Patent ID: 12204697

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A user may utilize a computing device for various purposes, such as for business and/or recreational use. As used herein, the term “computing device” refers to an electronic system having a processor resource and a memory resource. Examples of computing devices can include, for instance, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, an all-in-one (AlO) computer, networking device (e.g., router, switch, etc.), and/or a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, personal digital assistant, smart glasses, a wrist-worn device such as a smart watch, etc.), among other types of computing devices. As used herein, a mobile device refers to devices that are (or can be) carried and/or worn by a user.

In some examples, the computing device can be utilized to perform particular functions with peripheral devices. For example, peripheral devices can be utilized to provide inputs to the computing device. In some examples, peripheral devices can include keys or buttons that can be positioned within an enclosure. In some examples, the keys or buttons can be arranged to form a keyboard. As used herein, the term “keyboard” refers to a plurality of keys that provide inputs to a computer or typewriter. Keyboards can utilize different mechanical elements to transfer a physical movement of a keystroke to a signal that can be transmitted to a computing device or transferred to a mark of a typewriter. Keyboards can utilize different mechanical elements to provide a different feel or response to a user utilizing the keyboard. In some examples, a user experience with the keyboard can be altered based on the feel or response of the plurality of keys of the keyboard. Previous keyboards may be limited by the physical components or elements of the keyboard or individual keys, such that the feel or response of the keys may be permanent or substantially permanent. This can create a positive experience for a first user, but a negative experience for a second user based on how the particular user interacts with the keyboard.

The present disclosure relates compressible energizing elements that can be utilized to alter a resistance or quantity of pressure to depress a particular key and/or alter a response of the particular key to retum to an original position. In some examples, the compressible energizing element can surround a magnetic element of a key and compress with the magnetic element when the key is depressed by a user. In a similar way, the compressible energizing element can decompress or respond to an original state when the key is released to respond to the original position prior to being depressed.

In some examples, different current levels can be provided to the compressible energizing element, which can generate different intensities and densities for a magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element. In some examples, each of the plurality of keys can be individually altered by altering the current level applied to the plurality of keys based on machine learning of usage patterns from a particular user. In this way, the feel and response of a particular keyboard can be altered based on a user profile for a plurality of users.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a system100including a device101that includes a compressible energizing element116. In some examples, the system100can include a computing device102communicatively couped to the device101by a communication path110. In some examples, the computing device102can be utilized to receive signals generated by the device101and/or utilized to alter a current provided to the compressible energizing element116of the device101.

The device101can include a cap112. In some examples, the cap112cam include a first surface or top surface that can be exposed to a user. In some examples, the cap112can be a portion of the device101to receive pressure from a user or other device. For example, the cap112can be presented as a key cap or key of a keyboard. In some examples, the cap can include a symbol or image on a surface of the cap112that can correspond to a signal that can be provided to the computing device102and/or correspond to a particular function that is performed by the computing device102in response to the signal. In some examples, pressure can be applied to the cap112in the direction of arrow120to move the cap112in the direction of120.

In some examples, the cap112can be coupled to a magnetic element114. As used herein, a “magnet” or “magnetic element” such as magnetic element114can include a material that generates a magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic element114can comprise a material that attracts a substance such as iron or steel. In some examples, the magnetic element114can be a material that generates a magnetic field without an electric current passing through the material.

That is, in some examples, the magnetic element114is a permanent magnet or a non-electromagnetic magnet. In some examples, the magnetic element114can be coupled to a second side (e.g., bottom side, etc.) of the cap112using a mechanical or chemical bonding. For example, the magnetic element114can be attached to the cap112using a screw or other type of mechanical connection. In another example, the magnetic element114can be coupled to the cap112using an adhesive material. Thus, in some examples, the magnetic element114can be permanently or substantially permanently coupled to the cap112. As used herein, “permanently” or “substantially permanently” coupled refers to a direct connection that is not intended to be broken and reattached. In this way, the movement of cap112can provide a corresponding movement of the magnetic element114. That is, the cap112can be moved a particular distance and the magnetic element114can also move the particular distance. As described further herein, the magnetic element114can interact with a sensor (e.g., key contact) when the magnetic element114is moved in the direction of arrow120a particular distance. In some examples, a particular signal can be provided to the computing device102when the magnetic element114is depressed a particular distance in the direction of arrow120and/or when the magnetic element114is a particular distance away from the sensor.

