Providing input data

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is filed as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/355,228 filed 15 Feb. 2006, which in turn claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 05 03 291.7 filed 17 Feb. 2005. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD

0002The present invention relates to apparatus for providing data input, comprising a case for receiving a portable computer, a fabric surface sensitive to the manual application of pressure and a control circuit for identifying mechanical interactions to generate output data.

BACKGROUND

0003The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

0004Data input devices are used with data processing devices. For example, a portable computer may include a keyboard for inputting data into the portable computer.

SUMMARY

0005According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for covering a portable computer. The apparatus generally includes a case having a first part connected to a second part by an axial hinge. The axial hinge allows the first part and the second part to be configurable between an open position for receiving the portable computer and a closed position. The case also includes a fabric keyboard sensitive to the manual application of pressure and having defined key positions. The case further includes a control circuit for identifying mechanical interactions to generate output data. The case is configured to enclose the portable computer and the fabric keyboard when in the closed position. The fabric keyboard is connected to the case such that the fabric keyboard may be turned about an axis within the case that extends substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge. The portable computer includes an interface and executable instructions for interpreting the output data.

0006The connection interface may be a mechanical interface or a radio interface.

0007The portable computer may be a tablet PC of the type that is smaller than a notebook PC but larger than a personal organizer.

0008Further aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

0009The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a manually operable fabric keyboard;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows the inner workings of the fabric keyboard shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows details of an electronic processing device of the type shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a protective covering for a data processing device, in the form of a case;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the case of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in an open position;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a portable computer, in use;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates the use of the case of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>, to generate input data for the operation of the portable computer of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a radio environment;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates the use the case of FIGS. <b>4</b> to <b>6</b>, to generate input data for the operation of the portable computer of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a rear view of the case of FIGS. <b>4</b> to <b>6</b> and <b>9</b> in an open position;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side view of the case of FIGS. <b>4</b> to <b>6</b>, <b>9</b>, and <b>10</b>;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates the use of the case of FIGS. <b>4</b> to <b>6</b> and <b>9</b> to <b>10</b> to generate input data for the operation of a received portable computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0022The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a manually operable data input device embodied as a fabric keyboard. Flexible fabric keyboards are known, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,861,961, assigned to the present assignee. The keyboard <b>101</b> is constructed substantially from fabric and has identified key positions <b>102</b>, which may be printed thereon. An electronic interface device <b>103</b> identifies positions at which keys have been depressed and from this produces output data. Output data from the fabric keyboard may then be supplied as to a data processing device, such as a portable computer.

0024Inner workings of a fabric keyboard illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The data input device utilizes a first fabric layer <b>201</b>, a second fabric layer <b>202</b>, and an intermediate fabric layer <b>203</b> disposed between the first and second fabric layers <b>201</b>, <b>202</b>. Each of the fabric layers <b>201</b> to <b>203</b> is electrically conductive, which is established by combining insulating fibers with electrically conducting fibers or elements. A first insulating separating layer <b>204</b> is disposed between the upper fabric layer <b>201</b> and the intermediate layer <b>203</b>. A second insulating separating layer <b>205</b> is disposed between the second fabric layer <b>202</b> and the intermediate conductive layer <b>203</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the first and second insulating separating layers <b>204</b>, <b>205</b> take the form of a mesh.

0025The first separating layer <b>204</b> is configured to separate the upper conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> and intermediate conductive fabric layer <b>203</b> in the absence of a mechanical interaction with the data input device. But the first separating layer <b>204</b> is penetrable by the upper conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> during a mechanical interaction, to thereby allow the upper conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> to make electrical contact with the intermediate conductive fabric layer <b>203</b>.

0026Similarly, the second separating layer <b>205</b> is configured to separate the lower conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> and intermediate conductive fabric layer <b>203</b> in the absence of a mechanical interaction with the data input device. But the second separating layer <b>204</b> is penetrable by the lower conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> during a mechanical interaction, to thereby allow the lower conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> to make electrical contact with the intermediate conductive fabric layer <b>203</b>. Through the intermediate conductive fabric layer <b>203</b>, a conductive path between the first and second conductive fabric layers <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> can be established at the position of a mechanical interaction with the data input device. The conductive fabric layers may have a weave, knit, or felt construction.

