PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10955934-B2
Application Number: US-201916444938-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Remote capacitive interface

Abstract:
Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing device and keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a computing device having an external surface, a touch-sensitive interface, and a display screen; 
 a keyboard removably coupled to the computing device, the keyboard having a contact section and an input section, the contact section contacting the external surface of the computing device, wherein a set of conductive traces extend through the contact section and the input section, each conductive trace of the set of conductive traces comprising: 
 a first conductive portion located in the contact section; 
 a second conductive portion located in the input section; 
 wherein application of a capacitive load from an external object to one of the second conductive portions of the set of conductive traces is passively transferred to, and detectable by, the touch-sensitive interface of the computing device via the first conductive portion, and wherein at least some of the first conductive portions of the set of conductive traces engage with the touch-sensitive interface at a location other than the display screen. 
 
     
     
       2. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is a tablet computer;
 wherein the keyboard further comprises a set of switches arranged in a keyboard layout, each switch of the set of switches being connected to a respective second conductive portion of the set of conductive traces; 
 wherein the capacitive load is applied by an appendage of a user, and the set of switches selectively enable or disable electrical communication between the capacitive load and the touch-sensitive interface via the respective second conductive portion. 
 
     
     
       3. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first conductive portions are positioned adjacent to the touch-sensitive interface. 
     
     
       4. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first conductive portions of the set of conductive traces overlap the display screen portion. 
     
     
       5. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the touch-sensitive interface is positioned on the computing device external to the display screen of the computing device. 
     
     
       6. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the external surface faces away from the display screen of the computing device. 
     
     
       7. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first conductive portions of the set of conductive traces are distributed across an edge portion of the computing device. 
     
     
       8. The computing device and keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to detect a presence of the contact section of the keyboard against the external surface. 
     
     
       9. A keyboard, comprising:
 a housing having a first section and a second section, the first section having an external surface configured to face an electronic device, the second section being configured to extend away from the electronic device; 
 a set of conductive leads positioned in the housing, each conductive lead of the set of conductive leads comprising:
 a first conductive portion positioned at the external surface of the first section and configured to contact a touch sensitive interface of the electronic device; 
 a second conductive portion positioned in the second section; 
 
 wherein the second conductive portions are arranged in a keyboard layout and the first conductive portions are arranged in a layout different from the keyboard layout; and 
 wherein each of the second conductive portions of the set of conductive leads is configured to passively transfer capacitive loads from an external object to the respective first conductive portions. 
 
     
     
       10. The keyboard of  claim 9 , further comprising a set of switches, wherein each switch of the set of switches is connected to a separate second conductive portion of the set of conductive leads. 
     
     
       11. The keyboard of  claim 10 , further comprising a set of keys, wherein each key of the set of keys comprises a conductive input surface, the conductive input surfaces being electrically connectable to a respective second conductive portion of the set of conductive leads via a respective switch of the set of switches. 
     
     
       12. The keyboard of  claim 10 , further comprising a capacitive load source, wherein each switch of the set of switches comprises a releasable connection to the capacitive load source. 
     
     
       13. The keyboard of  claim 12 , wherein the capacitive load source is located in the first section of the housing. 
     
     
       14. The keyboard of  claim 9 , further comprising a hinge between the first and second sections of the housing. 
     
     
       15. A capacitive keyboard, comprising:
 a set of conductive traces each having a first end and a second end; 
 a set of keys each comprising a keycap and a switch, wherein each switch is respectively electrically connected to one of the second ends of the set of conductive traces; 
 wherein the switches are respectively actuatable to passively transfer a capacitive load imposed on a respective key of the set of keys from an external object to a respective first end of the set of conductive traces. 
 
     
     
       16. The capacitive keyboard of  claim 15 , wherein the set of key comprise mechanically actuated keys, and each of the keycaps of the set of keys comprises a conductive surface, wherein the capacitive load is transferable from the conductive surface to the respective conductive trace. 
     
     
       17. The capacitive keyboard of  claim 15 , further comprising a housing, the set of keys being positioned on the housing, wherein each switch is electrically connected to a capacitive load source in the housing. 
     
     
       18. The capacitive keyboard of  claim 17 , wherein the capacitive load source is a connection to an electrical ground. 
     
     
       19. The capacitive keyboard of  claim 17 , wherein the capacitive load source is a virtual ground when connected to a conductive trace of the set of conductive traces. 
     
