Office Action 2: Final Rejection (2024-06-27)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, Double Patenting

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 an adjustable key mechanism having a keycap and a haptic actuator;
a sensor positioned in the housing;
a processor configured to access a memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:detect, via a signal from the sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to the adjustable key mechanism; and
control the haptic actuator of the adjustable key mechanism to provide feedback corresponding to the input characteristic;
wherein the feedback comprises a vibration via the keycap.

2\. (Original) The computing device of claim 1, wherein the input characteristic includes a rate of the input provided to the adjustable key mechanism at the keycap.

3\. (Original) 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 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 an 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, via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user;
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\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining a position of at least a portion of hand of a user relative to the keyboard.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0930.343

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

16\. (Withdrawn) The method of claim 5, 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.

17\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 5, wherein determining the input device configuration includes configuring the keyboard to alter the property of the key in real-time.

18\. (Currently Amended) A keyboard, comprising:
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1070.117
a housing;
a set of keys positioned in the housing;
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 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 to at least one key of the set of keys;
and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of key wherein the first user input characteristic is different from the second user input characteristic, and wherein the first haptic feedback is different from the second haptic feedback.

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 .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed on 06/06/2024 have been entered. Claims 1-20 remain pending in the application.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-3 and 18 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 5 and 8 of U.S. Patent No. 11394385. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because of the same inventive entity or name at least one joint inventor in common. The instant application 17806936 is rejected with the Non-Statutory Double Patenting with above US Patent No. 11394385 because the above US Patent is mainly claiming a key input for the input device is adjustable with the magnetic force and the instant application is also claiming the similar concept therefore it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize above US patent to reject the instant application. Please see the non-statutory double patenting table below.
Non-Statutory Double Patenting Table:
Instant application 17806936
US Patent No. 11394385
1. A computing device, comprising: a housing; a keyboard positioned in the housing and including an adjustable key mechanism having a keycap and a haptic actuator; a sensor positioned in the housing; a processor configured to access a memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: detect, via a signal from the sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to the adjustable key mechanism; and control the haptic actuator of the adjustable key mechanism to provide feedback corresponding to the input characteristic; wherein the feedback comprise a vibration via keycap.
2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the input characteristic includes a rate of the input provided to the adjustable key mechanism at the keycap.
1. A key mechanism, comprising: an input mechanism operative to move from a first position to a second position in response to a received input, the input mechanism including a sensor or switch, the sensor or switch being configured to initiate an input signal in response to movement of the input mechanism to the second position, the input mechanism comprising a keycap; a first magnetic component coupled to the keycap; a second magnetic component spaced apart from the first magnetic component and spaced apart from the keycap, wherein a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic components is adjustable; a third magnetic component coupled to the keycap; a fourth magnetic component spaced apart from the third magnetic component and spaced apart from the keycap, wherein a magnetic force between the third and fourth magnetic components is adjustable; and a drive circuit operable to dynamically alter a magnetic property of at least one of the first and second magnetic components and at least one of the third and fourth magnetic components; wherein in a first condition of the keycap mechanism, the drive circuit is configured to alter the magnetic property of the at least one of the first and second magnetic components, wherein the second magnetic component interacts with the first magnetic component to produce a first haptic output in response to the received input, the first haptic output comprising a movement of the input mechanism perpendicular to the received input in a first direction; and wherein in a second condition of the input device, the drive circuit is configured to alter the magnetic property of the at least one of the third and fourth magnetic components, wherein the fourth magnetic component interacts with the third magnetic component to produce a second haptic output in response to the received input, the second haptic output comprising a movement of the input mechanism perpendicular to the received input in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction.
3. 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 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.
5. The keycap mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a second sensor operative to detect an input characteristic associated with the received input, wherein the input characteristic includes at least one of: a magnitude of force applied to the input mechanism, a hand size of a user, a finger size of a user, a hand placement on the input device, a finger placement on the input device, and a speed of input applied to the input mechanism.
18. A keyboard, comprising: a housing; a set of keys positioned in the housing; 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 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 to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of keys, wherein the first user input characteristic is different from the second user input characteristic, and wherein the first haptic feedback is different from the second haptic feedback.
19. 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.
8. A key mechanism, comprising: a keycap; an enclosure defining an aperture in which the keycap is positioned; a first magnetic component positioned on the keycap; a second magnetic component coupled to the enclosure, wherein at least one of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component comprises a first electromagnet configured to move the keycap in a first lateral direction within the aperture to provide a first haptic output; a third magnetic component positioned on the keycap; a fourth magnetic component coupled to the enclosure, wherein at least one of the third magnetic component and the fourth magnetic component comprises a second electromagnet configured to move the keycap in a second lateral direction within the aperture to provide a second haptic output, the second lateral direction being non-parallel to the first lateral direction; and a drive circuit operable to dynamically alter a magnetic property of the first electromagnet to provide the first haptic output and operable to dynamically alter a magnetic property of the second electromagnet to provide the second haptic output.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1-2 and 4 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Soh et al. US 20060132446.
Regarding claim 1, Peterson et al. teach A computing device, comprising: a housing; a keyboard positioned in the housing (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; figures 1-25; FIGS. 6-8 offer three different views of an example haptic keyboard 600 that is configured to implement the techniques described herein to provide a satisfying tactile user experience. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 7 is top pan view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the example haptic keyboard 600. As depicted, the example haptic keyboard 600 has a housing 602, an array of keys 604, and a touchpad 606 (par. 44).) and a haptic actuator; a sensor positioned in the housing; a processor configured to access a memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: detect, via a signal from the sensor, an input characteristic of a user providing input to the adjustable key mechanism; and control the haptic actuator of the adjustable key mechanism to provide feedback corresponding to the input characteristic (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The active-feedback actuation module 2230 includes an actuation mechanism 2232 and the actuation drive logic 2234. The actuation drive mechanism 2232 corresponds, in this example, to the actuation mechanism 1020 depicted in FIGS. 10-20. In response to the appropriate signals from the sensor logic 2224, the actuation drive logic 2234 fires the actuation mechanism 2234 with the appropriate timing and characteristics. The actuation drive logic 2234 is designed to drive the actuation planes, which have conductive properties, with an electrical signal to cause the permitted movement of at least one of the planes relative to the other of the planes effective to provide tactile feedback to the user (par. 121).); wherein the feedback comprises a vibration via the keycap (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The actuation mechanism 1020 is designed to permit at least one of the actuation planes to move relative to the other. This movement is effective to provide tactile feedback to the user when the user presses one of the plurality of keycaps via that keycap.(par. 59)).
However, Peterson et al. do teach a keycap, but Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach and including an adjustable key mechanism having a keycap.
Soh et al. teach and including an adjustable key mechanism having a keycap (Soh et al. US 20060132446 abstract; paragraphs [0011]-[0013]; ]0015]-[0024]; [0059]-[0065]; figures 1-14; The present invention provides a key input apparatus using a magnetic force to adjust the height of each key (par. 11).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. and Soh et al. by comprising the teaching of Soh et al. into the system of Peterson et al.. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a magnetic force to adjust the height of each key from Soh et al. reference into Peterson et al. reference so the system can apply a suitable height for user so user can produce more efficiently with correct keyboard.
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Peterson et al. and Soh et al. disclose the computing device of claim 1, wherein the input characteristic includes a rate of the input provided to the adjustable key mechanism at the keycap (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129).).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Peterson et al. and Soh et al. disclose the computing device of claim 1, wherein controlling the haptic actuator includes adjusting an amount of a force required to actuate the keycap (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the amount of force can be adjust according to the various of force amount applied above.).
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Soh et al. US 20060132446 and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Peterson et al. and Soh et al. teach all the limitation in the claim 1.
The combination of Peterson et al. and Soh et al. do not explicitly teach 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 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. and Soh et al. with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Peterson et al. and Soh et al.. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Peterson et al. and Soh et al. reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Claims 5-8, 13-15 and 117 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966 in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263.
