WO2006005336A1

WO2006005336A1 - Computer keyboard

Info

Publication number: WO2006005336A1
Application number: PCT/DK2004/000504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Jensen
Original assignee: Isic A/S
Priority date: 2004-07-14
Filing date: 2004-07-14
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

An external keyboard unit (1) for a computer system which computer system comprises a CPU, and the keyboard unit (1) comprises a first housing part (8) which first housing part (8) comprises one or more integrated peripheral computer devices (4, 6) where the computer system and the keyboard unit (1) comprises means for communication between the keyboard unit (1) and the computer system, where the keyboard unit (1) comprises at least a second housing (10) part where the first (8) and the second (10) housing parts are relatively moveable between a first closed position where access to the integrated peripheral computer devices (4, 6) are not possible, and a second open position where access to the integrated peripheral computer devices (4, 6) are possible.

Description

Computer keyboard

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer keyboard comprising one or more periph¬ eral computer devices such as storage devices for reading and writing a removable data storage media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various inventions have been made concerning a computer keyboard with integrated means for reading and writing a data storage media.

In US 5,892,502, a computer keyboard comprising an incorporated data storage device for reading and writing various forms of digital storage media is disclosed. The key¬ board comprises a standard keyboard layout with a QWERTY layout, function-key area and a numeric keypad area. The storage media could be a CD/DVD or a magnetic media. The solution occupies much space and does not offer the possibility of install¬ ing a generic disc drive which is compatible with standard disc drive sizes such as 3.5" or 5.25".

In US 5,247,428, a keyboard and a disc drive is integrated within the enclosure or con- sole of a computer monitor. The space required for an entire computer system is hereby reduced. However, the invention is not flexible because the keyboard is fixed to the computer monitor which is not suitable for custom made computer systems such as industrial systems. The invention is, furthermore, not suitable for use with a flat- type monitor because the enclosure is much smaller for these display types. Flat-type monitors are very popular and are perhaps the most preferred screen type in the present computer systems.

Various inventions have been made concerning a keyboard that can be expanded, opened or folded to minimize the size. In US 5,262,763, a small electronic device is disclosed comprising an input key pad and a display intended for a wristwatch. How¬ ever, the invention is not suitable for full-sized keyboards. In US 5,995,025, a folding keyboard with sliding segments is disclosed. The invention provides a foil-sized expandable keyboard for typing which keyboard may be folded to minimize size during transport or storage. The keyboard disclosed in US 5,995,025 is intended for use with a PDA or other handheld devices where the focus is on transpor- tation and light weight while the aim of the present invention is to provide a keyboard which can contain one or more storage devices inside the keyboard housing.

None of the above-mentioned keyboards or keypads is well suited for installation in a console for e.g. industrial applications where a minimum of space is available and, at the same time, provides access to one or more integrated peripheral computer devices.

DESCRIPTION /SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the object of the invention to provide a keyboard for a computer system which keyboard comprises one or more integrated peripheral computer devices where the keyboard is suitable for installation in e.g. a bridge console of a ship or the like.

This object is achieved by an external keyboard unit for a computer system which computer system comprises a CPU, and the keyboard unit comprises a first housing part. The first housing part comprises one or more integrated peripheral computer de¬ vices, and the computer system and the keyboard unit comprise means for communi¬ cation between keyboard unit and computer system. The keyboard unit comprises at least a second housing part where the first and the second housing parts are relatively moveable between a first closed position where access to the integrated peripheral computer devices is not possible, and a second open position where access to the inte¬ grated peripheral computer devices is possible.

A user could, hereby, gain access to one or more peripheral computer devices even though access to the computer cabinet is not allowed or possible, and at the same time, the keyboard unit occupies a minimum of space. This makes the invention suitable for industrial computer applications such as console interfaces or thin clients. Further¬ more, when the keyboard unit is in the second open position the peripheral computer devices are sealed and protected from dust and dirt which are often present in indus¬ trial environments.

Another great advantage is that the keyboard unit can be used in schools, libraries etc. where access to peripheral computer devices often are prohibited because of security reasons. Usually, computers are locked into special security cabinets to avoid theft where access is provided to a computer screen and a general keyboard only. By using the keyboard unit of the present invention, it is possible for a user to gain access to one or more peripheral computer devices without gaining access to the computer cabinet which computer cabinet could be placed in a secured room or special cabinet. Fur¬ thermore, the keyboard unit can be fastened to a table to avoid theft.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first housing part of the keyboard unit, which first housing part might comprise the keys, is pivotally connected to the second hous- ing part. In this way, it is possible to gain access to the integrated computer devices that are installed under the tiltable keypad area by opening the keyboard housing. The keyboard housing might be opened by a click mechanism which will release and raise the first housing part into an inclined position relative to the second bottom housing part. The integrated computer devices which are installed under the upper first housing part might be inclined in the same way making it easier for the user to operate the storage devices. The present invention provides a protection for the integrated com¬ puter devices when in-tlie first closed position.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the computer unit and the keyboard unit are connected by a high speed data bus e.g. USB. hi a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication between the computer system and keyboard unit is an USB connection. By using a USB connection, it is possible to get a flexible com¬ munication between the computer system and the keyboard unit. One of the benefits when using a USB connection is that it reduces the number of different cables and connectors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, only one USB cable is neces¬ sary for the communication between the computer and the keyboard unit which key¬ board unit also comprises one or more data storage devices. It is also possible to equip the keyboard with external USB ports for the possibility of connecting external com- ponents. Furthermore, it is possible to use other kinds of communication means such as Firewire or any other kind of high speed parallel or serial data connections.