     
       20. The capacitive keyboard of  claim 15 , wherein the first ends of the set of conductive traces are arranged in a staggered pattern.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/727,391, filed 5 Sep. 2018, and entitled “REMOTE CAPACITIVE INTERFACE,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to interfaces for electronic devices. In some specific examples, the present embodiments relate to keyboards for touch screen devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices have keyboards and related devices to receive input and interaction from users. These electronic devices include computers, such as personal computers, tablet computers, and smartphones, and other “smart” devices, such as media players, video and audio equipment, vehicle consoles, home automation controllers, and related devices. Keyboards and other interface devices are designed with buttons or keys that are pressed by users to generate input signals for a processor or controller. These devices are often designed to provide a controlled amount of resistance to the user&#39;s fingertips in order to give tactile feedback as the user presses a button or key. The feel, sound, cost, and size of each button or key are tightly controlled to efficiently provide a desired user experience. Although some keyboards are “virtual,” such as software keyboards displayed on a touchscreen device, it can be beneficial to provide key travel, or movement of the keys, to help the user more easily feel, see, and hear when and where a key is pressed and to provide an overall more satisfying interaction with the device. 
     Providing this type of key or button can come with costs. Touchscreen devices that do not have a built-in mechanical keyboard can be connected to a peripheral keyboard interface device, but that peripheral device must have an independent power source or must have a wired connection to the touchscreen device that can drain the power source of the touchscreen device or can require special electrical connectors to the peripheral device. Thus, there are many challenges and areas for improvements in interface devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure relates to a computing device and keyboard assembly. The computing device can have an external surface and a touch-sensitive interface. The keyboard can be removably coupled to the computing device, with the keyboard having a contact section and an input section. The contact section can contact the external surface of the computing device, wherein a set of conductive traces can extend through the contact section and the input section. Each conductive trace of the set of conductive traces can comprise a first conductive portion located in the contact section and a second conductive portion located in the input section. Application of a capacitive load to one of the second conductive portions of the set of conductive traces can be detectable by the touch-sensitive interface via the first conductive portion. 
     The computing device can be a tablet computer, and the keyboard can further comprise a set of switches arranged in a keyboard layout, with each switch of the set of switches being connected to a respective second conductive portion of the set of conductive traces. The capacitive load can be applied by an appendage of a user, and the set of switches can selectively enable or disable electrical communication between the capacitive load and the touch-sensitive interface via the respective second conductive portion. 
     The first conductive portions can contact the touch-sensitive interface. The touch-sensitive interface can comprise a display screen portion, wherein the first conductive portions of the set of conductive traces can overlap the display screen portion. The touch-sensitive interface can be positioned on the computing device external to a display screen of the computing device. The external surface can face away from the display screen of the computing device. The first conductive portions of the set of conductive traces can be distributed across an edge portion of the computing device. The computing device can be configured to detect a presence of the contact section of the keyboard against the external surface. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a keyboard, comprising a housing having a first section and a second section, with the first section having an external surface configured to face an electronic device and with the second section being configured to extend away from the electronic device. The keyboard can also include a set of conductive leads positioned in the housing, with each conductive lead of the set of conductive leads comprising a first conductive portion positioned at the external surface of the first section and configured to contact the electronic device and a second conductive portion positioned in the second section. The second conductive portions can be arranged in a keyboard layout, and each of the second conductive portions of the set of conductive leads can be configured to transfer capacitive loads to the respective first conductive portions. 
     The keyboard can further include a set of switches, wherein each switch of the set of switches can be connected to a separate second conductive portion of the set of conductive leads. The keyboard can also include a set of keys, wherein each key of the set of keys comprises a conductive input surface. The conductive input surfaces can be electrically connectable to a respective second conductive portion of the set of conductive leads via a respective switch of the set of switches. A capacitive load source can also be included, wherein each switch of the set of switches comprises a releasable connection to the capacitive load source. The capacitive load source can be located in the first section of the housing. A hinge can be positioned between the first and second sections of the housing. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a capacitive keyboard is provided that can include a set of conductive traces each having a first end and a second end and a set of keys each comprising a keycap and a switch, wherein each switch is respectively electrically connected to one of the second ends of the set of conductive traces. The switches can be respectively actuatable to transfer a capacitive load from a respective key of the set of keys to a respective first end of the set of conductive traces. 
     In some embodiments, each of the keycaps of the set of keys can comprise a conductive surface, wherein the capacitive load can be transferable from the conductive surface to the respective conductive trace. The keyboard can also have a housing, with the set of keys being positioned on the housing, and wherein each switch is electrically connected to a capacitive load source in the housing. The capacitive load source can be an electrical ground or can be a virtual ground when connected to a conductive trace of the set of conductive traces. The first ends of the set of conductive traces can be arranged in a staggered pattern. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features can have the same reference label. 
         FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a computing device and input device assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a computing device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded side view of the assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a partial breakaway and exploded front view of the assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a diagrammatic side section view of the input device of  FIG. 2  as taken through section lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a computing device and an input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a partial breakaway front view of an embodiment of an input device of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shoes a diagrammatic side section view of the input device of  FIG. 7  as taken through section lines  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments can omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, methods described can be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps can be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to some embodiments can be combined in other embodiments. 
