PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10942571-B2
Application Number: US-201916262754-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Laptop computing device with discrete haptic regions

Abstract:
Embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device that provides discrete haptic output in separate regions of a device housing. These regions may both accept input and provide haptic output. Typically, a haptic output provided in a first region is imperceptible to a user touching an abutting region.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A laptop computing device, comprising:
 an upper portion; and 
 a lower portion hingably connected to the upper portion, the lower portion comprising a member defining, along a top surface of the member:
 a keyboard region configured to accept a first input; 
 a trackpad region configured to accept a second input and defining:
 a first discrete haptic region; 
 a second discrete haptic region abutting the first discrete haptic region; and 
 a third discrete haptic region abutting the second discrete haptic region; 
 
 a first haptic actuator coupled to the member and configured to produce a first haptic output in the first discrete haptic region; 
 a second haptic actuator coupled to the member and configured to produce a second haptic output in the second discrete haptic region; and 
 a third haptic actuator coupled to the member and configured to produce a third haptic output in the third discrete haptic region; wherein: 
 
 the first haptic output is imperceptible in the second discrete haptic region and in the third discrete haptic region to a user; 
 the second haptic output is imperceptible in the first discrete haptic region and the third discrete haptic region to the user; and 
 the third haptic output is imperceptible in the first discrete haptic region and the second discrete haptic region to the user. 
 
     
     
       2. The laptop computing device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the trackpad region is touch-sensitive; 
 the second input is a touch on the first discrete haptic region; 
 the lower portion comprises an outer surface; 
 the outer surface defines the trackpad region, the first discrete haptic region, the second discrete haptic region, and the third discrete haptic region; 
 the first haptic output deforms the outer surface in the first discrete haptic region by at least 10 microns; and 
 
       the first haptic output deforms the outer surface in the second discrete haptic region less than 10 microns. 
     
     
       3. The laptop computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the trackpad region is visually indistinguishable from a rest of the toe surface of the member. 
     
     
       4. The laptop computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first haptic actuator and the second haptic actuator are linear reluctance actuators. 
     
     
       5. The laptop computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first haptic output is imperceptible in the second discrete haptic region in an absence of the second haptic output. 
     
     
       6. The laptop computing device of  claim 5 , wherein the second haptic output destructively interferes with the first haptic output. 
     
     
       7. A method for providing haptic output through a housing of a laptop computing device, comprising:
 receiving an input in a trackpad area; 
 determining that a haptic output is to be provided; and 
 generating the haptic output in the trackpad area through operation of a haptic actuator; wherein:
 the trackpad area includes a first haptic output region, a second haptic output region, and a third haptic output region; 
 the first haptic output region and the second haptic output region abut one another; 
 the second haptic output region and the third haptic output region abut one another; and 
 the haptic output is provided in the first haptic output region but not the second haptic output region or the third haptic output region. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the haptic output causes a deformation of the first haptic output region but not the second haptic output region or the third haptic output region. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the first haptic output region is a palm rest area; and 
 the second haptic output region receives the input. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first haptic output region receives the input. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the haptic output occurs while the input is received. 
     
     
       12. A laptop computing device, comprising:
 an upper portion; 
 a display housed in the upper portion; 
 a lower portion hingably coupled to the upper portion and comprising:
 a top case defining an outer surface; 
 a bottom case coupled to the top case; 
 a keyboard on or extending through the top case; and 
 a trackpad region defined along the outer surface of the top case and defining:
 a first haptic region; 
 a second haptic region abutting the first haptic region; 
 a third haptic region abutting the second haptic region; 
 a first haptic actuator coupled to the top case within the first haptic region and configured to provide a first haptic output in only the first haptic region; 
 a second haptic actuator coupled to the top case within the second haptic region and configured to provide a second haptic output in only the second haptic region; and 
 a third haptic actuator coupled to the top case within the third haptic region and configured to provide a third haptic output in only the third haptic region; and 
 
 
 the first haptic region, the second haptic region, and the third haptic region are defined by a continuous portion of the outer surface. 
 
     
     
       13. The laptop computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the first haptic region, the second haptic region, and the third haptic region are visually indistinguishable from one another. 
     
