Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> describes a multi-form factor information handling system (IHS) with layered, folable, bendable, flappable, rotatable, removable, displaceable, and/or slideable components. An IHS may include a first display and a second display coupled to the first display, where the second display further comprises a bendable, foldable, or flappable layer having: (i) a screen surface, and (ii) a keyboard surface opposing the screen surface.

Preferred, optional, features are recited in the accompanying dependent claims.

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.

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 hinged to a support plate, stowable within or under one of the displays, and deployable on or over another one of the displays. In some examples, one of the displays is hinged to a support plate, stowable under another display, and deployable on or over a physical keyboard. Deployment and stowage of the keyboards or a second display enable the computing devices to switch between single display and multiple display modes.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a front perspective view of an example dual display computing device <NUM> with an example physical keyboard, according to the invention. In <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> is in an open position, and the keyboard is in a stowed position. Thus, the keyboard is not visible in <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> includes an example first display <NUM> and an example second display <NUM>. The first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled via means for coupling the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> including, for example, an example first hinge <NUM>. In some examples, the means for coupling includes a flexible connection. In some examples, the means for coupling includes joints. In some examples, the means for coupling includes pins. In some examples, the means for coupling include gears and/or cogs. <FIG> shows the computing device <NUM> in position for use as a dual screen device.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of the computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> includes an example support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> is coupled to the second display <NUM> via the first hinge <NUM>. In some examples, the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled via a hinge that is different than the first hinge <NUM>. In other words, in some examples, the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled via the first hinge <NUM>, and the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled via a different hinge.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the computing device of <FIG> with the first display <NUM> partially rotated about the support plate <NUM>. The first display <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> are coupled via means for coupling the first display <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> including, for example, an example second hinge <NUM>. In some examples, the means for coupling includes a flexible connection. In some examples, the means for coupling includes joints. In some examples, the means for coupling includes pins. In some examples, the means for coupling include gears and/or cogs. In this example, the second hinge <NUM> is positioned in a middle or center portion of the first display <NUM> and at the top of the support plate <NUM>. In this example, the support plate <NUM> has a height that is less than the height of the first display <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, a rear side of the first display <NUM> includes a cavity or recess <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> is removably positionable in the cavity <NUM>. In some examples, such as shown in <FIG>, the first display <NUM> is positioned around the support plate <NUM> such that the support plate <NUM> may be visible from the rear side of the first display <NUM>. When the first display <NUM> is rotated about the second hinge <NUM>, and example physical keyboard <NUM> is exposed and accessible. <FIG> shows a rear or bottom side of the physical keyboard <NUM>. The physical keyboard <NUM> is coupled to the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM> via means for coupling the physical keyboard <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> including, for example, the first hinge <NUM>. Thus, in some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> is hingedly coupled to the support plate <NUM> about an axis of rotation, and the second display <NUM> is hingedly coupled to the support plate <NUM> about the same axis of rotation. Throughout this description, the disclosure of a hinge is a disclosure of an axis of rotation.

In other examples, the physical keyboard <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> may be coupled via a hinge that is not the same as the hinge that couples the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. Thus, in some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are hingedly coupled about an axis of rotation relative to the support plate <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> is hingedly coupled to the first display <NUM> about a different axis of rotation.

Also, in some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> are coupled via a hinge, and the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled via a different hinge. Thus, in some examples the physical keyboard <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> are coupled about an axis of rotation, and the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are coupled about a different axis of rotation.

In some examples, there are three mechanical connections that include the connection between the first display <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>, the connection between the physical keyboard <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>, and the connection between the support plate <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. In some examples the first display <NUM> is coupled to the second display <NUM> via the support plate <NUM>. The physical keyboard <NUM> is stowable behind the first display <NUM> including, for example, in the cavity <NUM>. The physical keyboard <NUM> remains physically coupled to the computing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM> rotated onto or above the surface of the example second display <NUM>. In this view, the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the in-use or deployed position, while the first display <NUM> is partially rotated about the second hinge <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first display <NUM> is rotated about the second hinge <NUM> to the in-use position. In this position, the first display <NUM> covers the support plate <NUM>. <FIG> shows the computing device <NUM> in position for use with the physical keyboard <NUM>.

