A portable information handling system keyboard includes plural keys that each have a programmable variable-feel response to an end user experience with key interactions in real time. In one example embodiment, a magnetic-rheological fluid is disposed in a chamber of the key to pass through openings formed in a piston that moves downward with a keypress and upward in response to a biasing mechanism, such as a spring disposed in the chamber. Current applied to a coil around the chamber creates a magnetic field that varies the viscosity of the fluid so that key compression and range of motion associated with an input as well as key movement to a raised position are programmable to adjust based upon a sensed key position and movement.

A portable information handling system keyboard includes plural keys that each have a programmable variable-feel response to an end user experience with key interactions in real time. In one example embodiment, a magnetic-rheological fluid is disposed in a chamber of the key to pass through openings formed in a piston that moves downward with a keypress and upward in response to a biasing mechanism, such as a spring disposed in the chamber. Current applied to a coil around the chamber creates a magnetic field that varies the viscosity of the fluid so that key compression and range of motion associated with an input as well as key movement to a raised position are programmable to adjust based upon a sensed key position and movement.

An input device includes an operation unit to receive an operation, at least one load detection unit to detect a load on the operation unit and detect the load according to capacitance between a pair of conductors, and a substrate on which an electrode as one of the pair of conductors of the load detection unit is arranged. The load detection unit includes the electrode, an operation deformation portion to deform in response to an operation on the operation unit, and a detection electrode as the other of the pair of conductors. The electrode, the operation deformation portion and the detection electrode are located between the substrate and the operation unit and arranged in this order from the substrate.

A tactile switch on a mobile electronic device having a housing is provided. The tactile switch is comprised of a pressure sensitive interface on an exterior portion of the housing, a switch mechanism, and at least one pathway coupled to the pressure sensitive interface and extending from the pressure sensitive interface to the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism is at a remote location from the pressure sensitive interface. The pathway is formed in an interior portion of the housing. The tactile switch further includes a viscous fluid substantially filling the pathway. The tactile switch is configured such that when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive interface, the viscous fluid exerts pressure on the switch mechanism, causing the switch to make an electrical contact.

A keyboard module and an electronic device using the keyboard module are provided. The keyboard module includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a micro pump chamber and an actuator. The housing has multiple openings with the keys disposed in the housing. Each key includes a switch membrane, a key cover, an elastic element and a scissor unit. The switch membrane has a key switch, the key cover is above the switch membrane, and the elastic element disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover triggers the key switch when being pressed and deformed. The scissor unit is disposed between the key cover and the switch membrane to support the key cover. The micro pump chamber disposed below the key cover includes a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, a check valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and an actuator driving the keys to be withdrawn into or protrude out of the openings.

Examples provide a piezoelectric energy harvester and a wireless switch including the same. The piezoelectric energy harvester includes a pressure transmission part situated between a pressing plate and a piezoelectric body, so as to transmit a uniform amount of pressure to the piezoelectric body, thereby generating a constant level of energy. In addition, a wireless switch uses energy generated in the piezoelectric energy harvester as its driving power, thereby transmitting radio frequency (RF) communications signals to an external electronic device to control the operation of the electronic device.

A keyboard module and an electronic device using the keyboard module are provided. The keyboard module includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a micro pump chamber and an actuator. The housing has multiple openings with the keys disposed in the housing. Each key includes a switch membrane, a key cover, an elastic element and a scissor unit. The switch membrane has a key switch, the key cover is above the switch membrane, and the elastic element disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover triggers the key switch when being pressed and deformed. The scissor unit is disposed between the key cover and the switch membrane to support the key cover. The micro pump chamber disposed below the key cover includes a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, a check valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and an actuator driving the keys to be withdrawn into or protrude out of the openings.

A tactile switch on a mobile electronic device having a housing is provided. The tactile switch is comprised of a pressure sensitive interface on an exterior portion of the housing, a switch mechanism, and at least one pathway coupled to the pressure sensitive interface and extending from the pressure sensitive interface to the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism is at a remote location from the pressure sensitive interface. The pathway is formed in an interior portion of the housing. The tactile switch further includes a viscous fluid substantially filling the pathway. The tactile switch is configured such that when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive interface, the viscous fluid exerts pressure on the switch mechanism, causing the switch to make an electrical contact.

A tactile switch on a mobile electronic device having a housing is provided. The tactile switch is comprised of a pressure sensitive interface on an exterior portion of the housing, a switch mechanism, and at least one pathway coupled to the pressure sensitive interface and extending from the pressure sensitive interface to the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism is at a remote location from the pressure sensitive interface. The pathway is formed in an interior portion of the housing. The tactile switch further includes a viscous fluid substantially filling the pathway. The tactile switch is configured such that when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive interface, the viscous fluid exerts pressure on the switch mechanism, causing the switch to make an electrical contact.

One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: A tactile layer defining a tactile surface touchable by a user and plurality of deformable regions operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable regions are flush with an undeformable region of the tactile layer; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable regions are proud of the undeformable region. A substrate joined to the undeformable region and defining a fluid port per deformable region and a fluid channel. A displacement device displacing the fluid through the fluid channel and the fluid ports to transition the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state. A first and a second pressure sensor detecting changes in fluid pressure within the fluid due to a force applied to a particular deformable region. A processor determining the particular deformable region to be location of the input force based upon the detected fluid pressure changes.