     
       14. The laptop computing device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first haptic region is tactilely indistinguishable from a portion of the outer surface that is outside the trackpad region in an absence of the first haptic output; 
 the second haptic region is tactilely indistinguishable from the portion of the outer surface that is outside the trackpad region in an absence of the second haptic output; and 
 the third haptic region is tactilely indistinguishable from the portion of the outer surface that is outside the trackpad region in an absence of the third haptic output. 
 
     
     
       15. The laptop computing device of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a first stiffener at a boundary between the first haptic region and the second haptic region; and 
 a second stiffener at a boundary between the second haptic region and the third haptic region; wherein: 
 the first stiffener damps the first haptic output, thereby preventing perception of the first haptic output in the second haptic region; 
 the first stiffener and the second stiffener damp the second haptic output, thereby preventing perception of the second haptic output in the first haptic region and the third haptic region; and 
 the second stiffener damps the third haptic output, thereby preventing perception of the third haptic output in the second haptic region. 
 
     
     
       16. The laptop computing device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a first battery adjacent the first haptic region; 
 a second battery adjacent the second haptic region; and 
 a third battery adjacent the third haptic region; wherein: 
 the first battery and the second battery are separated by the first stiffener; and 
 the second battery and the third battery are separated by the second stiffener. 
 
     
     
       17. The laptop computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the first haptic region, the second haptic region, and the third haptic region are touch-sensitive. 
     
     
       18. The laptop computing device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first haptic region is touch-sensitive; and 
 the second haptic output is provided in response to an input in the first haptic region. 
 
     
     
       19. The laptop computing device of  claim 12 , further comprising a fourth haptic region on the upper portion. 
     
     
       20. The laptop computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fourth discrete haptic region on the top surface of the member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/692,447, filed Jun. 29, 2018 and titled “Laptop Computing Device with Discrete Haptic Regions,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices, and, more particularly, to providing multiple haptic outputs in discrete regions of an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in portable computing have included providing users with a haptic feedback to indicate that a touch or a force has been received by the portable computing device. Examples of haptic feedback include a vibrating cover on a mobile phone, or a vibration or “click” output from a trackpad on a laptop computing device. 
     As electronic devices become more compact and sophisticated, the surface area available to provide input and output shrinks. Likewise, the ability of a user to distinguish between haptic outputs on compact devices is diminished, especially when haptic outputs are provided to an entirety of the device&#39;s housing, cover, or the like. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device that provides discrete haptic output in separate regions of a device housing. These regions may both accept input and provide haptic output. Typically, a haptic output provided in a first region (e.g., a “discrete haptic region”) is imperceptible to a user touching an abutting region. 
     One embodiment described herein takes the form of a laptop computing device, comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion hingably connected to the upper portion; a first input device extending through or positioned on the lower portion and configured to accept a first input; a second input device formed on the lower portion, configured to accept a second input and comprising: a first discrete haptic region; and a second discrete haptic region abutting the first discrete haptic region; a first haptic actuator coupled to, and configured to produce a first haptic output in, the first discrete haptic region; and a second haptic actuator coupled to, and configured to produce a second haptic output in, the second discrete haptic region; wherein the first haptic output is imperceptible in the second haptic region to a user; and the second haptic output is imperceptible in the first haptic region to the user. 
     Another embodiment described herein takes the form of a laptop computing device, comprising: an upper portion; a display housed in the upper portion; a lower portion hingably coupled to the upper portion and comprising: a top case defining an outer surface; and a bottom case coupled to the top case; a keyboard on or extending through the top case; an input area defined on the top case and comprising: a first haptic region; and a second haptic region abutting the first haptic region; a first haptic actuator coupled to the top case within the first haptic region and configured to provide a first haptic output in only the first haptic region; a second haptic actuator coupled to the top case within the second haptic region and configured to provide a second haptic output in only the second region; wherein the first haptic region and second haptic region are continuous with a rest of the outer surface. 
     Still another embodiment described herein takes the form of a method for providing haptic output through a housing of a laptop, comprising: receiving an input in a haptic input/output area; determining that a haptic output is to be provided; and generating the haptic output in the haptic input/output area through operation of a haptic actuator; wherein: the haptic input/output area includes a first haptic output region and a second haptic output region; the first and second haptic output regions abut one another; and the output is provided in the first haptic output region but not the second haptic output region. 
    