     Computing devices, including touch screen devices such as, for example, tablet computers and smartphones, are widely used and are valuable tools for communication, viewing content, working, recreation, and so forth. Input can be provided to the computing device using a touch-sensitive interface. A touch-sensitive interface, as used herein, refers to a display screen that includes touch- or near-touch-sensitive sensors in the device, wherein when a user contacts the surface of the device with a capacitive load source, the device can detect the presence of the capacitive load source. For example, a touch-sensitive interface can be a capacitive touch-sensitive interface using a surface capacitive touch screen, a projected capacitive touch screen, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch screen, related technologies, and combinations thereof. A capacitive load source, as used herein, refers to a device or person that can be detected by use of the touch-sensitive interface. For example, a capacitive load source can be a user&#39;s appendage (e.g., finger), a charged stylus, another electrically absorptive instrument, a connection to electrical ground or a virtual ground, a capacitive grounding element, related devices, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a mutual capacitance touch screen can be used, wherein the capacitive load source can be detected by the touch screen due to electrical absorption of the instrument to locally reduce the charge in an electrically charged layer of the touch screen. 
     Although the touch-sensitive interface of a touch screen device is versatile and can simulate a keyboard (e.g., by creating a “virtual” software-based keyboard in the display screen for the user to type on), the flat, hard surface of the touch screen and the low angle at which the touch-sensitive interface is oriented can make typing on the device less desirable than on a peripheral keyboard device. The keyboard and the typist&#39;s hands can also take up and cover a significant amount of usable space on the touch screen. 
     As compared to a virtual on-screen keyboard, a peripheral keyboard accessory can have mechanical switches for the keys that provide a different tactile feel and audible feedback and can be oriented at a more comfortable angle since it is movable relative to the screen. In some cases, the mechanical switches (e.g., collapsible domes or spring-loaded switches) can have mechanical supports such as butterfly or scissor switch guides. The peripheral keyboard also takes up less, if any, display screen space. However, most peripheral keyboards require a wired or wireless connection to the touch screen device. A wired connection can complicate the design of the touch screen device since power and space in the device is needed for components that produce or read the signals coming from the peripheral keyboard. Those components can also drain the power source of the touch screen device while active. A wireless connection to a peripheral device requires an independent power source in the peripheral device and a wireless interface on the touch screen device, both of which add to the cost and energy consumption of the pair. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a peripheral input device (e.g., a keyboard, controller, or related accessory) using remote capacitive load transmission to enable the user to interact with a touch-sensitive interface (e.g., a touch screen interface) of the touch screen device without having to move a capacitive load source into physical contact with the touch-sensitive interface. In a non-limiting example, a user can type on a keyboard that is attached to the touch screen device, and the touch screen device can effectively receive input via electrodes in the keyboard as if a user&#39;s fingers were touching the touch-sensitive interface. In another example, the user can press a key on the keyboard that enables an electrical connection between a capacitive load (e.g., a connection to ground or a source with low impedance to ground) and electrodes at the touch-sensitive interface to simulate the user&#39;s touch without actually transferring the user&#39;s capacitive load to the interface. In either case, the user can type at a comfortable angle and with the tactility and audible feedback that cannot be provided by a flat, hard touch screen. Additionally, the keyboard does not need to draw any power from the device or have a power source of its own. 
     Electrical loads or signals can be transferred through passive (i.e., non-electrically charged) conductive paths in the input device from the capacitive load source to the touch-sensitive interface of the touch screen device in order to simulate interaction between the capacitive load source and the touch-sensitive interface. In this manner, the input device does not need its own power source since it acts as a passive electrical conduit between the capacitive load source and the touch-sensitive interface. The touch of the capacitive load source against a key on the input device adds a capacitive load to one end of the conduit that is transferred to the other end of the conduit that is positioned adjacent the touch-sensitive interface. The touch-sensitive interface can detect the change in capacitive load and react as if the capacitive load source had contacted the touch-sensitive interface directly. 
     The touch screen device is also not required to provide additional power and circuitry to make an electrical connection to the input device (e.g., a wired connection). The same touch-sensitive interface of the touch screen device can be used for receiving input from the capacitive load source via the input device and from normal user interaction with a capacitive load source directly against the touch-sensitive interface. 
     In some embodiments, the input device is attached to the touch screen device in a manner partially covering the display screen. In other embodiments, the input device contacts the touch screen device on a touch-sensitive interface of the touch screen device without covering the display screen. For example, a bezel or side portion of the front of the touch screen device can be configured with a touch-sensitive interface portion that can be connected to the input device. The back of the device can also have the touch-sensitive interface. Thus, in various configurations, the input device can access touch-sensitive interfaces on the device that are separate from the display screen. 
     In some embodiments, the input device can be removably attachable to the touch screen device. In one case, the input device is held to the touch screen device by magnets, clips, straps, or other housing or case portions attached to the keyboard that help orient the input device relative to the touch screen device and help to keep the input device in proper alignment with the touch-sensitive interface. The touch screen device can be configured with sensors or switches that detect the presence of the input device. In this manner, the touch screen device can include software such as a user interface that reacts to the presence of the input device. For example, when keyboard input is needed on the touch screen device, the touch screen device can determine whether or not an on-screen keyboard is displayed based or whether or not the input device is present. In some cases, such as when the input device partially covers the display screen, the user interface can be modified based on the covered screen space to avoid having information obscured from the user. 
     The input device can be part of a cover or case for the computing device, wherein the input device has portions or sections that are hinged or foldable relative to each other and can be movable between an input position where the keyboard portion and display screen of the device are accessible and visible for typing and a position wherein at least the display screen is covered and the input device is stored. 
     Additional detail and embodiments are shown in the figures and described below.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the relationship of a system  100  of a computing device  102  and an input device  104 . The computing device  102  can have an external surface  106  and a touch-sensitive interface  108 . The input device  104  can be removably coupled to the computing device  102 , wherein a contact section  110  of the input device  104  contacts or is in close proximity to (e.g., a few millimeters or less removed from) the external surface  106  of the computing device  102 . The input device  104  can include a set of conductive traces  112 . In one embodiment, 26 or more conductive traces are included. Alternatively, 60 or more conductive traces can be included. For simplicity, only one of the conductive traces  112  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The conductive trace  112  can have a first conductive portion  114  located in the contact section  110  and a second conductive portion  116  located in an input section  118  of the input device  104 . In some embodiments, the second conductive portion  116  can be connected to a switch  120  that selectively provides a connection between the second conductive portion  116  and a capacitive load source  122 . 