In some examples, the device101can include a compressible energizing element116surrounding the magnetic element114. In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can be “wrapped” around the magnetic element114. For example, the compressible energizing element116can include a material with a first end and a second end. In this example, the first end can be moved around the surface of the magnetic element or wrapped around the surface of the magnetic element114. In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can surround the magnetic element114in a “coil” formation. As used herein, a “coil” can refer to a spiral shape or a series of circles that surround another surface. For example, the magnetic element114can be in the shape of cylinder. In this example, the compressible energizing element116can be wrapped around the cylinder shaped magnetic element114in a circular motion to surround a surface of the magnetic element114. Thus, in some examples, the compressible energizing element116can be an energized coil spring that allows the magnetic element114to move within energized coil spring as pressure is applied to the cap112. In this way, the compressible energizing element116can act as a spring and an energizing element.

In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can comprise a conductive material that can receive and transfer an electrical current. As described herein, the compressible energizing element116can receive an electrical current and generate a magnetic field. In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can be a material that can be used to generate an electromagnet when a current is applied to the material. In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can be coupled to the cap112of the device101and/or a base122of the device101.

In some examples, the compressible energizing element116can be compressed when the cap112is depressed or moved in the direction of arrow120. As described herein, the compressible energizing element116can include a material that surrounds the magnetic element114. In order for the compressible energizing element116to be compressible or move with the cap112, space can exist within portions of the wrapped or surrounding magnetic element114to allow the compressible energizing element116, cap112, and/or magnetic element114to move together when pressure is applied to the cap112in the direction of arrow120.

In some examples, the magnetic field of the compressible energizing element116can be altered based on a compression level of the compressible energizing element116. As used herein, a “compression level” refers to a level or position of the energizing element116and/or a quantity of pressure applied to the energizing element116. In some examples, the portions of the compressible energizing element116surrounding the magnetic element114can be pushed closer together when pressure is applied to the cap112in the direction of arrow120. In this way, the density of the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element116can be increased when the cap112is depressed in the direction of arrow120. In a similar way, the portions of the compressible energizing element116surrounding the magnetic element114can be moved further apart when the pressure is released from the cap112and the cap112and magnetic element are moved in the opposite direction of arrow120. In this example, the density of the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element116can be lowered when the cap112and magnetic element are returning to an original position after being depressed and released.

In some examples, the device101can include an electrical device118. As used herein, an “electrical device”, such as electrical device118, refers to a device that supplies an electrical current and/or electrical voltage. For example, the electrical device118can be an electrical generator that can generate an electrical current and/or electrical voltage and provide the current and/or voltage to an electrical circuit. In this way, the electrical device118can provide an electrical current through the compressible energizing element116.

In some examples, the current level that is provided to the compressible energizing element116can correspond to a strength or intensity of the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element116. For example, a relatively greater current level applied to the compressible energizing element116can provide a relatively greater magnetic field compared to a relatively lower current level, which can provide a relatively lower magnetic field. As described herein, the compressible energizing element116can provide a particular intensity based on the current level provided by the electrical device118and also provide a particular density based on the depression level of the compressible energizing element116. That is, the intensity of the magnetic field can remain constant as the cap112is depressed in the direction of arrow120and the density of the magnetic field can increase as the cap112moves in the direction of arrow120and decrease as the cap112moves in the opposite direction of arrow120. In some examples, the density of the magnetic field can increase when the portions of the compressible energizing element116surrounding the magnetic element114are pushed closer together as the cap112is moved in the direction of arrow120. That is, the pressure on the cap112can compress the compressible energizing element116and move the magnetic element114in the same movement in the direction of arrow120.