Regarding claim 5, Soelberg teach A method of adjusting an 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 (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; In one or more embodiments, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device 310 can detect the pressing of the variable actuation force device 350 and, responsive to detecting the pressing, can adjust the pressing force of the variable actuation force device 350 by altering the magnitude and/or direction of the current that is energizing the variable force magnet 356. By changing the pressing force in response to detecting the pressing, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device 310 can provide a keypad or button with a first pressing force in the key UP position and a second rebounding force in the key DOWN position. This technique can, for example, allow the user of the keyboard 312 to experience a combination of soft or light pressing force coupled with hard or heavy rebounding force. Alternatively, a hard or heavy pressing force can be combined with a soft or light rebounding force (par. 41). In one or more embodiments, a variable actuation force device 350 can use a magnet proximity sensor rather a traditional switch like a rubber membrane with conductive material or a mechanical switch that makes or breaks contact. Instead, the variable actuation force device 350 can be constructed with a magnet proximity sensor 302, such as a Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect sensor can measure a strength of a magnetic field generated by a magnet 306 in proximity to the magnetic proximity sensor 302. The magnetic proximity sensor 302 outputs a voltage level that corresponds to the strength of the magnetic field it senses from the magnet 306 as a spring-loaded button 304 holding the magnet 306 is depressed (par. 42).).
Soelberg does not explicitly teach determining, via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user; 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.
Peterson et al. teach determining, via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user; altering a property of a key of the keyboard based on the input device configuration (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the amount of force can be adjusted base on the characteristic of input force from the user as show in the figures 5 and 12-20.); 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0082] [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0134]- [0138]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0082] [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0134]- [0138]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132).The process 2300 continues as long as the keyboard is active and in use. The haptic profile may be set at anytime (at operation 2302) without halting process 2300. When reset or adjusted, the other operations of the process 2300 are affected by the new haptic profile (par. 138). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the characteristic of input force from the user as show in the figures 5 and 12-20 can be tracking over period of time corresponding to the diagram 500. Examiner interpreted the reset or adjusted the operations of the process 2300 as the altering the property of the key after the user actuated on the keycap.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg and Peterson et al. by comprising the teaching of Peterson et al. into the system of Soelberg. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide force travel diagram from Peterson et al. reference into Soelberg reference so the user can easily determine different force at each different key.
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). Next, at operation 2304, the keyboard monitors receive input from the key sensors (such as sensors 1014, 1016 of the example haptic keyboard 600). The input is the keypress force at which the user presses the key. The sensor logic sends the sensor signals to both the haptic logic and the keyboard logic. The ranges of keypress force (applied by the user's finger) is typically between 10-150 grams of force (par. 130). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the rate of force input by the user to the keyboard can be determined by the amount of force that tracked by the keyboard monitors receive input from key sensors as mention in par. 130 above.).
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose the method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining, via the sensor, a force applied to a keycap of the keyboard (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). Next, at operation 2304, the keyboard monitors receive input from the key sensors (such as sensors 1014, 1016 of the example haptic keyboard 600). The input is the keypress force at which the user presses the key. The sensor logic sends the sensor signals to both the haptic logic and the keyboard logic. The ranges of keypress force (applied by the user's finger) is typically between 10-150 grams of force (par. 130). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132).).
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0069]-[0074]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; FIG. 12 shows the example assembly 900 during an initial state of the user pressing the key of the example haptic keyboard. The force of the finger 1040 pressing the keycap 1004 is represented by a finger vector 1200. The arrow of the finger vector 1200 indicates the direction the finger is moving and the relative size of the finger vector 1200 indicates the relative amount of force that the finger is applying to the keycap (par. 69). FIG. 13 shows the example assembly 900 in the next stage of the keypress of the example haptic keyboard. As compared to the initial stage of FIG. 12, the keycap 1004 is lower. As indicated by the relatively larger size of the finger vector 1200 in this figure in comparison to the previous figure, the user is pressing the key a bit harder. Similarly, the stretching sections 1210, 1212 of the sealing platform 1012 show that the sealing platform is stretched a bit farther than it was stretched in the previous figure. The snapshot star 1100 of FIG. 13 is positioned just before point B (i.e., the breakover point of the snap-over) of the down-keypress curve 510 of the conventional-key force-travel diagram 500 (par. 72). According to the cites passages and figures, examiner interpreted the system using the comparison of forces corresponding to the characteristic associated with the diagram 500 for determine the size of the finger vector.).
Regarding claim 13, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0162]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The active-feedback actuation module 2230 includes an actuation mechanism 2232 and the actuation drive logic 2234. The actuation drive mechanism 2232 corresponds, in this example, to the actuation mechanism 1020 depicted in FIGS. 10-20. In response to the appropriate signals from the sensor logic 2224, the actuation drive logic 2234 fires the actuation mechanism 2234 with the appropriate timing and characteristics. The actuation drive logic 2234 is designed to drive the actuation planes, which have conductive properties, with an electrical signal to cause the permitted movement of at least one of the planes relative to the other of the planes effective to provide tactile feedback to the user (par. 121). It is to be appreciated and understood that other types of return mechanisms can be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of claimed subject matter. For example, alternative return mechanisms might return the upper plane of the actuation mechanism back to its original position without biasing or spring forces. This return action may be accomplished via repulsion, attraction, or other magnetic or electromagnetic forces. Also, other mechanical actions may restore the gap between the substrates (par. 162).).
Regarding claim 14, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose 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 (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0020]-[0021]; [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method for communicating, by a system comprising a processor, a signal to a variable force magnet at a first portion of a button to initiate a magnetic field. The magnetic field can interact with a ferromagnetic material at a second portion of the button to create a magnetic resistance to pressing of the button. The method also includes detecting, by the system, a change in electrical communication between the first portion of the button and the second portion of the button indicating a button press in counteraction of the magnetic resistance and, in turn, asserting, by the system, a first actuation state responsive to the detecting of the change in electrical communication (par. 20). FIG. 3A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 300 for utilizing a variable actuation force device in a keyboard communicatively coupled to a computing device. A computing device 310 can be coupled to a keyboard 312 with all or some of its buttons 316 configured with variable pressing force. Configuration signals can be generated at and/or conveyed by the keyboard to the buttons 316 for configuring and/or adjusting the pressing resistance of the buttons 316. Keystroke signals from the buttons 316 can be processed by circuitry (e.g., analog to digital converter, etc.) of the keyboard 312 to convey to the computing device 310 which buttons have been depressed. The information transmitted to the computing device 310 can be analog or digital signals representing whether buttons 316 are pressed or not pressed (par. 29).).
Regarding claim 15, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose the method of claim 14, wherein the magnetic components include at least one coil, and wherein altering the resistance between magnetic components includes adjusting current provided to the at least one coil (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0020]-[0021]; [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; For example, the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magnetic field can be of net opposite polarity such that a resulting, variable actuation force is generated that resists the pressing of the upper section 352 to the lower section 362. This variable actuation force can be controlled using only the interaction of the magnetic elements 354 and 356, and, in particular, the magnitude and direction of the electric current 382. In another example, the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magnetic field can be of net same polarity such that a resulting, variable actuation force of attraction is generated that causes the upper section 352 to be pulled toward the lower section 362. In this case, a spring 368 can be added to provide a force that resists pressing. In this case, a net resistive (to pushing) force can be created by including a spring 368 that provides a fixed repulsion force that is greater than the variable attraction force that is created by the interaction of the response block 354 and the variable force magnet 356. In another embodiment, the spring 368, the variable force magnet 356, and the response block 354 can be placed in a different configuration, whereby the spring 368 provides a force to pull the upper section 352 toward the lower section 362, while the interaction of the variable force magnet 356 and the magnetized response block 354 provide a variable force to push the upper section 352 and the lower section 362 apart (par. 39). As show in the figures 3D, examiner construe wrapping a conductor 360 as a coil, variable force magnet 356 and current 382; ).
Regarding claim 17, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. disclose the method of claim 5, wherein determining the input device configuration includes configuring the keyboard to alter the property of the key in (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key.).
Claim 9 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966 in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and further in view of Han et al. US 20120182215.
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. teach all the limitation in the claim 8.
The combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach 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.
Han et al. teach 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 (Han et al. US 20120182215 abstract; paragraphs [0009]; [0022]-[0024]; [0034]- [0036]; [0040]-[0049]; [0063]-[0077]; [0086]-[0097]; figures 1-16; For example, the light sensor 320 may collect, from information on the sensed reflected light, information regarding a position of the hand, a size of the hand, a rotation of the hand, a hovering movement of the hand, a movement speed of the hand, and the like (par. 36).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg and Peterson et al. with Han et al. by comprising the teaching of Han et al. into the system of Soelberg and Peterson et al.. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a light sensor from Han et al. reference into Soelberg and Peterson et al. reference so the system can detect the position of hand and a size of the hand relative to the keyboard.
