SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ZONED HAPTIC KEYBOARD

An information handling system including a zoned haptic keyboard comprising a keyboard controller transmitting key actuation data to the hardware processor indicating which key of a plurality of keys was detected as being actuated by a user via a force sensing integrated circuit (IC) to detect force data within a first haptic zone. The first haptic zone includes a group of keys and is one of a plurality of haptic zones partitioned across an area of the zoned haptic keyboard. A haptic device controller activates, based on the key actuated and its haptic zone, a first zoned haptic actuator operatively coupled to a haptic zone section of a haptic zone plate to provide haptic feedback within the first haptic zone, wherein the haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate is haptically isolated from other haptic zone sections to haptically isolate the first haptic zone in the zoned haptic keyboard.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to haptic feedback provided at a keyboard. The present disclosure more specifically relates to haptic feedback to a user during operation of an input device associated with an information handling system.

BACKGROUND

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a stylus, allow a user to interface with an information handling system and provide input. When using a keyboard, for example, the user may press or actuate a number of keys on the keyboard in order to provide alpha-numeric input to the information handling system. This alpha-numeric input may allow the user to interact with a plurality of different kinds of applications being executed on the information handling system. Traditional keyboards include, for example, a number of mechanical parts that provide the user with the sensation of a key press. One of these mechanical pieces may include a rubber dome, for example, that give the user a force feedback or haptic force when a key is pressed. These parts, however, may mechanically degrade over time and fail thereby creating additional costs associated with the operation of the information handling system. Other mechanical parts may also be used that may also cause noises to emanate from the keyboard when the user actuates the keys. This noise may also be distracting and annoying to the user after, potentially, hours of typing.

In order to alleviate these issues, some information handling systems include haptic actuators and systems that, when the user actuates a key, simulates that haptic feedback that would have been felt using a mechanical device at each key. By including a haptic actuator under each key, the cost of manufacturing increases. Still further, with the increase in the number of haptic actuators within the keyboard, the number of potential failure points also increases. To alleviate this issue, other haptic keyboards have been made that use sound as a feedback mechanism. However, this not only creates a noisy environment but also fails to provide a haptic feedback to the user. Indeed, sound does not provide the same quality of feedback for the typist and studies have shown that the typing speed are reduced when only using sound as the feedback mechanism.

In other information handling systems, in order to alleviate these issues, some manufacturers have developed video display devices that provide the capability of providing input via soft keys presented on the display. In these cases, a single haptic actuator is used to provide haptic feedback whenever a single input is provided. This does not, however, provide the haptic feeling to a user that individual keys are being actuated.

The present specification describes an information handling system that includes zoned haptic keys of a zoned haptic keyboard. The information handling system may include a hardware processor, a memory device, a keyboard that is a zoned haptic keyboard, and a power management unit (PMU to provide power to the hardware processor and memory device. The zoned haptic keyboard may include a keyboard controller to transmit key actuation data to the hardware processor indicating which key of a plurality of keys within the keyboard was detected as being actuated by a user. The zoned haptic keyboard may also include a force sensing integrated circuit (IC) to detect force data at one of a plurality of force sensors formed within one of a plurality of force sensing zones partitioned across an area of the keyboard. Still further, the zoned haptic keyboard may include a haptic device controller to receive instructions from the keyboard controller indicating, based on the force data received at the keyboard controller from the force sensing IC, which of a plurality of zoned haptic actuators to generate haptic feedback to a user with the force sensor at the haptic feedback zone where the force data was detected. In an embodiment, the zoned haptic actuator of the plurality of zoned haptic actuators that is to be activated is within one of the plurality of force sensing zones for the haptic zones partitioned across an area of the zoned haptic keyboard where the force sensing IC detected the force data.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the force sensing IC to include, for example, a piezoelectric-based force sensor, a strain gauge, a capacitive force sensor, a resistive force sensor, a force sensing film, and the like to detect a keystroke from a user at specific keys across the keyboard. Where keystrokes are detected, a keyboard controller may receive this input data and concurrently transmit the input data to the hardware processor of the information handling system and to a haptic device controller. The haptic device controller may then actuate a zoned haptic actuator within a haptic zone of keys where the detected key that is pressed is located on the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, the haptic zone defined across a zoned haptic keyboard may include a plurality of keys on the keyboard that have been partitioned off from other plurality of keys that are also within their own force sensing haptic zone based on keyboard touch for finger position in a zoned haptic keyboard.

Turning now to the figures,FIG.1illustrates an information handling system100similar to the information handling systems according to several aspects of the present disclosure. In the embodiments described herein, an information handling system100includes any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or use any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system100may be a personal computer, mobile device (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA) or smart phone), server (e.g., blade server or rack server), a consumer electronic device, a network server or storage device, a network router, switch, or bridge, wireless router, or other network communication device, a network connected device (cellular telephone, tablet device, etc.), IoT computing device, wearable computing device, a set-top box (STB), a mobile information handling system, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, an access point (AP)138, a base station transceiver140, a wireless telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a printer, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, or any other suitable machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine, and may vary in size, shape, performance, price, and functionality.

In a networked deployment, the information handling system100may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client computer in a server-client network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. In a particular embodiment, the information handling system100may be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or data communication. For example, an information handling system100may be any mobile or other computing device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single information handling system100is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

The information handling system100may include main memory106, (volatile (e.g., random-access memory, etc.), or static memory108, nonvolatile (read-only memory, flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof), one or more hardware processing resources, such as a hardware processor102that may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU)154, hardware processor102, embedded controller (EC)104, or any combination thereof. Additional components of the information handling system100may include one or more storage devices such as static memory108or drive unit120. The information handling system100may include or interface with one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices, as well as various input and output (I/O) devices142, such as a zoned haptic keyboard146, a trackpad150, a mouse152, a stylus148, a video/graphics display device144, or any combination thereof. Portions of an information handling system100may themselves be considered information handling systems100.

Information handling system100may include devices or modules that embody one or more of the devices or execute instructions for one or more systems and modules. The information handling system100may execute instructions (e.g., software algorithms), parameters, and profiles112that may operate on servers or systems, remote data centers, or on-box in individual client information handling systems according to various embodiments herein. In some embodiments, it is understood any or all portions of instructions (e.g., software algorithms), parameters, and profiles112may operate on a plurality of information handling systems100.

The information handling system100may include the hardware processor102such as a central processing unit (CPU). Any of the processing resources may operate to execute code that is either firmware or software code. Moreover, the information handling system100may include memory such as main memory106, static memory180, and disk drive unit120(volatile (e.g., random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile memory (read-only memory, flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof or other memory with computer readable medium110storing instructions (e.g., software algorithms), parameters, and profiles112executable by the EC104, hardware processor102, GPU154, or any other processing device. The information handling system100may also include one or more buses118operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components such as any combination of various I/O devices142as well as between hardware processors102, an EC104, the operating system (OS)116, the basic input/output system (BIOS)114, the wireless interface adapter128, or a radio module, among other components described herein. In an embodiment, the information handling system100may be in wireless communication with the zoned haptic keyboard146and/or other I/O devices142such as a mouse152, video display device144, stylus148, or trackpad150among other peripheral devices.

