt the computing device  100  to enter a dual display mode with the keyboard  109  disabled. 
       FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of the computing device  100  taken along the E-E line of  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  15    illustrates the second display  104  disposed in the second housing  116 . The keyboard  108  is disposed on the second display  104 , and rests on the second display  104  via the feet  117 . As indicated above, all disclosure related to the keyboard  108  applies equally to the keyboard  109  and vice versa, aside from the stowed and deployed positions. 
     The backplate  110  of the keyboard  108  is a glass or polycarbonate transparent plate. In other examples, the backplate  110  may be made of other transparent or translucent material or combination of materials. In some examples, the backplate  110  is about 550 microns (μm) thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. In some examples, an example high transmission rate coating  136  is included above the backplate  110 . The high transmission rate coating  136  may be a deco coating including, for example, a non-conductive vapor metallization (NCVM) coating. In other examples, other types of coatings may be used. In some examples, the high transmission rate coating is about 30 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. The backplate  110  of a transparent or translucent material and the high transmission rate coating  136  facilitate the transmission of light from the second display  104  up through the keyboard  108  as illustrated by the arrows in  FIG.  15   . Thus, in some examples, the backplate  110  and/or high transmission rate coating  136  are used for transmitting light through the keyboard  108  when disposed on the second display  104 . 
     In the illustrated example, above the high transmission rate coating  136  is an example light isolating layer  138 . The light isolating layer  138  blocks or impedes the transmission of light from the second display  104 . The light isolating layer  138  may be a continuous layer or separate, distinct elements. The light isolating layer  138  does not run directly beneath the keys  118  of the keyboard  108 . Instead, the light isolating layer  138  is disposed in a layer and around the areas directly, e.g., vertically, below the keys  118 . In some examples, the light isolating layer  138  may be a sponge adhesive. In other examples, the light isolating layer  138  is a high density foam, a tape, a neoprene sponge, and/or other material or combination of materials that can form a gasket or gasket-like structure to isolate light. In addition, the light isolating layer  138  includes means for obscuring or otherwise preventing visibility of elements of the keyboard  108  that are disposed above the light isolating layer  138  including, for example, the keys  118  when viewed from the outside of the computing device via the backplate  110 , which is transparent or translucent, when the keyboard  108  is in the stowed position of  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  9   . The high transmission rate coating  136  may also aide in making the keyboard components obscured and/or invisible from the other side. In some examples, the light isolating layer  138  is about 150 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. 
     In some examples, above the light isolating layer  138  is an example keyboard base plate  140 . Circuitry and other hardware used in the functioning of the keyboard  108  may be coupled to the keyboard base plate  140 . The keyboard base plate  140  may be a continuous layer or separate, distinct elements. The keyboard base plate  140  does not run directly beneath the keys  118  of the keyboard  108 . Instead, the keyboard base plate  140  has apertures or otherwise is disposed around the areas directly, e.g., vertically, below the keys  118 . In some examples, the keyboard base plate  140  is about 200 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. 
     An example keyboard membrane  142  is included above the keyboard base plate  140  and forms the chassis or skin of the keyboard  108 . The keyboard membrane  142  does not run directly beneath the keys  118  of the keyboard  108 . Instead, the keyboard membrane  142  has apertures or otherwise is disposed around the areas directly, e.g., vertically, below the keys  118 . In some examples, the keyboard membrane is about 100 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. 
     The keys  118  appear at the top of the keyboard  108 . The keys  118  include example key caps  144  that are connected to the keyboard  108  via example key connectors  146 . In the illustrated example, the key connectors are a flexible scissor structure that enable the keys  118  to be depressed. After release of one the keys  118 , the corresponding key connectors  146  moves the key  118  upward due to the biasing force of the key connector  146 . 
     Conventional keyboards include a separate keyboard backlit module beneath the support plate. In this example, no separate components are need to illuminate the keys  118 . Light from the second display  104  forms means for illuminating the keyboard  108 . The light is transmitted through the backplate  110  and the high transmission rate coating  136 . The light continues through the areas directly under the keys  118  where the light will not be blocked or otherwise obscured by the light isolation layer  138 , the keyboard base plate  140 , and/or the keyboard membrane  142 . The light continues to be transmitted through the keyboard  108  and through the keys  118  to illuminate the key caps  144 . 
     The feet  117  also surround at least a portion of the backplate  110  and form means for preventing light leakage around the base of the keyboard  108 . The illuminated key caps  144  and diminished or eliminated light leakage facilitate use of the keyboard  108  by the user in a dark environment. In addition, the removal of the dedicated keyboard backlit module from the keyboard  108 , enables the form factor including, for example, the Z-height of the keyboard  108  to be decreased. 
       FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the computing device of  FIG.  5    taken along the F-F line of  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  16    shows the trackpad  122  and trackpad button  123  as arranged in the keyboard  108 . The trackpad  122  is a glass panel, glass plate, or other transparent or translucent material. In this example, the trackpad  122  is about 550 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. 