Claims 10-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966 in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 10, the combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. teach all the limitation in the claim 8.
The combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). Examples of a method of detecting whether the user touches the palm rest 110 or not include a method of disposing a sensor device (not shown) capable of detecting a pressure in an area 120 in the palm rest 110 with which the wrists G of both arms of the user is in contact, such as a capacitive sensor and a resistive touch sensor (par. 144). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg and Peterson et al. with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Soelberg and Peterson et al.. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Soelberg and Peterson et al. reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Regarding claim 11, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. and Kamata et al. disclose 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). Examples of a method of detecting whether the user touches the palm rest 110 or not include a method of disposing a sensor device (not shown) capable of detecting a pressure in an area 120 in the palm rest 110 with which the wrists G of both arms of the user is in contact, such as a capacitive sensor and a resistive touch sensor (par. 144). For a certain period immediately after the input apparatus 1 is booted, the control circuit 340 of the controller 300 obtains an output value of the sensor device provided on the area 120 in the palm rest 110 of the keyboard module 100, and calculates one of a maximum value and an average value within the certain period as an evaluation value for determining whether the palm rest is touched (Step S801) (par. 46). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the sensor device provide on the area 120 in the figure 17 can determine the position of the user hand relative to the keyboard.).
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. and Kamata et al. disclose 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.), at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of keys (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
Claims 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Colley US 20130082824.
Regarding claim 18, Peterson et al. teach A keyboard, comprising: a housing; a set of keys positioned in the housing; 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 via the set of touch sensors (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; FIGS. 6-8 offer three different views of an example haptic keyboard 600 that is configured to implement the techniques described herein to provide a satisfying tactile user experience. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 7 is top pan view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the example haptic keyboard 600. As depicted, the example haptic keyboard 600 has a housing 602, an array of keys 604, and a touchpad 606 (par. 44). Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The actuation mechanism 1020 is designed to permit at least one of the actuation planes to move relative to the other. This movement is effective to provide tactile feedback to the user when the user presses one of the plurality of keycaps via that keycap (par. 59). In addition, each of the FIGS. 11-20 includes the force-travel diagram 500 of FIG. 5 of a conventional key. This diagram is not representative of the force-travel characteristics of the keys of the example haptic keyboard 600. Rather, the force-travel diagram 500 in each of these figures is representative of the force-travel characteristics of the keypress of a key of a conventional keyboard, like those shown in FIGS. 1-4 and described in the background (par. 65).), at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of keys (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
However, Peterson et al. do teach a haptic key board and provide feedback to the user when the user press a key but Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of keys. It’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have feedback for different users like first, second, third and so on to press the key on the key board and the keyboard still provide a feedback because there is the actuation device include in the keyboard.
Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach wherein the first user input characteristic is different from the second user input characteristic, and wherein the first haptic feedback is different from the second haptic feedback.
Colley teaches wherein the first user input characteristic is different from the second user input characteristic, and wherein the first haptic feedback is different from the second haptic feedback (Colley US 20130082824 abstract; paragraphs [0020]; [0115]; [0140]; figures 1-9; Haptic feedback may be a vibration of a given strength, duration, or pattern of vibrations. For example, a first user input (tapping a key) may cause a first haptic feedback response of a vibration of 0.5 s duration, whereas a second user input of the same user interface element (tapping the same key again) may cause a second (different) haptic feedback response of a vibration of 1.0 s, or two vibrations each of 0.5 s, or a first vibration followed by a stronger second vibration, Other haptic feedback schemes are possible (par. 20).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. and Colley by comprising the teaching of Colley into the system of Peterson et al..  The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a simple substitution of a two different input force from two different user from Colley reference into Peterson et al. reference for predictable result of two different vibration feedback.
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Peterson et al. and Colley disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Colley US 20130082824 and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 20, the combination of  Peterson et al. and Colley teach all the limitation in the claim 18.
The combination of  Peterson et al. and Colley do not explicitly teach 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. and Colley with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Peterson et al. and Colley. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Peterson et al. and Colley reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 06/06/2024 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. In the remarks applicant argues in substance:
Applicant argument: First applicant argues that Peterson et al. and Soh et al. failed to teach “wherein the feedback comprises as a vibration via the keycap” as recited in the claim 1. Second applicant argues that Soelberg and Peterson et al. failed to teach or suggest “wherein determining the input device configure includes tracking the input characteristic over a period of time, and wherein altering the property of the key occurs after the period of time” as recited in the claim 5. Last applicant argues that Peterson et al. failed to teach or suggest “wherein the first user input characteristic is different from the second user input characteristic, and wherein the first haptic feedback is different from the second haptic feedback” as recited in the claim 18.
Examiner response: First, examiner respectfully submit that Peterson et al. and Soh et al. do teach “wherein the feedback comprises as a vibration via the keycap” as recited in the claim 1(Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The actuation mechanism 1020 is designed to permit at least one of the actuation planes to move relative to the other. This movement is effective to provide tactile feedback to the user when the user presses one of the plurality of keycaps via that keycap.(par. 59)). According to the cited passage, Peterson et al. reference clearly teach a tactile feedback via keycap and one of ordinary skill in the art is know feedback can be provide via tactile or vibration. Therefore one of ordinary skill in the art can provide a simple substitution and the result of the simple substitution can be predictable. For example, paragraph 20 of Colley US 20130082824 reference teaches the haptic feedback may be a vibration. Second, examiner respectfully submit that Soelberg and Peterson et al. do teach or suggest “wherein determining the input device configure includes tracking the input characteristic over a period of time, and wherein altering the property of the key occurs after the period of time” as recited in the claim 5 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0082] [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0134]- [0138]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0082] [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0134]- [0138]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132).The process 2300 continues as long as the keyboard is active and in use. The haptic profile may be set at anytime (at operation 2302) without halting process 2300. When reset or adjusted, the other operations of the process 2300 are affected by the new haptic profile (par. 138). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the characteristic of input force from the user as show in the figures 5 and 12-20 can be tracking over period of time corresponding to the diagram 500. Examiner interpreted the reset or adjusted the operations of the process 2300 as the altering the property of the key after the user actuated on the keycap.).  According to the cited passages and figures, Peterson et al. reference clearly teach the characteristic of user input force can be tracking according to the chart 500. The haptic profile can be reset or adjust. Since arts of the record still read on the amendment of the claims 1 and 5, therefore the rejection stand. Last, the amendment as recited in the claim 18 are moot in the new ground of rejection.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action.  Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL.  See MPEP § 706.07(a).  Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action.  In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action.  In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
This responds to the Final Office Action dated 27 June 2024 and the Advisory Action dated 30 August 2024. Claims 1-2, 5, 15, and 18 are currently amended. The amendments are supported throughout the specification, drawings and original claims of the application, such as, for example, paragraphs [0036], [0046]-[0047], [0069], [0159], [0162], and [0165] of the specification and figure 17 and its related description in the specification. No new matter has been added. Claim 16 is canceled without prejudice. Thus, claims 1-15 and 17-20 are currently pending. Applicant respectfully requests further consideration of the application in view of the foregoing amendments, the amendments and remarks submitted in Applicant's previous Amendment (filed 22 August 2024 in response to the Final Office Action dated 27 June 2024), and the following remarks specifically responding to the Advisory Action dated 30 August 2024.
Response to Advisory Action
In an After Final Consideration Program 2.0 interview with Applicant's representative Richard C. Galati, a summary of which was attached to the Advisory Action, the Examiner provided two "relevant references": Sakurai (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0162205 Al) and Ozias (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0156793A1). After further consideration These references, however, do not appear to teach or suggest the limitations of the amended claims as presented herein.
For example, Sakurai discloses a "two-dimensional display/three-dimensional display can automatically be switched according to the type of contents or application of an active window, according to the position of the display panel or according to setting
of the haptic feedback function of the software keyboard without setting by the user's operation." Sakurai at para. [0046]. Ozias discloses, for example, a virtual keyboard on a touchscreen display 12, where the virtual keyboard has a configuration that is dependent on detected user touches (e.g., "all eight fingers on the touchscreen" versus "two finger touches"). Ozias at para. [0016].