     The system  100  can be referred to as an assembly of the computing device  102  and the input device  104 . The input device  104  can be removably attached to the computing device  102  and, when attached, can be held against or latched to the computing device  102 . The computing device  102  can be any type of electronic device configured to receive input via a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitive-load-sensitive) interface. For example, without limitation, the computing device  102  can include, but is not limited to, personal computers (including, for example, computer “towers,” “all-in-one” computers, computer workstations, notebook computers, laptop computers, and related devices), graphics tablets, smart watches, other wearable devices, vehicles and related components and accessories, servers, screens, displays, and monitors, photography and videography equipment and related accessories, printers, scanners, media player devices, point-of-sale equipment, home automation equipment, and any other electronic device that uses, sends, or receives human input or that can use a keyboard or a related device for input. Thus, the example tablet computer shown in the figures should be viewed as merely exemplary of the many different types of computing devices that can be implemented with the input devices disclosed herein. The computing device  102  can comprise a processor  101  (or similar controller) in electrical communication with the touch-sensitive interface  108  and configured to control the computing device  102  in response to receiving signals from the touch-sensitive interface. 
     The input device  104  can be a peripheral keyboard, accessory, case, or cover for the computing device  102 . The outer dimensions of the input device  104  can be similar or equal to the outer dimensions of the computing device  102  in order to facilitate portability of the system  100  of devices  102 ,  104 . The input device  104  can be detachable from the computing device  102  by applying a force to the input device  104  to sever the forces holding together magnetically attracted elements in the computing device  102  and the input device  104 . The input device  104  can comprise a keyboard such as a QWERTY (or similar layout) keyboard. The input device  104  can be embodied as a type of keyboard, such as, for example, a keyboard having keys arranged in straight rows, straight columns, straight rows and columns combined, or in another distributed or staggered layout. In certain embodiments, the keyboard can have a greater number of keys, or a fewer number of keys than illustrated in the figures. See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2-4 and 6-7 . The keys can be arranged in multiple different layouts. For example, the keys can be arranged in an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) layout, AZERTY layout, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) layout, Dvorak layout, Colemak layout, or other related configuration. The keys can have a compact layout (such as the compact layout of  FIG. 2 ), a tenkeyless layout, 60% layout, 65% layout, 75% layout, full-size layout, numpad-only layout, or other configuration as needed to meet desired space, cost, and ergonomic considerations. As illustrated herein, the one or more keys may be of different sizes and may be positioned at different locations along the surface of the keyboard. 
     The input device  104  can include a chassis or housing  124  in which the conductive traces  112  are housed or embedded. In some arrangements, the housing  124  can include one or more bendable sections, foldable sections, or hinged sections connected to each other. For example, the contact section  110  and the input section  118  can be connected to each other by a hinge  130 . The housing  124  can have an external surface  126  comprising or near the first conductive portions  114  that is configured to face or contact the external surface  106  of the computing device  102 . The input device  104  can also include portions (not shown) that are configurable to form a stand or support for the computing device  102 . For example, the input device  104  can be configurable to keep the computing device  102  held in an upright position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or at another orientation relative to the input device  104  or relative to a horizontal support surface beneath the assembly. 
     The external surface  106  of the computing device  102  can be a surface of the device  102  that is adjacent to or external to the touch-sensitive interface  108 . The external surface  106  can therefore be a surface through which touch input (e.g., a capacitive load) can be detected by the touch-sensitive interface  108 . In some embodiments, the external surface  106  comprises a glass (or other ceramic), polymer, or metal material that, when contacted by a capacitive load source (e.g., a person&#39;s finger) can transfer the load to the touch-sensitive interface  108 . The external surface  106  can therefore be the outer surface of a display screen of a touch screen interface of the computing device  102  or another front, side, or back surface of the computing device  102  through which a capacitive load can be detected by the touch-sensitive interface  108 , or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the external surface  106  includes a portion of one of the sides of the computing device  102 , such as a section of a side of a bezel portion of the front of the computing device  102  or a portion of the rear surface of the computing device  102 . The capacitive load source can be detected by the touch-sensitive interface  108  resulting from contact between a conductive pad or lead positioned in the input device  104  and the external surface  106 . In some cases, the capacitive load source can be detected by the touch-sensitive interface  108  at a close distance of separation from the external surface  106 , such as through thin intermediate layers with appropriate permittivity to allow the capacitive load to be sensed through them (whether the intermediate layers are on the input device  104  or the external surface  106 ). 
     The touch-sensitive interface  108  can be any touch-sensitive electronic component configured to receive a capacitive load from a capacitive load source such as a finger or other source having low impedance to ground. For example, the touch-sensitive interface  108  can comprise a mutual capacitive touch sensor array used in touchscreen tablets, phones, and related devices or other touch-sensitive interfaces described elsewhere herein. The touch-sensitive interface  108  can include portions at or near a display screen of the computing device  102  and can extend into portions of the computing device  102  external to or positioned on an opposite side of the device  102  from the display screen. 
     The contact section  110  of the input device  104  can include the first conductive portions  114  of the conductive traces  112 . The contact section  110  can be configured to include the external surface  126  of the housing  124 . Thus, the contact section  110  can be arranged in contact with the external surface  106  of the computing device  102 . The contact section  110  can also comprise attachment devices  128 , such as magnets or fasteners, that keep the contact section  110  removably secured to the computing device  102 . The attachment devices  128  can be configured to keep the first conductive portions  114  in a certain position on the external surface  106  of the computing device  102 . 
