U.S. patent application number 15/415825 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for hybrid thermal foot and pen storage well.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dell Products, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products, L.P.. Invention is credited to John Trevor Morrison, Travis North.
Application Number | 20180210507 15/415825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62874431 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180210507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morrison; John Trevor ; et
al. |
July 26, 2018 |
HYBRID THERMAL FOOT AND PEN STORAGE WELL
Abstract
Embodiments provide the ability to store a pen device within an
integrated docking compartment of an IHS (Information Handling
System) that utilizes a touch-sensitive display, such as certain
laptops and tablet devices. The pen device is stored within a
docking compartment provided partially within a cooling structure
that protrudes from the bottom of the enclosure of the IHS, thus
creating an air gap below the IHS that allows heated air to be
vented from underneath the IHS. The docking compartment may include
charging contacts that interface with charging contacts on the pen
device when docked in order to charge internal batteries that power
sensors integrated into the pen device. By integrating the docking
compartment into the cooling structure, a pen device may be
protected from damage and loss while still supporting the thin
applications.
Inventors: |
Morrison; John Trevor;
(Round Rock, TX) ; North; Travis; (Cedar Park,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products, L.P. |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dell Products, L.P.
Round Rock
TX
|
Family ID: |
62874431 |
Appl. No.: |
15/415825 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/189 20130101;
G06F 1/266 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 2200/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/203 20130101; G06F 3/03545 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101;
G06F 1/1643 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; G06F 1/20 20060101 G06F001/20; G06F 1/18 20060101
G06F001/18; G06F 3/0354 20060101 G06F003/0354 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a pen device; and an Information Handling
System (IHS) enclosure comprising a thermal foot that protrudes
from the bottom of the IHS enclosure and creates an air gap that
allows heated air to escape from vents underneath the IHS
enclosure, wherein the thermal foot comprises a cavity that
includes a compartment for docking the pen device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pen device comprises a
battery and further comprises one or more sensors that are powered
by the battery.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pen docking compartment
includes one or more charging contacts that interface with
corresponding charging contacts on the surface of the pen device in
order to charge the battery.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pen device is approximately
9.5 mm in diameter.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the advertised thickness of the
IHS is less than or equal to 11 mm.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the pen device is secured within
the pen docking compartment via a magnet coupling.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the magnet coupling is generated
by a magnet located within the pen device and a metal slug located
within the pen docking compartment.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermal foot maintains an air
gap underneath the IHS.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermal foot obscures a
portion of the pen docking compartment such that the tip of the pen
device is covered when docked in the pen docking compartment.
10. An Information Handling System (IHS), comprising: an enclosure;
and a thermal foot coupled to the enclosure, wherein the thermal
foot protrudes from the bottom of the enclosure and creates an air
gap that allows heated air to escape from vents underneath the
enclosure, and wherein the thermal foot comprises a cavity that
includes a compartment for docking the pen device.
11. The IHS of claim 10, wherein the pen device comprises a battery
and wherein the pen docking compartment includes one or more
charging contacts that interface with corresponding charging
contacts on the surface of the pen device in order to charge the
battery.
12. The IHS of claim 10, wherein the pen device is approximately
9.5 mm in diameter and wherein the advertised thickness of the IHS
is less than or equal to 11 mm.
13. The IHS of claim 10, wherein the pen device is secured within
the pen docking compartment via a magnet coupling generated by a
magnet located within the pen device and a metal slug located
within the pen docking compartment.
14. The IHS of claim 10, wherein the thermal foot maintains an air
gap underneath the IHS.
15. The IHS of claim 10, wherein the thermal foot obscures a
portion of the pen docking compartment such that the tip of the pen
device is covered when docked in the pen docking compartment.
16. A pen device, comprising: a battery; one or more sensors
powered by the battery; and one or more charging contacts on the
surface of the pen device, wherein the charging contacts interface
with corresponding charging contacts provided within a cavity of a
thermal foot coupled to an enclosure of an Information Handling
System (IHS), wherein the thermal foot protrudes from the bottom of
the enclosure and creates an air gap that allows heated air to
escape from vents underneath the enclosure, and wherein the thermal
foot comprises a cavity that includes a compartment for docking the
pen device.
17. The pen device of claim 16, wherein the pen device is
approximately 9.5 mm in diameter.
18. The pen device of claim 17, wherein the advertised thickness of
the IHS is less than or equal to 11 mm.
19. The pen device of claim 16, further comprising a magnet for
magnetically coupling the pen device within the pen docking
compartment.
20. The pen device of claim 19, wherein the magnet coupling is
generated between the magnet located within the pen device and a
metal slug located within the pen docking compartment.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to storage of a stylus
used by an Information Handling System (IHS), and more
specifically, to docking of a pen device used by an IHS.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option is an Information Handling System
(IHS). An IHS generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or
communicates information or data for business, personal, or other
purposes. Because technology and information handling needs and
requirements may vary between different applications, IHSs may also
vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is
handled, how much information is processed, stored, or
communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may
be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in IHSs allow
for IHSs to be general or configured for a specific user or
specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, global communications, etc.