In some examples, there are additional means for coupling one or more of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, and/or the physical keyboard <NUM> including, for example, example magnets <NUM> and/or complementary magnetic elements such as, for example, metal plates. In some examples, there are magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> disposed within the second display <NUM> and on the bottom of the physical keyboard <NUM> that are releasably engaged to couple the physical keyboard <NUM> and the second display <NUM> to hold the physical keyboard <NUM> in the deployed position. In some examples, there are magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> disposed on the support plate <NUM> and on the rear surface of the first display <NUM> are releasably engaged to couple the support plate <NUM> and the first display <NUM> when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position. In some examples, there are magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> disposed on the support plate <NUM> and on the top of the physical keyboard <NUM> that are releasably engaged to couple the physical keyboard <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> to hold the physical keyboard <NUM> in the stowed position. In some examples, there are magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the first display <NUM> and on the bottom of the physical keyboard <NUM> that are releasably engaged to couple the physical keyboard <NUM> and the first display <NUM> when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed deployed position. The same magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> may be used for the different magnetic couplings disclosed herein. In addition, the number of magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> included in the computing device <NUM> may be different than the number shown in <FIG>. For example, there may be one magnet and/or magnetic element <NUM> in or on each of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, and/or the physical keyboard <NUM>. Other examples may include three or more magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM>. Some examples include a different number of magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> among the elements of the computing device <NUM>. The magnets and/or magnetic elements <NUM> may be located on one or more side edges, a front edge, a rear edge, a middle portion and/or any other suitable location(s) on or in the elements of the computing device <NUM> to perform the coupling functions disclosed herein.

In some examples, <FIG> shows the computing device <NUM> for use as a single screen device. In other examples, <FIG> shows the computing device <NUM> for use with the first display <NUM>, the physical keyboard <NUM>, and portions of the second display <NUM>. For example, the portions of the second display <NUM> that are not covered by the physical keyboard <NUM> may be used to present content to the user. In some examples, the screen of the second display <NUM> around the physical keyboard <NUM> is customized for keyboard uses.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> taken along the 1F-1F line of <FIG>. <FIG> shows the physical keyboard <NUM> in the stowed position. The physical keyboard <NUM> is rotated upward and the keys of the physical keyboard <NUM> face the support plate <NUM>. The physical keyboard <NUM> is disposed within the cavity <NUM>. The thickness and/or height of the physical keyboard <NUM> is less than the thickness of the first display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the computing device <NUM> with the first display <NUM> in a partially closed position and the physical keyboard <NUM> in the deployed position. In this example, the presence of the physical keyboard <NUM> on the second display <NUM> prevents the first display <NUM> from moving to the closed position. The contact between the first display <NUM> and the physical keyboard <NUM> reminds the user to stow the physical keyboard <NUM> before closing the computing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative example dual display computing device <NUM>. The dual display device includes the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> between the first display <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>, and the physical keyboard <NUM>. In <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> is in an open position and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in a stowed position.

<FIG> shows that the first display <NUM> includes an example first cover <NUM> and an example first screen <NUM>. The second display <NUM> includes an example second cover <NUM> and an example second screen <NUM>.