Although not explicit in the Advisory Action, the Examiner appears to be asserting that the configurable touchscreen displays of Sakurai and Ozias are relevant to patentability of the present claims because they include haptic feedback and respond to user touches. However, the touchscreen displays of Sakurai and Ozias are not reasonably equivalent to a mechanical keyboard such as a "keyboard positioned in [a] housing and including a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap and a respective haptic actuator," as recited in claim 1, for example.
The cited references lack virtual keyboards having respective haptic actuators for respective virtual keys. For example, Ozias only discloses one feedback module (I/O Device Position Feedback Module 36) for the entire touchscreen display 12, even though a virtual keyboard 14 may have multiple letter keys 26. See Ozias at para. [0017]. Similarly, the lone vibrator 56 of Sakurai vibrates to provide feedback for "any one of the keys" of a software keyboard. Sakurai at para. [0027]. Thus, although the cited art discusses how haptic feedback for touch screen displays may be adjusted (e.g., "feedback in X-axis, Y-axis, and radial patterns"; Ozias at para. [0017]), the art references still lack key mechanisms (e.g., physical keys) "each having a respective keycap and a respective haptic actuator," as recited in amended claim 1.
Furthermore, there is no clear disclosure or suggestion in the cited art of the limitations of claims 1, 5, or 18 cited in Applicant's previous Amendment (filed 22 August 2024 in response to the Final Office Action dated 27 June 2024). Accordingly, the Sakurai and Ozias references are structurally configured in an entirely different way to provide haptic feedback as compared to the present claims, and a person having ordinary skill in the art as of the earliest effective filing date would not have considered touchscreen hardware of Sakurai and Ozias as teaching or suggesting the claimed invention.
In view of the foregoing, the claims should be allowable over the Sakurai and Ozias references.
Conclusion

NEXT 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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on 09/18/2024 has been entered. Claims 1-15 and 17-20 remain pending in the application and claim 16 is cancelled.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1-2 and 4 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Soh et al. US 20060132446 and further in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568.
Regarding claim 1, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 teach A computing device, comprising: a housing; a keyboard positioned in the housing (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; figures 1-25; FIGS. 6-8 offer three different views of an example haptic keyboard 600 that is configured to implement the techniques described herein to provide a satisfying tactile user experience. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 7 is top pan view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the example haptic keyboard 600. As depicted, the example haptic keyboard 600 has a housing 602, an array of keys 604, and a touchpad 606 (par. 44).) and a respective haptic actuator; at least a sensor positioned in the housing; a processor configured to access a memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: detect, via a signal from the sensor, an input characteristic of a user (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The active-feedback actuation module 2230 includes an actuation mechanism 2232 and the actuation drive logic 2234. The actuation drive mechanism 2232 corresponds, in this example, to the actuation mechanism 1020 depicted in FIGS. 10-20. In response to the appropriate signals from the sensor logic 2224, the actuation drive logic 2234 fires the actuation mechanism 2234 with the appropriate timing and characteristics. The actuation drive logic 2234 is designed to drive the actuation planes, which have conductive properties, with an electrical signal to cause the permitted movement of at least one of the planes relative to the other of the planes effective to provide tactile feedback to the user (par. 121).).
However, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 do teach a keycap, but Peterson et al. do not explicitly teach and including [[an]]a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap, providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanism based on the input characteristic , automatically adjust an input setting for multiple adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; and control [[the]]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-
Soh et al. teach and including [[an]]a plurality of adjustable key mechanisms, each having a respective keycap (Soh et al. US 20060132446 abstract; paragraphs [0011]-[0013]; ]0015]-[0024]; [0059]-[0065]; figures 1-14; The present invention provides a key input apparatus using a magnetic force to adjust the height of each key (par. 11).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al. by comprising the teaching of Soh et al. into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a magnetic force to adjust the height of each key from Soh et al. reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263 reference so the system can apply a suitable height for user so user can produce more efficiently with correct keyboard.
However, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al. do teach key adjusting but the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al. do not explicitly teach providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanism based on the input characteristic , automatically adjust an input setting for multiple adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; and control [[the]]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-
Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach providing input to one or more adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanism based on the input characteristic , automatically adjust an input setting for multiple adjustable key mechanisms of the plurality of adjustable key mechanisms; and control [[the]]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-(Peterson et al. US 20090210568 abstract; paragraphs [0005]-[0008]; [0020]-[0022]; [0027]-[0028]; [0032]; [0038]-[0042]; [0121]-[0123]; figures 1-9; Naturally, by virtue of being associated with a particular combination of duration settings, each of these available profiles is associated with providing a particular corresponding haptic feedback. As such, certain profiles might be preferable to a particular user in a particular situation. For example, the speed by which the user is or will be typing might determine which profile is preferred. Alternatively or additionally, the type of application that the user is or will be engaged with might determine which profile is preferred. Naturally, certain profiles might thus be used as default profiles for a particular situation(s). For example, a default profile might be used for a user when they begin to type on a keyboard. As such, haptic feedback can be provided to the user based on duration settings of the default profile. However, based at least in part on characteristics of their typing, e.g., the speed, duration and/or frequency of depression and/or release events associated with individual keys or keyboard elements, another profile might automatically and/or manually replace the default profile, thus changing the haptic feedback provided based on duration settings of the new profile. To facilitate the user in adjusting the duration settings and/or defining profiles with duration settings, any suitable application(s) can be employed. By way of example and not limitation, this might include an application providing a so called wizard that accounts for the user's typing style at different typing speeds and assists the user to create default profiles with appropriate duration settings and/or other types of drive parameters. In at least some embodiments, controls for interacting with the so called wizard can be included on a user interface, such as on user interface 900 for example (par. 123).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al. with Peterson et al. US 20090210568 by comprising the teaching of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al.. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide automatically and/or manually replace the default profile from Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Soh et al. reference so the system can apply a suitable adjustment to the new profile base on the user input for user friendly.
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose the computing device of claim 1, wherein the input characteristic includes a rate of the input provided to the one or more adjustable key mechanism (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129).).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose the computing device of claim 1, wherein controlling the haptic actuator includes adjusting an amount of a force required to actuate the keycap (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the amount of force can be adjust according to the various of force amount applied above.).
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263, in view of Soh et al. US 20060132446, in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach all the limitation in the claim 1.
The combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 do not explicitly teach 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 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Soh et al. and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Claims 5-8, 13-15 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966 in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and further in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568.
Regarding claim 5, Soelberg teach A method of adjusting an 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 (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; In one or more embodiments, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device 310 can detect the pressing of the variable actuation force device 350 and, responsive to detecting the pressing, can adjust the pressing force of the variable actuation force device 350 by altering the magnitude and/or direction of the current that is energizing the variable force magnet 356. By changing the pressing force in response to detecting the pressing, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device 310 can provide a keypad or button with a first pressing force in the key UP position and a second rebounding force in the key DOWN position. This technique can, for example, allow the user of the keyboard 312 to experience a combination of soft or light pressing force coupled with hard or heavy rebounding force. Alternatively, a hard or heavy pressing force can be combined with a soft or light rebounding force (par. 41). In one or more embodiments, a variable actuation force device 350 can use a magnet proximity sensor rather a traditional switch like a rubber membrane with conductive material or a mechanical switch that makes or breaks contact. Instead, the variable actuation force device 350 can be constructed with a magnet proximity sensor 302, such as a Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect sensor can measure a strength of a magnetic field generated by a magnet 306 in proximity to the magnetic proximity sensor 302. The magnetic proximity sensor 302 outputs a voltage level that corresponds to the strength of the magnetic field it senses from the magnet 306 as a spring-loaded button 304 holding the magnet 306 is depressed (par. 42).).
Soelberg does not explicitly teach determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user matching predefined input characteristics of the input device configuration, wherein the input device configuration defines haptic output properties; 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.
Peterson et al. 20120092263 teach 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0082] [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0134]- [0138]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132).The process 2300 continues as long as the keyboard is active and in use. The haptic profile may be set at anytime (at operation 2302) without halting process 2300. When reset or adjusted, the other operations of the process 2300 are affected by the new haptic profile (par. 138). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the characteristic of input force from the user as show in the figures 5 and 12-20 can be tracking over period of time corresponding to the diagram 500. Examiner interpreted the reset or adjusted the operations of the process 2300 as the altering the property of the key after the user actuated on the keycap.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg and Peterson et al. 20120092263 by comprising the teaching of Peterson et al. 20120092263 into the system of Soelberg. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide force travel diagram from Peterson et al. 20120092263 reference into Soelberg reference so the user can easily determine different force at each different key.
