Office Action 4: Notice of Allowance (2025-03-12)

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application.

Listing of Claims:

1\. (Currently Amended) A computing device, comprising:
a housing;
a keyboard positioned in the housing and including a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap and a respective haptic actuator;
at least one sensor positioned in the housing;
a memory comprising an input characteristic database;
a processor configured to access \[\[a\]\]the memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:detect, via a signal from the at least one sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms;
perform a comparison of the input characteristic of the user to the input characteristic database to determine an input preference of the user from a category of users in the input characteristic database;based on the input preference of the user from the category ofSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1431.397 automatically adjust an input setting for multiple adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; and

control each haptic actuator of the multiple adjustable key mechanisms according to the input setting, including feedback responsive to at least subsequent inputs following the input.
2\. (Currently Amended) The computing device of claim 1, wherein the input characteristic includes a rate of the input provided to the one or more adjustable key SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1430.923

3\. (Currently Amended) The computing device of claim 1, wherein the keycap is a first keycap, and wherein detecting the input characteristic includes:
detecting, via the signal from the at least one sensor, a first finger of the user at the first keycap,
detecting, via a second signal from a second sensor, a second finger of the user at a second keycap, and
determining the input characteristic based on positions of the first finger at the first keycap and the second finger at the second keycap.

4\. (Original) The computing device of claim 1, wherein controlling the haptic actuator includes adjusting an amount of a force required to actuate the keycap.

5\. (Currently Amended) A method of adjusting a keyboard of a computing device, the method comprising:
determining, via a sensor of a computing device, an input characteristic of a user at a keyboard of the computing device;
determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on a comparison of the input characteristic of the user and an input characteristic database indicating a match to predefined input characteristics of the input device configuration, wherein in the input characteristic database, the input device configuration defines haptic output properties preferred by a category of users;
altering a property of a key of the keyboard based on the input device configuration;
wherein determining the input device configuration includes tracking the input characteristic over a period of time, and wherein altering the property of the key occurs after the period of time.

6\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining, via the sensor, a rate of input provided by the user to the keyboard based on input signals produced in response to actuation of the keyboard.

7\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining, via the sensor, a force applied to a keycap of the keyboard.

8\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining a size of at least a portion of a hand of the user.

9\. (Original) The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a light sensor and determining the size comprises:
detecting, via the light sensor, a change in sensed light as the user moves at least the portion of the hand over the keyboard; and
determining, via the processor, the size of at least the portion of the hand based on the change in sensed light.

10\. (Original) The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a capacitive sensor and determining the size comprises:
detecting, via the capacitive sensor, a change in capacitance between a first finger of the hand of the user and a second finger of the hand of the user; and
determining, via the processor, a relative size of at least the portion of the hand based on the change in capacitance between the first finger and the second finger.

11\. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining a position of at least a portion of a hand of a user relative to the keyboard.

12\. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes a capacitive sensor and determining the position comprises:
detecting, via the capacitive sensor, a change in capacitance between a first key of the keyboard and a second key of the keyboard; and
determining, via the processor, the position of at least the portion of the hand based on the change in capacitance between the first key and the second key.

13\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein altering the property of the key includes providing a haptic output sensation to the user at the key via a magnetic component.

14\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein altering the property of the key includes altering a resistance between magnetic components of the key of the keyboard.

15\. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 14, wherein the magnetic components include at least one coil, and wherein altering the resistance between the magnetic components includes adjusting current provided to the at least one coil.

16\. (Canceled)

17\. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input device configuration includes configuring the keyboard to automatically alter the property of the key in real-time.
18\. (Currently Amended) A keyboard, comprising:
a housing;
a set of keys positioned in the housing;
a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing an input characteristic database comprising:a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user according to a first set of input preferences; and
a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user according to a second set of input preferences, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch based on a comparison o the first input device configuration and the second input device configuration when detected user input characteristics indicate a matchto predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration that are stored within the input characteristic database;
a set of touch sensors associated with the set of keys; and
a set of haptic actuators associated with the set of keys;
wherein, in response to detection of a first user input characteristic of the first user via the set of touch sensors, at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic
actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback in accordance with the first input device configuration to at least one key of the set of keys; and
wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic of the second user via the set of touch sensors, the at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a second haptic feedback in accordance with the second input device configuration to the at least one key of the set of keys.