In some examples, the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element116can interact with the magnetic field of the magnetic element114and provide resistance to movement in the direction of arrow120. That is, the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element116can be utilized to increase a resistance to movement of the cap112and/or magnetic element114in the direction of arrow120. This can provide different responses or feel of the cap112. For example, the cap can take more pressure or less pressure to move the cap112in the direction of arrow120based on the current level provided to the compressible energizing element116. In addition, the density of the magnetic field can be altered based on the distance the cap112is depressed, since the compressible energizing element116is compressed by movement of the cap112, which can compress portions of the compressible energizing element116to be closer together. In this way, the resistance can increase as the cap112and/or magnetic element114are depressed in the direction of arrow120.

In some examples the computing device102can include a processor resource104communicatively coupled to a memory resource106. As described further herein, the memory resource106can include instructions108that can be executed by the processor resource104to perform particular functions. In some examples, the computing device102can be associated with the device101. For example, the computing device102can be utilized to execute instructions associated with functions of the device101. In some examples, the computing device102can be local or remote to the device101. For example, the computing device102can be a cloud resource that is remote from the device101or the computing device102can be within an enclosure that includes device101(e.g., within a keyboard, laptop, or other type of device.

In some examples, the computing device102can be communicatively coupled to the device101through a communication path110. As used herein, a communication path, such as communication path110, refers to a connection that allows signals to be transferred between devices or within a particular device. In these examples, the signals can be utilized to provide communication between different devices and/or components within a device. For example, the computing device102can utilize the communication path110to instruct the electrical device118to alter a current or voltage provided to the compressible energizing element116.

As described herein, the computing device102can be utilized to control functions of the device101and/or receive inputs form the device101. The computing device102can include components such as a processor resource104. As used herein, the processor resource104can include, but is not limited to: a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a metal-programmable cell array (MPCA), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, or other combination of circuitry and/or logic to orchestrate execution of instructions108. In other examples, the computing device102can include instructions108stored on a machine-readable medium (e.g., memory resource106, non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.) and executable by a processor resource104. In a specific example, the computing device102utilizes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions108that, when executed, cause the processor resource104to perform corresponding functions.

In some examples, the computing device102can include instructions108that can be executed by a processor resource104to adjust a current applied to the compressible energizing element116based on a selected resistance level. As described herein, a resistance provided by a generated magnetic field of the compressible energizing element116can correspond to the current applied to the compressible energizing element116. In some examples, a greater current applied to the compressible energizing element116can correspond to a greater resistance. In a similar way, a lower current applied to the compressible energizing element116can correspond to a lower resistance.

In some examples, the computing device102can receive instructions to provide a particular resistance level to the device101. In some examples, the computing device102can receive a particular resistance level for each of a plurality of devices that make up a keyboard. For example, each key of a keyboard can provide a corresponding particular resistance level. In this example, the computing device102can send signals to corresponding electrical devices of the devices to provide a corresponding current to the particular keys of the keyboard. In this way, different keys of a keyboard can have different resistance levels. In some examples, the different resistance levels for the plurality of keys can correspond to a particular user profile. For example, a particular user can generate a user profile that includes different resistance levels for different keys of a keyboard.

In some examples, the different resistance levels for the different keys can correspond to personal preferences, physical limitations, or typing patterns of the particular user. For example, the user may not be able to provide a particular level of force or pressure to a set of keys of the keyboard due to a physical limitation. In this example, the particular set of keys can be provided with a relatively lower level of current and have a relatively lower resistance, which can allow the user to depress the particular set of keys. In some examples, the computing device102can monitor typing from a particular user over a time period and adjust the resistance level of different keys of the keyboard based on the monitored typing. For example, the computing device can utilize machine learning techniques to determine particular keys that are pressed over a threshold pressure and/or under a threshold pressure and adjust the resistance of the particular keys accordingly. For example, a first portion of keys that are indicated to have a quantity of depressions that are above a threshold pressure can be provided with a greater current to increase the resistance to the first portion of keys. In this way, damage to the first portion of keys may be avoided. In another example, a second portion of keys that are indicated to have a quantity of depressions that are below a threshold pressure can be provided with a lower current to lower the resistance to the second portion of keys. In this way, the lower force applied to the second portion of keys can still provide a signal to the computing device102when depressed with the lower level of force.