The combination of Soelberg and Peterson et al. 20120092263 do not explicitly teach determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user matching predefined input characteristics of the input device configuration, wherein the input device configuration defines haptic output properties.
Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach determining, from a plurality of input device configurations and via a processor of the computing device, an input device configuration based on the input characteristic of the user matching predefined input characteristics of the input device configuration, wherein the input device configuration defines haptic output properties (Peterson et al. US 20090210568 abstract; paragraphs [0005]-[0008]; [0020]-[0022]; [0027]-[0028]; [0032]; [0038]-[0042]; [0121]-[0123]; figures 1-9; Naturally, by virtue of being associated with a particular combination of duration settings, each of these available profiles is associated with providing a particular corresponding haptic feedback. As such, certain profiles might be preferable to a particular user in a particular situation. For example, the speed by which the user is or will be typing might determine which profile is preferred. Alternatively or additionally, the type of application that the user is or will be engaged with might determine which profile is preferred. Naturally, certain profiles might thus be used as default profiles for a particular situation(s). For example, a default profile might be used for a user when they begin to type on a keyboard. As such, haptic feedback can be provided to the user based on duration settings of the default profile. However, based at least in part on characteristics of their typing, e.g., the speed, duration and/or frequency of depression and/or release events associated with individual keys or keyboard elements, another profile might automatically and/or manually replace the default profile, thus changing the haptic feedback provided based on duration settings of the new profile. To facilitate the user in adjusting the duration settings and/or defining profiles with duration settings, any suitable application(s) can be employed. By way of example and not limitation, this might include an application providing a so called wizard that accounts for the user's typing style at different typing speeds and assists the user to create default profiles with appropriate duration settings and/or other types of drive parameters. In at least some embodiments, controls for interacting with the so called wizard can be included on a user interface, such as on user interface 900 for example (par. 123). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted changing the haptic feedback provide based on duration setting of the new profile as the defines haptic output properties.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg and Peterson et al. US 20120092263 with Peterson et al. US 20090210568 by comprising the teaching of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 into the system of Soelberg and Peterson et al. US 20120092263. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide automatically and/or manually replace the default profile from Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference into Soelberg and Peterson et al. US 20120092263 reference so the system can apply a suitable adjustment to the new profile base on the user input for user friendly.
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). Next, at operation 2304, the keyboard monitors receive input from the key sensors (such as sensors 1014, 1016 of the example haptic keyboard 600). The input is the keypress force at which the user presses the key. The sensor logic sends the sensor signals to both the haptic logic and the keyboard logic. The ranges of keypress force (applied by the user's finger) is typically between 10-150 grams of force (par. 130). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the rate of force input by the user to the keyboard can be determined by the amount of force that tracked by the keyboard monitors receive input from key sensors as mention in par. 130 above.).
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose the method of claim 5, wherein determining the input characteristic includes determining, via the sensor, a force applied to a keycap of the keyboard (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). Next, at operation 2304, the keyboard monitors receive input from the key sensors (such as sensors 1014, 1016 of the example haptic keyboard 600). The input is the keypress force at which the user presses the key. The sensor logic sends the sensor signals to both the haptic logic and the keyboard logic. The ranges of keypress force (applied by the user's finger) is typically between 10-150 grams of force (par. 130). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132).).
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0069]-[0074]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; FIG. 12 shows the example assembly 900 during an initial state of the user pressing the key of the example haptic keyboard. The force of the finger 1040 pressing the keycap 1004 is represented by a finger vector 1200. The arrow of the finger vector 1200 indicates the direction the finger is moving and the relative size of the finger vector 1200 indicates the relative amount of force that the finger is applying to the keycap (par. 69). FIG. 13 shows the example assembly 900 in the next stage of the keypress of the example haptic keyboard. As compared to the initial stage of FIG. 12, the keycap 1004 is lower. As indicated by the relatively larger size of the finger vector 1200 in this figure in comparison to the previous figure, the user is pressing the key a bit harder. Similarly, the stretching sections 1210, 1212 of the sealing platform 1012 show that the sealing platform is stretched a bit farther than it was stretched in the previous figure. The snapshot star 1100 of FIG. 13 is positioned just before point B (i.e., the breakover point of the snap-over) of the down-keypress curve 510 of the conventional-key force-travel diagram 500 (par. 72). According to the cites passages and figures, examiner interpreted the system using the comparison of forces corresponding to the characteristic associated with the diagram 500 for determine the size of the finger vector.).
Regarding claim 13, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0162]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The active-feedback actuation module 2230 includes an actuation mechanism 2232 and the actuation drive logic 2234. The actuation drive mechanism 2232 corresponds, in this example, to the actuation mechanism 1020 depicted in FIGS. 10-20. In response to the appropriate signals from the sensor logic 2224, the actuation drive logic 2234 fires the actuation mechanism 2234 with the appropriate timing and characteristics. The actuation drive logic 2234 is designed to drive the actuation planes, which have conductive properties, with an electrical signal to cause the permitted movement of at least one of the planes relative to the other of the planes effective to provide tactile feedback to the user (par. 121). It is to be appreciated and understood that other types of return mechanisms can be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of claimed subject matter. For example, alternative return mechanisms might return the upper plane of the actuation mechanism back to its original position without biasing or spring forces. This return action may be accomplished via repulsion, attraction, or other magnetic or electromagnetic forces. Also, other mechanical actions may restore the gap between the substrates (par. 162).).
Regarding claim 14, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0020]-[0021]; [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method for communicating, by a system comprising a processor, a signal to a variable force magnet at a first portion of a button to initiate a magnetic field. The magnetic field can interact with a ferromagnetic material at a second portion of the button to create a magnetic resistance to pressing of the button. The method also includes detecting, by the system, a change in electrical communication between the first portion of the button and the second portion of the button indicating a button press in counteraction of the magnetic resistance and, in turn, asserting, by the system, a first actuation state responsive to the detecting of the change in electrical communication (par. 20). FIG. 3A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 300 for utilizing a variable actuation force device in a keyboard communicatively coupled to a computing device. A computing device 310 can be coupled to a keyboard 312 with all or some of its buttons 316 configured with variable pressing force. Configuration signals can be generated at and/or conveyed by the keyboard to the buttons 316 for configuring and/or adjusting the pressing resistance of the buttons 316. Keystroke signals from the buttons 316 can be processed by circuitry (e.g., analog to digital converter, etc.) of the keyboard 312 to convey to the computing device 310 which buttons have been depressed. The information transmitted to the computing device 310 can be analog or digital signals representing whether buttons 316 are pressed or not pressed (par. 29).).
Regarding claim 15, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Soelberg US 20150302966 abstract; paragraphs [0020]-[0021]; [0029]-[0043]; figures 1-10; For example, the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magnetic field can be of net opposite polarity such that a resulting, variable actuation force is generated that resists the pressing of the upper section 352 to the lower section 362. This variable actuation force can be controlled using only the interaction of the magnetic elements 354 and 356, and, in particular, the magnitude and direction of the electric current 382. In another example, the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magnetic field can be of net same polarity such that a resulting, variable actuation force of attraction is generated that causes the upper section 352 to be pulled toward the lower section 362. In this case, a spring 368 can be added to provide a force that resists pressing. In this case, a net resistive (to pushing) force can be created by including a spring 368 that provides a fixed repulsion force that is greater than the variable attraction force that is created by the interaction of the response block 354 and the variable force magnet 356. In another embodiment, the spring 368, the variable force magnet 356, and the response block 354 can be placed in a different configuration, whereby the spring 368 provides a force to pull the upper section 352 toward the lower section 362, while the interaction of the variable force magnet 356 and the magnetized response block 354 provide a variable force to push the upper section 352 and the lower section 362 apart (par. 39). As show in the figures 3D, examiner construe wrapping a conductor 360 as a coil, variable force magnet 356 and current 382; ).
