This application is directed to keycaps for use in association with key switches that facilitate the creation of custom keyboards. Mechanical keyboards feature key switches having standardized top portions that make it possible to fit a wide variety of different keycaps thereon. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include specialized, electronic keycaps that introduce different functionalities to improve keyboard customizability. For example, in some embodiments, keycaps can include haptic feedback mechanisms, while in other embodiments keycaps can include a display screen.

A rocker switch assembly features a rocker switching mechanism and a rocker base housing. The rocker switching mechanism has a switch cover and rocker configured to rock between rocking positions in response to rocking switch forces applied thereon, and provide a rocking switch actuator force. The rocker base housing has a piezo buzzer and rocker switch circuitry, e.g., including contacts/terminals. The piezo buzzer is configured to respond to the rocking switch actuator force, and provide signaling from the piezo buzzer to rocker switch circuitry, based upon the rocking switch actuator force applied.

The present invention relates to a component (1) for generating active haptic feedback, comprising a main body (2) having first and second internal electrodes (3, 4) stacked one above another in a stacking direction (S), wherein a respective piezoelectric layer (9) is arranged between the internal electrodes (3, 4), wherein the component (1) is configured to identify a force exerted on the component (1), wherein the component (1) is configured to generate active haptic feedback if a force exerted on the component (1) is identified, and wherein the haptic feedback is generated by virtue of an electrical voltage being applied between the first and second internal electrodes (3, 4), said electrical voltage resulting in a change in length of the main body (2).

An information view may be displayed on a multi-touch display based on a touch input and based on detected pressure and a depth from a three dimensional touch input on a displayed image on the multi-touch display.

Mechanical key design for keyboards often includes rubber or metal dome switches along with scissor mechanisms that offer a desirable feel and overall performance or achieve the key travel necessary to meet shrinking overall keyboard thickness specifications, but not both. Haptic feedback devices offer a user sensory feedback signifying a selection has been made without any physical travel of a keypad, but also may not offer the user a desirable feel and overall performance. The following describes in detail keys or push buttons that offer the user a desirable feel and performance, while meeting shrinking overall keyboard thickness specifications.

A sliding-contact control unit for a motor vehicle includes a support element, a printed circuit board arranged on the support element, a control element covering the printed circuit board that defines an operator-controlled finger-slide control zone. The printed circuit board includes a first series of position detectors configured to determine the position and the direction of sliding of the finger of an operator. The first series of position detectors is supported against the control element, facing the slide-operated control zone. The printed circuit board includes a first detection element, which is simultaneously a contact force sensor and a haptic actuator, wherein the first detection element is interposed in a supporting arrangement between the printed circuit board and a connecting component, wherein the connecting component is in direct contact with the control element.

Haptic feedback is provided by rendering haptic effects on a haptically-enabled device that includes a front screen, a back cover coupled to the front screen, and a haptic output device attached to or formed within the front screen or the back cover. The haptic output device is configured to render a high-definition (HD) vibratory haptic effect, a low-frequency vibratory haptic effect, and a deformation haptic effect.

A haptic peripheral includes a housing and a haptically-enhanced user input element. The haptically-enhanced user input element is configured to receive an input from a user, and includes a mechanical key having a keycap with a user contact surface configured to contact the user and a smart material actuator integrated onto the user contact surface of the keycap. The smart material actuator is configured to receive a control signal from a processor and is configured to deform at least a portion of the user contact surface relative to the keycap of the mechanical key in response to the control signal from the processor to thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the haptic peripheral. The haptic peripheral may also include a braking actuator coupled to the mechanical key to hold the mechanical key in a depressed position to indicate an inactive status to a user. In addition, the haptic peripheral and the haptically-enhanced user input element may be modular.

A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.

A device includes a display portion that includes a display housing and a display within the display housing. The device also includes a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion and comprising a glass member defining a keyboard region configured to receive user input, a first haptic actuator configured to produce a first haptic output at a first area of the keyboard region, and a second haptic actuator configured to produce a second haptic output at a second area of the keyboard region that is different from the first area.