Touch input device in a circuit board

Techniques for a touch input device in a circuit board are described. In at least some embodiments, a touch input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, a touch input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Entities represented in the figures may be indicative of one or more entities and thus reference may be made interchangeably to single or plural forms of the entities in the discussion.

FIG. 1is an illustration of an example environment that is operable to employ techniques described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2depicts an example orientation a computing device in a closed position in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3depicts an example orientation a computing device in an open position in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4adepicts an example top view of an input device with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4bdepicts an example top view of a circuit board with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4cdepicts an example top view of a circuit board with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5depicts an example partial cross-section view of an input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6depicts an example front section view of an input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7illustrates an example implementation scenario for interacting with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8illustrates an example implementation scenario for interacting with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9depicts an example side section view of a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10illustrates an example implementation scenario for interacting with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11illustrates an example implementation scenario for interacting with a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12depicts an underside view of a circuit board in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13depicts an example implementation of a touch interaction region of a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14depicts an example implementation of a touch interaction region of a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15depicts an example implementation of a touch interaction region of a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16depicts an example implementation of a touch interaction region of a touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 17depicts an example wearable device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 18depicts an example peripheral touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 19depicts an example installable touch input device in accordance with one or more embodiments

FIG. 20illustrates an example system and device that can be employed to implement embodiments of the techniques described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Mobile devices today are manufactured according to a variety of different form factors. For example, a user may interact with a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other mobile computing device to check email, surf the web, compose texts, interact with applications, and so on. Further, mobile devices are being manufactured with increasingly thin and lightweight profiles, which creates challenges in designing and implementing input devices that provide a satisfactory user experience.

Techniques for a touch input device in a circuit board are described. In at least some implementations, a touch input device (e.g., a touchpad, a trackpad, and so forth) is integrated into a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of an apparatus, such as a computing device, an input device (e.g., a keyboard), and so forth. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board.

Implementations include a switch that is positioned relative to the touch interaction region such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event. In at least some implementations, the touch interaction region includes a sensor substrate that is configured to detect touch input to generate a touch input event. Thus, according to one or more implementations, a touch input device can enable multiple different types of input to be provided, such as click input via actuation of a switch, touch input to a touch input sensor, and so forth.

According to various implementations, integrating a touch input device into a circuit board conserves space within a device and reduces weight. For instance, a touch input device can be integrated into a main circuit board of a device, such as a circuit board that includes a central processing unit (CPU) and/or other components of a device. Thus, space is conserved and weight is reduced by not requiring additional space and additional components within a device chassis for a separate touch input device.

In the following discussion, an example environment is first described that may employ the techniques described herein. Implementations discussed herein, however, are not limited to the example environment. Next, a section titled “Example Orientations” describes some example device orientations in accordance with one or more implementations. Following this, a section titled “Example Implementations” describes example implementation scenarios for a touch input device in a circuit board in accordance with one or more implementations. Finally, an example system and device are discussed that may implement various techniques described herein.

Example Environment

FIG. 1is an illustration of an environment100in an example implementation that is operable to employ techniques for a touch input device in a circuit board described herein. The illustrated environment100includes an example of a computing device102that is physically and communicatively coupled to an input device104via a flexible hinge106. In this particular example, the computing device102is configured as a tablet computing device. This is not intended to be limiting, however, and the computing device102may be configured in a variety of other ways, such as a mobile phone, a wearable device, a desktop computing device, a gaming apparatus, and so on. Thus, the computing device102may range from full resource devices with substantial memory and processor resources, to a low-resource device with limited memory and/or processing resources. An example implementation of the computing device102is discussed below with reference toFIG. 20.

The computing device102is illustrated as including an input/output module108, which is representative of functionality relating to processing of inputs and rendering outputs of the computing device102. A variety of different inputs may be processed by the input/output module108, such as inputs relating to functions that correspond to keys of the input device104, keys of a virtual keyboard displayed by a display device110to identify touch gestures and cause operations to be performed that correspond to the touch gestures that may be recognized through the input device104and/or touchscreen functionality of the display device110, and so forth. Thus, the input/output module108may support a variety of different input techniques by recognizing and leveraging a division between types of inputs including key presses, touch gestures, touchless gestures recognized via a camera functionality of the computing device102, and so on.

In the illustrated example, the input device104is configured as having a chassis112with a top surface114. Generally, the chassis112represents a body of the input device104(e.g., a frame) to which various components of the input device104can be mounted, attached, positioned, and so forth. The top surface114includes input portions that include a keyboard116having an arrangement of keys and a touch input device118. The example arrangement is presented for purpose of example only, and other arrangements and positions for the keyboard116and the touch input device118are also contemplated. Further, other non-conventional configurations are also contemplated, such as a game controller, configuration to mimic a musical instrument, and so forth. Thus, the input device104, the keyboard116, and/or the touch input device118may assume a variety of different configurations to support a variety of different functionality. In the discussion herein, the touch input device118may alternately be referred to and/or implemented as a touch input sensor.

