PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9991070-B2
Application Number: US-201615249078-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multiple function switch with mechanical feedback

Abstract:
This application relates to a switch that can include multiple settings for controlling multiple functions of a computing device. The switch can include multiple flexible surfaces that each includes a surface contact. When the switch is depressed, at least one of the flexible surfaces can collapse and close a connection of the switch. When the switch is further depressed, multiple flexible surfaces of the switch can collapse and close multiple connections of the switch. As a result, depending on the amount of force by which the switch is depressed, different functions of a computing device can be controlled by the switch.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing device comprising:
 a housing capable of carrying: 
 a logic circuit; and 
 a switch assembly connected to the logic circuit and capable of completing different electrical connections to the logic circuit that activate different functions of the logic circuit, the switch assembly comprising:
 a first switch having a first convex flexible membrane, the first switch having a first activation characteristic corresponding to a first amount of force required to collapse the first convex flexible membrane; and 
 a second switch having a second convex flexible membrane, the second switch having a second activation characteristic corresponding to a second amount of force, different than the first amount of force, required to collapse the second convex flexible membrane, 
 wherein the second convex flexible membrane is arranged in a direction opposite the first convex flexible membrane. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the logic circuit is connected to a keyboard of the computing device, and the switch assembly is connected to a key of the keyboard. 
     
     
       3. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein when an applied force to the switch assembly is in between the first amount of force and the second amount of force, a collapsed first convex flexible membrane completes a first electrical connection to the logic circuit, and wherein when the applied force is larger than the second amount of force, a collapsed second convex flexible membrane completes a second electrical connection to the logic circuit. 
     
     
       4. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first convex flexible membrane and the second convex flexible membrane have different surfaces areas. 
     
     
       5. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the two convex flexible membranes includes a surface contact that is located at an apex of the convex flexible membrane. 
     
     
       6. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the switch assembly is connected to a track pad of the computing device. 
     
     
       7. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the switch assembly is capable of initializing a sleep mode and an off mode of the computing device. 
     
     
       8. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the switch assembly further comprises a third switch arranged in parallel with the first switch and the second switch. 
     
     
       9. A system comprising:
 a logic circuit; and 
 a switch assembly connected to the logic circuit and comprising (i) a first switch plate carrying a first flexible membrane that has a first convex surface and that is collapsible when a force that exceeds a first threshold level is applied to the first switch plate, and (ii) a second switch plate carrying a second flexible membrane that has a second convex surface and that is collapsible when the force exceeds a second threshold level lower than the first threshold level, the first and second flexible membranes being connected together and arranged such that the first and second convex surfaces face opposite directions, 
 wherein the first and second flexible membranes are connected so as to transfer at least some of a force of pressure each other such that, when a force that is between the first and second threshold levels is applied to the first switch plate, the second flexible membrane is capable of being collapsed before the first flexible membrane collapses. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the switch assembly further comprises a third flexible membrane arranged in series with the first and second flexible membranes. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the switch assembly further comprises a third flexible membrane arranged in parallel with the first and second flexible membranes. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first flexible membrane carries a first surface contact and the second flexible membrane carries a second surface contact that is connected with the first surface contact. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first switch plate carries a first terminal contact that serves as a first switch that is capable of completing a first electrical connection of an electrical circuit that connects the logic circuit and the switch assembly and the second switch plate carries a second terminal contact that serves as a second switch that is capable of completing a second electrical connection of the electrical circuit. 
     
     
       14. A switch capable of communicating with a logic circuit, the switch comprising:
 a switch body, a first switch plate and a second switch plate cooperating to define an internal cavity of the switch, the first switch plate being across the internal cavity from the second switch plate; 
 a first flexible membrane connected to and extended from the first switch plate, the first flexible membrane having a first convex surface that defines a first apex, the first flexible membrane configured to create a first conductive pathway to the logic circuit when the first flexible membrane is depressed; and 
 a second flexible membrane connected to and extended from the second switch plate, the second flexible membrane having a second convex surface that defines a second apex the first flexible membrane configured to create a second conductive pathway when the second flexible membrane is depressed, 
 wherein the first convex surface and the second convex surface face opposite directions and the first and second apexes are connected together such that the first and second flexible membranes are capable of transferring at least some of an applied force of pressure to each other. 
 