The computing device <NUM> also includes an example intermediary panel <NUM>. The intermediary panel <NUM> connects the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. The intermediary panel <NUM> elevates the first display <NUM>. In this example, the first display <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the intermediary panel <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. In this example, the intermediary panel <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the second display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> with the first display <NUM> in a closed position. In this view, the first display <NUM> has been rotated about the hinge <NUM>. The intermediary panel <NUM> elevates the first display <NUM>, which forms a triangular space <NUM> between the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. In the closed position, a first end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> (the end of the first display <NUM> further from the intermediary panel <NUM>) moves toward or into contact with a first end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> (the end of the second display <NUM> further from the intermediary panel <NUM>). A second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> (the end of the first display <NUM> coupled to the intermediary panel <NUM>) is spaced apart from a second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> (the end of the second display <NUM> coupled to the intermediary panel <NUM>). In some examples, the second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are spaced apart by a distance defined by the intermediary panel <NUM>. For example, the distance may be defined by a height of the intermediary panel <NUM>. In some examples, when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position, the first end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are separated a first distance, and the second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are separated a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In the illustrated example, the first cover <NUM> is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal when the computing device <NUM> is in the close position.

The physical keyboard <NUM> is coupled to the intermediary panel <NUM> via an example linkage <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the linkage <NUM> includes a dual axis chain or dual axis link. The linkage <NUM> includes an example first hinge or axis of rotation <NUM> and an example second hinge or axis of rotation <NUM>. In some examples, the linkage <NUM> is a soft hinge that includes two fold lines. In some examples, when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position, the first axis <NUM> is aligned with or coincident with the hinge <NUM> that couples the first display <NUM> and the intermediary panel <NUM>. In the stowed position, the physical keyboard <NUM> is rotated about the first axis <NUM> and positioned in the first cover <NUM>. When the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position, the linkage <NUM> is rotated about the second axis to position the linkage <NUM> in alignment with the intermediary panel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position, the linkage <NUM> or a portion of the linkage <NUM> is positioned in the intermediary panel <NUM>. In other examples, the linkage <NUM> is positioned over a surface of the intermediary panel <NUM> when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position.

In some examples, the linkage <NUM> is without torque for holding the physical keyboard <NUM> in a position. Thus, the linkage <NUM> does not affect movement of the first display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> where the computing device <NUM> is in an open position and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in a deployed position. The physical keyboard <NUM> is shown in <FIG> deployed on and/or over the second screen <NUM>. To move the physical keyboard <NUM> to the deployed position, the physical keyboard <NUM> is rotated about the first axis <NUM> and removed from the first cover <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> is rotated about the second axis <NUM>, which moves the first axis <NUM> out of alignment with the hinge <NUM> and moves the linkage <NUM> away from the intermediary panel <NUM>. In this example, the physical keyboard <NUM> is movable about the first axis <NUM>, the linkage <NUM> is movable about the second axis <NUM>, and the first axis <NUM> is movable about the second axis <NUM>. In this example, the first axis <NUM> is movable into and out of alignment with the first display <NUM> and/or the intermediary panel <NUM>. In this example, the second axis <NUM> is stationary with regard to the position of the second axis <NUM> relative to the intermediary panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing <NUM> with the first display <NUM> in the closed position while the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position. The triangular space <NUM> formed in part by the intermediary panel <NUM> provides a cavity for the physical keyboard <NUM>. The triangular space prevents the physical keyboard <NUM> from obstructing movement of the first display <NUM> into the closed position. In this example, the user can close the computing device <NUM> without stowing the physical keyboard <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another example dual display computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM>. In <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> is in the open position, and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in a stowed position. The computing device <NUM> is similar to the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> and includes the intermediary panel <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the first display <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the intermediary panel via the hinge <NUM>, and the intermediary panel <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the second display <NUM> via an example hinge <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> is coincident with the hinge <NUM> of the linkage <NUM> that couples the physical keyboard <NUM> with the intermediary panel <NUM>. In other examples, the hinge <NUM> and the hinge <NUM> may be offset.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> with the first display <NUM> shown in phantom lines transitioning to a closed position and also shown in the closed position. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> in the closed position. The hinge <NUM> enables the intermediary panel <NUM> to rotate about the axis of the hinge <NUM>. As the intermediary panel <NUM> rotates, the hinge <NUM> moves from the elevated position shown in <FIG> to the lower position shown in <FIG>. The movement of the hinge <NUM> is shown by the dotted line <NUM>. The movement of the hinge <NUM> enables the first display <NUM> to rest on the second display <NUM> when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position shown in <FIG>. In this example, the height of the computing device <NUM> is not increased when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position. In other words, the height of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> is less than the height of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> when the computing devices <NUM>, <NUM> are in the respective closed positions.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position. In this example, when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position, the hinge <NUM> moves with the hinge <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> moves with the hinge <NUM>, and the linkage <NUM> moves with the intermediary panel <NUM>.