The touch input device118generally represents various types of input devices, such as a touchpad, a trackpad, and/or other device via which tactile input can be provided. For instance, a user may provide input to the touch input device using a finger, a stylus, a pen, and/or other instrument via which contact with the touch input device118may be provided.

Although the touch input device118is illustrated as being associated with other device components (e.g., the keyboard116), this is not to be construed as limiting. For instance, in at least some implementations, the touch input device118may be implemented separately from the input device104, such as a modular input device that may be communicatively coupled to a device via a wired and/or wireless connection. The touch input device118, for instance, may be implemented as an external peripheral device that may be communicatively coupled and uncoupled from various different devices. Alternatively or additionally, the touch input device118may be implemented as a separate installable unit that may be manufactured separately from the input device104. In such implementations, the touch input device118may be operably attached (e.g., soldered) to a variety of different devices to provide touch input functionality.

According to various implementations, the input device104is manufactured from a particular material, such as instances and/or combinations of plastic, metal, various alloys, carbon fiber, and so forth. Further, various portions of the top surface114may be laminated with a fabric layer. In at least some implementations, the entire top surface114is laminated with a fabric layer that covers the keyboard116and the touch input device118. The fabric, for instance, may be a continuous sheet of fabric that is laminated to cover the top surface114. According to one or more implementations, the fabric may include multiple individual layers of fabric material(s) that are laminated together to form an integrated fabric layer. This is not intended to be limiting, however, and in at least some implementations the top surface114is formed from and/or laminated with other types of material alternatively or additionally to fabric.

In one or more implementations, the touch input device118is mounted to the chassis112and can receive user input, such as via capacitive or other sensors that are configured to detect physical touch. As further detailed below, the touch input device118may be integrated into a primary printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the input device104in various ways.

As previously described, the input device104is physically and communicatively coupled to the computing device102in this example through use of a flexible hinge106. The flexible hinge106is flexible in that rotational movement supported by the hinge is achieved through flexing (e.g., bending) of the material forming the hinge as opposed to mechanical rotation as supported by a pin, although that embodiment is also contemplated. Further, this flexible rotation may be configured to support movement in one or more directions (e.g., vertically in the figure) yet restrict movement in other directions, such as lateral movement of the input device104in relation to the computing device102. This may be used to support consistent alignment of the input device104in relation to the computing device102, such as to align sensors used to change power states, application states, and so on. In other implementations, flexible hinge106does not provide a communication connection and the input device104may rely on wireless communication to send and receive information to and from the computing device102.

It is to be appreciated that the various devices and components illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale. Thus, the various dimensions, positional relationships, and/or operational relationships between the different devices and components illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the claimed embodiments.

Have introduced the computing device102, consider now a discussion of some example orientations of the computing device102in accordance with one or more implementations.

Example Orientations

According to various embodiments, a variety of different orientations of the computing device102are supported. For example, rotational movement may be supported by the flexible hinge106such that the input device104may be placed against the display device110of the computing device102and thereby act as a cover as shown in the example orientation200ofFIG. 2. Thus, the input device104may act to protect the display device110of the computing device102from harm.

As shown in the example orientation300ofFIG. 3, a typing arrangement may be supported. In this orientation, the input device104is laid flat against a surface and the computing device102is disposed at an angle to permit viewing of the display device110, e.g., such as through use of a kickstand302disposed on a rear surface of the computing device102. Generally, the kickstand302represents a support component that enables a variety of different orientations for the computing device102. The kickstand302, for instance, is rotatably attached to the computing device102to enable the kickstand302, and thus the computing device102, to assume a variety of different orientations such that different operating scenarios are supported.

Naturally, a variety of other orientations other than those expressly illustrated and discussed herein are also supported.

Example Implementations

This section discusses some example implementations for a touch input device in a circuit board in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4aillustrates a top view400of the input device104in accordance with one or more implementations. In the top view400, the top surface114of the chassis112is removed to reveal a circuit board402of the input device104. In at least some implementations, the circuit board is implemented as a PCBA. Generally, the circuit board402represents a portion of the input device104that mechanically supports and electrically connects various components of the input device104. For instance, processing components (e.g., a microprocessor), storage components, Input/Output (I/O) components, and so forth, may be attached and/or electrically connected to the circuit board402. The circuit board402, for example, includes a keyboard region404that includes key sensors that detect user input to the keyboard116discussed above with reference toFIG. 1.