In some examples, the computing device102can monitor typing of the particular user to determine a quantity of mistakes that are typed during a particular period of time. The computing device102can then determine if a resistance of a portion of keys can be adjusted to improve the typing or lower the quantity of mistakes. In a similar way, the computing device102can monitor typing of the particular user to determine if the typing style could lead to an injury (e.g., arthritis, etc.). In this example, the computing device102can alter the resistance of a portion of the keys to improve the typing style or alter the typing style in a way that could prevent injury.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a key201that includes a compressible energizing element216. In some examples, the key201can be a device that can be a portion of a keyboard or other input device for a computing device (e.g., computing device102as illustrated inFIG.1, etc.). In some examples, the key201can be the same or similar device as device101as illustrated inFIG.1. For example, the key201can include a cap212that can be utilized to receive a force from a user or device. In some examples, applying pressure on the cap212can move the cap212in the direction of arrow220.

In some examples, the cap212can be coupled to a magnetic element214. As described herein, the magnetic element214can be a permanent magnet that can generate a magnetic field without an applied electrical current. In some examples, the magnetic element214can be permanently or substantially permanently coupled to a surface of the cap212. For example, adhesive can be applied between the cap212and the magnetic element214to bond the magnetic element214to the cap212.

In some examples, the magnetic element214can be an electric magnet that is similar to the compressible energizing element216. For example, the magnetic element can include a conductive material surrounding a cylinder that can generate a magnetic field when a current is applied to the conductive material. In some examples, the conductive material can be a conductive coil that conducts electrical current. In some examples, the magnetic element214can include a conductive coil or conductive spring element that can be utilized to generate a magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic element214can be utilized to generate a first magnetic field and the compressible energizing element216can be utilized to generate a second magnetic field.

As described herein, the first magnetic field can interact with the second magnetic field to provide a particular level of resistance when the cap212is depressed in the direction of arrow220. In these examples, the first magnetic field can be adjusted based on a first level of current applied to the magnetic element214and the second magnetic field can be adjusted based on a second level of current applied to the compressible energizing element216. In this way, the key201can be more precisely adjusted with regards to resistance and/or response. As used herein, “response” refers to a quantity of time the key201takes to move from a depressed position to an original position.

In some examples, the cap212can be coupled to a first portion of a compressible energizing element216that surrounds the magnetic element214. That is, the magnetic element214can be positioned within a cavity of the compressible energizing element216. In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can be coupled to the cap212such that the compressible energizing element216is compressed when the cap212is moved in the direction of arrow220. For example, the movement of the cap212can correspond to the compression or movement of the compressible energizing element216. In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can include a second portion that is coupled to a base or key contact222of the key201. In this way, the compressible energizing element216can be compressed between the cap212and the key contact222of the key201.

In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can include a coil, wire, or other form of electrical material that can be provided with an electrical current to generate a magnetic field around the magnetic element214. In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can include a first portion216-1of electrical material that is a distance from a second portion216-2. When the compressible energizing element216surrounds the magnetic element214, the first portion216-1can be separated by a space217along a surface of the magnetic element214. In some examples, the space217can be a distance between the first portion216-1and the second portion216-2. In some examples, the space217can decrease when the cap212is moved in the direction of arrow220such that the first portion216-1is closer to the second portion216-2. That is, as the cap212is moved in the direction of arrow220, the first portion216-1moves closer to the second portion216-2. In some examples, when the first portion216-1is closer to the second portion216-2, the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element216can be more dense within a particular area of the magnetic element214. Inversely, the density of the magnetic field generated by the compressible energizing element216can be less dense when the first portion216-1is further away from the second portion216-2or when the space217is greater.