The example computing device <NUM> may have a first display <NUM> that has a shorter dimension than the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>. The first end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are aligned when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position. However, the second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are not aligned when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position. The second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are offset when the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position. The second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are offset by a distance based on the intermediary panel <NUM>. For example, the second end <NUM> of the first display <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second display <NUM> are offset by a distance equal to a width of the intermediary panel <NUM>.

In some examples, the shape of the second cover <NUM> of the second display <NUM> is angled on the side closer to the intermediary panel <NUM>. The angled shape may be a recess or a contour of the second cover <NUM>. The angled shape accommodates or receives the intermediary panel <NUM> when the first display <NUM> is moved to the closed position.

<FIG> is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> where the computing device <NUM> is in the open position and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position. In the position shown in <FIG>, the linkage <NUM> is rotated about the hinge <NUM>. The intermediary panel <NUM> is not rotated about the hinge <NUM>, and the linkage <NUM> has been moved away from the intermediary panel <NUM>. Also, the hinge <NUM> is moved away from the hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> with the first display <NUM> in a partially closed position. As shown in <FIG>, when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position, and the first display <NUM> is moved to the closed position, the first display <NUM> contacts the physical keyboard <NUM> and movement to the fully closed position is prevented. The prevention of further movement of the first display <NUM> reminds the user to stow the physical keyboard <NUM> before closing the computing device <NUM>.

In some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> includes an example stopper <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is coupled to an end of the physical keyboard <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may include a material such as, for example, rubber. The stopper <NUM> makes contact with the first display <NUM> when the first display <NUM> is moving to the closed position while the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position. The stopper <NUM> protects the first screen <NUM> from damage as force is applied to the first display <NUM> to close the computing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a front perspective view of an example dual display computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM>, where the computing device <NUM> is in the open position and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the stowed position. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the computing device <NUM>. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the computing device <NUM> showing the first display <NUM> partially rotated about an example support plate <NUM>. In this example, the support plate <NUM> extends substantially fully behind the first display <NUM>. In some examples, the support plate <NUM> has the same or substantially the same length and height dimensions as the first display <NUM>. In this example, the first display <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the support plate <NUM> about an example hinge <NUM>. In this example, the hinge <NUM> is located at a top edge of the first display and a top edge of the support plate <NUM>. <FIG> also shows the example physical keyboard <NUM> partially rotated to the deployed position. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM> rotated onto or above the second display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> taken along the 4E-4E line of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> is in the open position, and the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the deployed position. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> with the first display <NUM> in the closed position with the physical keyboard <NUM> coupled via first type of hinge <NUM>. In this example, the physical keyboard <NUM> rotates relative to the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> about the same hinge <NUM> or a hinge aligned with the hinge <NUM> about which the first display <NUM> rotates relative to the second display <NUM> to open and close the computing device.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the computing device <NUM> with the first display <NUM> in a closed position and the physical keyboard <NUM> coupled via a second type of hinge. The hinge in <FIG> is a dual axis change that includes the linkage <NUM>, the first hinge <NUM> to couple the physical keyboard <NUM> to the first display <NUM>, and the second hinge <NUM> to couple the physical keyboard <NUM> to the second display <NUM>. In some examples, the hinge of <FIG> that couples the physical keyboard <NUM> to the computing device <NUM> is a soft hinge.