19\. (Original) The keyboard of claim 18, wherein the set of touch sensors and the set of haptic actuators are connected to an electronic device including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to detect the first user input characteristic and to actuate the at least one haptic actuator to provide the first haptic feedback; and
detect the second user input characteristic and to actuate the at least one haptic actuator to provide the second haptic feedback.

20\. (Original) The keyboard of claim 18, wherein the set of touch sensors include a set of capacitive sensors to measure a change in capacitance between fingers of a user having the first user input characteristic or the second user input characteristic.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-15 and 17-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, none of the prior arts of record singularly or combination, teaches or fairly suggest the features present in the claim 1 “A computing device, comprising: a housing; a keyboard positioned in the housing and including a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap and a respective haptic actuator; at least one sensor positioned in the housing; a memory comprising an input characteristic database; a processor configured to access [[a]]the memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: detect, via a signal from the at least one sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; perform a comparison of the input characteristic of the user to the input characteristic database to determine an input preference of the user from a category of users in the input characteristic database; based on the input preference of the user from the category of users to the input setting, including feedback responsive to at least subsequent inputs following the input.”.
Prior arts of record fail to disclose “A computing device, comprising: a housing; a keyboard positioned in the housing and including a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap and a respective haptic actuator; at least one sensor positioned in the housing; a memory comprising an input characteristic database; a processor configured to access [[a]]the memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: detect, via a signal from the at least one sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; perform a comparison of the input characteristic of the user to the input characteristic database to determine an input preference of the user from a category of users in the input characteristic database; based on the input preference of the user from the category of users
Claims 2-4 depend on and further limit of independent claim 1, therefore claims 2-4 are considered allowable for the same reason.
Regarding claim 5, none of the prior arts of record singularly or combination, teaches or fairly suggest the features present in the claim 5 “A method of adjusting a keyboard of a computing device, the method comprising: determining, via a sensor of a computing device, an input characteristic of a user at a keyboard of the computing device; determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on a comparison of the input characteristic of the user and an input characteristic database indicating a match toin the input characteristic database, the input device configuration defines haptic output properties preferred by a category of users; altering a property of a key of the keyboard based on the input device configuration; wherein determining the input device configuration includes tracking the input characteristic over a period of time, and wherein altering the property of the key occurs after the period of time.”.
Prior arts of record fail to disclose “A method of adjusting a keyboard of a computing device, the method comprising: determining, via a sensor of a computing device, an input characteristic of a user at a keyboard of the computing device; determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on a comparison of the input characteristic of the user and an input characteristic database indicating a match toin the input characteristic database, the input device configuration defines haptic output properties preferred by a category of users; altering a property of a key of the keyboard based on the input device configuration; wherein determining the input device configuration includes tracking the input characteristic over a period of time, and wherein altering the property of the key occurs after the period of time.”.  However, upon consideration of the amended claims and the applicant's arguments, there is no reasoning to combine the applied references to arrive in the context of the claim invention.
Claims 6-15 and 17 depend on and further limit of independent claim 5, therefore claims 6-15 and 17 are considered allowable for the same reason.
Regarding claim 18, none of the prior arts of record singularly or combination, teaches or fairly suggest the features present in the claim 18 “A keyboard, comprising: a housing; a set of keys positioned in the housing; a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing an input characteristic database comprising: a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user according to a first set of input preferences; and a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user according to a second set of input preferences, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch based on a comparison oindicate a match to predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration that are stored within the input characteristic database; a set of touch sensors associated with the set of keys; and a set of haptic actuators associated with the set of keys; wherein, in response to detection of a first user input characteristic of the first user via the set of touch sensors, at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback in accordance with the first input device configuration to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic of the second user via the set of touch sensors, the at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a second haptic feedback in accordance with the second input device configuration to the at least one key of the set of keys.”.