     The lower layers of the keyboard  108  beneath the trackpad  122  and trackpad button  123  also include the backplate  110 , which is made of the transparent or translucent material disclosed above, and the high transmission rate coating  136 . Light from the second display  104  can travel through the backplate  110  and the high rate transmission coating  136  and illuminate the trackpad button  123 . Also, in this example, the trackpad button  123  is structured similar to one of the keys  118  as disclosed above. 
     Above the high transmission rate coating  136  and adjacent the area beneath the trackpad key  123  is a mesh layer  148 . In this example, the mesh layer  148  is a metal mesh layer for touch. In these examples, the mesh layer  148  senses a user&#39;s touch on the trackpad  122  and transmits signals indicative of the touch. Also, in this example, the mesh layer  148  is about 30 μm thick. In other examples, other dimensions may be used. 
     The example disclosed above includes a trackpad  122  with a surface made of glass and with touch sensor attached on the backside of the trackpad  122 . In other examples, the trackpad  122  may include a one glass solution (OGS), with the touch sensor integrated to the glass. In both examples, touch functionality is enabled. 
     In the example of  FIG.  16   , no separate liquid crystal display or other display module for the trackpad  122  is needed. The reduction in components enables a smaller form factor and lower manufacturing costs. In these examples, no functionality is lost, as the second display  104  is leveraged to provide the functionality as disclosed above. 
     The backplate  110 , the high transmission rate coating  136 , the mesh layer  148 , and the plate of the trackpad  122  enable light to be transmitted therethrough. In addition, the backplate  110 , the high transmission rate coating  136 , the mesh layer  148 , and the plate of the trackpad  122  enable the contents of the second display  104  to appear on the trackpad  122 . In this example, the second display  104  may be viewed and interacted with by the user via the trackpad  122  device disposed on top of the second display  104 . Thus, with the keyboard  108  disposed on the second display, portions of the second display  104  beneath the keyboard may be visible. 
       FIG.  17    is an enlarged cross-section view of one of the keys  118  of the keyboard  108  and the trackpad key  123 . The labeling of the key  118  and the trackpad button  123  in  FIG.  17    can be switched, or the figure can represent two keys  118 , because the structure of the key connectors  146  of the keys  118  and the trackpad button  123  are the same or substantially similar. In this example, the key connector  146  includes an example scissor structure  150  that biases the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  upward and enables the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  to be depressed when the user selects the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  (as shown by the position of the trackpad button  123  in  FIG.  17   ). When the user releases the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123 , the scissor structure  150  returns the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  to the extended position (as shown by the key  118  in  FIG.  17   ). 
     The key connector  146  also includes an example elastic base  152 . The elastic base  152  compresses when the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  is depressed. The elastic base  152  returns to the extended or decompressed state when the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  is released. The presence and structure of the elastic base  152  contributes to the real typing experience sensed by the user. The elastic base  152  in this example is a rubber base. In other examples, other materials or combination of materials may be used. 
     The key connector  146  also includes an example conductive tip  154 . In this example, the conductive tip  154  is located below the key cap  144  of the key  118  and/or trackpad button  123  and above the elastic base  152 . Also, the example conductive tip  154  is a rubber material that is less elastic than the elastic base  152 . The conductive tip  154  is rigid and does not compress when the key  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  is depressed. In this example, the conductive tip  154  is a rubber material. In other examples, other materials or combination of materials including other conductive elastomers maybe used. 
     In the example of  FIG.  17   , the keyboard  108  does not include a keyboard backlight module, as disclosed above. In addition, in this example, the keyboard  108  does not include the light isolating layer  138 , the keyboard base plate  140 , or the keyboard membrane  142  under the keys  118 . Also, the keyboard  108  lacks the mesh layer  148  under the trackpad  122 . In addition, there are no flexible circuits or other hardware running between the keyboard  108  and the main processing board  120  via the second hinge  112 . Instead, in this example, there is a software-based or emulated keyboard and trackpad that appear on the second display  104 . The user operation of the physical keyboard  108  and trackpad  122  disposed on the top surface of the second display  104  interacts with the second display  104  and specifically the software-based or emulated keyboard and trackpad that are displayed on the second display  104 . 
     To facilitate communication between the physical keyboard  108  and the computing device  100  in the example of  FIG.  17   , the computing device  100  has established an example activation zone  156 . The activation zone is an area above the second display  104  in which hovering can be detected, and the hovering is used as an input triggering mechanism. For example, entry of the conductive tip  154  into the zone can be detected without the conductive tip  154  directly contacting the second display  104 . 
     The computing device  100  includes an example sensor  158  that can detect when the conductive tip  154  enters the activation zone  156 . Based on the position and/or alignment of the conductive tip  154  vis-à-vis the software-based keyboard and trackpad on the second display  104  and entry of the conductive tip  154  into the activation zone  156 , the sensor  158  can further determine specifically which of the keys  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  the user depressed. With the key  118  and/or trackpad button  123  identified, the sensor  158  transmits a corresponding input command for further processing. In some examples, the sensor  158  and a processor that handles data transmitted from the sensor  158  related to movement of the keys  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  may be incorporated into the keyboard  108 . 
