Abstract:
One variation of a touch sensor system includes a set of touch layers: spanning a first area; and including a set of electrodes. The system further includes a set of inductor layers: arranged below the set of touch layers; spanning a second area less than the first area; and including a set of spiral traces defining an inductor. The system also includes a magnetic element arranged below the set of inductor layers and defining a first polarity facing the inductor. The system further includes a controller configured to: read a set of electrical values from the set of electrodes; interpret a force magnitude of a touch input based on the set of electrical values; and in response to the force magnitude exceeding a force magnitude, drive an oscillating voltage across the inductor to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the inductor and the magnetic element.
Abstract:
One variation for a seamless touch sensor includes: a substrate, a baseplate, a haptic actuator, a cover layer, and a controller. The substrate includes: a top layer including a set of drive and sense electrode pairs; and a bottom layer including an array of force sensors. The baseplate: is arranged below the substrate; and including an array of spring elements coupling the baseplate to the substrate. The haptic actuator is arranged below the substrate and includes: a multi-layer inductor; and a first magnetic element facing the multi-layer inductor. The cover layer is arranged over the substrate to define a continuous surface defining an active region and a inactive touch region. The controller is configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to: induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element; and oscillate the active touch region of the cover layer relative to the magnetic element.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Input device layer and nesting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a pressure sensitive key assembly including a substrate having a plurality of hardware elements secured to a surface. The input device also includes one or more layers disposed proximal to the surface, the one or more layers having respective openings configured to nest the one or more hardware elements therein.
Abstract:
Key formation techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a key assembly including a plurality of keys that are usable to initiate respective inputs for a computing device, a connection portion configured to be removably connected to the computing device physically and communicatively to communicate signals generated by the plurality of keys to the computing device, and an outer layer that is configured to cover the plurality of keys of the key assembly, the outer layer having a plurality of areas that are embossed thereon that indicate one or more borders of respective said keys.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a low-profile or ultra-thin navigational pointing device incorporating haptic feedback related to the hardware designs, and sensor optimization relative to the functionally of joysticks, computer mice, gaming equipment, cell phones, personal digital assistants, telecommunications equipment, entertainment equipment, and other electronic pointing devices requiring height profiles of 5 mm or less. In one embodiment, a device in accordance with the present invention includes a support structure component, a read component, a sensor component, and a capture enclosure component. The read component is coupled to the support structure, and the sensor component is coupled to the capture enclosure where it is positioned in close proximity to the read component by capture enclosure.
Abstract:
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.