The information handling system100further includes a video/graphics display device144. The video/graphics display device144in an embodiment may function as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, or a solid-state display. Additionally, as described herein, the information handling system100may include one or more other I/O devices142that allow the user to interface with the information handling system100via the video/graphics display device144, such as a cursor control device (e.g., the mouse152, trackpad150, or gesture or touch screen input), a stylus148, and/or the zoned haptic keyboard146described herein, among others. Various drivers and control electronics may be operatively coupled to operate the I/O devices142according to the embodiments described herein.

A network interface device of the information handling system100shown as wireless interface adapter128can provide connectivity among devices such as with Bluetooth® (e.g., 2.4 GHz) or to a network136, e.g., a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), or other network. In an embodiment, the WAN, WWAN, LAN, and WLAN may each include an AP138or base station140used to operatively couple the information handling system100to a network136. In a specific embodiment, the network136may include macro-cellular connections via one or more base stations140or a wireless AP138(e.g., Wi-Fi), or such as through licensed or unlicensed WWAN small cell base stations140. Connectivity may be via wired or wireless connection. For example, wireless network wireless APs138or base stations140may be operatively connected to the information handling system100. Wireless interface adapter128may include one or more radio frequency (RF) subsystems (e.g., radio130) with transmitter/receiver circuitry, modem circuitry, one or more antenna radio frequency (RF) front end circuits132, one or more wireless controller circuits, amplifiers, antennas134and other circuitry of the radio130such as one or more antenna ports used for wireless communications via multiple radio access technologies (RATs). The radio130may communicate with one or more wireless technology protocols.

In an embodiment, the wireless interface adapter128may operate in accordance with any wireless data communication standards. To communicate with a wireless local area network, standards including IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax-2021 (Wi-Fi 6E, 6 GHz)), IEEE 802.15 WPAN standards, WWAN such as 3GPP or 3GPP2, Bluetooth® standards, or similar wireless standards may be used. Wireless interface adapter128may connect to any combination of macro-cellular wireless connections including 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, 5G or the like from one or more service providers. Utilization of radio frequency communication bands according to several example embodiments of the present disclosure may include bands used with the WLAN standards and WWAN carriers which may operate in both licensed and unlicensed spectrums. The wireless interface adapter128can represent an add-in card, wireless network interface module that is integrated with a main board of the information handling system100or integrated with another wireless network interface capability, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment the wireless interface adapter128may include one or more radio frequency subsystems including transmitters and wireless controllers for connecting via a multitude of wireless links. In an example embodiment, an information handling system100may have an antenna system transmitter for Bluetooth®, BLE, 5G small cell WWAN, or Wi-Fi WLAN connectivity and one or more additional antenna system transmitters for macro-cellular communication. The RF subsystems and radios130and include wireless controllers to manage authentication, connectivity, communications, power levels for transmission, buffering, error correction, baseband processing, and other functions of the wireless interface adapter128.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by firmware or software programs executable by a controller or a processor system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations may include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionalities as described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions, parameters, and profiles112or receives and executes instructions, parameters, and profiles112responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network136may communicate voice, video or data over the network136. Further, the instructions112may be transmitted or received over the network136via the network interface device or wireless interface adapter128.

The information handling system100may include a set of instructions112that may be executed to cause the computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. For example, instructions112may be executed by a hardware processor102, GPU154, EC104or any other hardware processing resource and may include software agents, or other aspects or components used to execute the methods and systems described herein. Various software modules comprising application instructions112may be coordinated by an OS116, and/or via an application programming interface (API). An example OS116may include Windows®, Android®, and other OS types. Example APIs may include Win 32, Core Java API, or Android APIs.

As described herein, the information handling includes a zoned haptic keyboard146. The zoned haptic keyboard146may be operatively coupled to the information handling system100(and the hardware processor102) via a wired connection, a wireless connection (e.g., via the wireless interface adapter128, radio130, RF front end132, and antenna134), or may be a built-in zoned haptic keyboard146(e.g., a laptop-type built in keyboard). In an embodiment, the zoned haptic keyboard146may be a QWERTY keyboard. However, the present specification contemplates that other types of keyboards may be used with other layouts of keys and other input buttons arranged in various combinations and in various languages. For case of description and understanding, however, the present specification will describe the zoned haptic keyboard146as at least including a QWERTY-type keyboard.

It is also appreciated that the zoned haptic keyboard146provides haptic output such that a user may feel that a key has been pressed or actuated when the user applies a force to the any given key. As described herein, the haptic feedback may be provided via activation of one of a plurality of zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-n. The zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nmay be arranged within haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard146to provide haptic feedback to the user at their respective haptic zones partitioned across the zoned haptic keyboard146.

In an embodiment, these haptic zones may be defined by the finger touch location zones for each of multiple fingers on a zoned haptic keyboard146used by a user when engaging in touch-type on the QWERTY-type zoned haptic keyboard146. Touch typing is a style of typing that, when executed properly by the user, uses a single finger to actuate a particular zone of keys and this may define a finger touch zone to coincide with a haptic zone. For example, on a QWERTY-type keyboard, a user may place their fingers along a home row of keys with the pointer finger of the user's left hand resting on the “f-key” and the pointer finger of the user's right hand resting on the “j-key.” The rest of the fingers will rest on the remaining “home-row” keys (e.g., left hand fingers at the f, d, s, and a keys and right-hand fingers at the j, k,1and; keys). This aligns each finger with their appropriate finger touch zone of keys on this QWERTY-type keyboard. It is these finger touch zone of keys that, in an example embodiment, are the designated as haptic zones where one of the plurality of zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nare placed under and on zoned haptic plate sections of a zoned haptic plate172to actuate a finger touch zone of keys where a single finger may press a key in a key group for that finger during touch-typing. For example, the haptic zone for the user's left hand pointer finger includes the following keys: f, r, v, g, t, b, 4, and 5. This haptic zone, defined by these keys a user's left pointer finger will touch forms, in an example embodiment, a first haptic zone where a first zoned haptic actuator160-1is placed under the keys in zoned haptic keyboard146. During operation, therefore, where any of these keys in the first haptic zone are actuated by the user, the first zoned haptic actuator160-1may be activated to provide haptic feedback to the user across this first haptic zone. As a consequence, a single zoned haptic actuator160-1,160-2,160-3.160-n(in this example, the first zoned haptic actuator160-1) is used for multiple keys in a group in a haptic zone associated with a first sensor zone164-1on the zoned haptic keyboard146. This significantly reduces the number of actuators necessary to provide haptic feedback to the user thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the zoned haptic keyboard146as well as reducing the number of potential devices that may fail over time and use by the user.