The circuit board402further includes a touch interaction region406that corresponds to a portion of the circuit board402in which various components of the touch input device118are mounted and/or positioned. The touch interaction region406includes a hinge region408, a first side410, a second side412, and a third side414. Generally, one or more of the first side410, the second side412, and/or the third side414may be cut and/or etched to enable hingeable movement of the touch interaction region406about the hinge region408.

As further detailed below, the touch interaction region406represents a portion of the circuit board402that is etched and/or cut to allow for movement of the touch interaction region406relative to adjacent regions of the circuit board402. Such movement of the touch interaction region406enables the touch input device118to be integrated into the circuit board402and provide a touch input interaction surface for the touch input device118.

According to various implementations, an electrical connection416occurs across the hinge region408between the main body of the touch interaction region406and the main body of the circuit board402. The electrical connection416enables electrical signal to be conducted between components attached to the touch interaction region406and other components, such as components attached at other regions of the circuit board402and/or the computing device102. In various examples discussed below, portions of the hinge region408are etched and/or cut. In such implementations, it is to be appreciated that the electrical connection416persists such that electrical signal can be routed between components attached to the touch interaction region406, and components external to the touch interaction region406. For instance, wire traces within the circuit board402route electrical signal across the hinge region408. Additionally or alternatively, conducting material such as wires and/or additional wire traces may be added to conduct electrical signal between components attached to the touch interaction region406and other components. Examples of such components are discussed below.

FIG. 4billustrates a top view418of the circuit board402without other portions of the input device104. The top view418, for instance, illustrates the circuit board402prior to various components being attached to the circuit board402for installation into the input device104. The top view418illustrates the touch interaction region406, including the hinge region408, the first side410, the second side412, and the third side414. In the top view418, the touch interaction region406is in a default position, e.g., a position in which a user is not interacting with the touch interaction region406. Notice that in the top view418, the touch interaction region406is coplanar with surrounding portions of the circuit board402.

FIG. 4cillustrates a top view420of the circuit board402without other portions of the input device104. In the top view420, the touch interaction region406is deflected downward away from the plane of the circuit board402. Deflection of the touch interaction region406, for instance, occurs in response to a user pressing on the touch interaction region406with an input mechanism, such as a finger, a stylus, a pen, and so forth. Notice that in the top view420, the touch interaction region406pivots downward about the hinge region408. Further, the sides410,412,414move away from the plane of the circuit board402such that the touch interaction region406is no longer coplanar with surrounding portions of the circuit board402. As further detailed below, this movement of the touch interaction region406allows input to be provided via interaction with the touch interaction region406. In at least some implementations, movement of the touch interaction region406depicted in the top view420is exaggerated for purposes of illustration, and movement of the touch interaction region406experienced during a typical user input interaction may be significantly less than that shown inFIG. 4c.

FIG. 5illustrates a front-facing view500of the computing device102and the input device104. Further illustrated is a front section view502of the input device104, which represents a partial cross-section of the input device104illustrating various components of the touch input device118.

The section view502illustrates that components of the touch input device118that are attached to and/or positioned within a mounting cavity504, which represents a portion of the chassis112that enables the touch input device118to be mounted within the input device104. The touch input device118includes a face sheet506attached to a sensor substrate508. Generally, the sensor substrate508represents a portion of the touch interaction region406of the circuit board402that is configured to receive touch input from a user and generate an input signal based on the touch input. The sensor substrate508may be implemented in various ways, such as a capacitive sensor region, a resistive sensor region, and so forth.

The face sheet506represents a material that is adhered to the sensor substrate508. The face sheet506may be implemented using any suitable material, such as glass, ceramic, plastic, and so forth. According to various implementations, the face sheet506is constructed from a dielectric material that enables touch interaction with the face sheet506to be detected by the sensor substrate508to generate a touch input signal. Generally, the material used to form the face sheet506is selected to provide stiffening of the touch interaction region406. A stiffer face sheet provides an improved user interaction with the touch input device118because it may provide a more stable input surface to receive a downward force characteristic of a click input. Further, the material used to form the fact sheet506is selected to have a low coefficient of friction so that user input in the form of cursor movement or gesture is easier for the user to perform. The face sheet506may be adhered to the sensor substrate508using any suitable adhesive and/or adhesive technique, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat activated adhesive, a contact adhesive, a multi-part adhesive, and so forth.

Attached to the opposite side of the touch interaction region406from the face sheet506are a switch510and a stopper512. Generally, the switch510represents a way of generating input via the touch input device118that is different than that provided by the sensor substrate508. In at least some implementations, the switch510may be adhered, soldered, and/or mechanically attached to the touch interaction region406. Further details concerning the switch510are provided below.

