Abstract:
A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric and switch units coupled to the fabric. Each switch unit includes a capsule containing an electrically responsive liquid, wherein the electrically responsive liquid causes the capsule to increase in rigidity in response to application of an electric field to the electrically responsive liquid. Each switch unit also includes one or more switches coupled to the capsule, wherein a selected pressure applied to the capsule activates or more of the switches underneath the capsule. The keyboard apparatus also contains electrical conducting lines connected to the switch units.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present invention relates generally to an improved data processing system, and in particular to an apparatus for facilitating user input. Still more particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus for receiving user inputs using a wearable keyboard. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Wearable computers are becoming tools in a user&#39;s environment much like a pencil or a reference book. A wearable computer is a computer that is subsumed or integrated into the personal space of a user and controlled by the user. The wearable computer provides automatic, portable access to information. Furthermore, the information can be automatically accumulated by the system as the user interacts with or modifies the environment thereby eliminating the costly and error-prone process of information acquisition. 
   Advances in semiconductor technology have made possible high performance microprocessors requiring less power and less space. Further, miniature heads up displays have recently been introduced in which these displays weigh less than a few ounces. These advances along with those in wireless communications technology make possible the shift from computers at a desk to wearable computers. 
   Challenges still exist in designing wearable computers. Optimally, wearable computers should offer seamless integration of information processing tools with the user. It is desirable to offer functionality in a natural and unintrusive manner. Conventional methods of interaction, such as the use of a conventional keyboard or mouse reduce the functionality of wearable computer system. One solution is to integrate the keyboard within the clothing of a user. Keyboard switches have been imbedded within fabric to create a wearable keyboard. One problem with this type of keyboard is that a user is unable to determine where a particular key or switch is located by feel alone. The user is required to look at the fabric to see the symbols identifying the keys. As a result, the user is unable to focus on other items. 
   Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved apparatus for facilitating user input. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a keyboard apparatus, which includes a fabric and switch units coupled to the fabric. Each switch unit includes a capsule containing an electrically responsive liquid, wherein the electrically responsive liquid causes the capsule to increase in rigidity in response to application of an electric field to the electrically responsive liquid. Each switch unit also includes a switch coupled to the capsule; wherein a selected pressure applied to the capsule activates the switch. The keyboard apparatus also contains electrical conducting lines connected to the switch units. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of a wearable keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of a wearable keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a wearable keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 5A–5C  are diagrams illustrating a switch unit in a wearable keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference to  FIG. 1 , a diagram of a wearable keyboard is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Wearable keyboard  100  takes the form of an apron in this example. The keyboard switches, also referred to as “keys”, are located in sections  102  and  104  of apron  100 . In this example, the keys are split in to two sides to allow for easier reach by a user depending on the implementation all of the keys, and may be located in a single region or in multiple regions. These keys may be designed to provide input similar to a traditional key in which individual keys represent a single character or symbol. 
   Alternatively, the keys may be set up in a chording keyboard arrangement in which a chord combination may represent letters, numbers, words, commands, or other strings. Chording keyboard systems are smaller and have fewer keys than a traditional keyboard. Instead of the typical sequential, one-at-a-time key presses, chording requires simultaneous key presses for each character typed, similar to playing a musical chord on a piano. The mechanism of the present invention may be implemented using any type of keyboard system. 
   The present invention provides a keyboard with metallic fibers or conductors connected to sealed keyboard switches coupled to a fabric. These switches may be coupled to the fabric by being embedded within the fabric, glued to the fabric, or sewn to the fabric. The metallic fibers terminate at an output configured for connection to an output. This output is configured to communication with a data processing system. The output may take the form of a physical connector, such as, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), or a wireless communications unit. Further, section  102  may be a single unit with multiple switches that are selectively activated by a user applying pressure to the section. the pressure may be applied using a finger or a stylus. The selective activation of switches generates signals that may control a pointer on a display. 
   With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a diagram of a wearable keyboard is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Wearable keyboard  200  in this example takes the form of a pair of pants with keys being located in regions  202  and  204 . A further feature of the present invention is found in the keys themselves. Each key or switch unit contains an electrically responsive liquid, which increases the rigidity of the key or switch unit when an electrical field, such as through an electric current, is applied to this liquid. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this example, data processing system  300  includes a bus  302 , interconnecting processor  304 , storage device  306 , display  308 , and keyboard  310 . Processor  304  executes instructions located in storage device  306 , which may take the form of memory, a hard disc drive, or some other storage system. Display  308  functions to present information to a user and may take the form of a heads up display unit in these examples. Keyboard  310  is a wearable keyboard system. 
   Turning next to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of a wearable keyboard is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this example, keyboard unit  400  contains keys or switches, which become rigid such that they can be sensed or detected by the fingers of a user. Keyboard unit  400  is connected to wireless unit  402 , which provides communication to a computer. 
   Turning next to  FIGS. 5A–5C , diagrams illustrating a switch unit in a wearable keyboard is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 5A , switch unit  500  is in an unpowered mode. Switch unit  500  includes a capsule  502 , which contains electrically responsive liquid  504 . Electrorheological fluids are an example of an electrically responsive liquid, which may be used with switch unit  500 . Theses types of fluids adhere to electrodes and the volume of these fluids increase when an electrical field is applied. Further, the viscosity of the fluid increases in response to application of an electrical field. 
   The top portion of capsule  502  is covered or embedded within a fabric. Switch unit  500  also includes a switch  506 , which takes the form of a piezoelectric-sensitive component. When switch unit  500  is in the unpowered mode, this component generates no current preventing a spurious keystroke input. In this example, wire  508  connects switch unit  500  to a power source, while wire  510  leads to a keyboard sensing unit. These wires are embedded within the fabric. 
   In  FIG. 5B , switch unit  500  is now in a powered, but unpressed mode. In this example, capsule  502  is stretched by internal pressure caused by the application of an electrical field to electrically responsive liquid  504 . Switch unit  502  is now more rigid and easier to sense or detect by the fingers of a user. Power is supplied to switch unit  500  through wire  508 . The pressure within capsule  502  is sufficient to provide a feedback current indicating that the key can be activated. 
   In  FIG. 5C , switch unit  500  is now in a pressed mode. Pressure through a key press is illustrated in section  512 . This key press increases the pressure within capsule  502 , causing switch  506  to generate a current that is detectable as a keystroke input. An alternate method in which these switches may be used might be as a drawing tablet or mouse cursor movement panel; a large, square button with multiple sensors embedded in it would provide analogous pointing capability to those found on laptops for moving, pointing, and selecting an item on a computer display. 
   The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.