     The conductive traces  112  can comprise a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, aluminum, conductive polymer, ceramic material, other conductive material, or combinations thereof) running through the housing  124 . The conductive traces  112  can extend through the input device  104 , including across a boundary, fold, or hinge  130  between the contact section  110  and the input section  118 . In a keyboard configuration of the input device  104 , each key can be electrically connected to a different, unique conductive trace  112 . Thus, the conductive traces  112  can be insulated from each other so that electrical signals borne by one conductive trace  112  are only transferred to the touch-sensitive interface  108  by that conductive trace  112 . As explained in greater detail below, each of the conductive traces  112  can have ends (e.g., the first and second conductive portions  114 ,  116 ) located at unique positions on the contact section  110  and on the input section  118 . The conductive traces  112  can also be insulated along their lengths between the first and second conductive portions  114 ,  116  to avoid interference with signal transmission or shorting to other conductive traces, such as by being embedded between insulated layers of material in the housing  124 . 
     A first conductive portion  114  of each conductive trace  112  is positioned in the contact section  110  of the device. In some embodiments, the first conductive portions  114  of the traces  112  can comprise conductive electrodes that are exposed on the surface of the contact section  110  and configured to be external to the touch-sensitive interface  108  and the external surface  106  of the computing device  102 . In some embodiments, the first conductive portions  114  are within the housing  124  and are electrically connected to conductive material that links the first conductive portions  114  to the outer surface  126  thereof. 
     The sensing of a capacitive load at the first conductive portion  114  by the touch-sensitive interface  108  is represented by line  132  in  FIG. 1 . Line  132  is represented as a dashed line to indicate that there is no wired, conductor-to-conductor connection between the input device  104  and the computing device  102  in order to make the sensing of the capacitive load possible. There is also no powered, two-way wireless communication between the input device  104  and the computing device  102  (e.g., via WI-FI®, BLUETOOTH®, RFID, ZIBGEE®, cellular communication, or another similar wireless communication specification). Instead, the first conductive portion  114  passively reproduces a capacitive load applied to the conductive trace  112 , and the computing device  102  senses that load as if the load were applied directly to the external surface  106  without the conductive trace  112  being present. 
     The second conductive portion  116  can be positioned in the input section  118  of the input device  104 . The second conductive portions  116  can be arranged in a keyboard layout in the input section  118 . Each of the second conductive portions  116  can be electrically connected to a unique switch  120 . Application of a capacitive load to the second conductive portion  116  causes the conductive trace  112  to reproduce the capacitive load at the respective first conductive portion  114 . 
     The input section  118  can comprise a keys, switches, or buttons that can be used to interface with the computing device  102 . The input section  118  can be formed in a stiffened portion of the housing  124  so that the keyboard it supports remains flat and supportive of the keys and switches. In some embodiments, the input section  118  has outer dimensions substantially similar to the outer dimensions of the front-facing surface of the computing device  102  so as to completely cover the front-facing surface when the input device  104  is folded or stored against the computing device  102 . 
     The switch  120  connected to the second conductive portion  116  can be an electrical switch such as a momentary contact switch that makes or breaks connection as long as pressure is applied to the switch (e.g., when a button or key connected to the switch  120  is pressed). Once pressure is removed, the switch  120  can return to its original, un-pressed position. This functionality can be provided to the switch  120  using a resilient collapsible dome, a spring, a compliant mechanism, or related device that moves a contactor in the switch  120  between a first position enabling electrical conduction through or past the switch and a second position disabling such electrical conduction. In some embodiments, the switch  120  provides a momentary contact for a conductive path starting in a keycap/button (or on the surface of the keycap/button) and extending to the second conductive portion  116 , thereby also providing a conductive path to the first conductive portion  114 . Accordingly, if a capacitive load source  122  (e.g., a user&#39;s finger) presses down on the keycap, the first conductive portion  114  can absorb energy from the touch-sensitive interface  108  (or otherwise apply the capacitive load to it) when the switch  120  enables the conductive path to the first conductive portion  114 . 
     In another embodiment, the switch  120  can provide an electrical connection to a capacitive load source  122  that is not a finger or other instrument applied to the keycap. For example, another capacitive load source can be selectively connected to the second conductive portion  116  by the switch  120 . The other capacitive load source  122  can be positioned within the input device  104 , such as a relatively large conductive object (relative to the first conductive portion  114 ) that, when connected to the conductive trace  112 , makes the conductive trace have a low impedance to ground, thereby simulating the capacitive load of a finger or other charged instrument against the touch-sensitive interface  108 . 
     Detail about a related embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . In these figures, a system  200  includes a computing device  202  and input device  204  shown from various orientations and in various degrees of separation.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view,  FIG. 3  is an exploded side view with the computing device  202  in a different orientation relative to  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4  is a partial breakaway and exploded front view with the input device  204  in a different configuration relative to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In  FIG. 4 , a top surface layer and keycaps  214  of the input device  204  are partially removed to show conductive pads (e.g.,  228 ,  232 ) and to illustrate conductive traces  226  through the input device  204 . 
     In these embodiments, the computing device  202  is a tablet computer having a housing  206  and a front surface  208  through which a user can interact with the device  202  using a touch-sensitive interface which, in this case, is a touch screen  210 . The input device  204  is shown with a keyboard  212  including a set of keys  214  arranged in a keyboard layout. The keys  214  can have different shapes and sizes, as shown. Each key  214  can be configured with its own switch (e.g., switch  120 ; see also  FIG. 5  and related description below). The keys  214  can each have a label or glyph (not shown) on their top surfaces. 
     The input device  204  can have an input section  216  and a contact section  218  linked to each other by a bend, fold, or hinge  220 . The input section  216  and contact section  218  can be movable relative to each other at the hinge  220 . This can enable the computing device  202  to be oriented at different angles X, X′ relative to the input device  204 , as illustrated by  FIGS. 2 and 3 , without the computing device  202  being disconnected from the input device  204 . 
     The contact section  218  can be magnetically attracted to the computing device  202 , such as by being attracted to the front surface  208  thereof. In other embodiments, the contact section  218  can be attached to the computing device  202  in another way, such as by being strapped, clipped, or latched onto the computing device  202 , being integrated into a case for the computing device  202 , or related techniques. The computing device  202  can be configured with sensors (e.g., Hall-effect sensors detecting a magnet in the input device  204 ) that detect the presence of the input device  204 . Detecting the presence of the input device  204  can cause the computing device  202  to change its software settings (e.g., by the processor  101  executing software instructions stored in memory on the computing device). 