As a second example, a second haptic zone may be formed at the user's right hand pointer finger. Because this finger is used to actuate the j, u, m, h, y n, 6, and 7 keys, this defines a second haptic zone formed across the zoned haptic keyboard146. Again, this second haptic zone may also include one of the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nwhich in this example is a second zoned haptic actuator160-2. The second haptic zone with a second haptic actuator160-2corresponds with a second sensor zone164-2as well. Thus, for each set of keys grouped in a finger touch zone of keys that each of the user's fingers are responsible to actuate in a touch-typing manner, a haptic zone is formed with each of these haptic zones including a zoned haptic actuator160-1,160-2,160-3,160-n(e.g., a first zoned haptic actuator160-1, a second zoned haptic actuator160-2, a third zoned haptic actuator160-3, and an Nth zoned haptic actuator160-n) and associated with a sensor zone (e.g., first sensor zone164-1, second sensor zone164-2, third sensor zone164-3, and an nth sensor zone164-n) until the entire zoned haptic keyboard146is partitioned by haptic zones with each haptic zone including at least one zoned haptic actuator160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nused to provide haptic feedback to the user.

It is appreciated that some haptic zones partitioned across the zoned haptic keyboard146may include more grouped keys or cover more area of the zoned haptic keyboard146than other zones. For example, a user's left pinky finger may be responsible, when using touch-typing, for actuating a finger touch zone including the a, z, q. 1, ', tab, caps, shift, and Ctrl keys. These may be lesser-used keys for example. Not only does this haptic zone of keys include more keys than some other haptic zones, the size of these keys and the area of the zoned haptic keyboard146they encompass is larger than other haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard146. In such an embodiment, this haptic zone may include multiple zoned haptic actuators160-nto provide sufficient haptic feedback to these larger haptic zones so that a user may feel this haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actuation of any of these keys in this haptic zone formed.

The zoned haptic keyboard146further includes a keyboard controller153used to receive input from one or more force sensors each at a sensor zone164-1,164-2,164-3,164-ncorresponding to the above haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard146. The force sensors may be any type of device that detects the actuation of a key by user. In an embodiment, these force sensors may form part of a force sensing integrated circuit (IC)162with force sensing elements or a force sensing layer that receives this input from the force sensors and transmits this data to the keyboard controller153. The force sensing IC162and the force sensors may be formed onto a force sensing layer170that is placed below a keyboard overlay166with the individual keys formed on the keyboard overlay166. The force sensing layer170may be any substrate or set of substrate layers that is positioned or houses a plurality of force sensors under each key so that, when actuated by a user, the actuation of a key is detected based on force applied. In an embodiment, the sensors in force sensing layer170may include strain gauges, force sensing films, piezo-resistive-based force sensors, capacitive force sensors, and resistive force sensors, among other types of force sensors.

The zoned haptic keyboard146also includes a haptic device controller156that controls the activation of one or more zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nfor the haptic zones described herein in embodiments. In an embodiment, the haptic device controller156may be operatively coupled to a haptic booster158. The haptic booster158may be any device that boosts the voltage provided to each of the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-ncorresponding to each of the haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard146. The haptic booster158(also known as a flyback circuit) may increase the voltage applied to each of the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nso that the proper amount of haptic feedback is felt by the user at each of the haptic zones within the zoned haptic keyboard146. The haptic device controller156may by any hardware processing device used to haptically control the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-n.

The zoned haptic keyboard146may also include a zoned haptic plate172with plural haptic zones. The zoned haptic plate172may be a substrate that has each of the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-noperatively coupled at their respective haptic zone locations under the haptic zones on corresponding haptic zone sections of a zoned haptic plate172in embodiments herein. In an embodiment, the zoned haptic plate172may be made of a material such as a metal. The metal of the zoned haptic plate172may be semi-flexible to allow each zoned haptic actuator160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nfor each haptic zone to apply a force against the respective haptic zones while also allowing for vibration to occur so that the user may feel the haptic feedback after actuation of a key on the zoned haptic keyboard146.

The zoned haptic plate172may also include one or more haptic barriers174. The haptic barriers174may be formed between the haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate172under the keyboard overlay166and any other layer or substrate between the zoned haptic plate172and the keyboard overlay166. The haptic barriers174may be made of a vibration absorbing material such as an elastomer. The haptic barrier174, in an embodiment, may be used to prevent the haptic feedback produced by each of the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nwithin their respective haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate172from being felt by the user at another haptic zone over the zoned haptic plate172. For example, the haptic barrier174may be formed between a haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate172for those keys that are to be pressed by the user's left hand pointer finger and a haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate172for those keys that are to be pressed by a user's right hand pointer finger when engaged in touch-typing.

In an embodiment the zoned haptic keyboard146may include a back lighting layer168. The back lighting layer168may be used to provide backlighting through the keyboard overlay166to increase the visual appeal of the zoned haptic keyboard146as well as provide visual contrast for each key on the zoned haptic keyboard146. In an embodiment, the back lighting layer168may be placed between the keyboard overlay166and the zoned haptic plate172with each of these layers being secure to each other via a glue or other adhesive. In an embodiment, the layers described herein may be close enough to allow the vibrations from the zoned haptic actuators160-1,160-2,160-3,160-nand haptic zone sections of the zone haptic plate172to pass from the zoned haptic plate172and to the keyboard overlay166so that the user may feel the haptic feedback at a correct sensor zone164-1,164-2,164-3,164-nthat corresponds to haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard. As such, the back lighting layer168may be thin enough to provide the backlighting while not being so thick so as to prevent the haptic feedback from reaching the user's fingers placed on the keys formed in the keyboard overlay166.

In an embodiment, a support plate176may be placed below the zoned haptic plate172. The support plate176may be used to support the remaining layers within the zoned haptic keyboard146. Additionally, the support plate176may allow for the zoned haptic keyboard146to be secured into a housing of, for example, a laptop-type information handling system100.

In an embodiment, the disk drive unit120and may include machine-readable code instructions, parameters, and profiles112in which one or more sets of machine-readable code instructions, parameters, and profiles112such as firmware or software can be embedded to be executed by the hardware processor102or other hardware processing devices such as a GPU154to perform the processes described herein. Similarly, main memory106and static memory108may also contain a computer-readable medium for storage of one or more sets of machine-readable code instructions, parameters, or profiles112described herein. The disk drive unit120or static memory108also contain space for data storage. Further, the machine-readable code instructions, parameters, and profiles112may embody one or more of the methods as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the machine-readable code instructions, parameters, and profiles112may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory106, the static memory108, and/or within the disk drive120during execution by the hardware processor102. EC104, or GPU154of information handling system100.