Regarding claim 17, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20090210568 abstract; paragraphs [0005]-[0008]; [0020]-[0022]; [0027]-[0028]; [0032]; [0038]-[0042]; [0121]-[0123]; figures 1-9; Naturally, by virtue of being associated with a particular combination of duration settings, each of these available profiles is associated with providing a particular corresponding haptic feedback. As such, certain profiles might be preferable to a particular user in a particular situation. For example, the speed by which the user is or will be typing might determine which profile is preferred. Alternatively or additionally, the type of application that the user is or will be engaged with might determine which profile is preferred. Naturally, certain profiles might thus be used as default profiles for a particular situation(s). For example, a default profile might be used for a user when they begin to type on a keyboard. As such, haptic feedback can be provided to the user based on duration settings of the default profile. However, based at least in part on characteristics of their typing, e.g., the speed, duration and/or frequency of depression and/or release events associated with individual keys or keyboard elements, another profile might automatically and/or manually replace the default profile, thus changing the haptic feedback provided based on duration settings of the new profile. To facilitate the user in adjusting the duration settings and/or defining profiles with duration settings, any suitable application(s) can be employed. By way of example and not limitation, this might include an application providing a so called wizard that accounts for the user's typing style at different typing speeds and assists the user to create default profiles with appropriate duration settings and/or other types of drive parameters. In at least some embodiments, controls for interacting with the so called wizard can be included on a user interface, such as on user interface 900 for example (par. 123).).
Claim 9 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966, in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 and further in view of Han et al. US 20120182215.
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach all the limitation in the claim 8.
The combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 do not explicitly teach 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.
Han et al. teach 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 (Han et al. US 20120182215 abstract; paragraphs [0009]; [0022]-[0024]; [0034]- [0036]; [0040]-[0049]; [0063]-[0077]; [0086]-[0097]; figures 1-16; For example, the light sensor 320 may collect, from information on the sensed reflected light, information regarding a position of the hand, a size of the hand, a rotation of the hand, a hovering movement of the hand, a movement speed of the hand, and the like (par. 36).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 with Han et al. by comprising the teaching of Han et al. into the system of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a light sensor from Han et al. reference into Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference so the system can detect the position of hand and a size of the hand relative to the keyboard.
Claims 10-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Soelberg US 20150302966 in view of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 10, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach all the limitation in the claim 8.
The combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 do not explicitly teach 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). Examples of a method of detecting whether the user touches the palm rest 110 or not include a method of disposing a sensor device (not shown) capable of detecting a pressure in an area 120 in the palm rest 110 with which the wrists G of both arms of the user is in contact, such as a capacitive sensor and a resistive touch sensor (par. 144). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Regarding claim 11, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Peterson et al. US 20090210568 and Kamata et al. disclose 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). Examples of a method of detecting whether the user touches the palm rest 110 or not include a method of disposing a sensor device (not shown) capable of detecting a pressure in an area 120 in the palm rest 110 with which the wrists G of both arms of the user is in contact, such as a capacitive sensor and a resistive touch sensor (par. 144). For a certain period immediately after the input apparatus 1 is booted, the control circuit 340 of the controller 300 obtains an output value of the sensor device provided on the area 120 in the palm rest 110 of the keyboard module 100, and calculates one of a maximum value and an average value within the certain period as an evaluation value for determining whether the palm rest is touched (Step S801) (par. 46). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the sensor device provide on the area 120 in the figure 17 can determine the position of the user hand relative to the keyboard.).
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Soelberg, Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Peterson et al. US 20090210568 and Kamata et al. disclose 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.), at least one haptic actuator of the set of haptic actuators is actuated to provide a first haptic feedback to at least one key of the set of keys; and wherein, in response to detection of a second user input characteristic 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 to the at least one key of the set of keys (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
Claims 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263 in view of Colley US 20130082824 and further in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568.
Regarding claim 18, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 teach A keyboard, comprising: a housing; a set of keys positioned in the housing; 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0023]-[0024] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0167]; figures 1-25; FIGS. 6-8 offer three different views of an example haptic keyboard 600 that is configured to implement the techniques described herein to provide a satisfying tactile user experience. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 7 is top pan view of the example haptic keyboard 600. FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the example haptic keyboard 600. As depicted, the example haptic keyboard 600 has a housing 602, an array of keys 604, and a touchpad 606 (par. 44). Sensor 1014 is positioned directly under keycap 1002 and corresponds to that keycap. Similarly, sensor 1016 is positioned directly under keycap 1004 and corresponds to that keycap. Each sensor sends force-sensing signals to the sensor logic in response to the force applied by its corresponding keycap when pressed by a user (par. 52). The actuation mechanism 1020 is designed to permit at least one of the actuation planes to move relative to the other. This movement is effective to provide tactile feedback to the user when the user presses one of the plurality of keycaps via that keycap (par. 59). In addition, each of the FIGS. 11-20 includes the force-travel diagram 500 of FIG. 5 of a conventional key. This diagram is not representative of the force-travel characteristics of the keys of the example haptic keyboard 600. Rather, the force-travel diagram 500 in each of these figures is representative of the force-travel characteristics of the keypress of a key of a conventional keyboard, like those shown in FIGS. 1-4 and described in the background (par. 65).), 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
However, Peterson et al. US 20120092263 do teach a haptic key board and provide feedback to the user when the user press a key but Peterson et al. US 20120092263 do not explicitly teach a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing computer- executable instructions comprising: a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user; and a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch between the first input device configuration and the second input device configuration when detected user input characteristics match predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration; 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.
Colley teaches 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 (Colley US 20130082824 abstract; paragraphs [0020]; [0115]; [0140]; figures 1-9; Haptic feedback may be a vibration of a given strength, duration, or pattern of vibrations. For example, a first user input (tapping a key) may cause a first haptic feedback response of a vibration of 0.5 s duration, whereas a second user input of the same user interface element (tapping the same key again) may cause a second (different) haptic feedback response of a vibration of 1.0 s, or two vibrations each of 0.5 s, or a first vibration followed by a stronger second vibration, Other haptic feedback schemes are possible (par. 20).).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley by comprising the teaching of Colley into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263.  The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a simple substitution of a two different input force from two different user from Colley reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263 reference for predictable result of two different vibration feedback.
However, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley do teach two different input of haptic feedback but the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley do not explicitly teach a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing computer- executable instructions comprising: a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user; and a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch between the first input device configuration and the second input device configuration when detected user input characteristics match predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration.
Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach a memory device housed within the housing, the memory device storing computer- executable instructions comprising: a first input device configuration defining haptic feedback for a first user; and a second input device configuration defining additional haptic feedback for a second user, wherein the keyboard is configured to automatically switch between the first input device configuration and the second input device configuration when detected user input characteristics match predefined input characteristics of either the first input device configuration or the second input device configuration (Peterson et al. US 20090210568 abstract; paragraphs [0005]-[0008]; [0020]-[0022]; [0027]-[0028]; [0032]; [0038]-[0042]; [0121]-[0123]; figures 1-9; Naturally, by virtue of being associated with a particular combination of duration settings, each of these available profiles is associated with providing a particular corresponding haptic feedback. As such, certain profiles might be preferable to a particular user in a particular situation. For example, the speed by which the user is or will be typing might determine which profile is preferred. Alternatively or additionally, the type of application that the user is or will be engaged with might determine which profile is preferred. Naturally, certain profiles might thus be used as default profiles for a particular situation(s). For example, a default profile might be used for a user when they begin to type on a keyboard. As such, haptic feedback can be provided to the user based on duration settings of the default profile. However, based at least in part on characteristics of their typing, e.g., the speed, duration and/or frequency of depression and/or release events associated with individual keys or keyboard elements, another profile might automatically and/or manually replace the default profile, thus changing the haptic feedback provided based on duration settings of the new profile. To facilitate the user in adjusting the duration settings and/or defining profiles with duration settings, any suitable application(s) can be employed. By way of example and not limitation, this might include an application providing a so called wizard that accounts for the user's typing style at different typing speeds and assists the user to create default profiles with appropriate duration settings and/or other types of drive parameters. In at least some embodiments, controls for interacting with the so called wizard can be included on a user interface, such as on user interface 900 for example (par. 123). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted changing the haptic feedback provide based on duration setting of the new profile as the defines haptic output properties for various users and switching to the matching profile or establish the new profile among different users.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley with Peterson et al. US 20090210568 by comprising the teaching of Peterson et al. US 20090210568 into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide automatically and/or manually replace the default profile from Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263 and Colley reference so the system can apply a suitable adjustment to the new profile base on the user input and switching to the various matching profile or establish the new profile among different users.