     The input section  216  can have a top surface  222  from which the keys  214  extend and that is configured to face upward. The contact section  218  can have an external surface  224  (see  FIG. 3 ) at which contactors (e.g., first conductive portions  114 ) can be located. The top surface  222  can comprise a flexible surface layer (not shown) covering the keys  214  or external surface  224  and providing a barrier against debris and moisture penetrating the keys  214 , external surface  224 , or other space within the input device  204 . In some embodiments, the flexible surface layer can comprise a conductive flexible material such as a conductive polymer through which a capacitive load can be transferred to the keys  214  upon touching the flexible surface layer. The flexible surface layer can comprise a set of conductive portions or inserts that each contact a unique key  214 . Thus, applying a capacitive load to the conductive portion of the flexible surface layer can enable that load to pass through the flexible surface layer to the key  214  within. 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the computing device  202  is arranged with the touch screen  210  where the user can view the touch screen  210  while also being able to view and interact with the keyboard  212  in a normal laptop-computer-like orientation. In embodiments where the input device  204  is integrated with a stand or support for the computing device  202 , the input device  204  can be arranged to be configurable in the relative position shown in  FIG. 2  while the computing device  202  is also arranged in the relative position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  shows that the input device  204  can have a set of conductive traces  226  positioned in the input section  216  and contact section  218 . In  FIG. 4 , the keys  214  and top surface  222  are removed from a breakaway portion  207  of the input device  204  to show the location of conductive pads  228  that lie beneath the keys  214 . The non-breakaway portion  205  shows the keys  214  in their normal configuration. Each of the keys  214  in the keyboard  212  can have its own unique conductive pad  228  in the input section  216  that is linked to its own unique conductive trace  230  and a unique conductive pad  232  in the contact section  218 . Thus, each set of these elements  228 ,  230 ,  232  can be a conductive portion of the input device  204  referred to as a conductive trace (e.g.,  112 ) or a conductive lead. 
     The conductive pads  228  in the input section  216  can be arranged in a keyboard layout. Alternatively, the conductive pads  228  can be replaced by conductive leads that merely connect to the switches of each of the keys  214 . Thus, although the conductive pads  228  are shown in  FIG. 4  for reference, it will be understood that the pads  228  are merely representative of conductive elements of some kind that are connected to switches in the keyboard  212  and that are connected to the conductive traces  230 . Further, the scale and shape of the pads  228  can be modified (e.g., enlarged or reduced in size) to fit the needs of a particular configuration. In some embodiments, the conductive pads  228  are omitted, and a direct connection to an electrical lead on a switch or similar structure is made to the conductive traces  230 . 
     The conductive pads  232  in the contact section  218  can be roughly arranged in a straight row, a set of rows, a straight column, a set of columns, a staggered set of rows (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), a keyboard layout, another comparable pattern, or combinations thereof. The conductive pads  232  can be arranged in rows corresponding to a width between scan rows of a touch-sensitive interface (e.g., electrical paths through touch screen  210 ). The size of the conductive pads  232  can be configured so that a typical capacitive load (e.g., a capacitive load of a finger) applied through the conductive pads  232  has a sufficient magnitude (when emitted at the conductive pads  232 ) to be detected by the touch-sensitive interface of the computing device  202 . In some embodiments, the size of the conductive pads  232  is therefore configured to simulate the touch of a human finger against the computing device when a capacitive load of a human finger is applied to its corresponding conductive trace  230 . The material used in the conductive pads  232  can also affect their size and shape. The conductive pads  232  can be referred to as electrodes or conductors in the contact section  218 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 4  shows one layout of the conductive pads  232  wherein they are configured to overlay the touch screen  210  in region  234 . This region  234  can be referred to as a border region (or a lengthwise border region) of the touch screen  210  since it is located along a border of the touch screen  210  (and is oriented lengthwise relative to the touch screen  210 ). The width of the border region  234  can be equal to a width W of the portion of the contact section  218  that includes all of the conductive pads  232 . Thus, when the contact section  218  is overlaid on the border region  234 , all of the conductive pads  232  can be located within the border region  234 , thereby enabling all of the keys  214  to be registered at unique locations on the touch screen  210  through the conductive pads  232 . 
     In some embodiments, the conductive pads  232  can overlay a bezel region  236  on the computing device  202 . The bezel region  236  is on the front surface  208  and is not part of the display screen but is instead adjacent thereto. Thus, the conductive pads  232  do not cover the touch screen  210 , thereby leaving additional uncovered screen space (i.e., the border region  234  is not covered). The computing device  202  can include a touch-sensitive interface (e.g.,  108  or  208 ) that is positioned within (or extends into) the bezel region  236  in this case so that the conductive pads  232  can each be sensed by the interface. 
     In other embodiments, the conductive pads  232  can be overlaid against the border region  234  and the bezel region  236  simultaneously. This can be beneficial when a large number of (or large size of) conductive pads  232  is implemented in the contact section  218  to avoid taking up additional screen space. In yet other embodiments, the contact section  218  can extend around the touch screen  210  to one or more other portions of the front surface  208 , such as to a top border region  238  or top bezel region  240  at a top end  242  of the computing device  202 , to a bottom border region  244  or bottom bezel region  246  at a bottom end  248  of the computing device  202 , to other regions on the front surface  208  or rear surface  250  (see  FIGS. 3 and 6 ) of the computing device  202 , or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the contact section  218  and conductive pads  232  can be arranged to contact any external surface of the computing device  202 . 
     In some embodiments, conductive pads  232  can be positioned on the sides or rear surface  250  of the computing device  202 . See, e.g.,  FIGS. 6-8  and their related descriptions herein. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic side section view through the input device  204 , as indicated by section line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . To facilitate convenient reference, sizes and shapes of components are not shown to scale, and some components are not shown. The input section  216  and contact section  218  can be positioned at opposite ends of the input device  204  and can each comprise a set of layers  251 ,  252 ,  254  in a substrate or housing  256 . 