Main memory106or other memory of the embodiments described herein may contain computer-readable medium (not shown), such as RAM in an example embodiment. An example of main memory106includes random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), or the like, read only memory (ROM), another type of memory, or a combination thereof. Static memory108may contain computer-readable medium (not shown), such as NOR or NAND flash memory in some example embodiments. The applications and associated APIs, for example, may be stored in static memory108or on the disk drive unit120that may include access to a machine-readable code instructions, parameters, and profiles112such as a magnetic disk or flash memory in an example embodiment. While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of machine-readable code instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of machine-readable code instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the information handling system100may further include a power management unit (PMU)122(a.k.a. a power supply unit (PSU)). The PMU122may include a hardware controller and executable machine-readable code instructions to manage the power provided to the components of the information handling system100such as the hardware processor102, and other hardware components described herein. The PMU122may control power to one or more components including the one or more drive units120, the hardware processor102(e.g., CPU), the EC104, the GPU154, a video/graphic display device144, or other wired I/O devices142such as the stylus148, a mouse152, the zoned haptic keyboard146, and a trackpad150and other components that may require power when a power button has been actuated by a user. In an embodiment, the PMU122may monitor power levels and be electrically coupled, either wired or wirelessly, to the information handling system100to provide this power and coupled to bus118to provide or receive data or machine-readable code instructions. The PMU122may regulate power from a power source such as a battery124or AC power adapter126. In an embodiment, the battery124may be charged via the AC power adapter126and provide power to the components of the information handling system100, via wired connections as applicable, or when AC power from the AC power adapter126is removed.

When referred to as a “system,” a “device,” a “module,” a “controller,” or the like, the embodiments described herein can be configured as hardware. For example, a portion of an information handling system device may be hardware such as, for example, an integrated circuit (such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a structured ASIC, or a device embedded on a larger chip), a card (such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express card, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, or other such expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device). The system, device, controller, or module can include hardware processing resources executing software, including firmware embedded at a device, such as an Intel® brand processor, AMD® brand processors, Qualcomm® brand processors, or other processors and chipsets, or other such hardware device capable of operating a relevant software environment of the information handling system. The system, device, controller, or module can also include a combination of the foregoing examples of hardware or hardware executing software or firmware. Note that an information handling system can include an integrated circuit or a board-level product having portions thereof that can also be any combination of hardware and hardware executing software. Devices, modules, hardware resources, or hardware controllers that are in communication with one another need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices, modules, hardware resources, and hardware controllers that are in communication with one another can communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

FIG.2is a perspective, exploded view of a zoned haptic keyboard246according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exploded view inFIG.2shows the different layers and devices formed within the zoned haptic keyboard246in an embodiment. In an embodiment, these layers and devices may form part of a built-in keyboard in, for example, a laptop-type information handling system. In another embodiment, these layers and devices may form part of a wired zoned haptic keyboard operatively coupled to the information handling system via a wired connection (e.g., a USB cable inserted into a USB port of the information handling system). In another embodiment, these layers and devices may form part of a wireless zoned haptic keyboard operatively coupled to the information handling system via a wireless connection using a wireless radio (not shown) formed into the housing of the wireless keyboard.

As described herein, the zoned haptic keyboard246includes a keyboard overlay266. The keyboard overlay266may be made of, for example, molded glass, silicone, or plastic. The surface of the keyboard overlay266that a user interacts with may include raised portions that define each individual key267of the zoned haptic keyboard246. In an embodiment, the keyboard overlay266may include raised portions that define each key267. In an example embodiment, these plurality of keys may be arranged in a QWERTY-type layout as described herein. Again, the present specification contemplates that other key layouts and in other alphanumerical languages may be used. Other layouts may include an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) layout (e.g., 101/104 ANSI and 101/104 ANSI variant), an International Organization Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) layout (e.g., 102/105 ISO), a Korean Standard (KS) layout (e.g., 103-106 KS), a Brazilian layout (e.g., 104/107 ABNT), or a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) (e.g., 106/109 JIS), among other layouts used for other countries and languages.

The zoned haptic keyboard246may, in an embodiment, include a back lighting layer268. Again, the back lighting layer268may be used to provide backlighting through the keyboard overlay266to increase the visual appeal of the zoned haptic keyboard246as well as provide visual contrast for each key on the zoned haptic keyboard246. In an embodiment, the back lighting layer268may include a light source, such as a light emitting diode, operatively coupled to a light guide material that, when the light source is activated, directs light up and through keyboard overlay266or portions of the keyboard overlay266that have keys267and form the zoned haptic keyboard typing surface.

In some embodiments, the zoned haptic keyboard246includes a force sensing layer270. The force sensing layer270may include any layer that is capable of detecting the actuation of a key by a user at the keyboard overlay266with application of force on that key267driving a keystroke. In an embodiment, the force sensing layer270may include a force sensing integrated circuit (not shown) that includes a plurality of force sensors or a force sensing film. In an embodiment, these force sensors may include a strain gauge. Each of the plurality of strain gauges may include a metallic foil that, when deformed, causes a change in the electrical resistance to change across the metallic foil. Detection of this change in resistance indicates to a keyboard controller (not shown) that the key267under which the strain gauge is placed has been actuated by the user. In another embodiment, the force sensors may be a force sensing film. This force sensing film, in an embodiment, may include a pressure sensor array that includes a pressure sensor placed under each of the keys267formed in the keyboard overlay266to detect pressure or force placed on those keys267by the user. In another embodiment, the force sensing film may include a force sensing resistive film that includes an array of force sensitive resistors placed under each key267formed in the keyboard overlay266. Each of the force sensing resistors may detect force or pressure placed at each key267by the user. In another embodiment, the force sensing layer270may include an array of piezo-resistive-based force sensors that are each placed under a key267of the keyboard overlay266. Each of the piezo-resistive-based force sensors may detect the force applied by a user at each key267. In other embodiments, the force sensing layer270may include an array of capacitive force sensors with each of the capacitive force sensors placed below each key267in the keyboard overlay266to detect a change in capacitance levels via the user's fingers during keystroke actuation. It is appreciated that whatever force sensing sensor used to detect a user's actuation of a key267, these sensors may provide this input to the force sensing IC (e.g.,FIG.1,162) which relays this input to the keyboard controller (e.g.,FIG.1,153) for use as both input to the information handling system of a keystroke as well as providing input to a haptic device controller to cause the activation of the zoned haptic actuators260for haptic zone sections of a zoned haptic plate272as described herein.

It is appreciated that, where present, the force sensing layer270may be divided into individual sheets of the force sensing layer270in one embodiment for each haptic zone. These individual pieces of the force sensing layer270may match the haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard246. For example, as indicated by the plurality of haptic barriers274defining haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate272that correspond to the haptic zones, the individual portions of the force sensing layer270may match the layout of each haptic zone. An adhesive may be used to secure the individual pieces of the force sensing layer270to their respective haptic zones in the keyboard overlay266or to the haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate272.