In addition, IHSs may include a variety of hardware and software
components that may be configured to process, store, and
communicate information and may include one or more computer
systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0003] Traditionally, input mechanisms for IHS were limited mostly
to keyboards and mice. More recently, IHSs have evolved to include
new forms of user inputs, such as speech and touch. The use of
touch inputs have become increasingly common with the proliferation
of smart phones and tables. Touch inputs typically utilize touch
sensitive display screens that may receive input from the user in
the form of finger gestures or through the use of a stylus. The use
of pen devices has become increasingly common, especially as
tablets have improved and become adopted for more uses. In addition
to functioning as a traditional stylus, modern pen devices may
include sensors that capture data that is transmitted to the IHS in
order to aid in providing the user with a natural writing
experience.
[0004] One challenge to the use of such pens as input devices is
their ease in getting lost and damaged, similar to traditional
writing tools. For IHSs with touch sensitive displays, it is
desirable for the IHS to include an ability to safeguard a pen
device for use with the display. An IHS has some form of enclosure
that encases the electronic components. Certain IHSs with
touch-sensitive displays, such as tablets and certain laptops, are
enclosed within a hard shell suitable for transport and mobile use.
Attaching a pen external to this enclosure leaves the pen
susceptible to damage and loss. Pen storage that is integral to the
enclosure of the IHS better safeguards the pen. Storage of a pen
integral to the enclosure of an IHS is increasingly limited by the
continually decreasing thickness of mobile devices.
[0005] One aspect of the enclosure of an IHS is the enclosure's
ability to facilitate the cooling of the internal components of the
IHS. Most notably, the enclosure must allow sufficient airflow that
allows the IHS to vent heated air away from the internal electronic
components of the IHS, such as the processor. In certain IHSs that
are enclosed within a hard case, cooling may be promoted by using
structures that elevate the body of the hard case, allowing air to
be vented from underneath the IHS.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments described herein provide a system including a
pen device and an IHS enclosure comprising a cooling structure that
protrudes from the bottom of the enclosure and supports venting
heated air from underneath the IHS, wherein the cooling structure
comprises a cavity that includes a compartment for docking the pen
device.
[0007] In certain embodiments of the system, the pen device
comprises a battery and further comprises one or more sensors that
are powered by the battery. In certain embodiments of the system,
the pen docking compartment includes one or more charging contacts
that interface with corresponding charging contacts on the surface
of the pen device in order to charge the battery. In certain
embodiments of the system, the pen device is approximately 9.5 mm
in diameter. In certain embodiments of the system, the advertised
thickness of the IHS is less than or equal to 11 mm. In certain
embodiments of the system, the pen device is secured within the pen
docking compartment via a magnet coupling. In certain embodiments
of the system, magnet coupling is generated by a magnet located
within the pen device and a metal slug located within the pen
docking compartment. In certain embodiments of the system, the
cooling structure maintains an air gap underneath the IHS. In
certain embodiments of the system, the cooling structure obscures a
portion of the pen docking compartment such that the tip of the pen
device is covered when docked in the pen docking compartment.
[0008] Additional embodiments described herein provide a system
including an IHS enclosure comprising a cooling structure that
protrudes from the bottom of enclosure and supports venting heated
air from underneath the IHS, wherein the cooling structure
comprises a cavity that includes a compartment for docking a pen
device.
[0009] In certain embodiments of the IHS enclosure system, the pen
device comprises a battery and wherein the pen docking compartment
includes one or more charging contacts that interface with
corresponding charging contacts on the surface of the pen device in
order to charge the battery. In certain embodiments of the IHS
enclosure system, the pen device is approximately 9.5 mm in
diameter and wherein the advertised thickness of the IHS is less
than or equal to 11 mm. In certain embodiments of the IHS enclosure
system, the pen device is secured within the pen docking
compartment via a magnet coupling generated by a magnet located
within the pen device and a metal slug located within the pen
docking compartment. In certain embodiments of the IHS enclosure
system, the cooling structure maintains an air gap underneath the
IHS. In certain embodiments of the IHS enclosure system, the
cooling structure obscures a portion of the pen docking compartment
such that the tip of the pen device is covered when docked in the
pen docking compartment.
[0010] Additional embodiments described herein provide a pen device
include a battery; one or more sensors powered by the battery; one
or more charging contacts on the surface of the pen device, wherein
the charging contacts interface with corresponding charging
contacts provided within a cavity of a cooling structure that
protrudes from the bottom of the enclosure of an IHS, wherein the
cavity comprises a compartment for docking the pen device.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the pen device is approximately 9.5
mm in diameter. In certain embodiments of the pen device, the
advertised thickness of the IHS is less than or equal to 11 mm. In
certain embodiments, the pen device further includes a magnet for
magnetically coupling the pen device within the pen docking
compartment. In certain embodiments of the pen device, the magnet
coupling is generated between the magnet located within the pen
device and a metal slug located within the pen docking
compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention(s) is/are illustrated by way of
example and is/are not limited by the accompanying figures, in
which like references indicate similar elements. Elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting certain components of an
IHS configured according to various embodiments for use with a
touch-sensitive display and pen device inputs.