In another embodiment of the invention, the means for communication between the keyboard unit and the computer unit is a wireless communication. By using a wireless connection between the keyboard unit and the computer unit, a user is no longer de¬ pendent on an electrical wire of a fixed length. The technology used for wireless communication could be either RF or IR.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage device is an optical disc reader and/or writer e.g. CD or DVD. Hereby, it is possible to read and write the most popular removable media used even though the user does not have physical access to the computer unit. Li environments where thin-clients are used, it is often not possible to get physical access to the server for reading or writing CDs or DVDs. However, this might be possible in combination with the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the storage device is a magnetic disc reader and/or writer e.g. a floppy or ZIP(R) drive. It is, hereby, possible to read and write magnetic storage media which are still popular to use for backup of data. Floppy discs are still popular in use and the present invention can, therefore, provide the possibility of in¬ stalling a floppy drive.

In an embodiment of the invention, the keyboard unit comprises a USB HUB and ex- ternal USB ports in the housing. In this way, it is possible to connect the integrated peripheral computer devices and the keyboard together in a HUB and, at the same time, provide USB extension ports for further connection of peripheral computer de¬ vices such as digital cameras or pointing devices. In this way, only one USB cable between the computer system and the keyboard unit is necessary.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard comprises at least one stan¬ dard slot for the installation of an integrated peripheral computer device such as 3.5" or 5.25" disc drives. It is, hereby, possible to install standard computer equipment in- side the keyboard unit. Nearly all computer storage devices or other integrated periph¬ erals for that matter come in standard sizes, and the keyboard unit is, hereby, easily upgraded with new devices. Standard storage devices are normally a lot cheaper than custom made solutions why this is an economical favorable solution. This is a great advantage compared to prior art. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the key¬ board comprises slim-line devices for the reducing of the size of the keyboard unit.

The keyboard unit may also comprise a memory card reader and writer for e.g. Com¬ pactFlash™ or SD™ card. It is, hereby, possible to read and write the small removable memory media which have become the preferred removable media for handheld de¬ vices such as digital cameras or PDAs. Various forms of flash-cards are available to¬ day such as the MultiMediacard, SD™card, Memory Stick® and CompactFlash®. The different media types just mentioned are all solid state memory devices but the keyboard could also comprise means for reading and writing small removable hard discs such as MicroDrive™.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the keyboard unit is environmentally sealed and protected. It is, hereby, possible to use the keyboard unit in an industrial environment where dust and dirt are present. The invention is suitable for being built into an instrument panel for use in a factory environment or the like. Industrial envi¬ ronments can be rough and dusty, and it is, therefore, necessary to protect the elec¬ tronic and mechanical parts inside the keyboard.

In an embodiment of the invention, the computer keyboard is powered by its own power supply e.g. battery power. It is, hereby, possible to provide power to the key¬ board and the integrated peripheral computer devices without the need for a power cable between the computer and the keyboard unit. The power might be provided by batteries or a separate power supply connected to the mains. The power supply could either be an external power supply or an internal power supply.

The keyboard unit is CPU free which means that the keyboard unit does not include a central processor unit, but the keyboard unit can in an embodiment of the invention comprise a number of small micro processors or dedicated processors for control pur¬ poses etc. of the built-in devices.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where