The zoned haptic keyboard246may further include a zoned haptic plate272. The zoned haptic plate272may be a substrate that holds each of the zoned haptic actuators260at their respective haptic zone sections under the haptic zones of the keyboard overlay266. In an embodiment, the zoned haptic plate272have plural haptic zone sections may be made of a material such as a metal. The metal haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate272may be semi-flexible to allow each zoned haptic actuator260to apply a force against the respective haptic zone sections while also allowing for vibration to occur so that the user may feel the haptic feedback after actuation of a key267in the haptic zone of the zoned haptic keyboard246.

Each haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate272includes at least one zoned haptic actuator260for each haptic zone. In an embodiment, some or all of the haptic zone sections may include a plurality of zoned haptic actuators260operatively coupled for those haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard246that are relatively larger. As described herein for example, a user's pinky finger may be responsible, when using touch-typing, for actuating the a, z, q. 1. ', tab, caps, shift, and Ctrl key in a finger touch zone that corresponds to a larger haptic zone in the zoned haptic keyboard246. Not only does this haptic zone of keys267include more keys267than some other haptic zones, the size of these keys267and the area of the zoned haptic keyboard246they encompass is larger than other haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard246. In an embodiment, this haptic zone may include multiple zoned haptic actuators260to provide sufficient haptic feedback to these larger haptic zones so that a user may feel this haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actuation of any of these keys267in this haptic zone.

In an embodiment, each of the zoned haptic actuators260may include a linear resonant actuator (LRA). The LRA may receive a signal from a haptic device controller (e.g.,FIG.1,156), via a haptic booster (e.g.,FIG.1,158) in one example embodiment, to be activated based on the input a force sensor on the force sensing layer270for a key267as described herein. The LRA includes a suspended voice coil in the presence of a magnetic flux field that, when a current is applied to the voice coil, causes a mass to be displaced thereby creating a vibration resulting in the haptic feedback felt by the user. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be generated at the surface of the keyboard overlay266and the zoned haptic keyboard246. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be normal or planar to the surface of the keyboard overlay266and the zoned haptic keyboard246.

In an embodiment, each of the zoned haptic actuators260may include a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator may receive a signal from a haptic device controller (e.g.,FIG.1,156), via a haptic booster (e.g.,FIG.1,158) in one example embodiment to be activated based on the input at a force sensor associated with each key of the keyboard overlay266. In an embodiment, with the inclusion of the piezoelectric actuators as the zoned haptic actuators260, the force sensing layer270may not be necessary and the force detected at the piezoelectric actuator may serve as the input force detection at any given key within a haptic zone as well as zoned haptic actuator260in an embodiment. With the inclusion of the force sensing layer270with a force sensing piezoelectric actuator, however, the piezoelectric actuator may be an in-plane actuator allowing for the haptic vibration of the piezoelectric actuator to happen in-plane with the haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate272corresponding to the haptic zone having the actuated key.

In an embodiment, each of the zoned haptic actuators260may include a voice coil. In this embodiment, unlike the LRA, the voice coil may move a mass directly instead of the voice coil being used to cause a magnet to move a mass. As such, in some embodiments, the voice coil may be smaller allowing for additional space within the zoned haptic keyboard246.

The zoned haptic plate272may include haptically isolated locations or haptic zone sections where the zoned haptic actuators260are operatively coupled. The embodiment shown inFIG.2shows the zoned haptic actuators260being located, generally, at an end or side portion of the individual haptic zone sections of zoned haptic plate272. It is appreciated that althoughFIG.2shows a single zoned haptic actuator260formed at most of these haptic zone sections, a plurality of zoned haptic actuators260may be placed in some of these haptic zone sections of zoned haptic plate272. This is shown inFIG.2where those haptic zone sections that are assigned to key groupings of haptic zones for keyboard overlay266actuated by a user's pinky or thumbs each include two zoned haptic actuators260. Again, this is due to the physical area across the zoned haptic keyboard246that these haptic zone sections cover as well as the number of keys267on the zoned haptic keyboard246that are to be actuated via the user's pinky and thumb in these haptic zones.

The zoned haptic plate272further includes a plurality of haptic barriers274that physically divide each of the haptic zone sections of zoned haptic plate272from each other. The haptic barriers274may be formed between the haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate272to cushion or isolate each of the plurality of haptic zone sections. The haptic barriers274may be made of vibration absorbing material such as an elastomer. The haptic barrier274, in one embodiment, may be used to prevent the haptic feedback produced by each of the zoned haptic actuators260at their respective haptic zone sections from being felt by the user at another haptic zone corresponding to another haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate272. For example, the haptic barrier274may be formed between a haptic zone section of zoned haptic plate272for those keys in a group that are to be pressed by the user's left hand pointer finger in a first haptic zone and another haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate272for those key in a group that are to be pressed by a user's right hand pointer finger in a second haptic zone when engaged in touch-typing on the zoned haptic keyboard246.

The zoned haptic keyboard246further includes a support plate276. Again, the support plate276may be used to support the remaining layers within the zoned haptic keyboard246. Additionally, the support plate276may allow for the zoned haptic keyboard246to be secured into a housing of, for example, a laptop-type information handling system on an external keyboard. Moreover, the support plate provides for stiffness and structural support for the zoned haptic plate272which may be less structurally stiff across multiple haptic zone sections due to the interstitial haptic barrier274between those sections which may comprise an elastomer.

FIG.3is a perspective view of a zoned haptic plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described herein, the zoned haptic keyboard may include a zoned haptic plate372. The zoned haptic plate372may be a substrate that holds each of the zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12at their respective locations of haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309under the haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, the haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309of the zoned haptic plate372may be made of a material such as a metal. In an embodiment, the first haptic zone section301may include a first zoned haptic actuator360-1, the second haptic zone section302includes a second zoned haptic actuator360-2, the third haptic zone section303includes a third zoned haptic actuator360-3, a fourth haptic zone section304includes a fourth zoned haptic actuator360-4, a fifth haptic zone section305includes a fifth zoned haptic actuator360-5, and a sixth haptic zone section306includes a sixth zoned haptic actuator360-6. In the embodiment, a seventh haptic zone section307includes a plurality of zoned haptic actuators360-7and360-9. As described herein, the multiple zoned haptic actuators360-7and360-9in the seventh haptic zone section307are used to provide haptic feedback within a haptic zone section307that is relatively larger than the other haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate372described herein. Similarly, an eighth haptic zone section308includes a plurality of zoned haptic actuators360-8and360-10. As described herein, the multiple zoned haptic actuators360-8and360-10in the eighth haptic zone section308are used to provide haptic feedback within a haptic zone section308that is relatively larger than the other haptic zone sections of the zoned haptic plate372described herein. Not only, in this example embodiment, is this eighth haptic zone section308encompassing a relatively larger surface area across the zoned haptic keyboard, this eighth haptic zone section308may include more individual keys in a group of the haptic zone it supports. Additionally, a ninth haptic zone section309includes a plurality of zoned haptic actuators360-11and360-12. As described herein, the multiple zoned haptic actuators360-11and360-12in the ninth haptic zone section309are used to provide haptic feedback within a haptic zone section309that is relatively larger than the other haptic zone sections of zoned haptic plate372described herein. The metal haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309of the zoned haptic plate372may be semi-flexible to allow each zoned haptic actuator360-1through360-12to apply a force against the respective haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309while also allowing for vibration to occur so that the user may feel the haptic feedback after actuation of a key on the zoned haptic keyboard in the corresponding haptic zone group of keys.

