In an electronic device, a lift structure, composed by electromagnets, magnetic components, and support piece, is disposed at a rear end of an electronic part and a housing. The magnetic components can be permanent magnets and disposed at the rear end of the electronic part and the support piece. The electromagnets are controlled by driving device to a configuration so as to have repulsion and attraction to the rear end and to the support piece respectively, thereby configuring the rear end to a lifted position, or to another configuration so as to have attraction and repulsion to the rear end and to the support piece respectively, thereby configuring the rear end to a retracted position. An adjusting component is further used to adjust the position of the electromagnet to determine the height of the rear end of the electronic part when set in the lifted position.

Embodiments provide mechanisms for actuating the retraction of the keys of a retractable keyboard based on the angle of the rotation of a coupled display, such as in a 2-in-1 IHS (Information Handling System) that may be operated as a tablet or a laptop. In a first mode, where the display of the IHS is in a laptop configuration, the provided mechanisms actuate the retractable keys to their extended positions allowing use of the IHS as a laptop. As the user rotates the display to various tablet configurations, the provided mechanisms actuate the keycaps to a second mode, in which the keycaps are retracted and may be further disabled to promote use of IHS as a tablet. Certain embodiments utilize a gear and cam mechanism to link the rotation of the display to the actuation of the keycaps. Certain other embodiments utilize a gear and crank mechanism.

A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.

An electronic device disclosed. The electronic device includes a first chassis, a second chassis, and a hinge mechanism that connects the first chassis and the second chassis. The electronic device also includes a cylindrical cam member, a slide member and a movable member that moves in conjunction with a movement of the slide member in the axial direction and which extends from and retracts to an outer surface of the first chassis.

An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys is formed in at least two segments which are mutually movable relative to one another using a hinge or joint. Each of the segments of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys. The adjustable nature of the keyboard reduces stress and discomfort to the user by reducing contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle, in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint. The surface of at least one of the ball and socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses or a plurality of projections, to provide increased resistance to joint movement.

A portable user interface device receives user inputs in two modes. The user interface device includes a central portion attached to two side portions. Relative rotation between the central portion and the side portions converts the user interface device between the two modes. In the first mode, the user interface device is suspended on the front of a user's torso. In the second mode, the user interface device may be placed on a substantially flat horizontal surface.

An electronic device disclosed. The electronic device includes a first chassis, a second chassis, and a hinge mechanism that connects the first chassis and the second chassis. The electronic device also includes a cylindrical cam member, a slide member and a movable member that moves in conjunction with a movement of the slide member in the axial direction and which extends from and retracts to an outer surface of the first chassis.

One example embodiment includes a keyboard for providing back typing with a mobile device. The keyboard includes a keypad, where the first keypad includes a set of keys for input to a mobile device and a first hinge, where the first hinge is attached a first portion of the keypad and where the first hinge is configured to allow movement of the first portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device. The keyboard also includes a second hinge, wherein the second hinge is attached a second portion of the keypad and wherein the second hinge is configured to allow movement of the second portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device.

An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys (205) is formed in at least two segments (202, 203) which are mutually movable relative-to one another using a hinge or joint (206). Each of the segments (202, 203) of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys (205). The adjustable nature of the keyboard reduces stress and discomfort to the user by reducing contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint (206) is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle (100), in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint (206). The surface of at least one of the ball and socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses or a plurality of projections, to provide increased resistance to joint movement.

A wearable computer system that provides for convenient and efficient use of all fingers while the user is standing, reclining or using hands intermittently for other tasks. The central unit hangs from a neck strap and communicates with a head mounted display. The central unit's front surface has keys, accessible from opposite edges by each hand. Typing is similar to the traditional, but rotated 90 degrees on each side. Keys are individually assignable to any letter, symbol, musical note, color, action, or macro. Back panels have thumb keys and controls, and can be modified to accept alternate thumb controls and additional hardware, such as sensors, circuits, cameras, and auxiliary connectors for specific tasks such as musical instrument performance or augmented reality game play. Smartphones, can be incorporated within or connected to the central unit. Desktop use can be accomplished by unfolding the panels of one embodiment.