In some examples, the compressible energizing element can be positioned around a path (e.g., key path) of the magnetic element214to compress when the magnetic element214is moved in a first direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow220) along the path and decompress when the magnetic element214is moved in a second direction (e.g., opposite direction of arrow220) along the path. As used herein, the “path” can refer to the space that an object, such as the magnetic element214, moves from a first position to a second position. As described herein, the magnetic element214can be a distance219from the key contact222or base of the key201.FIG.2can illustrate when the key201is at an original position or deactivated position. That is, the key201can illustrate when a signal is not being sent to a computing device. In some examples, a force or pressure can be applied to the cap212to move the cap212and magnetic element in the direction of arrow220to lower the distance219past a threshold distance such that the magnetic field of the magnetic element214interacts with the key contact222. The interaction between the magnetic element214and the key contact222can activate the key201and in response, the key201can send a particular signal to a computing device.

In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can be a elastic element such as a spring or coil that can provide a physical resistance between the cap212and the key contact222. In some examples, the compressible energizing element216can be a spring that is made of a material that can generate a magnetic field when a current is applied to an end of the compressible energizing element216. For example, the compressible energizing element216can be made of steel, iron, electroactive polymers, among other materials. As used herein, an “electroactive polymer” refers to a polymer that exhibits a change in size or shape when stimulated by an electric field. In these examples, the compressible energizing element216can provide resistance on the cap212even when electricity is not applied to the compressible energizing element216.

In some examples, the key201can include an electronic device218. As described herein, the electronic device218can be a device that can energize the compressible energizing element216such that the compressible energizing element216generates a magnetic field. In some examples, the electronic device218can be a coil energizer circuit. As used herein, a “coil energizer circuit” refers to a circuit that can generate an electric current and apply the electric current to the compressible energizing element216. In some examples, the electrical device218is coupled to the compressible energizing element216by a compressible circuit.

In some examples, the electronic device218can be a compressible device. In some examples, the electronic device218can be similar to the compressible energizing element216and compress with the movement of the cap212in the direction of arrow220. In this way, the length of the electronic device218can extend from the cap212to the key contact222despite the location of the cap212. That is, the electronic device218can be compressed and extended to stay in contact with the cap212and the key contact222when the key201is moved in the direction of arrow220and moved in the direction opposite of arrow220.

In some examples, the electronic device218can be positioned between the compressible energizing element216and the magnetic element214. When the electronic device218is compressible, the electronic device218can be maintain a position between the compressible energizing element216and the magnetic element214. In this way, the electronic device218can maintain a first connection with a first end of the compressible energizing element216and a second connection with a second end of the compressible energizing element216.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a key301that includes a compressible energizing element316. In some examples, the key301can be a device that can be a portion of a keyboard or other input device for a computing device (e.g., computing device102as illustrated inFIG.1, etc.). In some examples, the key301can be the same or similar device as key201as illustrated inFIG.2, and/or device101as illustrated inFIG.1. For example, the key301can include a cap312that can be utilized to receive a force from a user or device. In some examples, applying pressure on the cap312can move the cap312in the direction of arrow320.

In some examples, the cap312can be coupled to a magnetic element314. As described herein, the magnetic element314can be a permanent magnet that can generate a magnetic field without an applied electrical current. In some examples, the magnetic element314can be permanently or substantially permanently coupled to a surface of the cap312. For example, adhesive can be applied between the cap312and the magnetic element314to bond the magnetic element314to the cap312.