fig. 1 shows a front view of the keyboard unit according to the invention, fig. 2 shows a side view of the keyboard unit according to the invention, fig. 3 shows the keyboard built into a console unit according to the invention, fig. 4 shows the keyboard built into a console unit where the keyboard is closed ac¬ cording to the invention and fig. 5 shows an overview of the keyboard unit architecture according to the inven¬ tion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION / PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows a frontal view of the keyboard unit 1 consisting of two housing parts 8,10 which parts are pivotally connected to each other. The first housing part 8 is pivo- tally connected to the second housing part 10 such that the keyboard unit 1 can be put in a first closed position or a second open position where the second open position is illustrated in the figure. The upper surface 9 of the first housing part 8 comprises the keys (not shown) of the keyboard unit. The keyboard unit 1 comprises a floppy drive 6 and an optical disc drive 4 which optical disc drive 4 can be compatible with various formats such as CD and DVD formats. Li an advantageous embodiment of the inven¬ tion, the storage devices 4 and 6 are installed in dedicated slots (not shown). In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the keyboard unit comprises means for reading and writing memory flashcards or external connection ports for the connection of USB or PS/2 devices. Other connection ports might be provided as well, such as serial or parallel ports.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the keys placed on the upper surface 9 of the first housing 8 part have a QWERTY layout. Furthermore, the keyboard could comprise a numerical keypad area or other special keys. The invention is not limited to the just mentioned keyboard layout.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the keyboard unit 1 in a second open position. The key¬ board unit comprises a first housing part 8 and a second housing part 10 where the keys 12 are placed on the first housing part 8. The first housing part 8 is pivotally con¬ nected with the second housing part by a hinge 14. In another embodiment of the in¬ vention, the two housing parts 8 and 10 could be connected by other opening means. The keyboard unit 1 further comprises a storage device 4,6 for reading and writing a removable media.

Figure 3 shows the keyboard unit 1 built into a console 18 where the keyboard unit 1 is in the first closed position so it is aligned with the console 18. The first housing part 8 and the second housing part 10 are connected by a hinge 14. This way, it is pos¬ sible to open the keyboard unit 1 and gain access to the peripheral computer devices 4, 6 installed inside the keyboard unit as shown in figure 4 where the keyboard unit 1 is in a second open position so it is possible for a user to operate the integrated storage devices 4,6. The storage devices 4,6 might be standard sized units such as 3.5" or 5.25" disc drives. In an embodiment of the invention, the storage devices 4,6 are slim¬ line so a minimum of space is occupied. The keys 12 are placed on the first housing part 8.

Figure 5 shows an overview of the keyboard unit of the keyboard comprising a USB HUB 2, floppy drive 6 and an optical disc drive 4. The USB HUB is connected to a computer (not shown) by one or two USB connections 20,22. The floppy drive 6 is connected to the USB HUB 2 by a USB connection 7 and the optical disc drive 4 is connected to the USB HUB 2 by a wire 5. The integrated devices can either be pow¬ ered by an external power supply or through one or more USB connections 20,22 by which they also communicate with the computer. However, the power from the USB connection is limited to small devices with limited power consumption. Disc drives and other devices with mechanically moving parts are more likely to be powered by an integrated or external power supply. Therefore, a combination of power supplies can be used according to the integrated computer devices installed inside the keyboard. Most standard disc drives uses 12 Volts DC. The HUB is shown to be powered by the connection 26. The connection between the computer unit and the keyboard unit can in an embodiment of the invention be a PS/2 connection.

hi a preferred embodiment of the invention, the keyboard unit comprises communica¬ tion means 24 for communicating with external peripheral computer devices. The communication means might be PS/2 or USB.

Claims

1. An external keyboard unit (1) for a computer system which computer system com¬ prises a CPU, and the keyboard unit (1) comprises a first housing part (8) which first housing part (8) comprises one or more integrated peripheral computer devices (4,6) where the computer system and the keyboard unit (1) comprises means for communi¬ cation between the keyboard unit (1) and the computer system, characterizedin that the keyboard unit (1) comprises at least a second housing (10) part where the first (8) and the second (10) housing parts are relatively moveable between a first closed position where access to the integrated peripheral computer devices (4,6) are not pos¬ sible and a second open position where access to the integrated peripheral computer devices (4,6) are possible.

2. Keyboard unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first hous- ing part (8) of the keyboard unit (1) is pivotally connected (14) to the second housing part (10).

3. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the com¬ puter system and the keyboard unit (1) are connected by a high speed data bus e.g. USB.

4. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-3, characterized in thatthe key-^* board unit (1) comprises one or more storage devices (4,6) where at least one storage device (4) is an optical disc drive e.g. CD/DVD drive.

5. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-4, characterized in that the key¬ board unit (1) comprises one or more storage devices (4,6) where at least one storage device (6) is a magnetic disc reader and/or writer e.g. a floppy or ZIP® drive.

6. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the key¬ board unit (1) comprises a USB hub with external ports in the keyboard housing (8,10).

7. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-6, characterized in that the key¬ board unit (1) comprises at least one standard slot for the installation of an integrated peripheral computer device (4,6), which slot size is e.g.3.5" or 5.25"

8. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-8, characterized in that the storage device is a memory card reader and/or writer e.g. CompactFlash® or SD™ card.

9. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-9, characterized in that the key¬ board unit (1) is environmentally sealed and protected.

10. Keyboard unit (1) according to claims 1-10, characterized in that the key¬ board unit (1) is CPU free.