Additionally, the zoned haptic plate372further includes a plurality of haptic barriers374that physically divide and haptically isolate each of the haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309from each other. The haptic barriers374may be formed between each haptically isolated haptic zone section301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309. The haptic barriers374may be made of a vibration absorbing material such as an elastomer. The haptic barrier374, in an embodiment, is used to prevent the haptic feedback produced by each of the zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12within their respective haptic zone sections under corresponding haptic zones from being felt by the user at another haptic zone on the zoned haptic keyboard. For example, the haptic barrier374may be formed between the haptic zone section301formed under those keys that are to be pressed by the user's left hand pointer finger and the haptic zone section302formed under those keys that are to be pressed by a user's right hand pointer finger when engaged in touch-typing on the zoned haptic keyboard.

FIG.3shows an exemplary layout of the zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12in their respective haptic zone sections that are haptically isolated. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3the number of haptic zones matches the groupings of keys on the keyboard overlay that are to be actuated by a finger in a finger touch zone of a user engaged in touch-typing. Touch typing is a style of typing that, when executed properly by the user, uses a single finger to actuate a zone of keys (e.g., a finger touch zone). For example, on a QWERTY-type keyboard, a user may place their fingers along a home row of keys with the pointer finger of the user's left hand resting on the “f-key” and the pointer finger of the user's right hand resting on the “j-key.” The rest of the fingers will rest on the remaining “home-row” keys (e.g., left hand fingers at the f, d, s, and a keys and right-hand fingers at the j, k, l and ; keys). This aligns each finger with their appropriate zone of keys in a finger touch zone on this QWERTY-type keyboard. It is these zones of keys that, in an example embodiment, correspond to the haptic zones where at least one of the plurality of zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12for at least one haptic zone section301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309will provide haptic feedback to actuation of a key in that haptic zone. For example, the haptic zone for the user's left hand pointer finger includes the following keys: f, r, v, g, t, b, 4, and 5. This haptic zone, defined by these keys forms, in an example embodiment, a first haptic zone for a first haptic zone section301where a first zoned haptic actuator360-1is placed under these keys. During operation, therefore, where any of these keys in the first haptic zone are actuated by the user, this first zoned haptic actuator360-1may be activated to provide haptic feedback to the user across this first haptic zone via the first haptic zone section301. This assignment of a single zoned haptic actuator360-1through360-12or just two zoned haptic actuators to a single haptic zone significantly reduces the number of haptic actuators necessary to provide haptic feedback to the user thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the zoned haptic keyboard as well as reduce the number of potential devices that may fail over time and use by the user.

As a second example, a second haptic zone may be formed at the user's right hand pointer finger. Because this finger is used to actuate the j, u, m, h, y n, 6, and 7 keys, this defines a second haptic zone formed across the keyboard. Again, this second haptic zone may also include a second zoned haptic actuator360-2operatively coupled to a second haptic zone section302of the zoned haptic plate372. Thus, for each set of keys that any of each of the user's fingers are responsible to actuate in a touch-typing manner, a haptic zone is formed with each of these haptic zones including at least one zoned haptic actuator360-1through360-12operatively coupled to a haptic zone section301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309of zoned haptic plate372. The entire keyboard is partitioned by these haptic zones. The zoned haptic plate372is partition similarly by the haptic barrier374into haptic zone sections301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308, and309. Each zone includes at least one zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12used to provide haptic feedback to the user at the group of keys in that haptic zone. It can be seen, therefore, that there are nine haptic zone sections for nine haptic zones formed based on the nine touch-typing zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard.

It is appreciated that some haptic zones partitioned across the zoned haptic keyboard may include more keys or cover more area of the keyboard than other haptic zones as described herein. For example, a user's left pinky finger may be responsible, when using touch-typing, for actuating the a, z, q, 1, ', tab, caps, shift, and Ctrl keys. Not only does this haptic zone of keys include more keys than some other haptic zones, the size of these keys and the area of the zoned haptic keyboard they encompass is larger than other haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, this haptic zone may include multiple zoned haptic actuators such as zoned haptic actuators360-7and360-9to provide sufficient haptic feedback to the larger haptic zone section307so that a user may feel this haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actuation of any of these keys in this haptic zone formed over haptic zone section307. A similar situation, as shown inFIG.3, shows multiple zoned haptic actuators360-8and360-10placed for haptic zone section308under a haptic zone for keys actuated by a user's right-hand pinky. In another example, zoned haptic actuators360-11and360-12are operatively coupled to haptic zone section311for keys actuated by a user's thumb.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, each of the zoned haptic actuators360-1through360-12may include an LRA, a voice coil, a piezoelectric actuator, and the like. The LRA may receive a signal from a haptic device controller (e.g.,FIG.1,156) in an example embodiment to be activated based on the input at each of the force sensors on the force sensing layer (not shown) as described herein. The LRA includes a suspended voice coil in the presence of a magnetic flux field that, when a current is applied to the voice coil, causes a mass to be displaced thereby creating a vibration resulting in the haptic feedback felt by the user. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be normal to the surface of the keyboard overlay of the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be planar to the surface of the keyboard overlay and the zoned haptic keyboard.

FIG.4is a perspective view of a zoned haptic plate472according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Again, the number of haptic zones matches the groupings of keys on the keyboard overlay that are to be actuated by a finger at a finger touch zone of a user engaged in touch-typing. Touch-typing is a style of typing that, when executed properly by the user, uses a single finger to actuate a zone of keys. This aligns each finger with their appropriate zone of keys on a QWERTY-type keyboard. It is these zone of keys that form the haptic zones where at least one of the plurality of zoned haptic actuators460-1through460-12operatively coupled to haptic zone sections401,402,403,404,405,406,407,408, and409.