    
     
       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 elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a system diagram illustrating certain components of a sample embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a laptop computing device including a haptic input surface and haptic actuators. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a user interacting with a haptic input surface of the laptop computing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a user receiving a haptic output in a palm rest area of the laptop computing device of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a first sample layout of haptic actuators in an input area of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a second sample layout of haptic actuators in an input area of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a third sample layout of haptic actuators in an input area of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates a fourth sample layout of haptic actuators in an input area of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-section view illustrating a haptic actuator at rest. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-section view illustrating the haptic actuator of  FIG. 6A  forming a protrusion on a top case of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 6C  is a cross-section view illustrating the haptic actuator of  FIG. 6A  forming a recess on a top case of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating a sample haptic actuator connected to a top case of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of another sample haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of yet another sample haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of still another sample haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of a further sample haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an interior of a top case of a laptop computing device. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a sample laptop computing device having multiple discrete haptic regions formed on the upper portion and lower portion. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a sample electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent or abutting elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred implementation. To the contrary, the described embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and as defined by the appended claims. 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to electronic devices with one or more input areas that also function to provide spatially localized haptics. “Spatially localized” haptics (or haptic output) generally refers to any haptic signal, e.g., haptic output, that is tactilely perceptible to a person touching a particular active region of the electronic device, but imperceptible outside that region. The surface area over which a single haptic output is perceptible is herein referred to as a “discrete haptic region.” There may be any number of discrete haptic regions in an input area of a laptop computing device. The discrete haptic regions may be separated from each other, or they may overlap. Either way, they remain discrete haptic regions each associated with an individual haptic actuator. An “input area” is a structure or surface configured to accept a user input. 
     For example, an input area may encompass part of an electronic device&#39;s housing and be large enough that a user may touch multiple portions of the input area simultaneously. Each touch in the input area may be registered as an input or may be considered by the electronic device as a potential input. Further, the electronic device may provide spatially localized haptic output in each discrete portion of the input area, such that each haptic output is perceived only within its discrete region and not in other portions, areas, or sections of the input region. 
     In many embodiments, an input area is configured to be manipulated by, or contacted by, a user&#39;s finger exerting a touch or force. For example, a user may provide input to the input area through one or more fingers of both hands. The user&#39;s fingers may touch or slide across the input area. As one option, spatially localized haptic output may be provided in the input area in such a way that one finger touching the input area perceives the haptic output, but another finger at another location on the input area does not. As such, the haptic output is limited to specific discrete haptic regions of the input area. 
     While an outer surface of the input area of the top case can be a smooth unbroken surface, the inner surface of the top case, opposite the smooth outer surface, may have one or more haptic actuators coupled to it. The haptic actuators define discrete regions in the input area. As used herein, the term “discrete region” refers to a region of the outer surface of the top case, or other surfaces of the laptop computer, where the haptic output is perceptible by a user. Outside of a given discrete region, the haptic output of the given haptic actuator is imperceptible. “Imperceptible,” as used herein, generally means that a haptic output is below the threshold of a typical human tactile perception. Generally, the typical threshold of human perception is approximately 0.2 mm for static features, and on the order of five to 10 microns for displacement of a surface, such as vibration, change in direction along a Z-axis, and so on. It should be appreciated that these values are approximate and may be dependent on certain physical qualities of the input area, such as friction between the input area and the user&#39;s skin, a rate at which a vibration or change in dimension occurs (e.g., a wavelength of the haptic output), a material from which the input area is made, and so on. 
     The presence of multiple haptic actuators can define multiple discrete regions in the surface of the top case, or other laptop computer surfaces, through which a haptic output is provided. For example, three haptic actuators may be coupled to the inner surface of the top case in each of the side areas (left and right) and center area. In this example, three discrete regions (e.g., discrete haptic output sections) would be defined on the input area. Thus, it would be possible to provide localized haptic output to the smooth top case surface of the input area in any or all of the three discrete regions. 
