Abstract: The present technique provides a tablet computer keyboard that is attachable and detachable to a tablet computer in both operable and stored positions, while a display screen of the tablet computer remains accessible by the user. The tablet computer keyboard is attachable and detachable with a rear face of the tablet computer. However, the user may continue interacting with the tablet computer via the display screen even when the tablet computer keyboard is not in a position for operation. The tablet computer keyboard is also attachable and detachable with an edge of the tablet computer, such that the tablet computer keyboard and the display screen are both accessible for user interaction.

Abstract: A collapsible communication connector that is movable between a compact collapsed configuration and an expanded operational configuration. The collapsible communication connector has an attachment assembly, which is movably coupled to an electrical contact panel. The attachment assembly is expanded outwardly from the electrical contact panel to facilitate mechanical coupling of the collapsible communication connector with a counterpart receptacle.

Abstract: A space-saving technique for ports used in communication between electronic devices. The technique utilizes a common connector structure between adjacent ports to reduce spacing between the adjacent ports. Accordingly, the reduced space requirements may translate to reduced dimensions for the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable computer having an external bay with a multiport connector. The portable computer comprises a base coupled to a display module. The display module has a backcover with a bay area for receiving a variety of electronic device modules.

Abstract: The present technique provides a tablet computer keyboard that is attachable and detachable to a tablet computer in both operable and stored positions, while a display screen of the tablet computer remains accessible by the user. The tablet computer keyboard is attachable and detachable with a rear face of the tablet computer. However, the user may continue interacting with the tablet computer via the display screen even when the tablet computer keyboard is not in a position for operation. The tablet computer keyboard is also attachable and detachable with an edge of the tablet computer, such that the tablet computer keyboard and the display screen are both accessible for user interaction.

Abstract: A portable computer having an external bay with a multiport connector. The portable computer comprises a base coupled to a display module. The display module has a backcover with a bay area for receiving a variety of electronic device modules.

Abstract: The present technique provides a tablet computer keyboard that is attachable and detachable to a tablet computer in both operable and stored positions, while a display screen of the tablet computer remains accessible by the user. The tablet computer keyboard is attachable and detachable with a rear face of the tablet computer. However, the user may continue interacting with the tablet computer via the display screen even when the tablet computer keyboard is not in a position for operation. The tablet computer keyboard is also attachable and detachable with an edge of the tablet computer, such that the tablet computer keyboard and the display screen are both accessible for user interaction.

Abstract: A connection technique for switchably and mutually exclusively coupling a plurality of device sets. The connection technique utilizes a low profile connector having multiple circuit sets, each of which is configured for mutually exclusive and removable insertion into a receptacle coupled to multiple devices. Each one of the multiple circuit sets, which is inserted into the receptacle, couples a desired set of the plurality of device sets.

Abstract: A collapsible communication connector that is movable between a compact collapsed configuration and an expanded operational configuration. The collapsible communication connector has an attachment assembly, which is movably coupled to an electrical contact panel.

Abstract: A system for promoting wireless communication. The system utilizes a computing device and an antenna. The antenna is disposed in a protected location within the computing device. However, the antenna is positioned such that the materials from which the computing device is formed do not substantially interfere with the transmission of wireless communication signals.

Abstract: A system having an electronic device with a pointing mechanism by which a user interacts with the electronic device. The system further comprises a retention mechanism that is used to securely retain the pointer mechanism with the electronic device, while permitting a user to readily remove the pointer mechanism when needed.

Abstract: A collapsible communication connector that is movable between a compact collapsed configuration and an expanded operational configuration. The collapsible communication connector has an attachment assembly, which is movably coupled to an electrical contact panel. The attachment assembly is expanded outwardly from the electrical contact panel to facilitate mechanical coupling of the collapsible communication connector with a counterpart receptacle.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for automatically switching viewing orientations of a display in response to physical rotation of the display. The display is rotatably coupled to a base structure via a rotatable mechanism, which has one or more angular switches/sensors that sense the physical orientation of the display and trigger a change in the viewing orientation of the display. The display may be a stand-alone flat-panel display or it may be incorporated into a portable electronic/computing devices, such as a tablet computer. Moreover, the base structure may embody a display support, a port replicator, a docking station, or any other suitable structure having a rotational adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for protecting a display of a computing device, such as a tablet computer system, which is coupleable with a plurality of companion components, such as an attachable companion keyboard and a docking structure. A protective display cover is provided with a multi-orientable mounting structure, which is coupleable with at least one of the tablet computing device and the companion components in various intercoupled configurations. The multi-orientable mounting structure may have a reversible latch mechanism to accommodate a stand-alone configuration of the tablet computing device and an assembled configuration of the tablet computing device and one of the companion components, such as the attachable companion keyboard.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for providing instrument-activated buttons having a sub-surface mechanism for triggering a desired function upon interaction with an above-surface electronic/digital user device, such as a digitizing pointing device. The instrument-activated buttons may be disposed in a display device, a tablet computing device, or any other suitable electronic device. A user navigates a housing surface of the electronic device until a signal identifies the sub-surface button, which may then be activated by performing an instrument-based activation event. The activation event may be a button click, a tip movement, or any other suitable trigger on the electronic/digital user device. A wireless communication is then transmitted between the sub-surface mechanism and the electronic/digital user device to initiate the function associated with the instrument-activated button.

Abstract: The present technique provides a tablet computer keyboard that is attachable and detachable to a tablet computer in both operable and stored positions, while a display screen of the tablet computer remains accessible by the user. The tablet computer keyboard is attachable and detachable with a rear face of the tablet computer. However, the user may continue interacting with the tablet computer via the display screen even when the tablet computer keyboard is not in a position for operation. The tablet computer keyboard is also attachable and detachable with an edge of the tablet computer, such that the tablet computer keyboard and the display screen are both accessible for user interaction.

Abstract: A portable computer system comprising a portable computer with a rugged external bay interface. The bay interface facilitates the interchangeability of a variety of electronic device modules. The interface utilizes mechanical and electrical features that promote the use and interchangeability of the modules.

Abstract: A portable computer having an external bay with a multiport connector. The portable computer comprises a base coupled to a display module. The display module has a backcover with a bay area for receiving a variety of electronic device modules.

Abstract: A connection technique for switchably and mutually exclusively coupling a plurality of device sets. The connection technique utilizes a low profile connector having multiple circuit sets, each of which is configured for mutually exclusive and removable insertion into a receptacle coupled to multiple devices. Each one of the multiple circuit sets, which is inserted into the receptacle, couples a desired set of the plurality of device sets.

Abstract: A connection technique for switchably and mutually exclusively coupling a plurality of device sets. The connection technique utilizes a low profile connector having multiple circuit sets, each of which is configured for mutually exclusive and removable insertion into a receptacle coupled to multiple devices. Each one of the multiple circuit sets, which is inserted into the receptacle, couples a desired set of the plurality of device sets.