[0014] FIG. 2a is an illustration of an IHS with a touch-sensitive
display according to certain embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 2b is an illustration of the bottom side of the IHS of
FIG. 2a.
[0016] FIG. 3a is an illustration of the storage of a pen device in
an integrated pen storage compartment according to certain
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 3b is another illustration of the storage of a pen
device in an integrated pen storage compartment according to
certain embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 3c is another illustration of the storage of a pen
device in an integrated pen storage compartment according to
certain embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a pen device according to
various embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 5a is a cutaway illustration of an integrated pen
device storage compartment and pen device according to various
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 5b is another cutaway illustration of an integrated pen
device storage compartment and pen device according to various
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 6a is an illustration of a cross-section of a pen
device stored within an IHS.
[0023] FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a pen
device stored within an IHS according to various embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 7a is an illustration of an IHS according to various
embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 7b is an illustration of the bottom of the IHS of FIG.
7a.
[0026] FIG. 7c is an illustration of a pen ejection mechanism
provided by an IHS according to various embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 7d is another illustration of the pen ejection
mechanism of FIG. 7c.
[0028] FIG. 7e is another illustration of the pen ejection
mechanism of FIG. 7c.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] For purposes of this disclosure, an IHS may include any
instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to
compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, communicate,
manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, or other purposes. For example, an IHS may be a personal
computer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tablet computer, mobile device
(e.g., Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or smart phone), server
(e.g., blade server or rack server), a network storage device, or
any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. An IHS may include Random Access Memory
(RAM), one or more processing resources such as a Central
Processing Unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic,
Read-Only Memory (ROM), and/or other types of nonvolatile
memory.
[0030] Additional components of an IHS may include one or more disk
drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external
devices as well as various I/O devices, such as a keyboard, a
mouse, touchscreen, and/or a video display. An IHS may also include
one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the
various hardware components. An example of an IHS is described in
more detail below. FIG. 1 shows various internal components of an
example IHS configured to implement the provided embodiments. It
should be appreciated that although certain embodiments described
herein may be discussed in the context of a laptop or tablet
computing device with a touch-sensitive display, other embodiments
may be utilized with various other types of computing devices.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an IHS 100 configured according
to certain embodiments to provide an integrated pen device storage
and charging compartment according to various embodiments. IHS 100
may include one or more processors 101. In various embodiments, IHS
100 may be a single-processor system including one processor 101,
or a multi-processor system including two or more processors 101.
Processor(s) 101 may include any processor capable of executing
program instructions, such as an Intel Pentium.TM. series processor
or any general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a
variety of Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs), such as the x86,
POWERPC.RTM., ARM.RTM., SPARC.RTM., or MIPS.RTM. ISAs, or any other
suitable ISA.
[0032] IHS 100 includes a chipset 102 that may include one or more
integrated circuits that are connect to processor(s) 101. In
certain embodiments, the chipset 102 may utilize a QPI (QuickPath
Interconnect) bus 103 for communicating with the processor(s) 101.
Chipset 102 provides the processor(s) 101 with access to a variety
of resources. For instance, chipset 102 provides access to system
memory 105 over memory bus 104. System memory 105 may be configured
to store program instructions and/or data accessible by
processors(s) 101. In various embodiments, system memory 105 may be
implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static
RAM (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type
memory, or any other type of memory.
[0033] Chipset 102 may also provide access to a graphics processor
107. In certain embodiments, graphics processor 107 may be
comprised within one or more video or graphics cards that have been
installed as components of the IHS 100. Graphics processor 107 may
be coupled to the chipset 102 via a graphics bus 106 such as
provided by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus, a PCIe
(Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) bus. In certain
embodiments, a graphics processor 107 generates display signals and
provides them to a display device 108. In many embodiments, the
display device 108 is integrated into the IHS in the form of a
laptop or tablet computer that includes a touch-sensitive
display.
[0034] In certain embodiments, chipset 102 may also provide access
to one or more user input devices 111. In such embodiments, chipset
102 may be coupled to a super I/O controller 110 that provides
interfaces for a variety of user input devices 111, in particular
lower bandwidth and low data rate devices. For instance, super I/O
controller 110 may provide access to a keyboard and mouse or other
peripheral input devices. In certain embodiments, super I/O
controller 110 may be used to interface with coupled user input
devices 111 such as keypads, biometric scanning devices, and voice
or optical recognition devices. In certain embodiments, super I/O
controller 110 may also provide an interface for communications
with one or more sensor devices 112, which may include environment
sensors, such as a temperature sensor or other cooling system
sensors. The I/O devices, such as the user input devices 111 and
the sensor devices 112, may interface super I/O controller 110
through wired or wireless connections. In certain embodiments, the
super I/O controller 110 may be coupled to the super I/O controller
110 via a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus 113.
