Patent classifications
H01H2203/058
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING KEYS OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
An electronic device is provided that includes a display subassembly including a display that visually presents information. The electronic device also includes a base subassembly including plural keys and coupled to the display subassembly, the key having a key characteristic. The electronic device also includes one or more processors, and a data storage device having executable instructions accessible by the one or more processors. Responsive to execution of the instructions, the one or more processors are configured to obtain a user characteristic or an electronic device characteristic, and modify the key characteristic based on the user characteristic or the electronic device characteristic.
Pressure sensitive keys
Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.
Thin Keyboard Device
A thin keyboard device is described herein. In one or more implementations, a keyboard device includes a plurality of keys, and a housing that includes a structural printed circuit board (PCB). The structural PCB includes, for each of the plurality of keys, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace. The keyboard device further includes a key-switch mechanism for each of the plurality of keys. The key-switch mechanism includes a conductive material oriented towards the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, and is configured to cause the conductive material to move downwards, when the key is depressed, to electrically connect the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace of the depressed key.
Thin keyboard device
A thin keyboard device is described herein. In one or more implementations, a keyboard device includes a plurality of keys, and a housing that includes a structural printed circuit board (PCB). The structural PCB includes, for each of the plurality of keys, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace. The keyboard device further includes a key-switch mechanism for each of the plurality of keys. The key-switch mechanism includes a conductive material oriented towards the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, and is configured to cause the conductive material to move downwards, when the key is depressed, to electrically connect the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace of the depressed key.
Classifying the intent of user input
Different types of user inputs can be input by a user via a keyboard of an input device. These different types of user inputs include, for example, key strikes, multi-touch interactions, single finger motions, and/or mouse clicks. Touch information regarding the pressure applied to the keys of a pressure sensitive keyboard over time (or the contact area of the user input for other types of keyboards over time) is used to classify the intent of the user input as one of the various types of user inputs.
Thin Keyboard Device
A thin keyboard device is described herein. In one or more implementations, a keyboard device includes a plurality of keys, and a housing that includes a structural printed circuit board (PCB). The structural PCB includes, for each of the plurality of keys, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace. The keyboard device further includes a key-switch mechanism for each of the plurality of keys. The key-switch mechanism includes a conductive material oriented towards the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, and is configured to cause the conductive material to move downwards, when the key is depressed, to electrically connect the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace of the depressed key.
Flexible hinge and removable attachment
Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
Pressure sensitive key normalization
Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.
Hinge for component attachment
A hinge for component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.
Keyboard with height-adjustable keys
A keyboard with height-adjustable keys is provided. The keyboard includes a key supporting plate, the keys and a movable plate. Each key includes a supporting element. Moreover, plural bulges are disposed on the supporting element. The movable plate is disposed under the key supporting plate. The key is fixed on the key supporting plate. The key is connected with the key supporting plate through the supporting element. Moreover, the plural bulges are penetrated downwardly through the key supporting plate and inserted in the movable plate. While the movable plate is moved, the bulges are pushed and the key is moved toward the key supporting plate with the supporting element. Consequently, the height of the key is lowered.