The stopper512represents a structure that restrains movement of various components of the touch input device118, and that provides stiffening of the touch interaction region406during user interaction with the touch interaction region406. The stopper512may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, carbon fiber, alloys, and/or combinations thereof. According to various implementations, the stopper512may be attached to the touch interaction region406using any suitable attachment and/or adhesive technique. Due to the perspective presented in the section view502, the stopper512is illustrated as two separate portions. As illustrated inFIG. 12, however, the stopper512generally represents a single integrated structure that provides both stopper and stiffener functionality to the touch input device118.

Fastened to a bottom portion of the mounting cavity504is a switch step514, which is representative of a structure that resides beneath the switch510in the mounting cavity504. As further discussed below, movement of the switch510downward against the switch step514causes actuation of the switch510to generate an input event.

According to various implementations, the touch input region406of the circuit board402is surrounded by adjacent portions516of the circuit board402. Generally, the adjacent portions516represent portions of the circuit board402that may be separated from the touch input region406in various ways, such as by cutting, etching, and so forth.

FIG. 6illustrates a front section view600of the input device104, which represents a partial cross-section of the input device104illustrating various components of the touch input device118. Generally, the front section view600represents a variation of the front section view502introduced above.

In the front section view600, a fabric layer602is laminated over the chassis112and the face sheet506. The fabric layer602may be laminated using any suitable adhesive and/or adhesive technique, examples of which are discussed above. In this particular example, the fabric layer602is laminated to the face sheet506via an adhesive layer604, which may be formed from any suitable adhesive. Thus, in at least some implementations, the input device104including the touch input device118may be laminated with fabric, thus enabling touch input to be provided to the touch input device118via interaction with a portion of the fabric layer602that overlays the touch input device118. While some implementations are discussed herein without specific reference to and/or illustration of the fabric layer602, it is to be appreciated that such implementations may similarly and/or equally apply to fabric-layered scenarios.

FIG. 7illustrates an example implementation scenario700for interacting with the touch input device118in accordance with one or more implementations. The upper portion of the scenario700includes the front section view502of the input device104introduced above with reference toFIG. 5, and various components of the touch input device118introduced above.

Proceeding to the lower portion of the scenario700, a user provides a touch interaction702to the touch input device118via a finger704. The user, for instance, applies downward force to the face sheet506. Pressure from the touch interaction702applies pressure to components of the touch input device118and thus the touch input device118moves downward within the mounting cavity504. Notice that as part of the movement of the touch input device118, the touch interaction region406of the circuit board402deflects downward with respect to the adjacent portions516of the circuit board402. For instance, in response to the touch input702, the face sheet506, the touch interaction region406, the switch510, and the stopper512move together as an integrated unit, whereas the adjacent portions516of the circuit board402do not move, or move a lesser distance downward than does the touch interaction region406.

Accordingly, movement of the switch510downward compresses the switch510against the switch step514to actuate the switch510and generate a click event706. For instance, compressing the switch510past a threshold compression distance within the mounting cavity504causes the switch510to “click” and generate the click event706.

According to various implementations, actuation of the switch510is associated with a threshold force that is applied to the touch interaction region406via touch input to the face sheet506. In the scenario700, for example, the touch interaction702exceeds the threshold force, and thus the switch510is actuated to generate the click event706. If, however, a touch interaction with the touch input device118does not exceed the threshold force, the switch510is not actuated and thus the click event706is not generated.

The click event706generally represents an input event that can be communicated to various functionalities of the computing device102. Examples of the click event706include a selection event (e.g., to select a control displayed on an associated computing device), a power-related event (e.g., to switch between different device power states), a notification event (e.g., to communicate a notification to an entity and/or functionality), and so forth. In at least some implementations, actuating the switch510causes the switch510to generate an audible “click” and/or “snap” that indicates that the click event706is generated.

According to one or more implementations, the switch510includes an elastic mechanism (e.g., a spring, an elastic material, and so forth) that applies positive downward pressure against an adjacent surface. For instance, in this particular implementation, the switch510is attached to the touch interaction region406, and thus applies pressure upon the switch step514.

In an alternative implementation, the switch510may be attached to a bottom portion of the mounting cavity504(e.g., to the switch step514), and not to the touch interaction region504. In such an implementation, the elastic mechanism of the switch510may apply upward pressure against the touch interaction region406. Accordingly, to cause the switch510to generate the click event706, a user applies pressure against the upward and/or downward pressure applied by the switch510to cause the switch510to compress and generate the click event706.

According to various implementations, the stopper512provides stiffening of the touch input device118during the touch input702. For instance, the stopper512represents a stabilizer bar that mitigates uneven movement of the touch interaction region406during the touch input702, and thus provides a more stable user experience for interaction with the touch input device118.

Thus, according to one or more implementations, the layering of the various components of the touch input device118provides a moveable component stack that responds to user input in a variety of ways.