     In some embodiments, the haptic actuators deform a local area of the input area (e.g., input area) along the Z-axis, which is out of the plane of the input area, rather than in the X-axis or Y-axis (e.g., motion in the plane of the input area). In this case, the haptic actuators move a localized part of the input area optionally in response to an input force. For example, if a user is pushing down on the input area with a finger, the haptic actuators in the specific region “push back” directly at the finger (e.g., along the Z-axis) instead of moving laterally (or in “shear”) with respect to the finger (e.g., along the X- or Y-axes). 
     When the haptic output is directed along the Z-axis, it can provide a crisp, easily-sensed feedback to the user and may be more power efficient than haptic output that vibrates or otherwise shakes a large surface (e.g., moves the surface in shear). A haptic output along the Z-axis generally only locally deforms the input area, while a haptic output in shear generally moves the entire surface or a substantial portion thereof. 
     Haptic actuators may be coupled to many locations within the input area. The haptic actuators can be connected in such a way as to provide specific, spatially localized haptic output to a discrete region of the input area ranging in size between the area of a fingertip to the area of a palm, or larger. 
     Generally, haptic output is feedback from the electronic device provided through locations where a user is providing input (e.g., where a user&#39;s fingers touch). For example, the haptic output can provide feedback in direct response to an input on a surface that is not actually deflected, such as touching the cover glass of a mobile phone. In this example, the haptic output allows the user to perceive feedback from the device that an input was received. In some embodiments, a haptic output is provided to a surface that is moved, or deflected by a user force, such as a key on a keyboard. Haptic output may provide feedback to the user that a force was registered on the keyboard. 
     As another option, a haptic output may be provided to a region of the device that is not registering an input. Thus, it is possible to provide a signal, alert, and/or notification to the user through a body part other than the one providing the input. For example, a haptic output may be provided to a palm rest below the keyboard on a laptop computer while the user employs his or her fingers to interact with a keyboard or touch-sensitive input area. 
     In embodiments, the local haptic actuators can enhance a user&#39;s experience by providing spatially localized haptic outputs to signal alerts and/or notifications to the user. For example, spatially localized haptic output may function as notifications or alerts, thereby conveying information related to any or all of a system status, system operation, software cues, and so on. In this case, rather than the spatially localized haptic output providing direct feedback for a user&#39;s action, it signals a system or application status to the user. For example, a haptic output could provide a tactile effect to one or more fingers, or a palm of the user positioned on the palm rest area of the input area when the electronic device enters a low power state. 
     In some embodiments, spatially localized haptic outputs can be provided to one or more locations on the input area simultaneously. Whether the haptic outputs are in direct response to a user&#39;s inputs or they are provided as an alert not directly related to a user input, they can be controlled to provide any number of identifiable combinations. For example, in some embodiments, an alert may be signaled by spatially localized haptic outputs to two different discrete haptic regions the input area. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a different alert may be signaled, for example, with haptic outputs provided simultaneously at different discrete haptic regions. It should be appreciated that multiple haptic outputs may be provided simultaneously to alert a user to multiple notifications, statuses, or the like, as well. 
     In some embodiments, the input area may include touch sensors, force sensors, or both to receive input from a user. Touch and/or force sensors may be coupled to the inner surface of the top case so that user input can be received. 
     In some embodiments, the input area may be capable of receiving user input, whether touch input, force input, or both, simultaneously with providing haptic output. In embodiments, the haptic output may be localized to the multiple discrete regions defined by the haptic actuators, while the touch and/or force input would not necessarily be localized. To put it another way, the input area may receive user touch and/or force input anywhere on the input area, from one or more sources, as well as provide haptic output to one or more discrete regions, depending on how many haptic actuators are present. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . 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. 1  is a system diagram illustrating certain components of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with embodiments described herein. The electronic device  100  may include a display  110 , first input device  116 , second input device  120 , and processing unit  130 . The processing unit  130  may control operation of the other components, as described in greater detail below. Further, some embodiments may employ multiple processing units  130  rather than a single unit. The first and second input device  116 ,  120  may each have a dedicated processing unit as may the display  110 , for example. In some embodiments a processing unit  130  may oversee or coordinate operation of dedicated processing units for the other components. 