     The housing  256  can comprise a rigid material (e.g., made of a composite such as FR-4 or a comparable material) or a flexible material (e.g., made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, reinforced silicone, thin sheet metal, a bendable polymer, or a comparable material) for the layers  251 ,  252 ,  254 . The housing  256  can include the embedded conductive traces  226  positioned through the layers  251 ,  252 ,  254 . For example, a conductive switch pad  256  can be positioned in the top layer  251 , a conductive electrode pad  258  can be positioned in the bottom layer  254 , and a conductive trace  260  can electrically connect the switch pad  256  to the electrode pad  258  through the middle layer  252 . The switch pad  256  can be one of the conductive pads  228 , the electrode pad  258  can be one of the conductive pads  232 , and the conductive trace  260  can be one of the conductive traces  230  of  FIG. 4 . See  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the layers  251 ,  252 ,  254  can be covered by an additional coating or layer through which a capacitive load coming from the conductive elements can be detected. 
     In some embodiments, only two layers  251 ,  254  are provided, and the conductive trace  260  can be embedded between them. In another embodiment, all of the layers  251 ,  252 ,  254  may be formed as a single layer with the pads  256 ,  258  and conductive trace  260  embedded therein. 
     A switch  262  can be positioned at the switch pad  256 . The switch  262  can comprise a corresponding keycap  264 . The keycap  264  can be one of the keycaps  214  of  FIGS. 2-3 . The switch  262  can comprise a conductive portion  266 , and the keycap  264  can comprise a conductive material in contact with the conductive portion  266 . Accordingly, when a capacitive load is applied to the keycap  264 , the conductive path through the keycap  264  and the conductive portion  266  can transfer the capacitive load to the inside of the switch  262 . The switch  262  can be collapsible to a position (not shown) where the conductive portion  266  contacts the switch pad  256 . This can occur when a user presses down on the keycap  264  in the direction of arrow  268 . Thus, the capacitive load can be transferred from the keycap  264  to the electrode pad  258  via the conductive portion  266 , switch pad  256 , and conductive trace  260 . Accordingly, if the electrode pad  258  is within an operative, detectable distance from a touch-sensitive interface (e.g.,  108 ), the capacitive load applied at the keycap  264  can be registered or detected by the interface. 
     The switch  262  can be a collapsible dome, an inverted collapsible dome, a mechanical switch (e.g., an elastically movable contactor-based switch), or a related switch used in keyboards. The switch  262  can provide tactility, feedback, resistance, and sound to the operation of the keyboard  212 . The switch  262  can be supported by a housing (e.g., a rigid housing, plate, flexible membrane, and related elements), a stabilizer (e.g., a scissor mechanism or butterfly mechanism), and other components used in keyboards. These features can help resist the ingress of debris or fluids into or around the switch  262 , can help prevent accidental dislodgement of the keycap  264  from the switch  262 , can improve aesthetics, can help ensure parallel motion of the keycap  264  relative to the top surface  222  (i.e., support the keycap  264  so that its top surface remains parallel to the top surface  222  while in motion), and can perform other functions to improve the look, feel, and function of the keyboard  212 . If a coating or layer covers the keycap  264  or is positioned between the keycap  264  and the switch  262 , the coating or layer can include a conductive material or a conductive portion to preserve the conductive path from the user&#39;s hand to the electrode pad  258 . The coating or layer covering the keycap  264  can also be used as a shield to insulate conductive material in key switches (e.g., conductive portion  266 ) within the input device  204  and to thereby limit or prevent registration of accidental key presses caused by incidental or inadvertent contact between a finger and the keycap  264 . Thus, the conductive path can extend from a ground to an electrode pad (e.g.,  458 ) in the input device. See also  FIGS. 7 and 8  and their related descriptions below. 
     If the switch  262  is a dome switch, it can comprise a conductive metal dome, a flexible dome having a conductive insert, a conductively-doped rubber dome, a conductively-doped silicone dome, or another conductively-doped flexible material. Thus, the switch  262  can provide a conductive path in various ways. In some embodiments, the conductive path from the keycap  264  does not extend through the switch  262 , but movement of the switch  262  enables the conductive path to be connected between the keycap  264  and the switch pad  256 . For example, the switch can support the movement of the keycap  264  between a first position disconnected from the switch pad  256  and a second position where the keycap  264  (or an extension thereof) is in conductive contact with the switch pad  256 . 
     In yet other embodiments, the switch  262 , keycap  264 , and supports and coverings for the switch  262  and keycap  264  can be omitted. In this case, the user can directly contact the switch pad  256  with their finger or another capacitive load. Alternatively, the keycap  264  can be omitted, and the user can directly touch the switch  262 . Still further, the switch  262  can be omitted and the keycap  264  can be in constant contact with the switch pad  256 . Thus, the switch  262  and keycap  264  are not required for operation of the input device  204 . In some embodiments, a first set of conductive pads  228  can have corresponding switches  262  and keycaps  264 , another set of pads  228  can have only switches  262  or only keycaps  264 , and another set of pads  228  can have neither switches  262  nor keycaps  264 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 6-8  illustrate additional embodiments of the input device  304  wherein the input device  304  is configured to contact a back or rear surface  350  of the computing device  302 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the input device  304  can comprise an input section  316  and a contact section  318  with a hinge  320  that is positionable underneath the computing device  302  when the computing device  302  is in an upright orientation relative to a horizontal direction. The contact section  318  can have a front-facing surface  321  configured to contact a rear-facing surface  350  of the computing device  302 . The rear-facing surface  350  can therefore comprise a touch-sensitive interface  309  corresponding to the front-facing surface  321  in size and position. Accordingly, the input device  304  can transfer capacitive load from the keys  314  to the touch-sensitive interface  309  via conductive leads similar to the traces  226 . Conductive pads similar to pads  232  can be positioned on the front-facing surface  321  to enable this interaction. In some embodiments, the rear surface  350  can be configured with a material through which a capacitive load can be locally transferred, such as, for example, a glass or polymer material. 
     The input device  304  can be foldable or bendable at the hinge  320 . Accordingly, the input section  316  can be folded to cover the front surface of the computing device  302  while the contact section  318  is positioned against the rear surface  350 . In that configuration, the keys  314  can face toward or contact the front surface of the computing device  302 , and the computing device  302  itself can help protect and cover the keys  314 . 