       FIG.  18    is an enlarged view of the first display  102  in which hovering input can be detected. In this example, an example pen or stylus  160  hovers adjacent to the first display  102 . The stylus  160  includes a conductive element that is detected by an activation zone of the first display  102 . As shown in  FIG.  18   , an input from the stylus  160  in the form of the example mark  162  is present on the first display  102 , though the stylus  160  has not made direct contact with the first display  102 . 
       FIG.  19    is a block diagram of the example computing device  100  and the example keyboard  108 . As disclosed above, the keyboard  108  includes inputs such as, for example, the keys  118 , the trackpad  122 , and the trackpad button  123 . The computing device  100  further includes an example keyboard position sensor  202 , an example mode determiner  204 , an example keyboard enabler  206 , an example keyboard emulator  208 , an example activation zone determiner  210 , an example zone sensor  212 , and an example input register  214 . 
     The keyboard position sensor  202  determines if the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  and includes means for detecting placement of the keyboard  108  on the second display  104 . The keyboard position sensor  202  also determines if the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  adjacent the first hinge  106 , or if the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  adjacent the second hinge  112 . In some examples, the keyboard position sensor  202  includes the Hall effect sensor disclosed above in connection with the first coupling element  132  and the second coupling element  134 . 
     The mode determiner  204  forms means for setting or determining of mode of the computing device  100 . Based on the position of the keyboard  108  detected by the keyboard position sensor  202 , the mode determiner  204  determines an operating mode for the computing device  100 . For example, if the keyboard position sensor  202  determines that the keyboard  108  is not positioned on the second display  104 , the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  to a dual display or multi-display mode in which both the first display  102  and the second display  104  are used to present visual media to the user. If the keyboard position sensor  202  determines that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  and is positioned adjacent or otherwise closer to the first hinge  106 , the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  to a single display mode in which the first display  102  is used to present visual media to the user while the second display  104  is used a light source to illuminate the keys  118 , trackpad  122 , and trackpad button  123  of the keyboard  108 . In addition, if the keyboard position sensor  202  determines that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the second display  104  and is positioned adjacent or otherwise closer to the second hinge  112 , the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  to a partially multi-display mode in which the first display  102  is used to present visual media to the user, and the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  is used to present additional functional operations to the user or other media as disclosed above. The portion of the second display  104  beneath the keyboard  108  is used as a light source to illuminate the keys  118 , trackpad  122 , and trackpad button  123  of the keyboard  108 . 
     The computing device  100  further includes the keyboard enabler  206  which works in concert with the mode determiner  204  to set an operating mode of the keyboard  108 . For example, when the mode determiner  204  sets the operating mode of the computing device  100  to a dual display mode, the keyboard enabler  206  can disable the keyboard  108 . Disabling the keyboard  108  prevents registration or processing of input to the keyboard  108  such as, for example, depression of one or more keys  118 , touch on or near the trackpad  122 , and/or depression of the trackpad button  123 . In another example, the keyboard position sensor  202  can detect the placement of the keyboard  108  into the recess  126 ,  130  on the second side of the second housing  116 , and the keyboard enabler  206  disables the keyboard  108  when placement is the recess  126 ,  130  is detected. In such examples, the keyboard enabler  206  may enable the keyboard  108  though the keyboard  108  is not detected on the second display  104  but is to be used off of the computing device  100 . 
     In other examples, when the mode determiner  204  sets the operating mode of the computing device  100  to a single display mode and/or partially multi-display mode, the keyboard enabler  206  can enable the keyboard  108 . Enabling the keyboard  108  allows registration or processing of input to the keyboard  108  such as, for example, depression of one or more keys  118 , touch on or near the trackpad  122 , and/or depression of the trackpad button  123 . 
     In some examples, when the keyboard  108  enabled, the hovering technology disclosed above in connection with  FIG.  17    is used to detect and process operation of the keyboard  108 . In some examples, the computing device  100  includes the keyboard emulator  208 . The keyboard emulator  208  presents or portrays a keyboard such as, for example, a software-based keyboard on the second display  104  below the keyboard  108 . Therefore, in this example, there is an emulated keyboard appearing on the second display  104  under the keyboard  108 . 
     The computing device  100  also includes the activation zone determiner  210 . The activation zone determiner  210  sets an activation zone above the second display  104 . For example, the activation zone determiner  210  sets an activation zone above the emulated keyboard on the second display  104  that extends into the keyboard  108  such as, for example, the activation zone  156  of  FIG.  17   . 
     The zone sensor  212 , which may include the sensor  158  of  FIG.  17   , includes means for detecting movement in the activation zone  156 . The zone sensor  212  detects when one of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  has been displaced. For example, the zone sensor  212  detects when a portion of one of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  has entered the activation zone  156  set by the activation zone determiner  210 . For example, the zone sensor  212  detects when the conductive tip  154  of one of the keys  118  crosses into the activation zone  156 . 