[0035] Other resources may also be coupled to the processor(s) 101
of the IHS 100 through the chipset 102. In certain embodiments,
chipset 102 may be coupled to a network interface 109, such as
provided by a Network Interface Controller (NIC) that is coupled to
the IHS 100. In certain embodiments, the network interface 109 may
be coupled to the chipset 102 via a PCIe bus. According to various
embodiments, network interface 109 may support communication via
various wired and/or wireless networks. Chipset 102 may also
provide access to one or more hard disk and/or solid state drives
115. In certain embodiments, the chipset 102 may also provide
access to one or more optical drives 114 or other removable-media
drives. Any or all of the drive devices 114 and 115 may be integral
to the IHS 100, or may be located remotely from the IHS 100. In
certain embodiments, the chipset 102 may also provide access to one
or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 116.
[0036] Another resource that may be accessed by processor(s) 101
via chipset 102 is a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 117. Upon
booting of the IHS 100, processor(s) 101 may utilize BIOS 117
instructions to initialize and test hardware components coupled to
the IHS 100 and to load an Operating System (OS) for use by the IHS
100. The BIOS 117 provides an abstraction layer that allows the
operating system to interface with certain hardware components that
are utilized by IHS 100. Via this hardware abstraction layer
provided by BIOS 117, the software executed by the processor(s) 101
of IHS 100 is able to interface with certain I/O devices that are
coupled to the IHS 100. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
(UEFI) was designed as a successor to BIOS. As a result, many
modern IHSs utilize UEFI in addition to or instead of a BIOS. As
used herein, BIOS is intended to also encompass UEFI.
[0037] In various embodiments, an IHS 100 does not include each of
the components shown in FIG. 1. In various embodiments, an IHS 100
may include various additional components in addition to those that
are shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, some components that are
represented as separate components in FIG. 1 may in certain
embodiments instead be integrated with other components. For
example, in certain embodiments, all or a portion of the
functionality provided by the illustrated components may instead be
provided by components integrated into the one or more processor(s)
101 as a systems-on-a-chip.
[0038] FIG. 2a is an illustration of an IHS 200 that includes a
display 205 and a base 210, where the base 210 houses the hardware
of the IHS 200 such as the motherboard, processor(s), storage
drives, memory and various sub-systems utilized by the IHS. The
base 210 may also include a touchpad 225 used for receiving finger
gesture inputs. The IHS 200 illustrated in FIG. 2a-c is a laptop
computer with a touch-sensitive display 205. The user may utilize
finger inputs or a stylus to provide inputs via the touch-sensitive
display 205. The IHS 200 may allow the touch-sensitive display 205
to be rotated into various positions relative to the base 210, such
that the keyboard provided by the base 210 is not always used and
the IHS 200 may operate similar to a tablet device using only the
touch-sensitive display 205.
[0039] FIG. 2b is an illustration of the bottom of the IHS 200 of
FIG. 2a. The illustrated IHS 200 includes two vents 215 on the
bottom side of the enclosure of the IHS. Other IHSs may include
different numbers and configurations of vents in the bottom of the
enclosure. The vents 215 allow heated air to be vented from inside
the base 210 and away from the internal electronic components of
the IHS as part of the cooling procedures implemented by the IHS.
Heated air may be forced though the vents 215 by one or more fans
that are positioned inside the base 210 of the IHS. Heat sinks may
also be used to direct heat towards the vents 215 one the bottom
side of the IHS's enclosure.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the bottom side of the enclosure
of IHS 200 includes two protuberances 220 that may each be referred
to as a thermal foot. When IHS 200 is used on certain surfaces, the
vents 215 may be greatly obstructed, thus resulting in undesirable
and potentially damaging overheating of system components. When
placed on a relatively flat surface, such as a desk or table, the
thermal feet 220 that protrude from the base 210 raise the base 210
off of the surface in order to create an air gap beneath the IHS.
The greater the height of the thermal feet 220 relative to the base
210, the greater the size of the created air gap. The thermal feet
220 are designed to create an air gap sufficient to allow heated
air to escape from the vents 215 and out from underneath the IHS.
In the IHS 200 of FIGS. 2a and 2b, each of the thermal feet 220 run
along the length of base 210 in the direction of the rows of keys
that comprise the keyboard. In other scenarios, the thermal feet
220 may be oriented differently along the bottom of the base 210 of
the IHS 200. In certain scenarios, each of the thermal feet 220 may
include anti-slip surfaces and/or coatings that reduce slipping of
the IHS 200 when used on smooth, flat surfaces.