     
     
       15. The switch of  claim 14 , wherein the first flexible membrane carries a first surface contact is located at the first apex and the second flexible membrane carries a second surface contact is located at the second apex, and the first surface contact is connected to the second surface contact. 
     
     
       16. The switch of  claim 14 , wherein the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane are connected such that a force of pressure applied to one of the first switch plate or the second switch plate is capable of being exerted simultaneously on both the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane. 
     
     
       17. The switch of  claim 14 , further comprising a third flexible membrane that is arranged in parallel with at least one of the first flexible membrane or the second flexible membrane. 
     
     
       18. The switch of  claim 14 , wherein the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane are each collapsible at different forces of pressure. 
     
     
       19. The switch of  claim 14 , wherein the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane are formed from elastic materials configured to consecutively provide at least two feedback forces to a user when the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane are depressed by the user. 
     
     
       20. The switch of  claim 14 , further comprising a third flexible membrane that is arranged in series with both the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/222,170, filed Sep. 22, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to switches. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to switches that can include multiple settings and provide mechanical feedback when different forces of pressure are applied to the switch. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computing devices incorporate a variety of electrical components that can each provide different functions. However, as the size of many computing devices decreases, available space for different components can also decrease, which can limit the functionality of the computing device. As a result, many users of the computing devices may be required to take additional steps to perform relatively simple functions that could otherwise be controlled using a simple button. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to switches that include multiple settings and provide mechanical feedback when different forces of pressure are applied to the switch. In some embodiments, a switch is set forth that includes a switch body that includes at least one terminal contact. The switch can also include at least two flexible surfaces that each include a surface contact that is configured to create a conductive pathway through the at least one terminal contact when the at least two flexible surfaces receive a force of pressure. The at least two flexible surfaces are formed from an elastic material configured to consecutively provide at least two feedback forces to a user when the at least two flexible surfaces are depressed by the user. 
     In other embodiments, a computing device is set forth. The computing device can include a logic circuit, a housing configured to support the logic circuit, and a switch connected to the logic circuit. The switch can include at least two flexible surfaces that are each configured to collapse at different forces of pressure and cause the logic circuit to perform different functions when each of the at least two flexible surfaces is collapsed. The logic circuit can be connected to a keyboard of the computing device, and the switch can be connected to a key of the keyboard. Additionally, the key can cause the logic circuit to perform at least two different functions based on whether a force of pressure against the key is greater than a first threshold force and a second threshold force. 
     In yet other embodiments, a system is set forth. The system can include a logic circuit and a switch connected to the logic circuit. The switch can include at least two flexible surfaces configured to each compress at different forces of pressure and create a closed circuit between a set of contacts when each of the different forces of pressure is received. The switch can cause the logic circuit to perform different functions based on which of the different forces of pressure is received at the switch. Furthermore, the set of contacts can include at least two sets of contacts that are configured to be in series. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate various configurations of the switches discussed herein. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate different settings of the switches discussed herein. 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a stacked series switch in accordance with the switches discussed herein. 
         FIGS. 2F-2H  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a parallel switch in accordance with the switches discussed herein. 
         FIGS. 2I-2K  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a parallel and in series switch in accordance with the switches discussed herein. 