     The depth of the activation zone  156  is adjustable. The activation zone determiner  210  can set or adjust the depth of the activation zone  156  based on physical parameters of the keyboard  108 . For example, the Z-height or thickness of the keyboard  108 , the height of the feet  117 , and/or the physical dimensions of the keys  118 , the elastic base  152 , and/or the conductive tip  154  may be used to set the activation zone  156 . In some examples, the elasticity of the elastic base  152  and/or resilience of the scissor structure  150  may be used to set the activation zone  156 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the depth of the activation zone  156  is set in accordance to a desired sensitivity. For example, a deeper activation zone would be more sensitive. In such examples, a relatively smaller movement of one of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  would enter the activation zone  156  and, thus, would trigger processing of the corresponding key stroke. In a deeper activation zone, the user can activate the trackpad  122  a relatively higher distance above the surface of the trackpad  122 . A shallower activation zone would be less sensitive. For example, a relatively larger movement of one of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  would be needed for the key  118  to enter the activation zone  156 . Also, a relatively closer finger movement would be needed to activate the trackpad  122  in a less sensitive activation zone. 
     The example computing device  100  also includes the input register  214 , which includes means for processing signals such as input signals and means for registering selection of a key. In some examples, the input register  214  is incorporated into the sensor  158 . Also, in some examples, the input register  214  determines which of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  entered the activation zone  156  based on an alignment of the key  118  or the trackpad button  123  with a corresponding element on the emulated keyboard that appears on the second display  104  beneath the keyboard  108 . When the selected key  118  or the trackpad button  123  is identified, the input register  214  registers or further processes the selection by, for example, sending the selection to the main processing board  120 . 
     Other examples, input related to the selected key  118  or the trackpad button  123  is sent directly from the keyboard  108  to the main processing board  120  via a wired connection disposed in the second hinge  112 . 
     While an example manner of implementing the computing device  100  of  FIG.  1    is illustrated in  FIG.  19   , one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated in  FIG.  19    may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example keyboard position sensor  202 , the example mode determiner  204 , the example keyboard enabler  206 , the example keyboard emulator  208 , the example activation zone determiner  210 , the example zone sensor  212 , and/or the example input register  214  of  FIG.  19    may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example keyboard position sensor  202 , the example mode determiner  204 , the example keyboard enabler  206 , the example keyboard emulator  208 , the example activation zone determiner  210 , the example zone sensor  212 , and/or the example input register  214  could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), programmable controller(s), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this patent to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the example, example keyboard position sensor  202 , the example mode determiner  204 , the example keyboard enabler  206 , the example keyboard emulator  208 , the example activation zone determiner  210 , the example zone sensor  212 , and/or the example input register  214  is/are hereby expressly defined to include a non-transitory computer readable storage device or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. including the software and/or firmware. Further still, the example computing device  100  of  FIG.  1    may include one or more elements, processes, and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in  FIG.  19   , and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices. As used herein, the phrase “in communication,” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and/or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and/or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and/or one-time events. 
     A flowchart representative of example hardware logic, machine readable instructions, hardware implemented state machines, and/or any combination thereof for implementing the computing device  100  of  FIG.  19    is shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . The machine readable instructions may be an executable program or portion of an executable program for execution by a computer processor such as the processor  512  shown in the example processor platform  500  discussed below in connection with  FIG.  22   . The program may be embodied in software stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with the processor  512 , but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor  512  and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example programs are described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in  FIGS.  20  and  21   , many other methods of implementing the example computing device  100  may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) structured to perform the corresponding operation without executing software or firmware. 
     As mentioned above, the example processes of  FIGS.  20  and  21    may be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory, and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the terms “non-transitory computer readable medium” and “non-transitory machine readable medium” are expressly defined to include any type of computer or machine readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. 
     “Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. 
     The program  300  of  FIG.  20    illustrates an example operation of the computing device  100  when the keyboard  108  is attached to the computing device  100  via the second hinge  112  and inputs to the keyboard  108  are processed through, for example, wired connections that run through the second hinge  112 . In the program  300  of  FIG.  20   , the keyboard position sensor  202  detects if the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  (block  302 ). 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  does not detect that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the display (block  302 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for multiple displays (block  304 ). In addition, the keyboard enabler  206  disables the keyboard  108  (block  306 ) to prevent activation or depression of any of the keys  118  of trackpad button  123  from generating any input signals. 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  does detect that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the display (block  302 ), the keyboard position sensor  202  also detects if the keyboard  108  is positioned adjacent or near the first hinge (e.g.,  FIG.  11   ) or if the keyboard  108  is positioned adjacent or near the second hinge (e.g.,  FIG.  5   ) (block  308 ). 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  detects that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  near the first hinge  106  (block  308 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for a single display (block  310 ). 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  detects that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  near the second hinge  112  (block  308 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for a single display with a function display (block  312 ). In some examples, however, when the keyboard position sensor  202  detects the keyboard  108  on the second display  104  near the second hinge  112 , the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  does not provide function operations or other material. In such examples, the mode determiner  204  sets the mode to a single display mode as shown in block  310 . 