[0041] FIG. 3a is an illustration of the bottom side of an IHS 300
that includes a pen docking compartment 310 according to various
embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, IHS 300 is a laptop
computer with a touch-sensitive display similar to IHS 200
described with respect to FIGS. 2a and 2b. The IHS 300 includes a
thermal foot 305 that runs along the length of the bottom of the
base of the IHS. The IHS 300 includes a second thermal foot 325
that runs parallel to thermal foot 305 along the length of the
bottom of the base. In certain embodiments, only a single thermal
foot 305 may be present. In other embodiments, one of more thermal
feet may be oriented differently on the base of the IHS from the
thermal feet 305 and 325 illustrated with respect to IHS 300.
[0042] Thermal foot 305 of IHS 300 includes a portion that forms a
pen docking compartment 310 according to various embodiments. The
pen docking compartment 310 is formed within a cavity of thermal
foot 305 such that the ability of the thermal foot 305 to
facilitate cooling of the IHS 300 is not compromised. In various
embodiments, the pen docking compartment 310 may be formed from
greater or lesser portions of a thermal foot different from the
thermal foot 305 in the illustrated IHS 300. For instance, in
another embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3a, an IHS
may be substantially smaller in size such that the cavity of the
pen storage compartment runs a larger portion of the length of the
thermal foot. Any portion of the thermal foot 305 may remain in
addition to the portion dedicated to housing the pen docking
compartment 310.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 3a-c, the pen device 315 may be
inserted into the pen docking compartment 310 by the user. In FIG.
3b, the pen device 315 is partially docked in the pen docking
compartment 310. In FIG. 3c, the pen device 315 is fully docked in
the pen docking compartment 320. When fully docked, the pen device
315 is secured in the pen docking compartment 310. In certain
embodiments, the pen device 315 is held securely in the pen docking
compartment 310 using corresponding magnets integrated into the pen
device 315 and the pen docking compartment 310. The IHS 330
illustrated in FIG. 3a also includes a latch 320 that is configured
to allow a user to release and eject the pen device 315 from the
pen docking compartment 310. Other embodiments may utilize two or
more small rubber or other elastomer structures that deform to
allow the pen device to be inserted into the pen docking
compartment, but are stiff enough to assist in securing the docked
pen device within the compartment.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3c, once the pen device 315 is
secured in the pen docking compartment 310, the pen device 315 is
nested within the cavity provided within the thermal foot 310. In
this docked position, the pen device 315 does not protrude as far
as the thermal foot 305 such that the thermal foot 305 serves to
keep the pen device 315 protected when the IHS 300 is placed on a
smooth work surface. Docked in this manner, the pen device 315 is
stored such that it does not protrude from the IHS 300 enclosure
and is securely held in place within the pen docking compartment
310. By providing storage for pen device 315 within a compartment
that is integrated within the enclosure of the IHS 300, the pen
device 315 is less likely to get separated from the IHS 300 and
thus less likely to get damaged or lost.
[0045] In FIGS. 3a-c, the illustrated embodiment IHS 300 is a
laptop computer with a touch-sensitive display. In certain other
embodiments, the IHS 300 may not include any keyboard and may be
strictly a tablet device, in which case the pen docket compartment
may be integrated into a thermal foot that is part of the enclosure
of the tablet. In certain others embodiments, the keyboard used by
the IHS may be detachable from the touch-sensitive display, in
which case the pen storage enclosure may be integrated into a
thermal foot provided on the back of the enclosure of the
touch-sensitive display.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a pen device 400 according to various
embodiments. The pen device 400 may include a tip portion 405 that
is designed to interoperate with the touch screen used by the
touch-sensitive display of the IHS. In certain embodiments, the tip
portion 405 of the pen device 400 may include one or more sensors
that collect data during the use of the pen device. For instance,
in certain embodiments data collected by sensors in the tip 405 of
the pen device 400 is transmitted to the IHS for use by handwriting
recognition software programs running on the IHS. In certain
embodiments, the body of the pen device 400 may include an inner
stylus 410 that is protected by a rubberized or other anti-slip
coating. This coating serves to provide an anti-slip gripping
surface that facilitates the use of the pen device 400 as a writing
tool. The coating of the pen device 400 also provides an anti-slip
surface that promotes the pen device 400 remaining securely docked
in the pen docking compartment.
[0047] The pen device 400 may also include any number of charging
contacts 415. As described, the pen device 400 may include various
electronic components housed within the inner stylus 410 of the pen
device. These electronics internal to the inner stylus 410 may
include one or more sensors that collect data regarding the use of
the pen device 400 by the user. These internal electronics may also
include a wireless transceiver for communicating data to and from
the IHS. In order to power these electronics of the pen device 400,
the inner stylus 410 may also house one or more batteries that may
be charged via the charging contacts 415. The IHS may be configured
to provide power to the charging contacts 415 while the pen device
400 is docked in the pen docking compartment in order to charge the
batteries of the pen device 400.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment of the pen device 400, the two
charging contacts 410 are circular openings in the external coating
that provide access to charging surfaces provided by the inner
stylus 410. The charging surfaces of the inner stylus 410 are
connected to circuitry within the inner stylus 410 that is
configured for charging the internal batteries of the pen device
400. Other embodiments may utilize different shapes for the
charging contacts 410. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two
charging contacts 410 that are oriented along an axis 425 that runs
the length of the pen device 400. By utilizing two charging
contacts 410, alignment of the pen device 400 within the pen
docking compartment of the IHS is promoted. Two charging contacts
410 oriented along the axis 425 of the pen device 400 will
correctly mate with corresponding charging surfaces in the pen
docking compartment only when the pen device is correctly aligned
within the docking compartment. Other embodiments may utilize more
than two charging points that are aligned along the long axis of
the pen device.