     Generally, the display  110  is configured to depict graphical output. The display  110  may be implemented by any suitable technology, including OLED, LCD, LED, CCFL, and other technologies. It should be appreciated that the display is optional and may be omitted from some embodiments. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include first and second input devices  116 ,  120 . The first input device  116  may accept an input from a user and generate an input signal in response. The input signal may be transmitted to the processing unit  130  which may process the input and adjust a function, output, operation, or other feature of the electronic device  100  accordingly. As one non-limiting example, the first input device  116  may be a keyboard; when a user presses a key of the keyboard, the processing unit  130  may instruct the display  110  to show a character corresponding to the depressed key. It should be appreciated that this is merely an example and the first input device  116  may be any suitable input device, including a trackpad, mouse, touch- or force-sensitive structure, microphone, optical sensor, and so on. 
     The second input device  120  may likewise accept a user input and generate an input signal in response thereto. The second input device  120 , however, may define multiple haptic regions  122 A,  122 B,  122 C,  122 D, and so on, on its surface. These haptic regions may accept user input but also may provide tactile output to the user. The tactile or haptic output may be generated in response to the user input, in response to a condition of the electronic device (such as a power level, sleep or wake mode, or the like), in response to software, firmware, or the like executing on (or executed by) the electronic device, an environmental condition of the electronic device  100 , and so on. 
     In some embodiments, the second input device  120  may be touch sensitive and/or force sensitive, e.g., able to detect a touch and/or force exerted thereon as an input. One or more touch and/or force sensors may be used to detect such input. Sample sensors include capacitive, optical, resistive, reluctance, and inertial sensors, among any other suitable to detecting touch and/or force. It should be appreciated that multiple inputs may be provided to the second input device  120  simultaneously, and these multiple inputs may be in the same haptic region  122  or in different haptic regions. 
     Further, in embodiments capable of detecting a force input, it should be appreciated that the embodiment may be capable of detecting non-binary force. That is, the embodiment may be capable of detecting and differentiating between forces within a range, rather than simply determining that a force exceeds a threshold or the like. 
     Additionally, multiple haptic outputs may be provided in multiple haptic regions  122  simultaneously. This may permit an embodiment to provide multiple haptic outputs in response to multiple inputs and/or system statuses, in response to a single input and/or system status, and so on. 
     All of the aforementioned elements may be contained within a housing  124  of the electronic device, as discussed in more detail with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a laptop computing device  100  that may include an upper portion  112  and a lower portion  102  hingably coupled to each other and collectively forming a housing. A display  110  can be disposed in the upper portion  112  of the housing. The lower portion  102  of the housing can include a top case  104 , including an outer surface  114 , configured to accept input, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface  114 , and a bottom case  106  attached to the top case  104 . The lower portion  102  can also include a keyboard  116  that protrudes through, or is positioned on, the top case  104 . The outer surface  114  of the top case  104  further defines an input area  120  adjacent to or abutting the keyboard  116 . As used herein, the term “abutting” means that two elements share a common boundary or otherwise contact one another, while the term “adjacent” means that two elements are near one another and may (or may not) contact one another. Two elements that are “coupled to” one another may be permanently or removably physically coupled to one another and/or operationally or functionally coupled to one another. 
     The upper portion  112 , top case,  104 , and bottom case  106  may be formed from any suitable material, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, a keyboard region and an input area of the laptop computing device  100  present a smooth, unbroken appearance to the user and define a large area in which input can be provided and haptic output received. Thus, in some embodiments, the keyboard region and input area defined on the top case of the laptop computer are unitary, rather than being a collection of separate elements (such as a keyboard, trackpad, or button) set into, or protruding through the top case. In some embodiments, the keyboard region has keys coupled to the unbroken top case, such that signals generated in the keys are transmitted through the top case and received by sensors on an inner surface of the top case. In some embodiments, the keyboard region is sunken below the surface of the top case and has contours on the surface of the keyboard region corresponding to the keys of a keyboard. In these embodiments, the input area is smooth and unbroken. 
     In some embodiments, the keyboard corresponds to an area cut out of the top case having a keyboard disposed within it, and the keys extend above the surface of the top case. A width of the keyboard and/or the keyboard region can extend substantially from side to side of the top case or can be less than the full width of the top case. Furthermore, the input area may be defined by the region of the top case that includes a width that is substantially the width of the top case, and a length that is from the lower edge of the keyboard and/or keyboard region to the edge of the top case that is parallel to the long edge of the keyboard opposite the upper portion. 