         FIG. 2L  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a parallel and in series switch in accordance with the switches discussed herein. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate various views of the switches discussed herein. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an embodiment of a switch included in a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an embodiment of a switch included in a remote control that can control a computing device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a switch included in different devices of a computer system. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method for performing different functions based on a signal received from the switches discussed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Many computing devices have been designed to be more compact while also increasing functionality of the computing devices. However, when many of the functions rely on physical inputs at switches and buttons, often times many switches and buttons are not incorporated into a device in order to maximize available space within the device. The embodiments set forth herein are provided to consolidate functions into an electrical component and maximize available space within a device. Specifically, in some embodiments, a switch is set forth that includes multiple settings and provides mechanical feedback when different forces of pressure are applied to the switch. The switch can include at least two flexible surfaces that can be compressed individually and in combination in order to control different settings for the switch. For example, a first setting of the switch can be activated when a first force of pressure is applied to the switch and a second setting of the switch can be activated when a second force of pressure, that is greater than the first force of pressure, is applied to the switch. Furthermore, a mechanical and/or electrical feedback response can be provided when the first force of pressure and the second force of pressure are applied to the switch. The mechanical feedback response can result from a buckling or collapsing of one or more of the flexible surfaces incorporated into the switch. In this way, a user that is depressing the switch can determine the setting that has been activated at the switch based on the mechanical feedback provided by the switch in response to activating a setting. 
     In some embodiments, the switch can include multiple contacts that are connected in series or parallel. Additionally, the switch can be connected to a logic circuit for executing different functions of the logic circuit based on which setting of the switch has been activated. For example, the logic circuit and switch can be connected to a computing device in order to execute different modes of the computing device. In this way, when a first setting of the switch is activated, the logic circuit can cause the computing device to enter a sleep mode, and when a second setting of the switch is activated, the logic circuit can cause the computing device to turn off. In other embodiments, the logic circuit and switch can be connected to a key of a keyboard for a computing device. Because the switch has multiple settings, different signals from the keyboard can be provided based on which setting of the switch is activated. For example, when a first setting of the switch is activated, the key can be associated with the switch can provide a first signal, and when a second setting of the switch is activated, the key associated with the switch can provide a second signal. The first signal can be associated with a lowercase letter, and the second signal can be associated with an uppercase letter. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first signal can be associated with a regular function of the key, and the second signal can be associated with a hidden function of the key. Similarly, the switch and logic circuit can be incorporated into a remote control for a television or other computing device. In this way, the switch can activate a first function of the remote control (e.g., channel change) when the switch is in the first setting, and the switch can activate a second function of the remote control (e.g., a volume change) when the switch is in the second setting. It should be noted that the switch can incorporate any number of flexible surfaces and sets of contacts in order to provide any number of settings for the switch. Furthermore, some of the contacts of the switch can be arranged in series and some of the contacts of the switch can be arranged in parallel. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-6 ; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a computing device  108  that can include a switch  110  that is arranged to have multiple different settings to control different functions of the computing device  108 . The computing device  108  can be any computing device not limited to a cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, television, desktop computer, media player, remote control, watch, or any other device suitable for incorporating a switch.  FIG. 1B  illustrates a diagram  102  of a portion of the switch  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the switch  110  can include a first switch plate  112  connected to a first terminal contact  114 , and a first flexible surface  118  that is connected to the first switch plate  112  and a first surface contact  116 . The switch  110  can also include a second switch plate  124  connected to a second terminal contact  126 , and a second flexible surface  122  connected to a second surface contact  120 . The switch  110  can operate such that the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch each other when at least a first amount of pressure is applied to the first switch plate  112 . When the first amount of pressure is applied to the first switch plate  112 , the first flexible surface  118  can collapse and provide some amount of mechanical energy back to the first switch plate  112 . As a result, a user depressing the switch  110  will be able to feel when a setting of the switch  110  has been activated. Furthermore, when at least a second amount of pressure is applied to the switch  110  and causes the second surface contact  120  to contact the second terminal contact  126 , another setting of the switch  110  can be activated. Furthermore, when the second amount of pressure is applied to the switch  110 , the second flexible surface  122  can collapse and provide some amount of mechanical energy to the first switch plate  112 . As a result, a user depressing the switch  110  will be able to feel when the other setting of the switch is activated. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a circuit diagram  104  of a switch circuit  129  of the switch  110 , which is connected to a logic circuit  130 . Specifically,  FIG. 1C  illustrates how the switch  110  can be arranged and connected to the logic circuit  130 . The switch  110  can be connected to the logic circuit  130  in a series arrangement such that different functions of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled using the switch circuit  129 . For example, a first function of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled by a first switch  133  and optionally a first component  137  connected to the first switch. A second function of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled by a second switch  135  and optionally a second component  139  connected to the second switch  135 . The first switch  133  and the second switch  135  can each correspond to different sets of contacts of the switch  110 . The first component  137  and/or the second component  139  can each be one or more electrical components including but not limited to a resistor, capacitor, inductor, switch, sensor, and/or any other component suitable for including in an electrical switch. It should be noted the more than two switches can be incorporated into the switch  110  in order to control more functions of the computing device  100  based on a force applied to the switch  110 . 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a circuit diagram  104  of a switch circuit  141  of the switch  110 , which is connected to a logic circuit  130 . Specifically,  FIG. 1D  illustrates how the switch  110  can be arranged and connected to the logic circuit  130 . The switch  110  can be connected to the logic circuit  130  in a parallel arrangement such that different functions of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled using the switch circuit  141 . For example, a first function of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled by the first switch  133  and optionally the first component  137  connected to the first switch. A second function of the logic circuit  130  can be controlled by the second switch  135  and optionally the second component  139  connected to the second switch  135 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a diagram  200  of the switch  110  in a rest position. When in the rest position, the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  can be separated, and the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  can be separated. The separation of each set of contacts can be in part due to an amount of potential energy associated with each of the first flexible surface  118  and the second flexible surface  122 . In this way, a weight of each of the first switch plate  112  or the second switch plate  124  can be arranged to not overcome the potential energy of either of first flexible surface  118  and the second flexible surface  122  without some external force.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a diagram  202  of the switch  110  being acted on by a first force  206 . The switch  110  can be arranged such that the first force  206  can be enough to overcome the potential energy associated with the first flexible surface  118  but not the potential energy associated with the second flexible surface  122 . In other words, the first force  206  for collapsing the first flexible surface  118  can be less than a second force  208  for collapsing the second flexible surface  122 , as illustrated in the diagram  204  of  FIG. 2C . Specifically,  FIG. 2C  illustrates how a second force  208 , that is greater than the first force  206 , can collapse both the first flexible surface  118  and the second flexible surface  122  such that the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, and the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch. 
     By arranging the flexible surfaces in series, the first flexible surface  118  and the second flexible surface  122  can collapse in different orders based on the relative stiffness of the flexible surfaces. For example, the first flexible surface  118  can collapse when the force applied exceeds a first threshold level F1, while the second flexible surface  122  can collapse when the force applied exceeds a second threshold level F2. Depending on the relative value of the first and second threshold levels, the switch  110  can activate the first terminal contact  114  and/or the second terminal contact  126  in different orders, as illustrated in Table 1 below. 
     Table 1 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 First Flexible 
                 Second Flexible 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Surface 
                 Surface 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Threshold 
                 Threshold 
                 Force 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Level 
                 Level 
                 Applied, F 
                 Activation Result 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 F1 
                 F2 &gt; F1 
                 F &lt; F1 
                 No Activation 
               