Prior arts of record fail to disclose “A keyboard, comprising: a housing; a set of keys positioned in the housing; a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing an input characteristic database comprising: a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user according to a first set of input preferences; and a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user according to a second set of input preferences, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch based on a comparison oindicate a match to predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration that are stored within the input characteristic database; a set of touch sensors associated with the set of keys; and a set of haptic actuators associated with the set of keys; wherein, in response to detection of a first user input characteristic of the first user via the set of touch sensors, at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback in accordance with the first input device configuration to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic of the second user via the set of touch sensors, the at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a second haptic feedback in accordance with the second input device configuration to the at least one key of the set of keys.”.  However, upon consideration of the amended claims and the applicant's arguments, there is no reasoning to combine the applied references to arrive in the context of the claim invention.
Claims 19-20 depend on and further limit of independent claim 18, therefore claims 19-20 are considered allowable for the same reason.
Conclusion
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
This responds to the Office Action dated 8 November 2024. Claims 1, 2, 3, 5, and 18 are currently amended. The amendments are supported throughout the specification, drawings and original claims of the application, such as, for example, paragraph [0046] of the specification. No new matter has been added. Claim 16 was previously canceled without prejudice. Thus, claims 1-15 and 17-20 are currently pending. Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration of the application in view of the foregoing amendments and following remarks.
Interview Summary
Applicant's attorney Steven Swan and Examiner Tran engaged in a telephone interview on 25 January 2025. The parties discussed the pending claims and the references cited in the Office Action, including U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/02 10568 to Peterson. The Examiner agreed to further consideration of the amendments and arguments as proposed herein. No final agreement on allowance was reached. The amendments and arguments herein further reflect the substance of the interview.
Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C.
Claims 1-2 and 4 stand rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication No.2012/0092263 to Peterson et al. ("Peterson '263") in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0 132446 to Soh et al. ("Soh") and further in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0210568 to Peterson et al. ("Peterson '568"). Claim 3 stands rejected under Section 103 as allegedly being
unpatentable over Peterson '263 in view of Soh in view of Peterson '568 and further in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0364259 to Kamata et al. ("Kamata"). Claims 5-8, 13-15 and 17 stand rejected under Section 103 as allegedly being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0302966 to Soelberg ("Soelberg") in view of Peterson '263 and further in view of Peterson '568. Claim 9 stands rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Soelberg in view of Peterson '263 in view of Peterson '568 and further in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0182215 to Han et al. ("Han"). Claims 10-12 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Soelberg in view of Peterson '263 in view of Peterson '568 and further in view of Kamata. Claims 18-19 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Peterson '263 in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0082824 to Colley ("Colley") and further in view of Peterson '568. Claim 20 stands rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Peterson '263 in view of Colley in view of Peterson '568 and further in view of Kamata. Applicant respectfully traverses these rejections.
Claim 1 as amended recites, inter alia, "a memory comprising an input characteristic," "perform a comparison of the input characteristic of the user to the input characteristic database to determine an input preference of the user from a category of users in the input characteristic database," and "based on the input preference of the user from the category of users, automatically adjust an input setting for multiple adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms."
Claim 5 as amended recites, inter alia, "determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device
configuration based on a comparison of the input characteristic of the user and an input characteristic database indicating a match to predefined input characteristics of the input device configuration, wherein in the input characteristic database, the input device configuration defines haptic output properties preferred by a category of users."
Claim 18 as amended recites, inter alia, "an input characteristic database," "a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user according to a first set of input preferences," and "a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user according to a second set of input preferences, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch based on a comparison of the first input device configuration and the second input device configuration when detected user input characteristics indicate a match to predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration that are stored within the input characteristic database."