0027Two electrical connectors <b>206</b> and <b>207</b> are located on a rectangular insulating stripe <b>208</b> that is positioned along one edge of upper fabric layer <b>201</b>. The insulating stripe <b>208</b> may be produced by printing insulating ink onto the fabric or by applying insulating adhesive tape. The connectors <b>206</b> and <b>207</b> provide a means of connecting the electronic processing device <b>103</b> to lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b>, respectively. The lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b> are fabricated from fabric coated with metal, such as nickel, silver, alloys, etc. The lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b> are attached to the conductive fiber layers and the insulating strips by conductive adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive containing metallized particles, etc.

0028The lower fabric layer <b>202</b> has a similar construction to the upper fabric layer <b>201</b>, having connectors <b>211</b> and <b>212</b> located on an insulating stripe <b>213</b>. The connectors <b>211</b> and <b>212</b> provide means for connecting the electronic processing device <b>103</b> with low resistance elements <b>214</b> and <b>215</b>, respectively. The lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b> of upper fabric layer <b>201</b> extend along a pair of opposed edges of the fabric layer <b>201</b>. Similarly, lower resistance elements <b>211</b> and <b>212</b> of lower fabric layer <b>202</b> extend along a pair of opposed edges of the fabric layer <b>202</b>.

0029The upper conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> includes conductive fibers arranged such that the first conductive layer <b>201</b> is conductive in a first direction <b>221</b>, along the layer. The second conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> also includes conductive fibers arranged such that the second conductive layer <b>202</b> is conductive in a second direction <b>222</b>, along the layer <b>202</b>. In the exemplary arrangement shown, the first and second directions <b>221</b>, <b>222</b> are substantially perpendicular. Thus, lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b> are positioned at opposed ends of a conductive path extending in the first direction <b>221</b>. Similarly, lower resistance elements <b>211</b> and <b>212</b> are positioned at opposed ends of a conductive path extending in the second direction <b>222</b>.

0030The electronic processing device <b>103</b> is arranged to apply voltages to and take measurements from the data input device. When a voltage is applied across the lower resistance elements <b>209</b> and <b>210</b>, a voltage gradient is established across the first conductive fabric layer <b>201</b>. When a mechanical interaction takes place, the layers are compressed and a conductive path is established between the first conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> and the second conductive fabric layer <b>202</b>. The actual voltage applied to the second conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> will depend upon the position of the mechanical interaction along the first conductive path. This voltage can be measured to provide a first positional coordinate of the mechanical interaction. Hence, a potential divider is created and it is possible to determine a position of the interaction in the direction of arrow <b>221</b>.

0031Similarly, when a voltage is applied across lower resistance elements <b>211</b> and <b>212</b>, a voltage gradient appears across the second conductive fabric layer <b>202</b>. When a mechanical interaction takes place, a conductive path is established between the second conductive fabric layer <b>202</b> and the first conductive fabric layer <b>201</b>. The actual voltage applied to the first conductive fabric layer <b>201</b> will depend upon the position of the mechanical interaction along the second conductive path. This voltage can be measured to provide a second positional coordinate of the mechanical interaction. A potential divider is hence created and it is possible to determine a position of the interaction in the direction of arrow <b>222</b>.

0032With reference to these two voltage measurements, it is possible to identify X-axis and/or Y-axis coordinates of a mechanical interaction within a sensing area. Thus, these two positions then define the position of the interaction on the two-dimensional plane of the keyboard, from which it is possible to identify the specific key that has been pressed. WO 00/72239 A1 discloses a sensor and suitable control circuit operations for determining characteristics of mechanical interactions with the sensor; the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. WO 00/72239 A1 discloses a sensor for determining x and y coordinate data, along with z data relating to pressure. WO 00/72239 A1 discloses a sensor for detecting force and area of a mechanical interaction separately, along with x and y coordinates of the mechanical interaction.

0033Electronic processing device <b>103</b> is detailed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The processing device includes a microcontroller <b>300</b>. The processing device supplies voltages to connectors <b>301</b>, <b>302</b>, <b>303</b>, and <b>304</b> and provides output values for transmission. Resistors <b>305</b> and <b>306</b> have a resistance that is substantially similar to the resistance of the fabric detector measured from a first outer conducting layer <b>201</b> to the other outer conducting layer <b>202</b> when a typical target pressure has been applied. Values in the region of 10 k ohm are typical for these resistors.