The first screen <NUM> is positioned at an angle in the first cover <NUM> in the examples of <FIG>. For example, the first cover <NUM> includes a front face <NUM>, which faces a user when the computing device <NUM> is in use (the open position), and a rear face <NUM>, which faces away from the user when the computing device <NUM> is in use. The first screen <NUM> includes a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM>, the bottom end <NUM> is closer to the hinge <NUM> than the top end <NUM>. With the angled position of the first screen <NUM>, the top end <NUM> of the first screen <NUM> is closer to the front face <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> than to the rear face <NUM>. The bottom end <NUM> of the first screen <NUM> is closer to the rear face <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> than to the front face <NUM>. The angled position of the first screen <NUM> accommodates the physical keyboard <NUM> when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in a stowed position (<FIG>) and/or when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in a deployed position (<FIG>).

<FIG> are schematic illustrations of front perspective views of an example dual display computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM> disposed in an example track <NUM>. In <FIG>, the physical keyboard is in a first deployed position where the physical keyboard <NUM> is positioned closer to the first display <NUM> and the underlying support plate <NUM>, <NUM> within the track <NUM>. In <FIG>, the physical keyboard is in a second deployed position wherein the physical keyboard <NUM> has been slid in the track <NUM> closer to the user and away from the first display <NUM> and the underlying support plate <NUM>, <NUM>. The physical keyboard <NUM> may be positioned at any position between the two positions shown in <FIG>, which gives the user greater flexibility regarding positioning of the physical keyboard <NUM> and comfort with use.

In some examples, a first area <NUM> of the second display <NUM> may present first content when the physical keyboard <NUM> is in the first position shown in <FIG>. In some examples, a second area <NUM> of the second display <NUM> may be present the first content or second content different than the first content when the physical keyboard is in the second position shown in <FIG>.

In some examples, the track <NUM> is a docking tray. In some examples, the docking tray includes a glass plate between the tracks <NUM> so that the second area <NUM> is visible when the physical keyboard is in the second position shown in <FIG>. In some examples, other items such as, for example, a pen, a flat mouse, etc. may be stored with the tracks <NUM> and/or docking tray.

In some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> is transparent. The keys of the physical keyboard <NUM> may appear via one or more areas <NUM>, <NUM> of the second display <NUM> and project up through the transparent, physical keyboard <NUM>. In some examples, the keys may be customizable. In such examples, the users enjoy the benefits of the software enhanced or customizable keyboard along with the tactile satisfaction of a physical keyboard.

In some examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> is a wireless keyboard that communicates, for example, via Bluetooth technology. In some example, the physical keyboard <NUM> is completely removable and usable separate from the device disclosed herein. In such examples, the physical keyboard <NUM> can be used with devices that have two full displays.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a front perspective view of an example dual display computing device <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM> that provides a laptop first experience. In this example, the physical keyboard <NUM> is positioned in the second cover <NUM>. The second screen <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the support plate <NUM> via the hinge <NUM>. Thus, the second screen <NUM> is coupled between the first display <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> with the physical keyboard <NUM>. In this example, the second screen <NUM> is stowable behind the first display <NUM>. The first display is rotated about the support plate <NUM> to access the second screen <NUM>. The second screen <NUM> is rotated about the hinge to deploy the second screen <NUM> when more screen space is desired.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example computing device <NUM> that represents any of the example computing devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of any of <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> includes the physical keyboard <NUM>, the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, and the hinge <NUM> and/or the linkage <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> also includes an example output generator <NUM>. The output generator <NUM> generates displays (including media content), interfaces, alarms, and other suitable output based on the position of one or more of the first screen display, the second screen display, the hinge <NUM> and/or linkage <NUM>, and/or the physical keyboard <NUM>.

The output generator <NUM> includes an example keyboard detector <NUM>. The keyboard detector <NUM> includes a sensor. The keyboard detector <NUM> provides means for detecting the position or placement of the physical keyboard <NUM>. For example, the keyboard detector <NUM> determines if the physical keyboard <NUM> is deployed or stowed, if the physical keyboard <NUM> is positioned on the second display <NUM> close to the hinge <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, if the physical keyboard <NUM> is positioned elsewhere on the second display <NUM>. The keyboard detector <NUM> detects the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> off the second display <NUM> when the physical keyboard <NUM> is used separately from the computing device <NUM> as disclosed above.