The cited art, viewed either alone or in any combination, does not teach or suggest the above-indicated limitations of claims 1, 5, and 18. To illustrate, the alleged input settings in Peterson (e.g., the adjustable settings of "Profile 1," "Profile 2," "Profile 3," "Key Repeat," and "Machine Gun" in FIG. 9) appear to be "automatically and/or manually" interchangeable with each other based on typing characteristics. Peterson '568 at [0123]. The Peterson '568 reference in particular expressly discloses using an algorithm to know which drive parameters should be applied: "Based on the [user input] data, adaptive response component 126 can then utilize an algorithm or other suitable technique to calculate or otherwise ascertain, from the data, one or more drive parameters controlling a drive voltage(s) to be applied." Id. at [0041] (emphasis added). The
pseudocode for the disclosed algorithm is provided in paragraphs [0043]-[0086] of Peterson '568. In the pseudocode, Peterson '568 discloses that the haptic output is activated according to a defined profile using "fDT" (para. [0085])-which is a calculated value that varies according to the equation fDT=minFD-(aCS*minMP)+tSTEP+aCS (para. [0071]).
The foregoing excerpts (and the reference as whole) regarding an algorithm cannot reasonably be interpreted as an input characteristics "database" as more particularly recited in claims 1, 5, and 18. Even if such an algorithm utilizes memory (e.g., element 108, as the Examiner suggested in the Examiner Interview) to send drive parameters to the keyboard (para. [0117]), none of these elements, alone or in combination, can reasonably teach or suggest the claimed structure of an input characteristics database. An algorithm is not a database since it would provide variable results based on solving a formula rather than finding discrete stored database parameters.
In addition, the disclosed algorithm in Peterson '568 does not appear to "perform a comparison of the input characteristic of the user to the input characteristic database to determine an input preference of the user from a category of users in the input characteristic database," as recited in claim 1 for example. The disclosed algorithm pf Peterson instead appears to calculate the fDT (i.e., the forward delay time) and activate the haptic output according to the profile and the calculated fDT. See id. at paras. [0085], [0071]. Thus, the alleged automatic process of switching haptic profiles in Peterson '568-which utilize an algorithm-is not reasonably equivalent to the claimed comparison in claims 1, 5, and 8.
Applicant further submits that it would not be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the algorithm methodology of Peterson '568 to achieve the claimed invention because doing so would change a fundamental principle of operation of the invention in Peterson '568. See MPEP 2143.01(VI) stating "[i]f the proposed modification or combination of the prior art would change the principle of operation of the prior art invention being modified, then the teachings of the references are not sufficient to render the claims prima facie obvious. In re Ratti, 270 F.2d 810, 813." Applicant submits that changing the algorithm methodology in Peterson '568 to instead be based on an input characteristics database would be a fundamental departure from how Peterson '568 operates (i.e., by moving away from a calculation dependency on stage durations between switch openings and closings). See Peterson '568 at [0042]. Accordingly, such a change would not have been obvious at the time of the invention.
For at least these reasons, the cited references do not teach or suggest every limitation of the rejected claims. Applicant therefore respectfully requests withdrawal of the section 103 rejection of claims 1, 5, and 18, and any claims dependent upon them.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20110248838A1: Claims:
An electronic device, comprising: a touch sensitive surface comprising an electromagnetic field sensor; a controller operable with the touch sensitive surface; a passive user input attachment, attachable to the touch sensitive surface, and configured to deliver a temporal signature signal to the touch sensitive surface when attached; an identification module, operable with the controller, and configured to identify the passive user input attachment from the temporal signature signal; and an adaptation module, operable with the controller, configured to reconfigure the electronic device upon the passive user input attachment being attached and identified.
a touch sensitive surface comprising an electromagnetic field sensor;
a controller operable with the touch sensitive surface;
a passive user input attachment, attachable to the touch sensitive surface, and configured to deliver a temporal signature signal to the touch sensitive surface when attached;
an identification module, operable with the controller, and configured to identify the passive user input attachment from the temporal signature signal; and
an adaptation module, operable with the controller, configured to reconfigure the electronic device upon the passive user input attachment being attached and identified.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the passive user input attachment comprises: a plurality of user actuatable keys disposed along a first major face; and a plurality of conductive pads disposed along a second major face, arranged in a characteristic configuration, and configured to interact with the touch sensitive surface.
a plurality of user actuatable keys disposed along a first major face; and
a plurality of conductive pads disposed along a second major face, arranged in a characteristic configuration, and configured to interact with the touch sensitive surface.