[0049] The diameter 420 of the pen device 400 may be selected based
on several factors. In order to serve as a multi-purpose writing
tool, the diameter 420 of the pen device 400 must provide the user
with a comfortable writing experience that is similar to that of a
traditional writing tool, such as pen or pencil. The diameter 420
of the pen device 400 must also be large enough to house the
internal electronics of the pen device. Based on these constraints,
an ideal diameter 420 for a pen device for use by an adult is
approximately 9.5 mm. Smaller diameters than 9.5 mm for pen devices
are technically feasible, but smaller diameters tend to result in a
poor writing experience as writers tend to experience fatigue and
are unable to replicate their natural handwriting used with
traditional pen and paper.
[0050] FIG. 5a is a cutaway view of a pen device 505 docked in a
pen docking compartment integrated within a thermal foot 560 of an
IHS 500 according to various embodiments. In FIG. 5a, IHS 500 is a
laptop computer that has a touch-sensitive display, which is
depicted in a closed position. FIG. 5a is a cutaway view from the
perspective of the person viewing the laptop computer from the rear
of the laptop with the cutaway cross-section taken at approximately
the greatest height of the thermal foot 560 relative to the base of
the laptop 500. Certain features of the laptop, such a peripheral
device connectors, are not displayed. Similar to the thermal foot
of 305 of FIGS. 3a-c, the thermal foot 560 extends along the length
of the bottom surface of laptop 500 and includes a cavity that has
been configured as a pen docking compartment.
[0051] FIG. 5b is a different cutaway view of the same laptop 500
as depicted in FIG. 5a. In FIG. 5b, the cross-section is taken
approximately across the center of laptop leaving a cutaway view
from the perspective a person viewing the laptop from the user's
right side. As with FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b also depicts a pen device that
is docked in a pen docking compartment of laptop 500. At the point
of the illustrated cross-section in FIG. 5b, two portions of the
modified thermal foot 565 and 570 remain, with a cavity in between
that provides sufficient room for the pen docking compartment. At
the point of the cross-section of FIG. 5b and along the length of
the pen docking compartment, the two portions of the thermal foot
565 and 570 on each side of the pen docking compartment are
unconnected, leaving a cavity in between. As illustrated in FIG.
5a, the unmodified portion of the thermal foot 560 extends from
each end of the pen docking compartment. The height of the
unmodified portions of the thermal foot 560 is shown in the
cross-section of FIG. 5b by the outline 545 of these unmodified
portions of the thermal foot. The height of the thermal foot
represented by the outline 545 results in an air gap 550 below the
base of the laptop 500. This air gap 550 created by the thermal
foot 560 is also reflected in FIG. 5a.
[0052] As described, pen devices for use with touch-sensitive
displays may include tips with sensors or other electronics. In
order to protect such tips from damage while stored within the pen
docking compartment, certain embodiments may include a portion 515
of the thermal foot 560 that extends over the cavity of the pen
docking compartment as illustrated in FIG. 5a. Configured in this
manner, the protective overhanging portion 515 of the thermal foot
560 shields the tip 510 of the pen device while it is docked in the
pen docking compartment. While the tip portion 510 of the pen
device is shielded by the overhang 515 of the thermal foot 560, the
body 505 of the pen device remains accessible to the user.
Different embodiments may utilize different sizes for this
protective overhanging portion 515 of the thermal foot based on the
properties of supported pen devices.
[0053] As described, a pen device according to embodiments may be
comprised of an inner stylus that is covered with a rubber or other
anti-slip coating. This anti-slip coating is illustrated in the
cross-section of FIG. 5b as ring 560 that encircles the inner
stylus 535 of the pen device that is docked in the pen docking
compartment. Other embodiments may utilize different relative
thicknesses for the anti-slip coating layer 540 relative to the
diameter of the inner stylus 535. As provided above, an ideal
diameter for a writing utensil is approximately 9.5 mm. This
diameter is reflected in FIG. 5b as the diameter of the pen device
including both the inner stylus 535 and the anti-slip coating 540.
In order to secure the pen device in the pen docking compartment,
certain embodiments may utilize a magnetic coupling to secure the
pen device.