0034A detection process is controlled by a program executed by the microcontroller that is, in turn, configured to supply output voltages at pins <b>307</b> and <b>308</b> and to receive analogue voltages at pins <b>309</b>. Input pins <b>309</b> receive outputs from high impedance buffers <b>310</b> and <b>311</b>, typically being operational amplifiers of type TL062 operating at half unity gain to provide a high impedance buffer between the output voltages and the microcontroller input ports.

0035The data input device may be configured to supply input data to a data processing device in accordance with a radio transmission protocol, such as a ZigBee protocol (an implementation of the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol), Bluetooth, or other appropriately configured radio transmission protocol. The electronic processing device may therefore include a low power consumption radio transmitting device interfaced so as to transmit input data received in response to key presses. The radio transmitting device is accordingly arranged to transmit radio signals to a radio receiving device arranged to receive the transmitted input data.

0036The processing device may hence include a wireless microcontroller. This may be an IEEE 802.15.4 wireless controller, such as the JN5121 produced by Jennic of Furnival Street, Sheffield, United Kingdom. The microcontroller may be a low power IEEE 802.15.4 compliant wireless microcontroller combining an on chip 23 bit RISC core and a fully compliant 2.4 gigahertz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver, along with 64 kilobytes of ROM and 96 kilobytes of RAM.

0037The data input device may be enabled to supply input data to a data processing device by means of a mechanical interface, such as a USB computer interface.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a protective covering for a data processing device, in the form of a rectangular case <b>401</b>, which is configurable between an open position for receiving the data processing device and a closed position. The case <b>401</b> may be carried in a single hand, as shown. Optionally, the case <b>401</b> may include carrying means, such as carrying strap <b>402</b> to facilitate carrying.

0039The protective covering is configured to prevent scratching of the outer surfaces of the data processing device and, in addition, is configured to prevent impacts adversely affecting the structural integrity of the portable device. As will be described below in further detail, the case <b>401</b> includes a manually operable data input device.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows case <b>401</b> in an open position. The case <b>401</b> includes a first part <b>501</b> and a second part <b>502</b> that are connected by an axial hinge <b>503</b>. This arrangement allows the first part <b>501</b> and the second part <b>502</b> to be configurable between an open position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and a closed position. The case <b>401</b> may therefore be considered as having a clamshell based design. The first part <b>501</b> and the second part <b>502</b> may have the same or different dimensions.

0041Preferably, the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> of the case <b>401</b> each have a construction that incorporates sufficient set to maintain a three-dimensional shape. Hence, first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> are referred to herein as having a set shape. Preferably, each of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> allows a degree of flexibility. Thus, the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> may be flexed from the initial set shape but are biased towards maintaining their set shape. In alternative arrangements, one or both of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> of case <b>401</b> are rigid, and thus arranged to inhibit flexing from a set shape.

0042The first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> may be fabricated from a plastic material. In this example, the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> are molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA). In the present example, hinge <b>503</b> is a fabric hinge.

0043The case <b>401</b> presents a fabric surface <b>504</b> that is sensitive to the manual application of pressure. The case <b>401</b> includes a manually operable data input device in the form of a keyboard <b>505</b> that is sensitive to the manual application of pressure. In this example, the keyboard <b>505</b> is a flexible, fabric keyboard such as described with reference to FIGS. <b>1</b> to <b>3</b> above, including the pressure sensitive fabric surface <b>504</b>. Key positions, such as position <b>506</b>, are visibly defined on the fabric surface <b>504</b>. The case <b>401</b> includes a control circuit, indicated at <b>507</b>, for identifying mechanical interactions and generating output data in response. The control circuit may include a housing, which, for example, may be attached to fabric surface <b>504</b> of the fabric keyboard <b>505</b>.

0044Once open, the case <b>401</b> may receive a data processing device that includes an interface and executable instructions for interpreting output data generated by the manually operable data input device. In the closed position, the case <b>401</b> is configured to enclose both the received portable computer and the fabric keyboard <b>505</b>. In this example, the case <b>401</b> includes a zip fastener <b>508</b> distributed about the free edges of the case <b>401</b> for securing the case <b>401</b> in the closed position.