In some examples, the cap312can be coupled to a first portion of a compressible energizing element316that surrounds the magnetic element314. That is, the magnetic element314can be positioned within a cavity of the compressible energizing element316. In some examples, the compressible energizing element316can be coupled to the cap312such that the compressible energizing element316is compressed when the cap312is moved in the direction of arrow320. For example, the movement of the cap312can correspond to the compression or movement of the compressible energizing element316. In some examples, the compressible energizing element316can include a second portion that is coupled to a base or key contact322of the key301. In this way, the compressible energizing element316can be compressed between the cap312and the key contact322of the key301.

As described herein, the compressible energizing element316can include a coil, wire, or other form of electrical material that can be provided with an electrical current to generate a magnetic field around the magnetic element314. In some examples, the compressible energizing element316can be an elastic element such as a spring or coil that can provide a physical resistance between the cap312and the key contact322. In some examples, the compressible energizing element316can be a spring that is made of a material that can generate a magnetic field when a current is applied to an end of the compressible energizing element316.

In some examples, the key301can include an electronic device318-1,318-2. As described herein, the electronic device318-1,318-2can be a device that can energize the compressible energizing element316such that the compressible energizing element316generates a magnetic field. In some examples, the electronic device318-1,318-2can be a coil energizer circuit. In some examples, the electronic device318-1,318-2can be a scissor compressible device (e.g., scissor circuit, etc.). In some examples, the electronic device318-1,318-2can include a first portion of the electronic device318-1and a second portion of the electronic device318-2. In some examples, the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2can be positioned in an opposite direction of each other such that the first portion of the electronic device318-1extends from a first side of the cap312to a second side of the key contact322and the second portion of the electronic device318-2extends from a second side of the cap312to a first side of the key contact322.

In this way, the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2can be moveably coupled to the key contact322and move away from each other when a force is applied to the cap312in the direction of arrow320. This can provide the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2to be compressed when the force is applied to the cap312, which can allow the magnetic element to move closer to the key contact322. In some examples, the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2can be moveably coupled by being positioned within a trench that can allow the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2to move within the trench. In some examples, the trench for the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2can be a ground324to allow the first portion of the electronic device318-1and the second portion of the electronic device318-2to be connected to a ground324of a circuit. In some examples, the compressible energizing element316can also be connected to the ground324of the circuit. As used herein, the “ground”, such as ground324, refers to an electrical ground is a common return path for an electrical current or direct physical connection to the Earth.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a system400including keys401-1,401-2that include compressible energizing elements416-1,416-2. In some examples, the system400can include a computing device402communicatively coupled to the keys401-1,401-2by a communication path410. In some examples, the computing device402can be utilized to receive signals generated by the keys401-1,401-2and/or utilized to alter a current provided to the compressible energizing elements416-1,416-2of the keys401-1,401-2.

The keys401-1,401-2can be the same or similar devices as key301as illustrated inFIG.3, key201as illustrated inFIG.2, and/or device101as illustrated inFIG.1. In some examples, the keys401-1,401-2can include corresponding caps412-1,412-2, corresponding compressible energizing elements416-1,416-2, corresponding magnetic elements414-1,414-2, and/or corresponding electric devices418-1,418-2. In some examples, the keys401-1,401-2can be part of a keyboard that includes a plurality of additional devices.

In some examples, the computing device402can include a processor resource404communicatively coupled to a memory resource406. As described further herein, the memory resource406can include instructions432,434that can be executed by the processor resource404to perform particular functions. In some examples, the computing device402can be associated with the keys401-1,401-2. For example, the computing device402can be utilized to execute instructions associated with functions of the keys401-1,401-2. In some examples, the computing device402can be local or remote to the keys401-1,401-2.

In some examples, the computing device402can be communicatively coupled to the keys401-1,401-2through a communication path410. In these examples, the signals can be utilized to provide communication between different devices and/or components within a device. For example, the computing device402can utilize the communication path410to instruct the electrical devices418-1,418-2to alter a current or voltage provided to the compressible energizing elements416-1,416-2.