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 disclose 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 (Peterson et al. US 20120092263 abstract; paragraphs [0016]; [0020]-[0026] [0036]-[0038]; [0044]; [0048]-[0054]; [0057]-[0061]; [0065]-[0066]; [0119]-[0124]; [0128]-[0132]; [0147]; [0161]; [0167]; figures 1-25; Described herein are techniques related to a haptic keyboard that features a satisfying tactile keypress experience. Using active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) via its keys, one or more of the described example keyboards simulates the feel of a snap-over keypress of conventional keys, such as that of a rubber-dome keyboard. With its haptics, one or more of the described example keyboards feel like--through the user's fingers on keycaps--keys having the non-linear force/displacement characteristics of the snap-over of conventional keys. An example of such characteristics is charted by curves 510 and 520 of force-travel diagram 500 (par. 36). The example haptic keyboards described herein may be constructed exceptionally thin while providing the satisfying tactile keypress experience (i.e., snap-over simulation). In addition, the example haptic keyboard includes a common haptic actuator for multiple keys of the keyboard. In addition, unlike most keyboards, the keyboard mechanics and electronics of the example haptic keyboard is contained within a watertight seal (par. 38). This arrangement works because the haptic actuation occurs much more quickly than even the fastest typist types. Under normal typing circumstances, the user only presses one key (e.g., the A key or the V key) at a time. The user feels the actuation only through the finger of the key that is pressed down and in physical contact with the actuation mechanism (par. 61). As shown here, the process 2300 begins with operation 2302, where a haptic profile is set for the haptic keyboard. This profile sets various parameters that define how and when the actuation mechanism is fired. The parameters in the haptic profiles can include (by way of example and not limitation): value of a single voltage pulse; a series of values of voltage pulses having various frequencies and amplitudes; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers a key selection; keypress force (and sequence) that triggers an actuation firing; rate of change of force, time key was pressed or not pressed, frequency of pressing and/or releasing and/or holding or not holding one or more keys (par. 129). In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 20 to 120 grams during the downward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 40 to 80 grams during the downward keypress. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 5 to 50 grams during the upward keypress. In other implementations, the actuation mechanism may be fired at a force of 10 to 30 grams during the downward keypress (par. 132). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the user can feel the feedback at real time when the user pressed a key as mention in par. 61 above. Since the keyboard provide the feedback at each time when the user pressed down the key, therefore, it’s obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art to have multiple user like first, second, third and so on. The keyboard is still provided feedback at any time user applied the force to the key.).
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Peterson et al. US 20120092263, in view of Colley US 20130082824, in view of Peterson et al. US 20090210568  and further in view of Kamata et al. US 20170364259.
Regarding claim 20, the combination of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 teach all the limitation in the claim 18.
The combination of  Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 do not explicitly teach 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.
Kamata et al. teach 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 (Kamata et al. US 20170364259 abstract; paragraphs [0018]-[0019]; [0022]; [0043]-[0054]; [0060]-[0065]; [0082]-[0084]; [0089]-[0090]; [0133]-[0135]; [0143]-[0148]; [0166]; [0177]; [0190]-[0191]; figures 1-18; The sensor device may be a mutual capacitance type capacitive sensor that detects the pressure of the keying operation for each of the key areas as a change in capacitance (par. 18). The keyboard module 100 has a plurality of key areas (symbol 10a in FIG. 3) as operation areas for respective keys. The keyboard module 100 includes a sensor device that detects, when a user performs the keying operation on an arbitrary key area 10a with a finger in the plurality of key areas 10a, a pressure applied to the key area by the user. In this embodiment, as the sensor device, used is a capacitance device for each key, a capacitance of which is continuously changed depending of a shift amount of the key area 10a in a Z-axis direction which is generated by a pressure applied to the key area by the user (par. 43). Differences between the typing methods as described above are generated in terms of a keying pressure for a key or a typing speed. For example, generally, the keying pressure for the key by the touch typing is lower than that by the one-finger typing. In terms of the typing speed, the touch typing is performed faster than the one-finger typing in most cases. Further, in the touch typing, all fingers are used, so a relatively large difference is caused in the keying pressure depending on keys. For example, the keying pressure with a forefinger is significantly higher than the keying pressure with a little finger. In contrast, in the one-finger typing, the typing is performed with one determined finger such as a forefinger at all times, so small differences in the keying pressure among the keys are generated (par. 90). It is desirable that the two keys as a target of determination of the average value of the differences of the change amounts be a specific key pair typed with different fingers in a case of performing the touch typing. For example, keys such as “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” are subjected to the keying operation with a left forefinger, and keys such as “A”, “Z”, and “Q” are subjected to the keying operation with a left little finger of in many cases. Therefore, all of one-to-one combinations of “F”, “G”, “V”, and “B” with“A”, “Z”, and “Q” are determined as specific key pairs as targets of determination of the differences of the change amounts (par. 134). According to the cited passages and figures, examiner interpreted the different fingers are generated as difference force that cause the capacitance continuous changing as each time each finger applied the force to the keyboard. Obviously, examiner interpreted the forefinger as the first finger and little finger as the second finger as mention in par. 90 above and forefinger have a higher force than the little finger. Examiner interpreted “F, G, V and B” as the first group of key that have a different amount of force comparing to the second group of key like “A, Z and Q” as mention in par. 134 above.).
It would have been obviously to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to combine Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 with Kamata et al. by comprising the teaching of Kamata et al.. into the system of Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568. The motivation to combine these arts is to provide a capacitance device for each key from Kamata et al. reference into Peterson et al. US 20120092263, Colley and Peterson et al. US 20090210568 reference so the system determined different force for each of the different fingers.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 09/18/2024 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. In the remarks applicant argues in substance:
Applicant argument: Applicant argues that arts of records failed to teach the amendment as recited in the independent claims 1, 5 and 18.
Examiner response:   The presented arguments are rendered moot in view of the new ground rejection necessitated by amendments initiated by applicant.  Please see above rejections.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20130082824A1: Claims:
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect a first user input associated with a particular user interface element, the user interface element associated with performance of a particular function; in response to detecting the first user input, provide a first feedback response, the first feedback response being separate to the performance of the associated function; detect a second user input associated with the same particular user interface element within a predetermined period of time following detection of the first user input; and in response to detecting the second user input, provide a second feedback response, the second feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the second user input, and being different to the first feedback response.
at least one processor; and
at least one memory including computer program code,
the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:
detect a first user input associated with a particular user interface element, the user interface element associated with performance of a particular function;
in response to detecting the first user input, provide a first feedback response, the first feedback response being separate to the performance of the associated function;
detect a second user input associated with the same particular user interface element within a predetermined period of time following detection of the first user input; and
in response to detecting the second user input, provide a second feedback response, the second feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the second user input, and being different to the first feedback response.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program are configured to perform the function associated with the first user input and provide the separate first feedback response.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program are configured to perform the function associated with the second user input and provide the separate second feedback response.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the user interface element is associated with the performance of more than one particular function.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said feedback response is configured to be positionally or audibly associated with the user interface element.
The apparatus of claim 1 where a said feedback response comprises a combination of one or more of: a visual feedback response, an audio feedback response, a haptic feedback response or a transient feedback response.
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the visual feedback response is provided by a pop-up display.
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the pop-up display shown as a second feedback response is positioned as to partially overlap the pop-up display shown as a first feedback response, such that the two pop-ups are shown together as a stack.
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the visual feedback response is displayed in a separate region of the display to the user interface elements.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a portable electronic device, a pocket computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a monitor, a personal digital assistant, a watch, a digital camera, or a module for one or more of the same.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the said user input is one or more of a tap, click, swipe, rotate gesture, multi-touch gesture, and an extended input having a duration exceeding a predetermined threshold.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the user interface element comprises a combination of one or more of: a physical key, a virtual key, a menu item, an icon, a button, and a symbol.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the user interface element forms part of a user interface, and wherein the user interface comprises a combination of one or more of a wand, a pointing stick, a touchpad, a touch-screen, a stylus and pad, a mouse, a physical keyboard, a virtual keyboard, a joystick, a remote controller, a button, a microphone, a motion detector, a position detector, a scriber and an accelerometer.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to: detect one or more subsequent user inputs associated with the same particular user interface element within respective predetermined periods of time following detection of the previous user input; and in response to detecting the subsequent user input, provide a subsequent feedback response, the subsequent feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the subsequent user input, and being different to the immediately preceding feedback response.
detect one or more subsequent user inputs associated with the same particular user interface element within respective predetermined periods of time following detection of the previous user input; and
in response to detecting the subsequent user input, provide a subsequent feedback response, the subsequent feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the subsequent user input, and being different to the immediately preceding feedback response.