FIG. 8illustrates an example implementation scenario800for interacting with the touch input device118in accordance with one or more implementations. The upper portion of the scenario800includes the side section view502of the input device104and various components of the touch input device118. Further illustrated is that the switch510is compressed such that the switch510is actuated, e.g., as discussed above with reference toFIG. 7.

Proceeding to the lower portion of the scenario800, the user lifts their finger704such that pressure is released from the touch input device118. Accordingly, spring pressure from the switch510pushes the components of the touch input device118upward within the mounting cavity504such that the touch input device118returns to a default position, e.g., a resting position in which a user is not interacting with the touch input device118.

As referenced above, the switch510includes an elastic mechanism (e.g., a spring, an elastic material, and so forth) that applies positive pressure. Thus, when a user releases pressure from the face sheet506, the switch510pushes the touch input device118upward to return to a default position.

Further illustrated in the scenario800is that the stopper512serves to stop upward movement of the touch input device118when the touch input device118returns to its default position. For instance, pressure from the switch510pushes the touch input device118upward within the mounting cavity504until the stopper512contacts the adjacent portions516of the circuit board402, which stops movement of the touch input device118. Thus, contact between the stopper512and the adjacent portions516prevent further upward movement of the touch input device118within the mounting cavity504. According to various implementations, this prevents components of the touch input device118from becoming dislodged from the chassis112of the input device104.

With the stopper512positioned against the adjacent portions516, the switch510continues to exert pressure against the switch step514. For instance, the touch input device118is assembled such that in a resting position (e.g., a default position), the switch510is slightly compressed against the switch step514. Thus, the switch510may be assembled within the touch input device118to be preloaded with a certain force against the switch step514to mitigate “empty travel,” which is a situation in which the touch input device118is moving without little or no countervailing force to slow or resist the movement during a user interaction with the touch input device118.

FIG. 9illustrates a side-facing view900of the computing device102and the input device104. Further illustrated is a side section view902of the input device104, which represents a partial cross-section of the input device104illustrating various components of the touch input device118. For instance, the side section view902illustrates the face sheet506laminated to the sensor substrate508of the touch interaction region406. Further illustrated are the switch510, the stopper512, and the switch step514. Various other components of the input device104and the touch input device118are illustrated.

FIG. 10illustrates an example implementation scenario1000for interacting with the touch input device118in accordance with one or more implementations. In at least some implementations, the scenario1000represents a side view perspective of the scenario700discussed above. The upper portion of the scenario1000includes the side section view902of the input device104introduced above with reference toFIG. 9, and various components of the touch input device118introduced above.

Proceeding to the lower portion of the scenario1000, a user provides a touch interaction1002to the touch input device118via a finger1004. The user, for instance, applies downward force to the face sheet506. Pressure from the touch interaction1002applies pressure to components of the touch input device118and thus the touch input device118moves downward within the mounting cavity504. In this particular example, movement of the touch input device118pivots on the hinge region408of the circuit board402, introduced above with reference toFIG. 4a.

Further illustrated is that during movement of the touch input device118in response to the touch interaction1002, the third side414of the touch interaction region406moves downward within the mounting cavity504. As discussed herein, the third side414may be cut and/or etched from the adjacent portions516of the circuit board402to enable movement of the touch interaction region406.

Further to the scenario1000, movement of the touch input device118compresses the switch510against the switch step514to actuate the switch510and generate a click event1006. For instance, compressing the switch510past a threshold compression distance within the mounting cavity504causes the switch510to generate the click event1006. In at least some implementations, the click event1006represents an instance of the click event706detailed above. Accordingly, details of the click event706discussed above may equally apply to the click event1006.

As illustrated in the upper portion of the scenario1000, in a resting (e.g., default) position, the touch interaction region406of the circuit board402is coplanar with the adjacent portions516of the circuit board402. However, in response to the touch interaction1002, the touch interaction region406deflects downward within the mounting cavity504such that the touch interaction region406is no longer coplanar with the adjacent portions516. Thus, the scenario1000illustrates that the touch input device118is moveably connected to the circuit board402across the hinge region408such that in response to the touch interaction1002, the touch input device118pivots about the hinge region408to enable the switch510to be actuated to generate the click event1006. In at least some implementations, the position of the touch interaction region406illustrated inFIG. 10represents the position illustrated inFIG. 4c.

Similarly to the scenario800detailed above, when the user lifts the finger1004to release the touch input device118, pressure from the switch510pushes the touch input device118upward within the mounting cavity504to return the touch input device118to a resting default position, such as displayed in the upper portion of the scenario1000.

FIG. 11illustrates an example implementation scenario1100for interacting with the touch input device118in accordance with one or more implementations. The scenario1100includes the side section view1102of the input device104and various components of the touch input device118introduced above.