               
                 2 
                 F1 
                 F2 &gt; F1 
                 F1 ≤ F &lt; F2 
                 First terminal  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 contact only 
               
               
                 3 
                 F1 
                 F2 &gt; F1 
                 F ≥ F2 
                 Both first and second 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 terminal contacts 
               
               
                 4 
                 F1 
                 F2 &lt; F1 
                 F &lt; F2 
                 No Activation 
               
               
                 5 
                 F1 
                 F2 &lt; F1 
                 F2 ≤ F &lt; F1 
                 Second terminal  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 contact only 
               
               
                 6 
                 F1 
                 F2 &lt; F1 
                 F ≥ F1 
                 Both first and second 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 terminal contacts 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 2D  illustrates a plot  210  of a feedback force that can be received by a user as the switch  110  is depressed over a certain distance. The axes of the plot  210  are “feedback force” and “distance,” where feedback force is associated with an amount of mechanical resistance exhibited by the switch  110  as the switch is depressed. The “distance” axis is associated with an amount by which the switch  110  is depressed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C . A first peak  212  illustrates a point at which the first flexible surface  118  of the switch  110  collapses and a second peak  214  illustrates a point at which the second flexible surface  122  collapses. In this way, a user can feel a certain amount of physical feedback from the switch  110  when each set of contacts of the switch  110  come into contact with each other. 
       FIG. 2E  illustrates a diagram  216  of an alternative embodiment where a third flexible surface  128  and third terminal contact  132  are arranged in a stack, or “in series,” with the first flexible surface  118  and second flexible surface  122 . In this configuration, the collapsing of the first flexible surface  118  and the second surface  122  can occur in the manner described above. The first force  206  and second force  208  can be enough to overcome the respective potential energy associated with first flexible surface  118  and second flexible surface  122 , but not the potential energy associated with the third flexible surface  128 . A third force (not shown), that is greater than the first force  206  and the second force  208 , can collapse each, the first flexible surface  118 , the second flexible surface  122 , and third flexible surface  128  such that (i) the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, (ii) the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch, and (iii) a third terminal contact  132  and third surface contact  134  touch. Other embodiments are also possible with more than three flexible surfaces stacked in series in a similar manner as described herein. 
       FIG. 2F  illustrates a diagram  218  of an alternative embodiment where the terminal contacts and flexible surfaces are arranged in parallel. When in the rest position, as shown in  FIG. 2F , the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  can be separated, and the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  can be separated.  FIG. 2G  illustrates a diagram  220  of the switch  110  being acted on by a first force  206 . The switch  110  can be arranged such that the first force  206  can be enough to overcome the potential energy associated with the first flexible surface  118  but not the potential energy associated with the second flexible surface  122 . In other words, the first force  206  for collapsing the first flexible surface  118  can be less than a second force  208  for collapsing the second flexible surface  122 , as illustrated in the diagram  204  of  FIG. 2H . In this way, the first switch plate  112  cantilevers, allowing the first surface contact  116  to touch the first terminal contact  114  and providing the first a feedback force.  FIG. 2H , illustrates a diagram  224  of how a second force  208 , that is greater than the first force  206 , can collapse both the first flexible surface  118  and the second flexible surface  122  such that the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, and the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch. 
       FIG. 2I  illustrates a diagram  226  of an alternative embodiment where the terminal contacts and flexible surfaces are arranged in parallel and in series.  FIG. 2I  illustrates the switch at rest. In this configuration, the collapsing of the first flexible surface  118  and the second surface  122  can occur in any manner as described above in  FIGS. 2A-2H . As illustrated in  FIG. 2J  showing diagram  228 , the first force  206  can be enough to overcome the respective potential energy associated with first flexible surface  118 , but not the potential energy associated with the and second flexible surface  122  and third flexible surface  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2K  showing diagram  230 , the second force  208  can be enough to overcome the respective potential energy associated with first flexible surface  118  and second flexible surface  122 , but not the potential energy associated with the third flexible surface  128 . In a final fully compressed position, (not shown, a third force, that is greater than the first force  206  and the second force  208 , can collapse each, the first flexible surface  118 , the second flexible surface  122 , and third flexible surface  128  such that (i) the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, (ii) the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch, and (iii) a third terminal contact  132  and third surface contact  134  touch. Other arrangements and embodiments are also possible with various flexible surfaces stacked in series and/or in parallel in similar manners as described herein, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2L . 