The output generator <NUM> also includes an example content selector <NUM>. The example content selector <NUM> provides means for selecting a content to display including, for example, a user interface. The content selector <NUM> selects the content based on the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> as indicated by the keyboard detector <NUM>. The content selector <NUM> accesses a content library <NUM> to select content for presentation on the first screen <NUM> and/or the second screen <NUM>. The content may include full screen displays, tool bars, emoji bars, touchpads, function keys, and/or any other suitable user interfacing and/or operating system functionality.

The output generator <NUM> also includes an example hinge/display detector <NUM>. The hinge/display detector includes a sensor. The hinge/display detector <NUM> provides means for detecting a closed and/or stowed position of the computing device <NUM> and one or more of the open and/or deployed positions. The hinge/display detector <NUM> detects the position of the hinge <NUM>, the position of the linkage <NUM>, and/or the position of one or more of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>. The position of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the hinge <NUM>, the linkage <NUM>, and/or the physical keyboard <NUM> is indicative of the operating mode of the electronic device including, for example, a laptop mode, a flat mode, a book mode, a tent mode, a tablet mode, a single screen mode, a multi-screen mode, or a power down and closed mode. The content selector <NUM> may select the content also based on the position of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the hinge <NUM>, the linkage <NUM>, and/or the keyboard. In some examples, because of the relatedness of the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> and the position of the linkage <NUM>, the functionality of the hinge/display detector <NUM> and the keyboard detector <NUM> may be combined. In some examples, the hinge/display detector <NUM> and the keyboard detector <NUM> operate in concert. In some examples, the output generator <NUM> places the computing device <NUM> in a single display and keyboard mode based on a detection by the keyboard detector <NUM> of the physical keyboard <NUM> on the second display <NUM>. In some examples, the output generator <NUM> places the computing device <NUM> in a multi-display mode based on a lack of detection by the keyboard detector <NUM> of the physical keyboard <NUM> on the second display <NUM>.

The output generator <NUM> also includes an example alarm generator <NUM>. The example alarm generator <NUM> provides means for providing a notice or an alarm <NUM> based on the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> and the first display <NUM>, the hinge <NUM>, and/or the linkage <NUM>. The alarm generator <NUM> uses data from the keyboard detector <NUM> and data from the hinge/display detector <NUM> to determine if the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position and if the physical keyboard <NUM> is deployed and positioned on the second display <NUM> or in a stowed position. If the hinge/display detector <NUM> detects that the hinge <NUM> and/or the first display <NUM> are in the closed position and/or moving toward the closed position, and the keyboard detector <NUM> detects that the physical keyboard <NUM> is deployed and located on the second display <NUM>, the alarm generator <NUM> determines that the physical keyboard <NUM> is not properly stowed and generates the alarm <NUM> to warn about the inability to close the computing device <NUM>. However, if the hinge/display detector <NUM> detects that the hinge <NUM> and/or the first display <NUM> are in the closed position or moving to the closed position, and the keyboard detector <NUM> detects that the physical keyboard <NUM> is stowed and not located on the second display <NUM>, the alarm generator <NUM> determines that the physical keyboard <NUM> is properly stowed and does not generate the alarm <NUM>.