In the scenario1100, a user provides a touch interaction1102to the touch input device118via a finger1104. The user, for instance, applies downward force to the face sheet506. However, in the scenario1100, the force applied by the user as part of the touch interaction1102does not exceed a threshold force that causes the switch510to compress and generate a click event, such as discussed above with reference to the scenarios700,1000.

For instance, in the scenario1100, the user rests the finger1104on the face sheet506and moves the finger1104around while maintaining contact with the face sheet506. Accordingly, the sensor substrate508detects the touch interaction1102and generates a touch event1106. In at least some implementations, the sensor substrate508includes capacitive and/or resistive touch sensors that detect the touch interaction1102. Optical touch detection may also be used.

Generally, the touch event1106corresponds to an input event that is generated when touch input is received via the sensor substrate508. For example, when a user provides a touch interaction to the face sheet506that exceeds a threshold downward force such that the switch510is actuated (e.g., the touch input702), a click event is generated such as discussed above with reference toFIG. 7. However, if a touch interaction does not exceed the threshold downward force such that the switch510is actuated (e.g., as in the touch interaction1102), the touch event1106is generated. In at least some implementations, the touch event1106is interpreted as a different type of input event than the click event706introduced above. For instance, the click event706may be utilized for object selection, and the touch event1106may be utilized for object movement. The touch event1106, for example, may cause movement of a cursor and/or other icon on a display region, such as on the display110of the computing device102.

Accordingly, the scenarios700-1100demonstrate example implementations where different interactions and different forces applied to the touch input device118generate different types of input events.

FIG. 12illustrates the underside of the circuit board402with the stopper512and the switch510attached to the touch interaction region406. In this particular implementation, the stopper512includes a notch1200, and the switch510is positioned within the notch1200. Utilizing the notch1200, for instance, may conserve space within the touch interaction region406. This is not intended to be limiting, however, and in at least some implementations the stopper512is not notched and the switch510is attached adjacent to the stopper512. As discussed above, the stopper512is attached to the touch interaction region406but not to the adjacent regions516of the circuit board402. Thus, the stopper512provides various functionality to the touch input device118, such as component retention, component stiffening, and so forth.

FIG. 13illustrates an example implementation1300of the touch interaction region406in accordance with one or more implementations. In the implementation1300, a groove1302is cut around the first side410, the second side412, and the third side414of the touch interaction region406. The groove1302, for instance, represents a cut that passes completely through the thickness of the circuit board402along the length of the groove1302. In at least some implementations, the groove1302represents a single continuous cut. Alternatively, the groove1302may be implemented as multiple cut portions separated by uncut portions, e.g., as intermittent perforations of the circuit board402along the length of the groove1302.

In the implementation1300, the hinge region408(generally shown within the dashed ellipse) is uncut and unetched such that the touch interaction region406pivots about the hinge region408in response to user interaction with the touch interaction region406.

FIG. 14illustrates an example implementation1400of the touch interaction region406in accordance with one or more implementations. In the implementation1400, the groove1302is cut around the first side410, the second side412, and the third side414of the touch interaction region406. Example details concerning the groove1302are discussed above.

Further to the implementation1400, the hinge region408includes a hinge groove1402, a hinge beam1404a, and a hinge beam1404b. Generally, the hinge groove1402represents a groove that is cut and/or etched from the circuit board402along a portion of the hinge region408. The hinge beams1404a,1404brepresent portions of the hinge region408that are not cut or etched. Thus, during movement of the touch interaction region406, the touch interaction region406pivots about the hinge beams1404a,1404b. The hinge beams1404a,1404b, for instance, represent hinge portions that connect the touch interaction region406to the main body of the circuit board402.

As discussed herein, the term “etching” and its variations generally refer to removal of portions of a surface without a complete perforation of the surface. For instance, with reference to the circuit board402, etching may be performed via removal of one or more layers of the circuit board402. Generally, etching may be performed via any suitable etching and/or ablating technique, such as laser, chemical, heat, mechanical, and so forth. Further, etching may be performed on a top surface of the circuit board402, a bottom surface of the circuit board402, and/or a combination of both surfaces.

FIG. 15illustrates an example implementation1500of the touch interaction region406in accordance with one or more implementations. In the implementation1500, the groove1302is cut or etched around the first side410, the second side412, and the third side414of the touch interaction region406. Example details concerning the groove1302are discussed above.

Further to the implementation1500, the hinge region408includes a hinge groove1502that represents a groove that is etched from the circuit board402along the hinge region408. The hinge groove1502, for instance, traverses the hinge region408between the first side410and the second side412, e.g., the entire hinge region408. According to various implementations, the hinge groove1502is partially etched through one or more layers from the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the circuit board402, but does not completely perforate the circuit board402. Thus, during movement of the touch interaction region406, the touch interaction region406pivots about the hinge groove1502.