     The touch-sensitive interface  309  can be part of a touch-sensitive interface that is used to detect touch input on a display screen on the front surface  308  of the computing device  302 . The touch-sensitive interface for the display screen can extend through the interior of the computing device  302  from the front surface  308  to the region for the touch-sensitive interface  309  shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, the interface for the touch screen can wrap around or fold within the inside of a housing of the computing device  302  to provide touch-sensitivity at the rear surface  350 . Alternatively, the touch-sensitive interface  309  can be a separate component from any touch interface of the front surface  308 . 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive interface  309  can be touch-sensitive, wherein contact with a finger against the touch-sensitive interface  309  can be detected by the computing device  302 . In some of these configurations, the computing device  302  can be configured with software that ignores or disables touch interaction with the rear touch-sensitive interface  309  unless the presence of a contact section  318  is also detected (e.g., by a Hall-effect sensor detecting magnets in the contact section  318  at the rear surface  350 ). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the contact section  318  can be configured to cover or extend along an edge or bezel portion of the rear surface  350  of the computing device  302 . In some embodiments, a contact section  370  can be enlarged relative to contact section  318 , wherein the contact section  370  extends across a majority or entirety of the rear surface  350  of the computing device  302 . In such an embodiment, the contact section  370  can have conductive pads distributed across its entire front surface  321  to interact with a large touch-sensitive interface  311  through the rear surface  350 . In some configurations, the contact section  370  can still have conductive pads localized enough to interact with a smaller touch-sensitive interface (e.g.,  309 ) that is substantially smaller in area than the area of the front surface  321  of the contact section that is in contact with the rear surface  350  of the computing device. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of an input device  404  configured with a large contact section  418 . This input device  404  can have similar features in its input section  416  as the input section  216  shown in  FIG. 4  with its pads  428  and traces  430 .  FIG. 7  is also shown with a breakaway section  407 , wherein keycaps and other upper portions of the input device  404  are removed to reveal inner conductive elements of the input device  404 , and a non-breakaway section  405  showing a normal top view of the input device  404 . In this view, the breakaway section  407  does not extend to the large conductive pad  440 . The conductive pads  432  may differ from conductive pads  232  by being on a top surface/front-facing surface  421  of the contact section  418 . Being positioned on the front-facing surface  421  of the contact section  418  can permit the pads  432  to contact a rear surface of an electronic device (e.g.,  350 ). 
     The contact section  418  can also comprise a large conductive pad  440  that is larger than, and insulated from, the other conductive pads  432 . The large conductive pad  440  can be referred to herein as a virtual ground pad, a low impedance to ground pad, or a capacitive ground pad. The increased size of the large conductive pad  440  can make it have a low impedance to ground (relative to the smaller conductive pads  432 ) and thereby make it act as a virtual ground when instantaneously electrically connected to the smaller conductive pads  432 . It can also be connected to, or replaced by, an external ground source (e.g., a wire to ground (e.g., via a power cable for the computing device  302 ) or a grounded conductive surface of the computing device  302 ). The large conductive pad  440  can be capacitively coupled to the system ground of the electronic device chassis through any insulating material positioned between the pad  440  and the ground within the computing device  302 . The large conductive pad  440  can therefore be referred to as a capacitive load source contained within the input device  304 . The large conductive pad  440  can be designed to have a larger size relative to the smaller conductive pads  432  wherein if both types of pads  432 ,  440  are in contact with a dielectric surface (e.g., an anodized aluminum body on the computing device or the like), the larger pad  440  will be sized to induce a sufficient capacitive load to be detectable by the touch-sensitive interface of the computing device when that load is transferred to one of the smaller pads  432 . In this manner, electrically connecting the large conductive pad  440  to one of the other conductive pads  432  can give the same electrical effect as a finger precisely touching one of the other conductive pads  432 . In some embodiments, there is no direct DC connection to the system ground, the potential at the other conductive pads  432  is electrically equivalent to ground due to the high capacitance made by the large conductive pad  440  and the chassis of the computing device. 
     The larger pad  440  can be selectively electrically connected to each of the conductive pads  428  in the input section  416  or to each of the conductive pads  432  in the contact section  418 . The connection can be enabled or disabled by switches (e.g., switch  462  in  FIG. 8 ) in the input device  404 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic side section view of an embodiment of input device  404 , as suggested by section line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . To facilitate convenient reference, sizes and shapes of components are not shown to scale, and some components (e.g., a possible mechanical stabilizer for keycap  464 ) are not shown. The input section  416  and contact section  418  can be positioned at opposite ends of the input device  404  and can each comprise a set of layers  450 ,  452 ,  454  in a substrate or housing  456 . The housing  456  can have the properties of housing  256 . 
     The housing  456  can include embedded conductive traces positioned in the layers  450 ,  452 ,  454 . For example, a conductive switch pad  456  and a conductive electrode pad  458  can be positioned in the top layer  450 , and a conductive trace  460  can electrically connect the switch pad  456  to the electrode pad  458  through the middle layer  452 . The switch pad  456  can be one of the conductive pads  428 , the electrode pad  458  can be one of the conductive pads  432 , and the conductive trace  460  can be one of the conductive traces  430  of  FIG. 7 . 
     In this embodiment, the external surfaces of the keycap  464  can be non-conductive. Thus, contact with a finger against the keycap  464  would not transfer a detectable capacitive load through the input device  404  to the electrode pad  458 . Instead, the switch  462  can comprise a conductive portion  466  (or can be formed with a conductive material, as explained elsewhere herein), and the conductive portion  466  can move as the switch  462  collapses to complete a conductive path between a second switch pad  468  and the first switch pad  456 . The second switch pad  468  can be connected via a conductive trace  470  to a capacitive load source  472  (e.g., large pad conductive  440  or a connection to a ground source or a virtual or relative ground source) and can therefore transfer a capacitive load to the electrode pad  458  without passing through the keycap  464  or without being sourced from a user&#39;s appendage or other instrument applied to the keycap  464 . The first and second switch pads  456 ,  468  can be separated by an air gap  467  or insulator that prevents conduction between the first and second switch pads  456 ,  468  when the switch  262  is not closed. Other types of switches and configurations of conductors and pads can be used as well. For example, the dome of switch  462  can be inverted such that an upward-facing surface of the dome is concave instead of convex. 
     While reference is made herein to parts and features being “horizontal” and “vertical,” it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that these orientations are provided for convenience in describing features of the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be construed as limiting these embodiments to operating only in the orientations shown or described. Thus, although portions of the device are described with reference to vertical or horizontal directions, the devices in the present disclosure can be oriented at any angle. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190618
Publication Date: 20210323
Grant Date: 20210323
Priority Date: 20180905
Inventors: GARELLI, ADAM T.
EMGIN, SENEM E.
VAN AUSDALL, TERRENCE L.
CLARKE, Antonio
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960725", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0383", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/702", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1639", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0231", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/702", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960725", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0383", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1639", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69641220