While an example manner of implementing the computing devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>, one or more of the elements, processes, and/or devices illustrated in <FIG> may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example keyboard detector <NUM>, the examiner content selector <NUM>, the example content library <NUM>, the example hinge/display detector <NUM>, the example alarm generator, and/or, more generally, the example output generator <NUM> of <FIG> 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 detector <NUM>, the examiner content selector <NUM>, the example content library <NUM>, the example hinge/display detector <NUM>, the example alarm generator, and/or, more generally, the example output generator <NUM> could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), processor circuitry, 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, keyboard detector <NUM>, the examiner content selector <NUM>, the example content library <NUM>, the example hinge/display detector <NUM>, the example alarm generator, and/or the example output generator <NUM> 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 output generator <NUM> and/or the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> may include one or more elements, processes, and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in <FIG>, 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 output generator <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. The machine readable instructions may be one or more executable programs or portion(s) of an executable program for execution by a computer processor such as the processor <NUM> shown in the example processor platform <NUM> discussed below in connection with <FIG>. 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 <NUM>, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor <NUM> and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in <FIG>, many other methods of implementing the example output generator <NUM> 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.

The machine readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a fragmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, etc. Machine readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., portions of instructions, code, representations of code, etc.) that may be utilized to create, manufacture, and/or produce machine executable instructions. For example, the machine readable instructions may be fragmented and stored on one or more storage devices and/or computing devices (e.g., servers). The machine readable instructions may require one or more of installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combining, supplementing, configuring, decryption, decompression, unpacking, distribution, reassignment, compilation, etc. in order to make them directly readable, interpretable, and/or executable by a computing device, and/or other machine. For example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in multiple parts, which are individually compressed, encrypted, and stored on separate computing devices, wherein the parts when decrypted, decompressed, and combined form a set of executable instructions that implement a program such as that described herein.

In another example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in a state in which they may be read by a computer, but require addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc. in order to execute the instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, the machine readable instructions may need to be configured (e.g., settings stored, data input, network addresses recorded, etc.) before the machine readable instructions and/or the corresponding program(s) can be executed in whole or in part. Thus, the disclosed machine readable instructions and/or corresponding program(s) are intended to encompass such machine readable instructions and/or program(s) regardless of the particular format or state of the machine readable instructions and/or program(s) when stored or otherwise at rest or in transit.

As mentioned above, the example process of <FIG> 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 term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media.

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 (<NUM>) at least one A, (<NUM>) at least one B, and (<NUM>) 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 (<NUM>) at least one A, (<NUM>) at least one B, and (<NUM>) at least one A and at least one B.

In execution of the program <NUM> of <FIG> (according to the invention), the keyboard detector <NUM> of the output generator <NUM> determines the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> (block <NUM>). In addition, the hinge/display detector <NUM> determines the position of one or more of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> and/or the linkage <NUM> (block <NUM>). The content selector <NUM> and the alarm generator <NUM> determine if the physical keyboard <NUM> is positioned in a deployed position on the second display <NUM> based on data from the keyboard detector <NUM> (block <NUM>). In addition, the content selector <NUM> and the alarm generator <NUM> determine if the computing device <NUM> is in an open position based on the data from the hinge/display detector <NUM> (block <NUM>).

If the physical keyboard <NUM> is located on the second display (block <NUM>) and the computing electronic device <NUM> is not open (block <NUM>) because, for example, the first display <NUM> is moving or has moved to a closed position, the alarm generator <NUM> sounds an alarm (block <NUM>) to warn the user to stow the physical keyboard <NUM> prior to fully closing the computing device <NUM>. The example program <NUM> then continues with the keyboard detector <NUM> detecting the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> (block <NUM>) during a subsequent use of the computing device <NUM>.

If the physical keyboard <NUM> is located on the second display (block <NUM>) and the computing device <NUM> is open (block <NUM>), the content selector <NUM> selects from the content library <NUM> what elements of a display, interface, and/or media content to present to the user based on the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> relative to the opened second display <NUM> (block <NUM>). The content selector <NUM> outputs the content to the displays <NUM>, <NUM> (block <NUM>).

The keyboard detector <NUM> determines if the physical keyboard <NUM> has been moved (block <NUM>). If the physical keyboard <NUM> has not been moved, the content selector <NUM> continues to output the selected content (block <NUM>). If the keyboard detector <NUM> detects that the physical keyboard <NUM> has been moved, example program <NUM> then continues with the keyboard detector <NUM> detecting the position of the physical keyboard <NUM> (block <NUM>).