FIG. 16illustrates an example implementation1600of the touch interaction region406in accordance with one or more implementations. In the implementation1600, the groove1302is cut or etched around the first side410, the second side412, and the third side414of the touch interaction region406. Example details concerning the groove1302are discussed above.

Further to the implementation1600, the hinge region408includes a hinge groove1602that represents a groove that is partially etched and partially cut from the circuit board402along the hinge region408. The hinge groove1602, for instance, traverses the hinge region408between the first side410and the second side412, e.g., the entire hinge region408. According to various implementations, the hinge groove1602includes a cut portion1604and etched portions1606a,1606b. Generally, the cut portion1604represents a portion of the hinge groove1602that perforates entirely through the thickness of the circuit board402. The etched portions1606a,1606brepresent portions of the circuit board402that are etched through one or more layers from the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the circuit board402, but do not completely perforate the circuit board402. Thus, during movement of the touch interaction region406, the touch interaction region406pivots about the etched portions1606a,1606b.

In the example implementations discussed above, an electrical connection remains between the touch interaction region406and the main body of the circuit board402across the hinge region408. The electrical connection enables electrical signal to be conducted from components attached to the touch interaction region406to other components, such as from the sensor substrate508and the switch510to a component of the input device104and/or the computing device102.

FIG. 17illustrates an example wearable device1700according to one or more implementations. The wearable device1700includes a display1702and an input region1704on its outer surface. Generally, the display1702represents a display device that is configured to display various visual indicia. The input region1704corresponds to a portion of the wearable device1700to which input may be provided, such as touch-based input.

Further illustrated inFIG. 17is a side cross-section view1706of the wearable device1700. Generally, the cross-section view1706represents a cross-section of the wearable device beneath the input region1704. Illustrated as part of the cross-section view1706is a touch input device1708. According to various implementations, the touch input device1708represents an instance of the touch input device118described above. Accordingly, in one or more implementations, the various details and implementation variations described above with reference to the touch input device118also pertain to the touch input device1708.

Although the wearable device1700is illustrated as a wrist-watch form factor, it is to be appreciated that implementations for a touch input device in a circuit board described herein apply to a wide variety of different form factors, wearable and otherwise.

FIG. 18illustrates an example peripheral touch input device1800in accordance with one or more implementations. The peripheral touch input device1800is representative of an external peripheral device that can be communicatively associated with various devices via a wired and/or wireless connection. For instance, the peripheral touch input device1800represents an external peripheral device that can be communicatively associated with a variety of different types of computing devices to provide touch input to the computing devices.

The peripheral touch input device1800includes a chassis1802with a bezel1804and a touch input region1806. According to one or more implementations, the peripheral touch input device1800includes the various touch input device components and attributes discussed above. For instance, the peripheral touch input device1800includes the touch input device118within the chassis1802and beneath the touch input region1806. Accordingly, the peripheral touch input device1800represents a portable touch input device that may be utilized in a variety of different scenarios to provide touch input to a computing device.

FIG. 19illustrates an installable touch input device1900in accordance with one or more implementations. The installable touch input device1900includes a circuit board1902and a touch input region1904. Generally, the installable touch input device1900represents a touch input device that is installable in a variety of devices, such as various form factors of computing devices. For instance, the installable touch input device1900may be soldered onto a primary circuit board of an input device to provide touch input functionality to the input device. The installable touch input device1900, for example, may be installed into a larger input device (e.g., a keyboard) and/or a computing device during a manufacturing process. Thus, the installable touch input device1900may be integrated into a wide variety of different devices to provide touch input functionality. According to various implementations, the installable touch input device1900includes an instance of the touch input device118. For instance, the touch input region1904represents an implementation of the touch interaction region406, and various components of the touch input device118discussed above are positioned relative to the touch interaction region406such as discussed in the various implementations presented above.

While the example implementations described above are discussed separately, it is to be appreciated that implementations described herein may be combined and interchanged to provide a variety of different implementations while remaining within the spirit and scope of the described and/or claimed implementations.

Further, while implementations are discussed with reference to a touchpad scenario, it is to be appreciated that the touch input device118along with other touch input devices presented herein may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as individual keys of a keyboard, input devices on various types of apparatus, and so forth. For instance, the touch input device118may be implemented as individual keys of the keyboard116of the input device104.

Having discussed some example implementations for a touch input device in a circuit board, consider now an example system and device in accordance with one or more implementations.

Example System and Device

FIG. 20illustrates an example system generally at2000that includes an example computing device2002that is representative of one or more computing systems and/or devices that may implement the various techniques described herein. In at least some implementations, the computing device2002represents an implementation of the computing device102discussed above. The computing device2002may be, for example, be configured to assume a mobile configuration through use of a housing formed and sized to be grasped and carried by one or more hands of a user, illustrated examples of which include a mobile phone, mobile game and music device, and tablet computer although other examples are also contemplated. In at least some implementations, the computing device102may be implemented as a wearable device, such as a smart watch, smart glasses, and so forth.