It is appreciated that the haptic zone sections401,402,403,404,405,406,407,408, and409partitioned by the haptic barrier474between them across the zoned haptic keyboard such that the haptic zone sections401,402,403,404,405,406,407,408, and409are haptically isolated to haptically isolate the haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard similar to the embodiment ofFIG.3above. Some haptic zones may include more keys or cover more area of the zoned haptic keyboard than other haptic zones as described herein. For example, a user's left pinky finger may be responsible, when using touch-typing, for actuating the a, z, q, 1, ', tab, caps, shift, and Ctrl keys. Not only does this haptic zone of keys include more keys over haptic zone section407than some other haptic zone sections, the size of these keys and the area of the zoned haptic keyboard they encompass is larger than other haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, this haptic zone section407may include multiple zoned haptic actuators such as zoned haptic actuators460-7and460-9to provide sufficient haptic feedback to the larger haptic zone so that a user may feel this haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actuation of any of these keys in this haptic zone formed over haptic zone section407. A similar situation, as shown inFIG.4, shows multiple zoned haptic actuators460-8through460-10placed with haptic zone section408for keys actuated by a user's right-hand pinky. In another example, zoned haptic actuators460-11and460-12are operatively coupled to haptic zone section411for keys actuated by a user's thumb. In an embodiment, the first haptic zone section401may include a first zoned haptic actuator460-1, the second haptic zone section402includes a second zoned haptic actuator460-2, the third haptic zone section403includes a third zoned haptic actuator460-3, a fourth haptic zone section404includes a fourth zoned haptic actuator460-4, a fifth haptic zone section405includes a fifth zoned haptic actuator460-5, and a sixth haptic zone section406includes a sixth zoned haptic actuator460-6.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, each of the zoned haptic actuators460-1through460-12may include a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator may receive a signal from a haptic device controller (e.g.,FIG.1,156) in an example embodiment to be activated based on the input at each of a force sensor associated with each key of the keyboard overlay of the zoned haptic keyboard. In one embodiment, with the inclusion of the piezoelectric actuators as the zoned haptic actuators460may also be force sensing. The force sensing layer470may not be necessary and the force detected at the piezoelectric actuator460may serve as the input detection at any given key actuated within a haptic zone as well as operate a zoned haptic actuator460to generate haptic feedback. With the inclusion of the force sensing layer470with a piezoelectric actuator, however, the piezoelectric actuator allows for the haptic vibration of the piezoelectric actuator to happen normal to the plane of the zoned haptic plate472with the corresponding haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate472. It is appreciated that, where various types of zoned haptic actuators may be used as described herein (e.g., LRAs, voice coils, piezoelectric actuators, etc.), the amount of haptic feedback created by these different types of zoned haptic actuators may help to determine how many zoned haptic actuators460-1through460-12are assigned to each haptic zone. For example, zoned haptic actuators460-1through460-12that are LRAs may require less zoned haptic actuators than if the zoned haptic actuators460-1through460-12are piezoelectric actuators.

FIG.5is a planar view of an arrangement of keys of a zoned haptic keyboard546of a QWERTY-type keyboard with reference to a user's finger placement at individual finger touch zones of keys according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5shows a user's left hand580and user's right hand582placed at home key row584of a QWERTY-type keyboard. Again, the user's fingers are placed at specific keys on the home key row584as a resting location used while executing touch-typing. As described herein, the keys on the zoned haptic keyboard546that are to be touched by any individual finger at individual finger touch zones of keys define the haptic zones560-1through560-9formed across the zoned haptic keyboard546. For example, a first haptic zone560-1is formed or defined by the keys assigned to be actuated by a user's left index finger. These keys include, in this example, an f, r, v, 4, g, t, b, and 5-key and therefore defines the first haptic zone560-1. This process is repeated for the other haptic zones described herein. For example, the keys of the second haptic zone560-2are actuated by a user's right-hand index finger and include keys h, y, n, 6, j, u, m, and 7. Still further, the keys of the third haptic zone560-3are actuated by a user's left-hand middle finger and include keys d, e, c, and 3. Even further, the keys of the fourth haptic zone560-4are actuated by a user's right-hand middle finger and include keys k, i, and 8. Further, the keys of the fifth haptic zone560-5are actuated by a user's left-hand ring finger and include keys s, x, w, and 2. Additionally, the keys of the sixth haptic zone560-6are actuated by a user's right hand ring finger and include keys 1 . . . o, and 9. Still further, the keys of the seventh haptic zone560-7are actuated by a user's left-hand pinky and include the a, z, q, 1 ', tab, caps, shift, and ctrl keys. Still further, the keys of the eighth haptic zone560-8are actuated by the user's right-hand pinky and include the ;, /, p, ', [, 0, −,], =, \, delete, enter, shift, and ctrl keys. And the keys of the ninth haptic zone560-9are actuated by a user's thumbs and include the space bar and the alt key. Having formed these haptic zones560-1through560-9based on grouping of keys in a finger-touch zone on this exemplary QWERTY-type zoned haptic keyboard546, the haptic barriers (e.g.,FIG.3,374) and the placement of the zoned haptic actuators (e.g.,FIG.3,360-1through360-12) may be placed onto the zoned haptic plate to form haptic zone sections of the zone haptic plate haptically isolated from one another as described herein.

FIG.6is a perspective, exploded view of a haptic zone portion of a zoned haptic keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This haptic zone of a zoned haptic keyboard includes a keyboard overlay666, a force sensing layer670, and a haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate672as described in connection with, for example,FIG.2. As described herein, the keyboard overlay666may be made of, for example, molded glass, molded silicone, or molded plastic. The surface of the keyboard overlay666that a user interacts with may include raised portions that define each individual key667of the zoned haptic keyboard. Additionally, the force sensing layer670may be placed intermediate to the keyboard overlay666and the zoned haptic plate672.

The haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate672includes one or more flexible supports686. The zoned haptic plate672may be a substrate that holds each of one or more zoned haptic actuators660for a haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate for each designated haptic zones of the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, each haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate672may be made of a material such as a metal with haptic barriers around the edge of each haptic zone section (not shown), such as made of vibration absorbing material including elastomer, in the zoned haptic plate672separating the metal haptic zone sections. The metal of each haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate672may be semi-flexible to allow each zoned haptic actuator660to apply a force against the respective haptic zones while also allowing for vibration to occur so that the user may feel the haptic feedback after actuation of a key on the zoned haptic keyboard. The flexible supports686may interface the zoned haptic plate672with a support plate (e.g.,FIG.2,276). By placing these flexible supports686between the zoned haptic plate672and the support plate, the zoned haptic actuator660is allowed to vibrate on the haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate672with the zoned haptic plate672moving slightly to allow for this vibration but not haptically actuate the support plate.