0045The fabric keyboard <b>505</b> is connected to the case <b>401</b>. As will be described in further detail below, the fabric keyboard <b>505</b> is connected to the case <b>401</b> such that it may be turned about an axis within the case <b>401</b> that extends substantially parallel to the axis of hinge <b>503</b>. In this example, an inner edge <b>509</b> of the fabric keyboard <b>504</b> is connected to the case <b>401</b> in proximity to the inner edge <b>510</b> of the second part <b>503</b> of the case <b>401</b>.

0046According to the arrangement illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the fabric keyboard <b>504</b> is received in the second part <b>502</b> with the outer surface <b>506</b> of fabric keyboard <b>504</b> facing upwards from the second part <b>502</b>. Fabric keyboard <b>504</b> is connected to the case <b>401</b> such that the fabric keyboard <b>504</b> may be folded over the connected edge <b>509</b>, turned about an axis <b>511</b>, such that the outer surface <b>506</b> faces downwards towards the first part <b>501</b>. This arrangement may be considered to be similar to that of a book, with the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> representing front and back covers of a book, the hinge <b>503</b> representing the spine of the book, and the fabric keyboard <b>505</b> representing a page within the book.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a portable computer. In this example, portable computer <b>601</b> is of the type provided with a touch screen as an alternative to a keyboard. The touch screen of portable computer <b>601</b> is sensitive to the manual application of pressure. As shown, pressure may be applied by the manual operation of a stylus <b>603</b> or similar implement, or by direct application of a finger. The portable computer <b>601</b> may include carrying means, such as carrying strap <b>602</b> to facilitate carrying.

0048In this example, the portable computer is an ultra mobile PC, of the type that is smaller than a notebook PC but is larger than a personal organizer. In this example, the portable computer is a tablet PC available under the designation Samsung model NP-Q1.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates the use of case <b>401</b> to generate input data for the operation of portable computer <b>601</b>, which is shown received in the first part <b>501</b> of case <b>401</b>. Full access to ports of the portable computer <b>601</b> may be maintained whilst the portable computer <b>601</b> is held within the case <b>401</b>.

0050According to the arrangement illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, both the first part <b>501</b> and the second part <b>502</b> of the case <b>401</b> are resting upon a planar support surface. Manual presses at key regions defined on the pressure sensitive fabric surface <b>504</b> of fabric keyboard <b>505</b> result in the generation of output data. The portable computer <b>601</b> includes an interface and executable instructions for interpreting the output data. Thus, portable computer <b>601</b> is programmed so as to respond to input data commands.

0051Output data generated in response to manual pressure applied to the fabric keyboard <b>505</b> of case <b>401</b> may result in a variety of different operations performed by the portable computer <b>601</b> in response to input data commands. For example, input data commands may be used to control an executable program, to navigate a menu, to generate text data for visual display, to construct email or text messages, to select a media item for display and/or to perform editing operations, etc.

0052The inclusion of a manually operable data input device in the protective case provides a convenient method of supplying input data to the portable computer. Although the portable computer may include software to present a visual keyboard that is responsive to pressure applied to the touch screen, the virtual keyboard may be so small that it is impractical for users that have impaired vision or dexterity. In addition, an on-screen keyboard may overlie or trigger a reduction in size of a graphical user interface and hence undesirably obscure graphics of interest to the user.

0053In this example, output data is transmitted from the case <b>401</b> to the portable computer <b>601</b> in accordance with a ZigBee radio transmission protocol. Thus, the case is provided with a radio transmitting device and the portable computer is provided with a radio interface and a radio receiving device.

0054An IEEE 802.15.14 ZigBee environment is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. At the heart of the network, there is provided a ZigBee coordinator <b>801</b>, which, in turn, operates under the control of a local computer system for performing data processing operations. The co-ordinator provides a bridge to other networks, such as a telephony network <b>802</b>, etc. It is also the place where information about the network itself is stored.

0055The manually operable fabric controller of the case <b>401</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 7</figref> is shown as <b>803</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> and communicates wirelessly with the coordinator <b>801</b>. A full function device (FFD) <b>804</b> may act as an intermediate router and allows data to be passed from other devices. A reduced function device (RFD) <b>805</b> may also be provided within the network.