     The example program  300  also includes the computing device  100  using the second display as a light source to backlight the keyboard  108  (block  314 ). For example, the light from the second display  104  is propagating through the layers of the computing device  100  as disclosed above with  FIGS.  17  and  18   . 
     In the single display mode or the single display and function display mode, the keyboard enabler  206  enables the keyboard  108  (block  316 ). The input register  214  registers or processes input into the keyboard  108  when enabled (block  318 ). For example, when the keyboard  108  is enabled, a depression or selection of one of the keys  118  and/or the trackpad button  123  or touch input to the trackpad  122  will be processed by the computing device  100 . 
     The example program  300  continues with the keyboard position sensor  202  determining if the keyboard  108  is detected on the second display  104  (block  302 ). Movement of the keyboard  108  with respect to the second display  104  will cause different operation of the example program  300 . 
     The program  400  of  FIG.  21    illustrates an example operation of the computing device  100  when the keyboard  108  implements hover technology to detect input to the keyboard  108  and trigger processing of the input. In this example, the keyboard  108  may or may not be tethered to the computing device  100  via the second hinge  112 . 
     In the program  400  of  FIG.  21   , the keyboard position sensor  202  detects if the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  (block  402 ). If the keyboard position sensor  202  does not detect that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the display (block  402 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for multiple displays (block  404 ). In addition, the keyboard enabler  206  disables the keyboard  108  (block  406 ) to prevent activation or depression of any of the keys  118  of trackpad button  123  from generating any input signals. 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  does detect that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the display (block  402 ), the keyboard position sensor  202  also detects if the keyboard  108  is positioned adjacent or near the first hinge (e.g.,  FIG.  11   ) or if the keyboard  108  is positioned adjacent or near the second hinge (e.g.,  FIG.  5   ) (block  408 ). 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  detects that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  near the first hinge  106  (block  408 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for a single display (block  410 ). 
     If the keyboard position sensor  202  detects that the keyboard  108  is positioned on the surface of the second display  104  near the second hinge  112  (block  408 ), the mode determiner  204  sets the mode of the computing device  100  for a single display with a function display (block  412 ). In some examples, however, when the keyboard position sensor  202  detects the keyboard  108  on the second display  104  near the second hinge  112 , the exposed portion  124  of the second display  104  does not provide function operations or other material. In such examples, the mode determiner  204  sets the mode to a single display mode as shown in block  410 . 
     The example program  400  also includes the computing device  100  using the second display as a light source to backlight the keyboard  108  (block  414 ). For example, the light from the second display  104  is propagating through the layers of the computing device  100  as disclosed above with  FIGS.  17  and  18   . 
     In the single display mode or the single display and function display mode, the keyboard enabler  206  enables the keyboard  108  (block  416 ). The keyboard emulator  208  presents an emulated keyboard  108  on the second display  104  under the keyboard  108  (block  418 ). 
     In the example program  400  of  FIG.  21   , the activation zone determiner  210  sets an activation zone (block  420 ) such as, for example, the activation zone  156  of  FIG.  17    above the second display  104 . The activation zone  156  has a depth that correlates to the sensitivity of the keys  118  or trackpad button  123 . For example, a larger or deeper activation zone  156  would detect a smaller movement of one of the keys  118  or the trackpad button  123  because the corresponding conductive tip  154  would enter the activation zone  156  sooner than if the activation zone  156  were shallower. The activation zone determiner  210  can set the activation zone  156  based on a desired sensitivity and/or physical characteristics of the keyboard  108 , keys, and/or trackpad button  123  as disclosed above. 
     The zone sensor  212  and/or the sensor  158  detect if there is movement in the activation zone  156  (block  422 ). For example, the zone sensor  212  detects when the conductive tip  154  of one of the keys  118  descends into the activation zone  156  when pressed by a user. 
     If the zone sensor  212  does not detect movement in the activation zone  156  (block  422 ), there is no input to register or process, and the example program  400  continues with the keyboard position sensor  202  determining if the keyboard  108  is detected on the second display  104  (block  402 ). In addition, if the zone sensor  212  does not detect movement in the activation zone  156  (block  422 ), and there is no movement of the keyboard  108 , the process  400  will progress as disclosed above until the zone sensor  212  detects movement in the activation zone  156  (block  422 ) or the keyboard position sensor  202  detects a repositioning of the keyboard  108  (block  408 ) or removal of the keyboard  108  from the second display  104  (block  420 ). 
     If the zone sensor  212  does detect movement in the activation zone  156  (block  422 ), the input register  214  registers or processes the input (block  424 ). For example, the input register  214  correlates the depressed or selected key  118  or trackpad button  123  with a corresponding feature or element of the emulated keyboard on the second display  104 . The corresponding element is processed as the selected key  118  or trackpad button  123  (block  424 ). 