A method comprising: detecting a first user input associated with a particular user interface element, the user interface element associated with performance of a particular function; in response to detecting the first user input, providing a first feedback response, the first feedback response being separate to the performance of the associated function; detecting a second user input associated with the same particular user interface element within a predetermined period of time following detection of the first user input; and in response to detecting the second user input, providing a second feedback response, the second feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the second user input, and being different to the first feedback response.
detecting a first user input associated with a particular user interface element, the user interface element associated with performance of a particular function;
in response to detecting the first user input, providing a first feedback response, the first feedback response being separate to the performance of the associated function;
detecting a second user input associated with the same particular user interface element within a predetermined period of time following detection of the first user input; and
in response to detecting the second user input, providing a second feedback response, the second feedback response being separate to the performance of the function associated with the second user input, and being different to the first feedback response.
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect a first user input associated with a particular user interface element; in response to detecting the first user input, provide a transient first feedback response; detect a second user input associated with the same particular user interface element within a predetermined period of time following detection of the first user input; and in response to detecting the second user input, provide a transient second feedback response, the transient second feedback response being different to the transient first feedback response.
detect a first user input associated with a particular user interface element;
in response to detecting the first user input, provide a transient first feedback response;
in response to detecting the second user input, provide a transient second feedback response, the transient second feedback response being different to the transient first feedback response.
Ref US20180025859A1: Claims:
A keyboard device, comprising: plural keys, wherein each of the plural keys comprises a keycap, and at least one specified key of the plural keys comprises a stabilizer bar and a reinforcement element, wherein the stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the corresponding keycap, and the reinforcement element is disposed on a bottom surface of the corresponding keycap; a base plate, wherein the plural keys and the stabilizer bar of the at least one specified key are connected with the base plate; and a membrane circuit board arranged between the plural keys and the base plate, and comprising plural membrane switches corresponding to the plural keys and comprising at least one elastic vibration absorber corresponding to the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key, wherein while the at least one elastic vibration absorber is collided by the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key, the at least one elastic vibration absorber absorbs kinetic energy of the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key.
plural keys, wherein each of the plural keys comprises a keycap, and at least one specified key of the plural keys comprises a stabilizer bar and a reinforcement element, wherein the stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the corresponding keycap, and the reinforcement element is disposed on a bottom surface of the corresponding keycap;
a base plate, wherein the plural keys and the stabilizer bar of the at least one specified key are connected with the base plate; and
a membrane circuit board arranged between the plural keys and the base plate, and comprising plural membrane switches corresponding to the plural keys and comprising at least one elastic vibration absorber corresponding to the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key, wherein while the at least one elastic vibration absorber is collided by the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key, the at least one elastic vibration absorber absorbs kinetic energy of the keycap, the stabilizer bar or the reinforcement element of the at least one specified key.
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one elastic vibration absorber is formed on the membrane circuit board by a screen printing process, a transfer printing process, a dispensing process or an adhesive attaching process.
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one elastic vibration absorber is made of silicone rubber or pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein the membrane circuit board comprises plural film layers in a stack form, and the at least one elastic vibration absorber is formed on a top surface or a bottom surface of one of the plural film layers.
The keyboard device according to claim 4 , wherein the membrane circuit board further comprises at least one opening corresponding to the at least one elastic vibration absorber, and the at least one opening is located under the at least one elastic vibration absorber.
The keyboard device according to claim 4 , wherein the plural film layers comprise an upper film layer and a lower film layer, wherein a first circuit pattern is formed on the upper film layer, a second circuit pattern is formed on the lower film layer, the first circuit pattern comprises plural upper contacts, and the second circuit pattern comprises plural lower contacts, wherein each of the upper contacts and the corresponding lower contact are separated from each by a spacing interval and collectively defined as the corresponding membrane switch.
The keyboard device according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the plural film layers is made of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU) or polyimide (PI).
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer bar comprises a transverse bar part and a hook part, the hook part is located at an end of the transverse bar part, and the transverse bar part is pivotally coupled to the corresponding keycap, wherein the base plate comprises a connecting structure, the connecting structure is protruded upwardly from the base plate and comprises a locking hole, and the hook part of the stabilizer bar is penetrated through the locking hole.
The keyboard device according to claim 8 , wherein the keycap of the at least one specified key further comprises a stabilizer lock part, and the transverse bar part is penetrated through the stabilizer lock part and pivotally coupled to the stabilizer lock part, wherein while the keycap of the at least one specified key is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate, the transverse bar part is rotated relative to the stabilizer lock part.
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement element is a substantially a rectangular ring-shape rod with plural bent segments, and the keycap of the at least one specified key further comprises a reinforcement lock part, wherein the rectangular ring-shape rod is fixed on the keycap through the reinforcement lock part.
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plural keys further comprises a connecting element, and the connecting element is connected between the base plate and the corresponding keycap, wherein the keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate through the connecting element.
The keyboard device according to claim 11 , wherein the connecting element is a scissors-type connecting element comprising a first frame and a second frame, and the second frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame.
The keyboard device according to claim 12 , wherein the keycap comprises a connecting lock part and a connecting hook part, wherein the connecting lock part is connected with an end of the first frame, and the connecting hook part is connected with an end of the second frame.
The keyboard device according to claim 12 , wherein the base plate further comprises plural first hooks and plural second hooks, and the plural first hooks and the plural second hooks are protruded upwardly, wherein each of the plural first hooks is connected with an end of the corresponding second frame, and each of the plural second hooks is connected with an end of the corresponding first frame.
The keyboard device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plural keys further comprises an elastic element, and the elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board and comprises a contacting part, wherein while the keycap is depressed, the elastic element is compressed and the membrane switch is pushed by the contacting part, wherein when the keycap is not depressed, the keycap is returned to an original position in response to an elastic force provided by the elastic element.
Ref US20110102326A1: Claims:
A keyboard system, comprising: one or more pressure sensitive keys configured to provide analog output signals corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key; pressure sensing interface circuitry coupled to receive the analog output signal from each given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the pressure-sensing digital output circuitry being configured to provide key pressure indication signals representative of at least two respective different levels of pressure applied to the corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the at least two different levels of pressure comprising at least first and second different levels of pressure; and haptics actuation circuitry coupled and configured to impart a variable haptics motion characteristic independently to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys based at least in part on the key pressure indication signals provided by the pressure sensing interface circuitry corresponding to the pressure level applied to the corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys such that a first haptics motion is imparted to a given one of the pressure sensitive keys at the first pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is different than a second haptics motion that is imparted to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys at the second pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys.
one or more pressure sensitive keys configured to provide analog output signals corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key;
pressure sensing interface circuitry coupled to receive the analog output signal from each given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the pressure-sensing digital output circuitry being configured to provide key pressure indication signals representative of at least two respective different levels of pressure applied to the corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the at least two different levels of pressure comprising at least first and second different levels of pressure; and
haptics actuation circuitry coupled and configured to impart a variable haptics motion characteristic independently to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys based at least in part on the key pressure indication signals provided by the pressure sensing interface circuitry corresponding to the pressure level applied to the corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys such that a first haptics motion is imparted to a given one of the pressure sensitive keys at the first pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is different than a second haptics motion that is imparted to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys at the second pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys.
The keyboard system of claim 1 , further comprising: haptics control circuitry coupled to receive from the pressure sensing interface circuitry a key pressure indication signal representative of pressure applied to each corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the haptics control circuitry being configured to in turn provide a separate haptics control signal corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys based upon each respective received key pressure indication signal; and where the haptics actuation circuitry is coupled to receive from the haptics control circuitry the separate haptics control signal corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the haptics actuation circuitry being configured to impart haptics motion independently to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys in response to a received haptics control signal corresponding to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys.
haptics control circuitry coupled to receive from the pressure sensing interface circuitry a key pressure indication signal representative of pressure applied to each corresponding given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the haptics control circuitry being configured to in turn provide a separate haptics control signal corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys based upon each respective received key pressure indication signal; and
where the haptics actuation circuitry is coupled to receive from the haptics control circuitry the separate haptics control signal corresponding to each given one of the pressure sensitive keys, the haptics actuation circuitry 
[Truncated to input limit]