The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of conductive pads is less in number than the plurality of user actuatable keys, wherein the adaptation module is configured to reconfigure the electronic device by enabling multiplexed user input through the plurality of conductive pads.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is a touch screen and the adaptation module is configured to reconfigure data presentation along the touch screen to be adjacent to the passive user input attachment.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein when the passive user input attachment is attached to the touch sensitive surface along an interior region of the touch sensitive surface, the adaptation module is configured to configure a first portion of the touch sensitive surface extending from a first edge of the passive user input attachment differently from a second portion of the touch sensitive surface extending from a second edge of the passive user input attachment.
The electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the adaptation module is further configured to calibrate the touch sensitive surface in accordance with an identified temporal signature signal and a profile stored in a memory of the electronic device.
The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein the profile comprises one or more of: a predefined input region corresponding to a characteristic configuration of a plurality of conductive pads disposed on the passive user input attachment; a tactile response to be delivered by the electronic device upon user actuation of one or more keys disposed on the passive user input attachment; one or more user preferences corresponding to the passive user input attachment; one or more amplification levels for signals received from the plurality of conductive pads; one or more threshold levels for the signals received from the plurality of conductive pads; or a keystroke sensitivity corresponding to the one or more keys disposed along the passive user input attachment.
a predefined input region corresponding to a characteristic configuration of a plurality of conductive pads disposed on the passive user input attachment;
a tactile response to be delivered by the electronic device upon user actuation of one or more keys disposed on the passive user input attachment;
one or more user preferences corresponding to the passive user input attachment;
one or more amplification levels for signals received from the plurality of conductive pads;
one or more threshold levels for the signals received from the plurality of conductive pads; or
a keystroke sensitivity corresponding to the one or more keys disposed along the passive user input attachment.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic field sensor comprises one or more of a capacitive sensor or a magnetic sensor.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the adaptation module is configured to reconfigure an input of the electronic device by one or more of the following: configuring the touch sensitive surface for an input detection method corresponding to the passive user input attachment; configuring system behaviors for predetermined input regions corresponding to the passive user input attachment; setting system gains to receive signals from the passive user input attachment along the predetermined input regions; or combinations thereof.
configuring the touch sensitive surface for an input detection method corresponding to the passive user input attachment;
configuring system behaviors for predetermined input regions corresponding to the passive user input attachment;
setting system gains to receive signals from the passive user input attachment along the predetermined input regions; or
combinations thereof.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the adaptation module is configured to reconfigure an output of the electronic device by one or more of the following: configuring visible regions about the passive user input attachment for data presentation; configuring non-visible regions beneath the passive user input attachment not to present data; configure a luminescent layer of the electronic device to project light about or through the passive user input attachment; or combinations thereof.
configuring visible regions about the passive user input attachment for data presentation;
configuring non-visible regions beneath the passive user input attachment not to present data;
configure a luminescent layer of the electronic device to project light about or through the passive user input attachment; or
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the adaptation module is configured to reconfigure the electromagnetic field sensor by calibrating the temporal signature signal out of a predetermined region of the touch sensitive surface corresponding to the passive user input attachment so subsequent field signals can be detected as actuation of keys or controls on the passive user input attachment.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the passive user input attachment is configured to be attachable either along the touch sensitive surface or a portion of the electronic device other than along the touch sensitive surface; and the adaptation module is configured to put the electronic device in a first mode when the passive user input attachment is coupled to the touch sensitive surface and a second mode when the passive user input detached from the touch sensitive surface.
the passive user input attachment is configured to be attachable either along the touch sensitive surface or a portion of the electronic device other than along the touch sensitive surface; and
the adaptation module is configured to put the electronic device in a first mode when the passive user input attachment is coupled to the touch sensitive surface and a second mode when the passive user input detached from the touch sensitive surface.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the passive user input attachment is configured so as to be selectively positioned at any of a plurality of locations along the touch sensitive surface; and the adaptation module is configured to adjust a presentation of information on the touch sensitive surface depending upon a location of the passive user input attachment.