0056The ZigBee network uses the IEEE 802.15.4 low rate wireless personal area network standard to describe its lower protocol layers, namely the physical layer and the medium access control portion of the data link layer. In this exemplary embodiment, wireless operation takes place at 2.4 gigahertz using DSSS, which is managed by the digital stream into the modulator. An orthogonal signalling scheme is used that transmits four bits per symbol in the 2.4 gigahertz band to provide a raw over-the-air data rate of 250 kilobytes per channel in the 2.4 gigahertz band. Transmission range is typically between 10 meters and 75 meters. The channel mode access specified by IEEE 802.15.4 is carrier sense, multiple access such that nodes briefly check to see that no one else is transmitting before they themselves start transmitting.

0057The coordinator <b>801</b> is a data processing device configured to produce an output signal. Thus, an output signal may be provided to an application program executed by a local computing facility such that data is received within an operational package, such as, for example, a spreadsheet or an email program, etc. Alternatively, the data processing device may produce an output signal to a wider network, such as that provided by the telephony functionality <b>802</b>, etc.

0058The IEEE 802.15.14 radio environment and specifically when using the ZigBee protocol provides a low power consumption radio transmitting device that is interfaced to an input device for transmitting input data.

0059In relation to the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4, 5</figref> and <b>7</b>, the case includes the fabric controller <b>803</b> and is interfaced to an appropriate node such as a full function device (FFD) of the type shown at <b>804</b>. The portable computer includes the coordinator <b>801</b> where there is provided a radio receiving device for receiving the transmitted input data, such that the portable computer is interfaced with a radio receiving device.

0060A manually operable data input device constructed from fabric is configured to receive input data from a user. In the example described so far, the input device takes the form of an alphanumeric keyboard. But it should be appreciated that other input devices may be used, such as an alpha pad, a numeric keypad, an audio player controller, a combination of different regions providing different functions, etc.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a similar arrangement to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. But in the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the portable computer <b>601</b> is shown supported at an angle to the case <b>401</b> by stand means provided therewith. Thus, touch screen of portable computer <b>601</b> is inclined relative to the keyboard <b>505</b>. This arrangement may be desirable for a user of the portable computer <b>601</b>, to increase the visibility of the touch screen.

0062The control circuit <b>507</b> of case <b>401</b> may be configured to detect the position of a mechanical interaction on fabric keyboard <b>505</b> and to detect the degree of applied pressure. The pressure sensitive fabric surface <b>504</b> of fabric keyboard <b>505</b> is sensitive to manual presses and to manually applied gesticular movements, including stroke actions, swipe actions, tapping actions and scrolling actions. Both of these types of mechanical interaction may be used to control operations of a portable computer.

0063For example, stroking operations across fabric surface <b>504</b> may be used to effect menu scrolling. A finger <b>901</b> may effect a stroking operation in the direction of arrow <b>902</b> to scroll up a list displayed by the portable computer. Thus, the finger <b>901</b> is applied to the fabric surface <b>504</b> and stroked in an upward direction. That is to say, movement of the finger <b>901</b> in an upward direction is caused while contact is maintained and held in pressure with fabric surface <b>504</b>. Similarly, in order to scroll in the opposite direction, down a list displayed on the portable computer, finger <b>901</b> is applied to the fabric surface <b>504</b> and then moved downward in the direction of arrow <b>903</b> while remaining in contact, and then removed.

0064In addition to the fabric keyboard <b>505</b>, the case <b>401</b> may include a stylus <b>904</b> for operation of a portable computer. As shown, the fabric keyboard may include storage means for a stylus.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a rear view of case <b>401</b> in an open position. The case <b>401</b> includes first a first rigid flap <b>1001</b> and a second rigid flap <b>1002</b> that are each configured to be moveable to releasably engage with each other. The first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> are arranged to lie against the outer surface <b>1003</b>, <b>1004</b> of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> respectively when not in use. Preferably, the first and first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> are arranged to lie flush against the outer surface <b>1003</b>, <b>1004</b> of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> respectively when not in use.

0066The first rigid flap <b>1001</b> is pivotally attached to the first part <b>501</b> and is arranged to pivot outwards from the edge <b>1005</b> of the first rigid flap <b>1001</b> that is most distal from the hinge <b>503</b> of the case <b>401</b>. Similarly, the second rigid flap <b>1002</b> is pivotally attached to the second part <b>502</b> and is arranged to pivot outwards from the edge <b>1006</b> of the second part <b>502</b> most distal from the hinge <b>503</b>.

