Multiposition multilevel user interface system

Abstract

A multipositional, multilevel user interface system including a keyboard over a base surface for a pointing device such as a mouse. The keyboard and base may be at a fixed angle or rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis to reveal the surface, providing a portable keyboard and pointing surface. A kickstand can support the keyboard above the base in an open position. The keyboard and pointing device can be used with two hands with the system resting in a user's lap. The keyboard can also swivel about an axis other than the hinge axis. The keyboard can swivel 180 degrees for left-handed use, and can be positioned at other detent angles for comfort. A mouse can also be stowed on the base with a magnetic, friction, or other coupling. The interface system can further include a communication interface and/or a processor to communicate with another computing device.

1 . A user interface system comprising: 
 a base including an attachment end and an open end; and    an electronic keyboard coupled to the base at the attachment end, such that the keyboard forms an angle with the base, exposing a surface of the base;    
   
   
       2 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a keyboard support hinged between the base and the keyboard to enable the keyboard to rotate relative to the base to expose the surface of the base.  
   
   
       3 . The user interface system of  claim 2 , wherein the keyboard is rotationally coupled to the keyboard support such that the keyboard can rotate relative to the keyboard support.  
   
   
       4 . The user interface system of  claim 3 , wherein the keyboard rotates about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the keyboard support.  
   
   
       5 . The user interface system of  claim 4 , further comprising a rotation guide attached to the keyboard support and interfacing with a grove in the keyboard.  
   
   
       6 . The user interface system of  claim 3 , wherein the keyboard includes at least one detent positioner to hold the keyboard in a rotated position relative to the keyboard support.  
   
   
       7 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a kickstand that holds the keyboard in an open position relative to the base.  
   
   
       8 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is sized to rest on a user's lap.  
   
   
       9 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the base supports an electronic pointing device for communicating position information of the pointing device to a computing device.  
   
   
       10 . The user interface system of  claim 9 , wherein the surface of the base comprises a mouse pad.  
   
   
       11 . The user interface system of  claim 9 , further comprising a pointing device stowage coupler that holds a pointing device in a stowed location when the pointing device is not in use.  
   
   
       12 . The user interface system of  claim 9 , further comprising a pointing device communication module that enables the pointing device to communicate through the user interface system to an electronic computing device.  
   
   
       13 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a communication module that enables the electronic keyboard to communicate with a computing device through one of a one of a wired and a wireless connection.  
   
   
       14 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a visual indicator that indicates a status of communication with a computing device.  
   
   
       15 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a multi-positional switch pad.  
   
   
       16 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising a biometric sensor that senses a biological characteristic of a user.  
   
   
       17 . The user interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising an audio communication module that enables audio signals to be communicated between the user interface system and an audio transducing device.  
   
   
       18 . An electronic user interface system comprising: 
 a processor;    a peripheral communication hub in communication with the processor, the peripheral communication hub enabling communication between at least one electronic peripheral device and a remote computing device;    a keypad in communication with the processor;    a keyboard housing holding the processor, the peripheral communication hub, and the keypad; and    a base rotationally coupled to the keyboard housing such that the keyboard housing rotates relative to the base.    
   
   
       19 . The electronic user interface system of  claim 18 , further comprising a keyboard support hinged between base and the keyboard to enable the keyboard housing to rotate relative to the base to expose a surface of the base.  
   
   
       20 . The electronic user interface system of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one electronic peripheral device comprises at least one of a pointing device and a game control device.  
   
   
       21 - 23 . (canceled)