the passive user input attachment is configured so as to be selectively positioned at any of a plurality of locations along the touch sensitive surface; and
the adaptation module is configured to adjust a presentation of information on the touch sensitive surface depending upon a location of the passive user input attachment.
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the passive user input attachment comprises a user control interface operable with an external user control device coupled thereto, the user control interface being configured to deliver control signals from the external user control device to the electronic device.
A method, employing one or more controllers in an electronic device having a touch sensitive surface, of configuring the electronic device in response to a user control device being attached to the touch sensitive surface, the method comprising: identifying, with the one or more controllers, the user control device from a temporal signature signal delivered from the user control device to the electronic device through the touch sensitive surface; configuring a portion of the touch sensitive surface to receive input from the user control device, the configuring depending upon a type of the user control device and a placement location of the user control device; wherein the configuring comprises adjusting behaviors of the electronic device within the portion to be capable of receiving the input from one or more conductive pads attached to the user control device and positioned within the portion.
identifying, with the one or more controllers, the user control device from a temporal signature signal delivered from the user control device to the electronic device through the touch sensitive surface;
configuring a portion of the touch sensitive surface to receive input from the user control device, the configuring depending upon a type of the user control device and a placement location of the user control device;
wherein the configuring comprises adjusting behaviors of the electronic device within the portion to be capable of receiving the input from one or more conductive pads attached to the user control device and positioned within the portion.
The method of claim 15 , wherein the temporal signature signal comprises an electromagnetic field perturbation.
The method of claim 16 , wherein the electromagnetic field perturbation is localized about the one or more conductive pads.
The method of claim 15 , further comprising: determining, with the one or more controllers, the placement location of the user control device along the touch sensitive surface; and altering, with the one or more controllers, a presentation of information on a touch sensitive display in response to the identifying and determining.
determining, with the one or more controllers, the placement location of the user control device along the touch sensitive surface; and
altering, with the one or more controllers, a presentation of information on a touch sensitive display in response to the identifying and determining.
The method of claim 15 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is a touch sensitive display, further comprising presenting information from a first application of the electronic device on a first portion of the touch sensitive display proximate with a first edge of the user control device and presenting information from a second application of the electronic device on a second portion of the touch sensitive display proximate with a second edge of the user control device.
The method of claim 15 , wherein the altering comprises enabling a first mode of operation of the electronic device when the user control device is attached to the touch sensitive surface and enabling a second mode of operation of the electronic device when the user control device is detached from the touch sensitive surface.
Ref US20160049266A1: Claims:
An input device, comprising: a frame defining an aperture; a keycap within the aperture and operable to move with respect to the frame; a switch positioned under the keycap; and a fabric disposed over the frame and keycap, comprising: a first region bonded to the keycap; and a second region bonded to the frame.
a frame defining an aperture;
a keycap within the aperture and operable to move with respect to the frame;
a switch positioned under the keycap; and
a fabric disposed over the frame and keycap, comprising: a first region bonded to the keycap; and a second region bonded to the frame.
a first region bonded to the keycap; and
a second region bonded to the frame.
The input device of claim 1 , the first region comprising a portion of an embossed structure.
The input device of claim 2 , the embossed structure comprising: a top section; at least one side section adjacent the top section; wherein the top section forms at least a portion of the first region.
at least one side section adjacent the top section; wherein
the top section forms at least a portion of the first region.
The input device of claim 3 , wherein the top section is substantially perpendicular to the at least one side section.
The input device of claim 3 , the embossed structure further comprising a rounded corner.
The input device of claim 3 , wherein a height of the embossed structure is defines a travel distance of the keycap.
The input device of claim 1 , wherein: the keycap comprises a keycap flange; and the frame comprises a feature that contacts the keycap flange to restrict upward movement of the keycap with respect to the switch.
the keycap comprises a keycap flange; and
the frame comprises a feature that contacts the keycap flange to restrict upward movement of the keycap with respect to the switch.
The input device of claim 7 , wherein: the keycap further comprises a top surface projecting above the aperture; and the first region of the fabric is bonded to the top surface of the keycap.