     The example program  300  continues with the keyboard position sensor  202  determining if the keyboard  108  is detected on the second display  104  (block  402 ). Movement of the keyboard  108  with respect to the second display  104  will cause different operation of the example program  400 . 
       FIG.  22    is a block diagram of an example processor platform  500  structured to execute the instructions of  FIGS.  20  and  21    to implement the computing device  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  19   . The processor platform  500  can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a gaming console, or any other type of computing device. 
     The processor platform  500  of the illustrated example includes a processor  512 . The processor  512  of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor  512  can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, GPUs, DSPs, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. The hardware processor may be a semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) device. In this example, the processor implements the example keyboard position sensor  202 , the example mode determiner  204 , the example keyboard enabler  206 , the example keyboard emulator  208 , the example activation zone determiner  210 , the example zone sensor  212 , and the example input register  214 . 
     The processor  512  of the illustrated example includes a local memory  513  (e.g., a cache). The processor  512  of the illustrated example is in communication with a main memory including a volatile memory  514  and a non-volatile memory  516  via a bus  518 . The volatile memory  514  may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS® Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM®), and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory  516  may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory  514 ,  516  is controlled by a memory controller. 
     The processor platform  500  of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit  520 . The interface circuit  520  may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, and/or a PCI express interface. 
     In the illustrated example, one or more input devices  522  are connected to the interface circuit  520 . The input device(s)  522  permit(s) a user to enter data and/or commands into the processor  512 . The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system. 
     One or more output devices  524  are also connected to the interface circuit  520  of the illustrated example. The output devices  524  can be implemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube display (CRT), an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touchscreen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer, and/or speaker. The interface circuit  520  of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and/or a graphics driver processor. 
     The interface circuit  520  of the illustrated example also includes a communication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a modem, a residential gateway, a wireless access point, and/or a network interface to facilitate exchange of data with external machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network  526 . The communication can be via, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a line-of-site wireless system, a cellular telephone system, etc. 
     The processor platform  500  of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices  528  for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices  528  include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives. 
     The machine executable instructions  532  of  FIGS.  20  and  21    may be stored in the mass storage device  528 , in the volatile memory  514 , in the non-volatile memory  516 , and/or on a removable non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed that enable dual and flexible display form factors with physical keyboard that do not sacrifice a keyboard typing experience, manufacturing costs, and appearance. The disclosed apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods improve the use a computing device by providing the user with a physical keyboard typing experience while reducing the complexity of the physical keyboard by removing backlighting modules and some input processing from the physical keyboards while maintaining the same functions. The disclosed apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are accordingly directed to one or more improvement(s) in the functioning of a computer. 
     Disclosed herein are example apparatus, system, articles of manufacture, and methods related to computing devices and physical keyboards. Example 1 includes a computing device that includes a first display and a second display coupled to the first display via a first hinge. The computing device of Example 1 also includes a keyboard coupled to the second display via a second hinge. 
     Example 2 includes the computing device of Example 1, further including a housing, the second display disposed on a first side of the housing, a recess disposed on a second side of the housing, the keyboard stowable in the recess. 
     Example 3 includes the computing device of Example 2, wherein the recess is disposed adjacent the first hinge. 
     Example 4 includes the computing device of Example 2, wherein the recess is disposed adjacent the second hinge. 
     Example 5 includes the computing device of Example 2, wherein the keyboard is disposed on the second display in a use position. 
     Example 6 includes the computing device of Example 5, further including a sensor to detect placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 7 includes the computing device of Example 6, further including a first magnetic element coupled to the keyboard, and a second magnetic element coupled to the housing, the keyboard magnetically couplable to the second display via the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. 
     Example 8 includes the computing device of Example 7, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor. 
     Example 9 includes the computing device of Example 6, further including a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor to place the computing device in a single display and keyboard mode when the sensor detects placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 10 includes the computing device of Example 6, further including a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor to place the computing device in a dual display mode when the sensor does not detect placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 11 includes the computing device of Example 10, wherein the processor is to disable the keyboard when the computing device is in the dual display mode. 
     Example 12 includes the computing device of Example 1, wherein the second hinge is a soft hinge. 
     Example 13 includes the computing device of Example 12, wherein the second hinge includes a flexible band. 
     Example 14 includes the computing device of Example 12, further including a processor, and a flexible printed circuit disposed in the second hinge to transmit signals between the processor and the keyboard. 
     Example 15 includes the computing device of Example 1, further including a housing, the second display disposed on a first side of the housing, the housing having a first height, the keyboard having a second height, the second height less than the first height. 
     Example 16 includes the computing device of Example 1, wherein the keyboard includes a translucent backplate and the second display is to illuminate portions of the keyboard when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 17 includes the computing device of Example 16, further including a looped foot disposed on the backplate to prevent leakage of light. 