The computing device2002is further illustrated as being communicatively and physically coupled to an input device2014that is physically and communicatively removable from the computing device2002. In this way, a variety of different input devices may be coupled to the computing device2002having a wide variety of configurations to support a wide variety of functionality. In this example, the input device2014includes one or more keys2016, which may be configured as pressure sensitive keys, mechanically switched keys, and so forth.

The input device2014is further illustrated as include one or more modules2018that may be configured to support a variety of functionality. The one or more modules2018, for instance, may be configured to process analog and/or digital signals received from the keys2016to determine whether a keystroke was intended, determine whether an input is indicative of resting pressure, support authentication of the input device2014for operation with the computing device2002, and so on.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement various techniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, or executable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/or logic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or by one or more hardware elements2010. The computing device2002may be configured to implement particular instructions and/or functions corresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly, implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device2002as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g., through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements2010of the processing system2004. The instructions and/or functions may be executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (for example, one or more computing devices2002and/or processing systems2004) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

Implementations discussed herein include:

1. An input device including: a chassis with a circuit board mounted therein; and a touch input device including: a touch interaction region formed from a portion of the circuit board that is at least one of cut or etched from a main body of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to surrounding portions of the circuit board; and a switch that is positioned relative to the touch interaction region such that the switch is actuatable to generate a click input event in response to movement of the touch interaction region.

2. The input device of example 1, wherein the touch interaction region includes a sensor substrate that is configured to receive touch input to generate a touch input event.

3. The input device of any of preceding examples 1 or 2, wherein the circuit board includes at least one other input device separate from the touch input device.

4. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-3, wherein the touch interaction region includes a hinge region that connects the touch interaction region to the main body of the circuit board, and wherein the touch interaction region is moveable about the hinge region.

5. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-4, wherein the touch interaction region includes a hinge region that is at least partially cut or etched between the touch interaction region and the main body of the circuit board, and wherein the touch interaction region is moveable about the hinge region.

6. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-5, wherein the touch interaction region includes a hinge region that connects the touch interaction region to the main body of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable about the hinge region, and wherein the circuit board includes electrical connectivity from the touch interaction region to the main body of the circuit board across the hinge region.

7. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-6, wherein the touch interaction region is one or more of cut or etched on a first side, a second side, and a third side such that the touch interaction region is moveable about a fourth side of the touch interaction region.

8. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-7, wherein the touch interaction device includes a stopper that is connected to the touch interaction region and that constrains movement of the touch interaction region with respect to the main body of the circuit board.

9. The input device of any of preceding examples 1-8, wherein the touch input device includes a stopper that is connected to the touch interaction region and that provides stiffening of the touch interaction region during movement of the touch interaction region.

10. An apparatus including: a circuit board; and a touch input sensor including: a touch interaction region formed from a portion of the circuit board that is at least partially cut from a main body of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is pivotable on a hinge region of the circuit board; and a switch that is positioned relative to the touch interaction region such that the switch is actuatable to generate a click input event in response to movement of the touch interaction region about the hinge region.

11. The apparatus of example 10, wherein the apparatus includes an input device operably attachable to a computing device.

12. The apparatus of any of preceding examples 10 or 11, wherein the apparatus includes a wearable device.

13. The apparatus of any of preceding examples 10-12, wherein the apparatus includes a modular touch input device.

14. The apparatus of any of preceding examples 10-13, wherein the PCBA includes at least one other input device separate from the touch input sensor.

15. The apparatus of any of preceding examples 10-14, wherein the touch interaction region includes a sensor substrate configured to receive touch input to generate a touch input event.

16. A touch input device including: a touch interaction region that is at least one of partially cut or etched from a portion of a circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to an adjacent portion of the circuit board; a hinge region that corresponds to a portion of the circuit board about which the touch interaction region is pivotable; and a switch that is positioned relative to the touch interaction region such that the switch is actuatable to generate a click input event in response to movement of the touch interaction region about the hinge region.

17. The touch input device of example 16, wherein the hinge region is at least one of etched or partially cut between the touch interaction region and the adjacent portion of the circuit board.

18. The touch input device of any of preceding examples 16 or 17, wherein the touch interaction region includes a sensor substrate configured to receive touch input.

19. The touch input device of any of preceding examples 16-18, further including a face sheet adhered to the touch interaction region.

20. The touch input device of any of preceding examples 16-19, wherein the switch is electrically connected to the touch interaction region such that the click input event that is communicated across the hinge region to a main body of the circuit board.

CONCLUSION

Although the example implementations have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed features.