       FIG. 2L  illustrates a diagram  232  of an alternative embodiment where the terminal contacts and flexible surfaces are arranged in parallel and in series. Here a fourth flexible surface  136 , aligned with a fourth terminal contact  138  and fourth contact surface  140 , is in series with flexible surface third flexible surface  128 , the combination of which is in series with the combination of first flexible surface  118  and second flexible surface  122 . Like the previous examples each flexible surface can be tuned so that each compresses under different forces allowing for multiple feedback forces and multiple signals generated by the touching of the contact surface with the respective terminals. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-sectional view  300  of a switch according to some embodiments. The switch can include a switch body  312  that encloses and supports a first flexible surface  308  that is connected to a first surface contact  306 , and a second flexible surface  318  that is connected to a second surface contact  314 . When a top  310  of the switch is depressed or receives some force of pressure, the first flexible surface  308  will collapse and cause the first surface contact  306  and the first terminal contact  304  to touch. As the force of pressure increases, the second flexible surface  318  can collapse and cause the second surface contact  314  and the second terminal contact  316  to touch. The first flexible surface  308  and the second flexible surface  318  can be made from the same or different materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, elastic, and/or any material suitable for creating a flexible surface. The flexible surfaces can include conductive material that allows one or more closed circuits to be created when each surface contact touches a terminal contact.  FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view  302  of a portion of the switch according to some embodiments. The switch can include a first button assembly  324 , which can include a surface contact disposed at least partially within a first flexible surface of the first button assembly  324 . The switch can also include a second button assembly  326 , which can include a surface contact disposed at least partially within a second flexible surface of the second button assembly  326 . Each of the first button assembly  324  and the second button assembly  326  can be included in a switch body  328 , which can enclose and support both the first button assembly  324  and the second button assembly  326 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view  400  of a laptop  404  that can include the switch  110  discussed herein. Because the switch  110  can be operate in more than one configuration or setting, the switch  110  can control multiple functions of the laptop with a single key. For example, in some embodiments, the switch  110  can be connected to a letter key and cause a lowercase letter input to be entered at the laptop  404  when the first terminal contact  114  touches the first surface contact  116 . Additionally, when the second terminal contact  126  touches the second surface contact  120 , the switch  110  can cause an uppercase letter input to be entered at the laptop  404 . In this way, keys that would normally be used to create an uppercase letter, such as a “shift key” or a “function key,” can be eliminated from the keyboard of the laptop  404  or an external keyboard, thereby creating more space on the keyboard. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view  402  of a remote control  406  that can include the switch  110  discussed herein. The remote control  406  can include a button  408 , which can be connected to the switch  110 . In this way, the button  408  is able to perform multiple functions. For example, in some embodiments, the switch  110  can be connected to a logic circuit for controlling a channel position and volume level for a device that the remote control  406  is controlling. In this way, when the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, a channel position can be adjusted, and when the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch, a volume level can be adjusted. As a result, less buttons can be included on the remote control  406 , allowing the remote control  406  to be more compact and portable. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view  500  of a computing system that includes a computing device  502 , a keyboard  506 , and a mouse or track pad  508  that can each include the switch  110 . For example, the computing device  502  can include a power button  504  that is connected to the switch  110 . The switch  110  can therefore control multiple functions of the computing device  502  via the power button  504 . For example, when the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch as a result of pressing the power button  504 , a sleep mode can be initiated at the computing device  502 , and when the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch, the computing device  502  can be powered off or powered on. The keyboard  506  can also include the switch  110 , as discussed with respect to  FIG. 4A . The mouse or track pad  508  can include the switch  110  in order to control different functions of the computing device  502 . For example, when the first terminal contact  114  and the first surface contact  116  touch, a function associated with a single click can be executed at the computing device  502 , and when the second terminal contact  126  and the second surface contact  120  touch, a function associated with a double click can be executed at the computing device  502 . The function associated with each different click and switch  110  setting can be user configurable. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method  600  for executing functions of a computing device using the switch  110 . The method  600  can be performed by any device, apparatus, or computing device suitable for being controlled by a switch. The method  600  can include a step  602  of receiving a first signal from a switch, the first signal being indicative of at least a first amount of force depressing the switch. The method  600  can further include a step  604  of causing a first function to execute in response to receiving the first signal. The first function can be any function of a computing device that can be controlled by a switch. Additionally, the method  600  can include a step  606  of receiving a second signal from the switch indicative of at least a second amount of force depressing the switch. The second amount of force can be greater than or equal to the first amount of force. Furthermore, the method  600  can include a step  608  of causing a second function to execute in response to receiving the second signal. The second function can be different than the first function and can also be any function of a computing device that can be controlled by a switch. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     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 specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20160826
Publication Date: 20180605
Grant Date: 20180605
Priority Date: 20150922
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
LAUTERBACH, ERIN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2225/018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/503", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2225/018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/503", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58282584