     Example 18 includes the computing device of Example 16, further including a coating disposed between the backplate and keys of the keyboard, the coating to obscure the keys when the keyboard is in a stowed position and the coating to transmit light when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 19 includes the computing device of Example 1, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a portion of the second display is visible through the trackpad when the trackpad is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 20 includes the computing device of Example 19, wherein the portion of the second display visible through the trackpad is manipulatable through the trackpad. 
     Example 21 includes the computing device of Example 1, further including a sensor having an activation zone above the second display, the sensor to detect a movement within the activation zone. 
     Example 22 includes the computing device of Example 21, wherein the movement is movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 23 includes the computing device of Example 22, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 24 includes the computing device of Example 22, further including a processor to register selection of the key based on the movement detection by the sensor. 
     Example 25 includes the computing device of Example 21, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the second display. 
     Example 26 includes a computing device that includes a first display, a second display coupled to the first display via a hinge, and a keyboard couplable to the second display, the keyboard including a translucent backplate and the second display is to illuminate portions of the keyboard when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 27 includes the computing device of Example 26, further including a looped foot disposed on the backplate to prevent leakage of light. 
     Example 28 includes the computing device of Example 26, further including a housing having a first side in which the second display is disposed and a second side into which the keyboard is stowable, and a coating disposed between the backplate and keys of the keyboard, the coating to obscure the keys when the keyboard is stowed in a recess and the coating to transmit light when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 29 includes the computing device of Example 26, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a portion of the second display is visible through the trackpad when the trackpad is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 30 includes the computing device of Example 29, wherein the portion of the second display visible through the trackpad is manipulatable through the trackpad. 
     Example 31 includes a computing device that includes a first display, a second display coupled to the first display via a first hinge, a keyboard couplable to the second display, and a sensor having an activation zone above the second display, the sensor to detect a movement within the activation zone. 
     Example 32 includes the computing device of Example 31, wherein the movement is movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 33 includes the computing device of Example 32, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 34 includes the computing device of Example 32, further including a processor to register selection of the key based on the movement detection by the sensor. 
     Example 35 includes the computing device of Example 31, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the second display. 
     Example 36 includes a computing device that includes a first display, a second display, means for coupling the first display and the second display, a keyboard, and means for coupling the keyboard to the second display. 
     Example 37 includes the computing device of Example 36, further including a housing, the second display disposed on a first side of the housing, and means for stowing the keyboard on a second side of the housing. 
     Example 38 includes the computing device of Example 37, wherein the means for stowing is disposed adjacent the means for coupling the first display and the second display. 
     Example 39 includes the computing device of Example 37, wherein the means for stowing is disposed adjacent the means for coupling the keyboard to the second display. 
     Example 40 includes the computing device of Example 37, wherein the keyboard is disposed on the second display in a use position. 
     Example 41 includes the computing device of Example 40, further including means for detecting placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 42 includes the computing device of Example 41, further including means for positioning the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 43 includes the computing device of Example 42, wherein the means for positioning the keyboard on the second display includes a Hall effect sensor. 
     Example 44 includes the computing device of Example 41, further including means for setting the computing device in a single display and keyboard mode when the means for detecting detects placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 45 includes the computing device of Example 41, further including means for setting the computing device in a dual display mode when the means for detecting does not detect placement of the keyboard on the second display. 
     Example 46 includes the computing device of Example 45, wherein the means for setting is to disable the keyboard when the computing device is in the dual display mode. 
     Example 47 includes the computing device of Example 36, wherein the means for coupling the keyboard to the second display includes a soft hinge. 
     Example 48 includes the computing device of Example 47, wherein the means for coupling the keyboard to the second display includes a flexible band. 
     Example 49 includes the computing device of Example 47, further including means for processing signals, and a flexible printed circuit disposed in the means for coupling the keyboard to the second display to transmit the signals between the means for processing and the keyboard. 
     Example 50 includes the computing device of Example 36, further including a housing, the second display disposed on a first side of the housing, the housing having a first height, the keyboard having a second height, the second height less than the first height. 
     Example 51 includes the computing device of Example 36, wherein the keyboard includes a translucent backplate and the second display is to illuminate portions of the keyboard when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 52 includes the computing device of Example 51, further including means to prevent leakage of light disposed on the backplate. 
     Example 53 includes the computing device of Example 51, further including means for obscuring the keys when the keyboard is in a stowed position and transmitting light when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 54 includes the computing device of Example 36, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a portion of the second display is visible through the trackpad when the trackpad is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 55 includes the computing device of Example 54, wherein the portion of the second display visible through the trackpad is manipulatable through the trackpad. 
     Example 56 includes the computing device of Example 36, further including means for detecting a movement within an activation zone about the second display. 
     Example 57 includes the computing device of Example 56, wherein the movement is movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 58 includes the computing device of Example 57, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 59 includes the computing device of Example 57, further including means for registering selection of the key based on the detected movement. 
     Example 60 includes the computing device of Example 56, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the second display. 