FIG.7is a flow diagram illustrating a method700of manufacturing a haptic keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method700may include, at block705, forming a keyboard overlay via a molding process. In an embodiment, this molding process may include molding silicone, glass, or plastic in a mold to define a plurality of keys shaped on the keyboard. In an example embodiment, these plurality of keys may be arranged in a QWERTY-type layout as described herein. Again, the present specification contemplates that other key layouts and in other alphanumerical languages may be used.

At block710the method700includes operatively coupling a back lighting layer to a bottom surface of the keyboard overlay. This process, in an embodiment, may be optional where the keyboard does not include a back lighting feature. In an embodiment, the back lighting layer may be coupled to the bottom surface of the keyboard overlay via use of a glue or other adhesive. The backlighting layer may include one or more light source and a light transmissive material to direct light under keys of the keyboard overlay layer.

At block715, the method700includes operatively coupling a force sensing layer to a bottom surface of the back lighting layer. In an embodiment, the force sensing layer includes a force sensing IC that includes an array of any type of force sensor described herein. The sensors may be any type of device that detects the actuation of a key by user. In an embodiment, these force sensors may form part of a force sensing IC that receives input from the force sensors or force sensing film and transmits this data to the keyboard controller. The force sensing IC and the force sensors or force sensing film may be formed onto a force sensing layer that is placed below the keyboard overlay and the individual keys formed on the keyboard overlay. The force sensing layer may be any substrate or set of substrate layers that positions each of the sensors or force sensing film under each key so that, when actuated by a user, the actuation of a key is detected within a sensor zone for that haptic zone of the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, these force sensors may include strain gauges, force sensing films, piezo-resistive-based force sensors, capacitive force sensors, and resistive force sensors, among other types of force sensors.

At block720, the method700includes selecting the haptic zones based on keyboard touch fingers. As described herein, the haptic zones may be defined by the finger touch location for each of multiple fingers on groups of keys for a zoned haptic keyboard used by a user when engaging in touch-type on the QWERTY-type zoned haptic keyboard. Touch typing is a style of typing that, when executed properly by the user, uses a single finger to actuate a particular zone of keys and this may define a finger touch zone to coincide with a haptic zone. The present specification contemplates that other types of keyboard layouts and zoning of the haptic zones may be formed and the principles described herein equally applies to these other types of keyboard layouts and formed haptic zones.

At block725, the method700includes forming a zoned haptic plate. The zoned haptic plate may be a substrate that holds each of the zoned haptic actuators at respective locations with separate haptic zone sections with separate haptic zones for the zoned haptic keyboard as described herein. In an embodiment, the zoned haptic plate may be made of a material such as a metal for each haptic zone section. The metal of the zoned haptic plate may be semi-flexible to allow each zoned haptic actuator to apply a force against the respective haptic zone sections while also allowing for vibration to occur so that the user may feel the haptic feedback at haptic zone of keys after actuation of a key in that haptic zone on the zoned haptic keyboard.

The method700further includes, at block735, operatively coupling at least one zoned haptic actuator at each haptic zone section formed by the placement of the haptic barriers in the zoned haptic plate. In an embodiment, some or all of the haptic zone sections may include a plurality of zoned haptic actuators in those haptic zone sections that are relatively larger. As described herein, for example, a user's pinky finger may be responsible, when using touch-typing, for actuating the a, z, q, 1, ', tab, caps, shift, and Ctrl keys in a larger finer touch zone than an index finger. Not only does this haptic zone of keys include more keys than some other haptic zones, the size of these keys and the area of the keyboard they encompass is larger than other haptic zones formed across the zoned haptic keyboard. In an embodiment, this haptic zone may include multiple zoned haptic actuators at a haptic zone section of the zoned haptic plate to provide sufficient haptic feedback to these larger zones so that a user may feel this haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actuation of any of these keys in this haptic zone. As described herein, each of the zoned haptic actuators may include an LRA, a piezoelectric actuator, a voice coil, and the like.

At block740, the method700includes operatively coupling the zoned haptic plate to a bottom surface of the force sensing layer. Similar to the coupling of other layers described herein, the zoned haptic plate may be operatively coupled to the bottom surface of the force sensing layer using a glue or other adhesive. In an embodiment where the force sensing layer is separated into portions that match the haptic zones formed by the haptic barriers, this adhesive may be used to not only secure the force sensing layer to the zoned haptic plate but also secure the zoned haptic plate to other vertically-positioned layer such as the back lighting layer and/or the keyboard overlay.

At block745, the method700may further include operatively coupling one or more flexible substrates to a bottom surface of the zoned haptic plate. The flexible supports may interface the zoned haptic plate with a support plate. By placing these flexible supports between the zoned haptic plate and the support plate, the zoned haptic actuator is allowed to vibrate on the zoned haptic plate with the zoned haptic plate moving slightly to allow for this vibration while not imparting haptic vibration into the support plate. As such, at block750, a support plate made of metal or plastic is operatively coupled to the flexible supports and a bottom surface of the zoned haptic plate.

At block755, the method700includes operatively coupling a haptic booster to the haptic actuators formed on the zoned haptic plate. The haptic booster may be any device that boosts the voltage provided to each of the zoned haptic actuators. The haptic booster (also known as a flyback circuit) may increase the voltage applied to each of the zoned haptic actuators so that the proper amount of haptic feedback is felt by the user at each of the haptic zones within the keyboard. The haptic booster may be an optional component in some embodiments.

At block760, the method700further includes operatively coupling a haptic controller (e.g., a hardware processing device used to haptically control the zoned haptic actuators) to the haptic booster or to the haptic actuators as well as to the force sensing IC. The haptic controller may be controlled based on the data received from each of the force sensors formed on the force sensing layer and associated with the force sensing IC.

At block765, the method700includes operatively coupling a keyboard controller to the haptic controller and the force sensing IC. The keyboard controller is used to receive input from one or more force sensors for each key in a haptic zone. The force sensors may be any type of device or film that detects the actuation of a key by user as described in embodiments herein. In an embodiment, these sensors may form part of a force sensing IC that receives this input from the force sensors or film for an actuated key and transmits this data to the keyboard controller to record a keystroke.

The method700includes, at block770, enclosing the keyboard overlay, the back lighting layer, the force sensing layer, the zone haptic plate and the support plate in a keyboard housing. In an embodiment, the keyboard housing may be part of a housing of a laptop-type information handling system. In another embodiment, the keyboard housing may be a specialized housing used to form a peripheral keyboard separate from the housing of the information handling system. The support plate may be mechanically affixed to the housing of the information handling system or peripheral keyboard. At this point, the method700may end.

The blocks of the flow diagrams ofFIG.7or steps and aspects of the operation of the embodiments herein and discussed herein need not be performed in any given or specified order and zoned haptic layers may be in different order than discussed in the embodiments herein. It is contemplated that additional blocks, steps, or functions may be added, some blocks, steps or functions may not be performed, blocks, steps, or functions may occur contemporaneously, and blocks, steps or functions from one flow diagram may be performed within another flow diagram.