the keycap further comprises a top surface projecting above the aperture; and
the first region of the fabric is bonded to the top surface of the keycap.
The input device of claim 7 , wherein the keycap flange contacts the frame to restrict lateral movement of the keycap with respect to the switch.
The input device of claim 1 , wherein the switch biases the keycap upwards.
The input device of claim 1 , further comprising: an illuminator positioned under the fabric; wherein the fabric allows passage of light from the illuminator.
an illuminator positioned under the fabric; wherein
the fabric allows passage of light from the illuminator.
The input device of claim 11 , wherein: the first region includes a legend; and the light from the illuminator illuminates the legend.
the first region includes a legend; and
the light from the illuminator illuminates the legend.
The input device of claim 1 , wherein the fabric is slack during vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the switch.
The input device of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the fabric is operable to bend or buckle during the vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the switch.
A keyboard, comprising: a fabric, comprising: embossed regions; and an unembossed region adjacent at least one embossed region; a frame defining a set of apertures covered by the fabric; and keys, each key comprising: a keycap operable to move within one of the apertures; and a switch supporting the keycap and activated by vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the switch; wherein each keycap is bonded to one of the embossed regions; and the frame is bonded to the unembossed region.
a fabric, comprising: embossed regions; and an unembossed region adjacent at least one embossed region;
embossed regions; and
an unembossed region adjacent at least one embossed region;
a frame defining a set of apertures covered by the fabric; and
keys, each key comprising: a keycap operable to move within one of the apertures; and a switch supporting the keycap and activated by vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the switch; wherein
a keycap operable to move within one of the apertures; and
a switch supporting the keycap and activated by vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the switch; wherein
each keycap is bonded to one of the embossed regions; and
the frame is bonded to the unembossed region.
The keyboard of claim 15 , wherein light emitted from inside one of the keys shines through a portion of at least one keycap and at least one corresponding embossed region.
The keyboard of claim 16 , wherein at least one of the keycaps includes an opaque material that blocks passage of the light.
The keyboard of claim 15 , wherein the fabric restricts passage of a contaminant into the apertures.
The keyboard of claim 15 , wherein the fabric restricts lateral movement of the keycaps with respect to the switches.
A method for manufacturing an input device, comprising: embossing a fabric to create embossed structures and an unembossed area; bonding a frame to the unembossed area using a first adhesive; and bonding a top of a keycap of a key to one of the embossed structures using a second adhesive while leaving at least one side of the keycap unbonded.
embossing a fabric to create embossed structures and an unembossed area;
bonding a frame to the unembossed area using a first adhesive; and
bonding a top of a keycap of a key to one of the embossed structures using a second adhesive while leaving at least one side of the keycap unbonded.
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: applying a coating to the keycap; forming a legend by removing a portion of the fabric and a portion of the coating; and positioning an illuminator to emit light from inside the key and through the legend.
applying a coating to the keycap;
forming a legend by removing a portion of the fabric and a portion of the coating; and
positioning an illuminator to emit light from inside the key and through the legend.
The method of claim 21 , wherein the coating comprises: a first coating; and a second coating adjacent the first coating; wherein the operation of forming the legend removes part of the second coating but not part of the first coating.
a first coating; and
a second coating adjacent the first coating; wherein
the operation of forming the legend removes part of the second coating but not part of the first coating.
The method of claim 20 , wherein the fabric comprises at least one of nylon, elastane, or polyester material.
The method of claim 20 , wherein the fabric dampens sound caused by movement of the keycap.
Ref US20150277620A1: Claims:
An input device including a keyboard having a plurality of key assemblies, wherein each of at least a subset of the key assemblies comprises: a key cap having a top surface configured to be contacted by an input object; a key base disposed underneath the key cap and including a capacitive sensor; a deformable dielectric disposed between the key cap and the key base; and wherein the deformable dielectric and the capacitive sensor have a first area of contact when the key cap is in a non-activated position, and further wherein the deformable dielectric and the capacitive sensor have a second area of contact greater than the first area during activation of the key cap.
a key cap having a top surface configured to be contacted by an input object;
a key base disposed underneath the key cap and including a capacitive sensor;
a deformable dielectric disposed between the key cap and the key base; and
wherein the deformable dielectric and the capacitive sensor have a first area of contact when the key cap is in a non-activated position, and further wherein the deformable dielectric and the capacitive sensor have a second area of contact greater than the first area during activation of the key cap.
The input device of claim 1 , wherein the deformable dielectric is disposed
[Truncated to input limit]