Returning to block <NUM>, if the content selector <NUM> and the alarm generator <NUM> determine that the physical keyboard <NUM> is not positioned on the second display <NUM> and is stowed based on data from the keyboard detector <NUM> (block <NUM>), the content selector <NUM> and the alarm generator <NUM> determine if the computing device <NUM> is in a closed position based on the data from the hinge/display detector <NUM> (block <NUM>).

If the physical keyboard <NUM> is not on the second display <NUM> and is stowed (block <NUM>) and the computing device <NUM> is not in a closed position (block <NUM>), the content selector <NUM> selects content for presentation on the displays <NUM>, <NUM> (block <NUM>). For example, the content selector <NUM> may select a two screen, full image display. The program <NUM> then continues as disclosed above.

If the physical keyboard <NUM> is not on the second display <NUM> and is stowed (block <NUM>) and the computing device <NUM> is in a closed position (block <NUM>), the content selector <NUM> takes no action because the computing device <NUM> is closed, and the alarm generator <NUM> takes no action because the physical keyboard <NUM> is properly stowed. The example program <NUM> then ends.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example processor platform <NUM> structured to execute the instructions of <FIG> to implement the output generator <NUM> of <FIG>. The processor platform <NUM> 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), or any other type of computing device.

For example, the processor <NUM> 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 <NUM> implements the output generator <NUM>, the keyboard detector <NUM>, the content selector <NUM>, the hinge/display detector <NUM>, and the alarm generator <NUM>.

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.

The output devices <NUM> 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 (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touchscreen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer, and/or speaker. The interface circuit <NUM> of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and/or a graphics driver processor.

The machine executable instructions <NUM> of <FIG> may be stored in the mass storage device <NUM>, in the volatile memory <NUM>, in the non-volatile memory <NUM>, 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 include example hinges and support plates that enable a physical keyboard to be stowed between halves of a closed computing device with dual displays. A physical keyboard enhances the typing experience, and the example hinges and support plates disclosed herein enable a physical keyboard to become part of the computing device instead of requiring a user to acquire and carry a separate external keyboard accessory.

In examples disclosed herein, the physical keyboard is accessible based on user desire or interest. When the user is not operating the physical keyboard, the physical keyboard can be stowed and all the screen space is available for dual display usage.

In examples disclosed herein, the physical keyboard remains with the system (e.g., with the computing devices) and will not be lost. In addition, no extra space is needed to store the physical keyboards.

In examples disclosed herein, a user can convert between the dual screen or dual display mode with a stowed keyboard and a mode with a deployed keyboard without lifting the entire computing device. The conversion between modes can occur while the computing device is set on a surface and/or in a user's lap. The conversion is easily performed in crowded spaces such as, for example, on a train or an airplane.

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 apparatus, devices, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claim 1:
A computing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a support plate (<NUM>);
a first hinge (<NUM>) coupled to a first end of the support plate (<NUM>);
a second hinge (<NUM>) coupled to a second end of the support plate (<NUM>);
a first display (<NUM>) coupled to the first hinge (<NUM>), and includes a cavity configured behind the first display to receive at least the support plate;
a physical keyboard (<NUM>) coupled to the second hinge (<NUM>); and
a second display (<NUM>) coupled to the second hinge (<NUM>), the physical keyboard (<NUM>) and the second display (<NUM>) rotatable about the second hinge (<NUM>),
wherein the first display (<NUM>) is coupled to the support plate (<NUM>) at a first location, and the physical keyboard (<NUM>) is coupled to the support plate (<NUM>) at a second location, the second location closer to the second display (<NUM>) than the first location; and
wherein the physical keyboard is rotatable about the second hinge to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where in the stowed position, the physical keyboard is rotated to be received, together with the support plate, in the cavity of the first display, and in the deployed position, the physical keyboard is rotated from the stowed position to be disposed at least partially on the second display.