[0054] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a-b, the magnetic
coupling is generated using a magnet 520 that is a component of the
pen device and a metal slug 525 that is a component of the pen
docking compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 520
lies within the inner stylus 535. In such embodiments, the location
of the magnet 520 may be indicated to the user via a mark on the
outside of the anti-slip coating 540. Such a marking on the outer
surface of the coating 540 assists the user in orienting the pen
device within the pen docking compartment in order to facilitate
coupling with the metal slug 525 located in the back of the
compartment. In other embodiments, a portion of magnet 520 may
remain exposed such that the magnet is visible to the user and can
be used to guide the user in orienting the magnet of the pen within
the pen docking compartment. In certain embodiments, magnet 520 may
be a ring magnet that facilitates coupling with the metal slug 525
in all orientations of the pen device within the pen docking
compartment. Other embodiments may instead utilize a metallic slug
within the pen device and a magnet within the pen docking
compartment.
[0055] As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 7a-e,
certain embodiments may include a pen ejection mechanism that may
be used to eject the pen device from within the pen docking
compartment. Such embodiments may include a pen release latch 555
that is accessible from the bottom of the IHS enclosure. By sliding
the pen release latch 555, a pen ejector 555 structure that is
internal to the enclosure also slides within the pen docking
compartment such that the magnetic coupling between the magnet 525
and the metal slug 525 is broken. In certain embodiments and as
described in additional detail with respect to FIGS. 7a-e, the pen
ejector 555 may include a structure the protrudes into the pen
docking compartment in conjunction with the breaking of the
magnetic coupling in order to physically eject the pen device from
the pen docking compartment.
[0056] FIGS. 6a-b illustrate one of the advantages provided by
described embodiments. As described above, the ideal writing size
for a writing tool such as a pen device used with a touch-sensitive
display is approximately 9.5 mm. FIG. 6a illustrates a scenario
where such a pen device 615 is stored internally to an IHS such as
a laptop computer. As described an IHS such as a laptop computer or
tablet is encased within a hard case or enclosure. A typical
thickness for the walls of such hard case enclosures is 0.8 mm.
FIG. 6a shows this thickness of 0.8 mm for both the top surface 610
and the bottom surface 620 of the laptop. To account for storage of
the pen device 615 within the enclosure of the laptop formed by the
top surface 610 and the bottom surface 620, a 0.25 mm gap is
allowed between the pen device 615 and each of the walls 610, 620
of the enclosure. As provided in FIG. 6a, storage of the pen device
615 within the structure of the enclosure defined by walls 610 and
620 results in an overall thickness for the device of at least 11.6
mm.
[0057] Modern mobile devices, including laptops and tablets with
touch-sensitive screens, can now be manufactured with advertised
thicknesses less than 11 mm. In such ultra-thin systems, internal
storage of a 9.5 mm pen device is not physically possible. However,
as provided above, mobile devices may include thermal foot
structures used for elevating the bottom surface of a mobile device
off of a work surface and allowing heated air to be vented from
underneath the mobile device. As illustrated in FIG. 6a, a typical
thermal foot 635 is approximately 2.5 mm in height, thus providing
approximately 2.5 mm in clearance below the bottom 620 of
enclosure. Structures such as the described thermal feet are not
typically included in the advertised thickness of a mobile device.
Accordingly, the advertised thickness of the laptop in FIG. 6a
would be 11.6 mm and would not include the 2.5 mm thermal foot
635.
[0058] FIG. 6b illustrates the advantage provided by storing a pen
device 615 at least partially within the thermal foot structure of
a laptop. As described with respect to the above embodiments, a pen
device 615 may be stored within a pen docking compartment that is
formed within a cavity provided within the thermal foot 630 of an
IHS, such as a laptop or tablet, with a touch-sensitive display.
When stored according to the embodiment of FIG. 6b, the pen device
615 may be stored within an integrated compartment of the laptop
while enabling thinner systems. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the pen
device 615 is secured partially within the foot structure 630.
Stored in the manner, the thickness of the laptop accounts for the
thickness of the top 610 of the enclosure, the diameter of the pen
device 615 and a 0.25 mm gap between the pen device 615 and the top
of the enclosure 610. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, a pen device 615
with a diameter of 9.5 mm may be stored according to the provided
embodiments while still allowing system thicknesses as low as 7.25
mm. Embodiments provide secure docking of a 9.5 mm pen device and
do so in a manner that supports ultra-thin systems below 11 mm in
thickness.
[0059] FIGS. 7a-e depict various views of a capability provided
according to various embodiments for ejecting a pen device from a
pen docking compartment integrated into a thermal foot structure of
an IHS as described with respect to the above embodiments. As
described above, an IHS according to embodiments may be a laptop
computer, such as depicted in FIG. 7a, with a touch-sensitive
display that may be operated by the user's fingers or using a
stylus such as a pen device. FIG. 7b depicts the bottom side of the
laptop computer depicted in FIG. 7a. Similar to the embodiment
described with respect to FIGS. 3a-c, the laptop of FIG. 7b
includes a thermal foot 705 that runs the length of the bottom of
the laptop and serves to elevate the laptop so that heated air can
be vented from the inside the laptop via vents 700.