In some examples, the computing device402can include instructions432that can be executed by a processor resource404to determine a usage pattern based on an interaction with the plurality of keys401-1,401-2. As described herein, a usage pattern can include a description of the usage of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2over a period of time. The usage pattern can include a relative force applied to the plurality of keys401-1,401-2, a quantity of use for each of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2, and/or other features of use during the period of time. In some examples, the period of time can include displayed instructions to type a particular quantity of words or phrases. In these examples, the usage pattern can include a quantity of errors when typing the quantity of words or phrases.

In some examples, the computing device402can include instructions432that can be executed by a processor resource404to alter the electric current for a portion of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2based on the usage pattern. In some examples, the usage pattern can include a typing rate for different key strokes that correspond to different keys of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2. In this way, the computing device402can utilize the usage pattern to identify a first key401-1or a first portion of keys that can include a first current provided to the first compressible energizing element416-1and utilize the usage pattern to identify a second key401-2or a second portion of keys that can include a second current provided to the second compressible energizing element416-2.

In some examples, the computing device402can include instructions that can be executed by a processor resource404to determine a plurality of errors during a time period of interactions with the plurality of keys and generate the usage pattern based on the plurality of errors during the time period. As described herein, the plurality of errors can be based on a particular set of words or phrases to be typed using the plurality of keys401-1,401-2. Determining the quantity of errors can also be based on a quantity of times a backspace key is utilized over a period of time. In some examples, the computing device402can utilize machine learning to determine different resistances for the plurality of keys401-1,401-2based on the usage pattern to improve the usage experience for a particular user utilizing the plurality of keys401-1,401-2during the period of time.

In some examples, the computing device402can utilize the usage pattern to identify that a different user is using the keyboard and adjust the current or voltage applied to the corresponding compressible energizing elements416-1,416-2based on a current usage pattern. That is, the computing device402can periodically initiate a monitoring period and monitor a usage pattern of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2. In this way, a plurality of users can utilize the same plurality of keys401-1,401-2and have a customized experience based on the usage pattern of a particular user.

In some examples, the computing device402can include instructions that can be executed by a processor resource404to increase the electrical current to increase a resistance of the keyboard key401-1,401-2and decrease the electrical current to decrease the resistance of the keyboard key401-1,401-2. In some examples, the resistance corresponds to a quantity of pressure applied to the key cap412-1,412-2to provide the interaction between the magnetic element414-1,414-2and the key contact. In other words, the electric current applied to a compressible energizing element416-1,416-2corresponds to a resistance level for a corresponding key of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2. As described herein, the electric current is adjusted independently for each of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2to alter a resistance associated with each of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2.

In some examples, the keyboard keys401-1,401-2can be independently adjusted based on a corresponding function for a particular application utilized by the computing device402. For example, a particular application (e.g., game, software, video, etc.) can be executing on the computing device402. In this example, the computing device402can determine that the key401-1may not be utilized and/or may be a key that corresponds to an unintended use for the particular application. In this example, the computing device402can alter a current applied to the compressible energizing element416-1and/or the magnetic element414-1to increase a resistance for the key401-1. In this way, it can be more difficult to depress the key401-1in the direction of arrow420, which can prevent an unintended press of the key401-1.

In some examples, the computing device402can determine that the key401-2is utilized for quick depressions or rapid depressions. In these examples, the computing device402can alter a current level of the compressible energizing element416-2and/or the magnetic element414-2to provide a greater response of the key401-2and/or a lower resistance to allow for quicker depression of the key402-2. In this way, a user can more actively utilize key401-2and not have to worry about incidentally depressing key401-1. This can provide a customized keyboard experience for each of the plurality of keys401-1,401-2based on an application being executed by the computing device402.

In the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, as used herein, “a” refers to one such thing or more than one such thing.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, reference numeral102may refer to element102inFIG.1and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral302inFIG.3. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated to provide additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

It can be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to”, “coupled to”, or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an object is “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled with” another element it is understood that are no intervening elements (adhesives, screws, other elements) etc.The above specification, examples, and data provide a description of the system and method of the disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the system and method of the disclosure, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.