     Example 61 includes a computing device that includes a first display, a second display, means for coupling to the first display and the second display, a keyboard couplable to the second display, and means illuminating portions of the keyboard with the second display when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 62 includes the computing device of Example 61, further means for preventing leakage of light disposed on the keyboard. 
     Example 63 includes the computing device of Example 61, further including a housing having a first side in which the second display is disposed, means for stowing the keyboard on a second side of the housing, and means for obscuring the keys when the keyboard is stowed and for transmitting light when the keyboard is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 64 includes the computing device of Example 61, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a portion of the second display is visible through the trackpad when the trackpad is disposed on the second display. 
     Example 65 includes the computing device of Example 64, wherein the portion of the second display visible through the trackpad is manipulatable through the trackpad. 
     Example 66 includes a computing device that includes a first display, a second display, means for coupling the first display to the second display, a keyboard couplable to the second display, and means for detecting a movement within an activation zone above the second display. 
     Example 67 includes the computing device of Example 66, wherein the movement is movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 68 includes the computing device of Example 67, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 69 includes the computing device of Example 67, further including means for registering selection of the key based on the movement. 
     Example 70 includes the computing device of Example 66, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the second display. 
     Example 71 includes non-transitory computer readable storage medium that includes computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to, at least: detect placement of a keyboard on a display of a computing device having a plurality of displays; place the computing device in a single display and keyboard mode when the placement of the keyboard on the display is detected; and place the computing device in a multi-display mode when the placement of the keyboard on the display is not detected. 
     Example 72 includes the storage medium of Example 71, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to disable the keyboard when the computing device is in the multi-display mode. 
     Example 73 includes the storage medium of Example 71, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to use the display to illuminate portions of the keyboard when the keyboard is disposed on the display. 
     Example 74 includes the storage medium of Example 71, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to detect a movement within an activation zone above the display. 
     Example 75 includes the storage medium of Example 74, wherein the movement is a movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 76 includes the storage medium of Example 75, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 77 includes the storage medium of Example 74, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to register selection of the key based on the detected movement. 
     Example 78 includes the storage medium of Example 74, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the display. 
     Example 79 includes a method that includes: detecting, by executing instructions with a processor, placement of a keyboard on a display of a computing device having a plurality of displays; placing, by executing instructions with the processor, the computing device in a single display and keyboard mode when the placement of the keyboard on the display is detected; and placing, by executing instructions with the processor, the computing device in a multi-display mode when the placement of the keyboard on the display is not detected. 
     Example 80 includes the method of Example 79, further including disabling, by executing instructions with the processor, the keyboard when the computing device is in the multi-display mode. 
     Example 81 includes the method of Example 79, further including using, by executing instructions with the processor, the display to illuminate portions of the keyboard when the keyboard is disposed on the display. 
     Example 82 includes the method of Example 79, further including detecting, by executing instructions with the processor, a movement within an activation zone above the display. 
     Example 83 includes the method of Example 82, wherein the movement is a movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 84 includes the method of Example 83, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 85 includes the method of Example 82, further including registering, by executing instructions with the processor, selection of the key based on the detected movement. 
     Example 86 includes the method of Example 82, wherein the movement is movement of a finger of a user or of a stylus within the activation zone and above the display. 
     Example 87 includes a keyboard that includes a plurality of keys, a translucent backplate having a first side and a second side, and a coating disposed between the first side of the backplate and the plurality of keys, the coating to transmit light from the backplate to the plurality of keys, and the coating to obscure the plurality keys when viewed from the second side of the backplate. 
     Example 88 includes the keyboard of Example 87, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a device on which the keyboard is positionable is manipulatable through the trackpad. 
     Example 89 includes the keyboard of Example 87, further including a trackpad coupled adjacent the keyboard, the trackpad including a glass panel, wherein a device on which the keyboard is positionable is visible through the trackpad. 
     Example 90 includes the keyboard of Example 87, further including a sensor having an activation zone, the sensor to detect a movement within the activation zone. 
     Example 91 includes the keyboard of Example 90, wherein the movement is movement of a key of the keyboard when a portion of the key enters the activation zone. 
     Example 92 includes they keyboard of Example 91, wherein the portion of the key is a conductive tip. 
     Example 93 includes the keyboard of Example 91, further including a processor to register selection of the key based on the movement detection by the sensor. 
     Example 94 includes the keyboard of Example 87, the keyboard stowable in a computing device. 
     Example 95 includes the keyboard of Example 94, further including a fastener to couple the keyboard to the computing device in a stowed position. 
     Example 96 includes the keyboard of Example 95, the fastener including a magnetic fastener. 
     Example 97 includes a keyboard that includes a plurality of keys, a translucent backplate having a first side and a second side, and means for transmitting light from the backplate to the plurality of keys and for obscuring the plurality keys when viewed from the second side of the backplate. 
     Example 98 includes the keyboard of Example 97, further means for detecting movement of a key of the plurality of keys. 
     Example 99 includes the keyboard of Example 97, further including means for releasably securing the keyboard to a recess of a computing device in a stowed position. 
     Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.