[0060] Also depicted in FIG. 7b is a pen device 710 stored in a pen
docking compartment that is integrated into the thermal foot of the
laptop as described with respect to the above embodiments. As
described, the pen device 710 may be secured within the pen docking
compartment using a magnetic coupling generated using a magnet and
corresponding metal slug. In addition, the pen device 710 may
include an anti-slip coating that services to further secure the
pen device 710 within the pen docking compartment. Consequently,
once secured in the pen docking compartment, the user may require
assistance in retrieving the pen device 710. In order to assist the
user, the illustrated embodiment includes a release latch 715 that
may be used to eject the pen device 710 from the pen docking
compartment.
[0061] FIG. 7c depicts two closer views of a portion 720 of the
bottom surface of the laptop of FIG. 7b. However, in FIG. 7c, the
pen device is no longer in the pen docking compartment. Without the
pen device present, the bottom of the pen storage compartment is
visible in FIG. 7c. In particular, an ejection tab 730, 735 can be
seen in the bottom of the pen docking compartment. In the close up
views of FIG. 7c, the release latch is shown in a first position
725. The user may eject the pen device from the pen docking
compartment by sliding the release latch to a second position 740,
in this case by sliding the release latch to the left in the
direction of the depicted arrow. By sliding the release latch from
the first position 725 to the second position 740, the ejection tab
is likewise moved from a first position 730 to a second position.
The ejection tab is designed with a sloped upper surface that faces
into the pen docking compartment. Moving this ejection tab from the
first position 730 to the second position 735 results in the sloped
surface of the ejection tab protruding into the pen docking
compartment and dislodging the pen device from its stored position.
As described, the pen device may be secured within the pen docking
compartment via a magnetic coupling. In such embodiments, the
ejection tab is designed to generate sufficient ejection force to
break the magnetic coupling that holds the pen device in place
within the pen docking compartment.
[0062] FIG. 7d depicts the opposite side of the laptop bottom that
is depicted in FIG. 7b. Whereas FIG. 7b illustrates the external
side of the bottom of the laptop enclosure, FIG. 7d illustrates the
internal side of the bottom of the laptop enclosure, thus providing
the perspective of the pen ejection mechanism from the inside of
the laptop base. Accordingly, FIG. 7d depicts the internal pen
ejector 765 that includes the pen release latch 725, 740 and the
ejection tab 730, 735. The pen release latch 725, 740 protrudes
from the internal pen ejector 765. 765 into an opening provided in
the bottom of the laptop enclosure allowing manipulation of the
release latch 725,740. The ejection tab 730, 735 protrudes from the
internal pen ejector 765 into an opening in the pen docking
compartment. By moving the pen release latch 725, 740, the internal
pen ejector 765 is also moved as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7e. Via
this motion of the internal pen ejector 765, the ejection tab 730,
735 is likewise moved within the pen docking compartment, thus
ejecting the pen device.
[0063] FIG. 7d also depicts a portion of a cylinder 745 that forms
the cavity for the pen docking compartment within the thermal foot
of the laptop. The cylinder portion 745 may be formed directly as a
part of the enclosure of the laptop or may be separately formed and
attached to the enclosure within the cavity provided within the
thermal foot 770 of the laptop. From the perspective from inside
the laptop base that is illustrated in FIG. 7e, the thermal foot
770 is a cavity that extends the length of the enclosure. An
opening in the thermal foot 700 is closed off using the cylinder
portion 745 to form the pen docking compartment integrated within
the structure of the thermal foot 770.
[0064] It should be understood that various operations described
herein may be implemented in software executed by processing
circuitry, hardware, or a combination thereof. The order in which
each operation of a given method is performed may be changed, and
various operations may be added, reordered, combined, omitted,
modified, etc. It is intended that the invention(s) described
herein embrace all such modifications and changes and, accordingly,
the above description should be regarded in an illustrative rather
than a restrictive sense.
[0065] The terms "tangible" and "non-transitory," as used herein,
are intended to describe a computer-readable storage medium (or
"memory") excluding propagating electromagnetic signals; but are
not intended to otherwise limit the type of physical
computer-readable storage device that is encompassed by the phrase
computer-readable medium or memory. For instance, the terms
"non-transitory computer readable medium" or "tangible memory" are
intended to encompass types of storage devices that do not
necessarily store information permanently, including, for example,
RAM. Program instructions and data stored on a tangible
computer-accessible storage medium in non-transitory form may
afterwards be transmitted by transmission media or signals such as
electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, which may be
conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a
wireless link.
[0066] Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with
reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the
specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the present
invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems
that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are
not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature or element of any or all the claims.
[0067] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second"
are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms
describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to
indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The
terms "coupled" or "operably coupled" are defined as connected,
although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more
unless stated otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any form of
comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any
form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form
of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and
any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are
open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or
apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or
more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not
limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a
method or process that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains"
one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but
is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.
* * * * *