0067According to the arrangement shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> are arranged to be releasably engaged by means of a hook and loop arrangement <b>1007</b>, such as Velcro™. The hook component of such a mechanism is located upon one side of a first of the rigid flaps and the loop component is located on the opposite side of the second of the rigid flaps.

0068As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> are configured to releasably engage with each other to support the outer surface <b>1003</b> of the first part <b>501</b> of the case <b>401</b> at an acute angle, indicated at <b>1101</b>, to the outer surface <b>1004</b> of the second part <b>502</b>. As indicated by arrow <b>1102</b>, the included angle may be varied by adjusting the overlap of the first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b>. The illustrated arrangement allows a ninety degree included angle between the two outer surfaces <b>1003</b>, <b>1004</b> of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> to be maintained through engagement of the first and second rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b>. The arrangement of the rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> within the overall construction of the case <b>401</b> may allow a zero degree angle between the two outer surfaces <b>1003</b>, <b>1004</b> of the first and second parts <b>501</b>, <b>502</b> when the rigid flaps <b>1001</b>, <b>1002</b> are not engaged with each other. Hence, the angle of incline of the first part relative to a support surface <b>1103</b> upon which the second part <b>502</b> is rested is variable.

0069This feature serves to enable a user to adjust the angle at which the portable computer <b>601</b> when held within the first part <b>501</b> of the case is viewed. In this example, the first part <b>501</b> of the case <b>401</b> may selectively be laid flat upon the second part <b>502</b>, oriented perpendicular to the second part <b>502</b>, or oriented at an angle in-between. In order to maintain the received portable computer <b>601</b> at an incline, securing means may be provided to secure the portable computer to the first part <b>501</b> of the case <b>401</b>, for example, in the form of a hook-and-loop arrangement, among other suitable securing means, etc.

0070In order to present a data input interface when the case <b>401</b> is configured as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the fabric keyboard <b>505</b> is rotatable about connected edge <b>509</b>, as indicated by arrow <b>1104</b>, to rest upon support surface <b>1103</b>. In this position, fabric keyboard <b>505</b> and second part <b>502</b> extend substantially in the same plane along support surface <b>1103</b>.

0071In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, output data is transmitted from the case <b>401</b> to the portable computer <b>601</b> by means of a mechanical interface. A USB connector cable <b>1201</b> is provided, which extends between the control circuit housing <b>507</b> of the case <b>401</b> and a USB port of the portable computer <b>601</b>.

0072Portable computer <b>601</b> includes audio playback capability. In this example, the portable computer <b>601</b> is provided with speakers <b>1202</b> and an interface socket <b>1203</b> for stereo headphones, and is configured to provide an audio output signal to the speakers or an earpiece as selected by a user. Such an audio device may work using magnetic tape, magnetic discs, data discs, solid state storage devices, etc. Portable computer <b>601</b> includes the capability to produce an audio output signal from digital data files, including compressed audio data files, such as those identified by the designation MP3. In addition to alpha-numeric and symbolic keys for the operation of portable computer <b>601</b>, fabric keyboard <b>505</b> includes audio control keys, indicated generally at <b>1204</b>, for operation of the audio playback capability of the portable computer <b>601</b>. Keys may be provided to control a variety of functions or aspects, for example play, stop, pause, fast forward, rewind, select, and mute.

0073The audio control keys, are responsive to manually applied pressure to control aspects of the audio playback capability of the portable computer when the portable computer is in the bag. As previously described, the fabric surface <b>504</b> is sensitive to manual presses and to manually applied gesticular movements.

0074In this example, manual presses are used to control discrete operations of the audio playback capability of the portable computer, such as play and stop, and gesticular movements are used to control variable operations of the audio playback capability of the portable computer, such as volume level control and tone control.

0075As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, an area <b>1205</b> responsive to gesticular movements that is separate to defined key regions may be defined on the fabric surface <b>504</b>. In other applications, manual presses may control all controllable functions.

0076Cases as disclosed herein may conveniently provide both a protective covering for a portable computer and also apparatus and methods for supplying input data to the portable computer. By combining a case and manually operable data input device, a convenient solution is provided for the protected storage and transportation of a portable computer and also data input for the portable computer. In addition, the provision of a fabric keyboard does not add significant weight or bulk to the case. As disclosed herein, a case for a portable computer may be provided with a fabric keyboard that may be used when resting upon a part of the case or upon a support surface as selected.

0077Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

0078When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

0079The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.