     In some embodiments, an input area  120  of the top case can define multiple discrete regions. The input area  120  may be a portion of the top case  104  rather than a device, structure, or the like accessible through or coupled to the top case. Put another way, the outer surface  114  of the top case  104  may define the input area  120  and its discrete haptic regions  122 . In the present embodiment the discrete haptic regions  122  are generally continuous with the rest of the outer surface  114  of the top case  104 ; no boundaries, markings, or the like visually or physically separate the discrete haptic regions  122  from one another or the rest of the outer surface. Some embodiments may incorporate boundaries or other markings to visually or tactilely establish edges of an input area  120 , haptic input/output region, and/or discrete haptic region(s)  122 . 
     Even though three discrete regions  122  are shown in  FIG. 2 , the actual number of discrete regions can vary as required by the design. In some embodiments, a laptop computer may have between 1 and 10, or even more, discrete regions comprising the input area. Typically, each discrete haptic region  122  abuts at least one other discrete haptic region (e.g., they share a common boundary). 
     Haptic actuators  118  are shown in phantom in discrete regions  122 , insofar as the actuators would not be visible in the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . The haptic actuators  118  can provide local haptic output, as described above, and are coupled to the inner surface of the top case  104 . In embodiments where portions of the top case  104  are touch- or force-sensitive, such as the haptic input/output area  121  discussed below, the haptic actuators  118  may be coupled to a touch and/or force sensor. In such embodiments, the touch and/or force sensor(s) may be considered part of the top case. 
     Generally, the second input device  120  may be positioned adjacent to the keyboard  116  (e.g., first input device) and/or may be separated from the keyboard by a portion of the top case  104 . The second input device  120  may be defined on the top case  104  and may be a touch- and/or force-sensitive portion of the top case  104 . As mentioned above, the second input device  120  and its discrete haptic regions  122  may be continuous with the rest of the outer surface of the top case  104  and may be visually indistinguishable from the rest of the outer surface. The discrete haptic regions  122  may be tactilely indistinguishable from the rest of the outer surface  114  when no haptic output is provided, as well. 
     The second input device  120  (e.g., input area) may be similar to the first input device  116  in that it may accept an input from a user and, in response, transmit a signal to the processing unit  130 . Further and as with the first input device  116 , the second input device  120  may be any of the input devices discussed herein, such as (but not limited to) a keyboard, button, switch, touch-sensitive structure, force-sensitive structure, trackpad, mouse, and so on. The second input device  120  also includes or otherwise defines a haptic input/output (I/O) area  121 . The haptic I/O area  121  may be an entire surface of the second input device  120  or a portion thereof. The amount of any surface of the second input device  120  that defines the haptic I/O area  121  may be different between embodiments. 
     Generally, the haptic I/O area  121  may both accept input and may provide tactile (e.g., haptic) output. Further, the input may be provided at any portion of the haptic I/O area  121  and the haptic output may be felt in any portion of the haptic I/O area. Put another way, an entirety of the haptic I/O area may both accept input and provide tactile output. Thus, a user may touch or exert force at a point on the haptic I/O area  121  and receive haptic output at that same point. 
     Further, the input area  120  generally has multiple haptic regions  122 , such as first through fourth haptic regions  122 A,  122 B,  122 C,  122 D. Typically, although not necessarily, each haptic actuator  118  is associated with, and provides haptic output through, a different haptic region  122 . The multiple haptic regions  122 A- 122 D may be completely discrete from one another or at least some may overlap. For example and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the haptic regions  122 A- 122 D may be separate from one another, such that they do not substantially overlap (e.g., they are discrete). 
     As used herein, the term “discrete” and/or the phrase “not substantially overlapping,” and variants thereof, mean that haptic output initiated and/or perceptible in a particular haptic region  122  is imperceptible in a different haptic region to a user touching or interacting with that different haptic region. Thus, while a vibration, motion, or other haptic output may extend from one haptic region  122  into another, the level of that vibration, motion or the like is below a threshold of human perception. In many embodiments, the typical threshold of human perception is approximately 0.2 mm for static features such as a protrusion, recess, or the like, and on the order of five to 10 microns for displacement of a surface, such as vibration (including vibrations resulting from rapidly forming and removing protrusions, recesses, and the like), change in direction along a Z-axis, and so on. It should be appreciated that these values are approximate and may be dependent on certain physical qualities of the input area, such as friction between the input area and the user&#39;s skin, a rate at which a vibration or change in dimension occurs (e.g., a wavelength of the haptic output), a material from which the input area is made, and so on. 
     As one example, a user may tap or otherwise interact with a first haptic region  122 A. The electronic device  100  may sense the user interaction and provide a haptic output in the first haptic region  122 A. It should be appreciated that the haptic output may be in response to the user interaction or it may be provided in response to an unrelated state, process, action, or the like. In either case, the haptic output may be provided through the first haptic region  122 A because the user touched that region; the electronic device  100  (or, more particularly, its processing unit  130 ) may determine the haptic output is to be provided through the first haptic region  122 A as that region has recently sensed a touch, or force, or other input or potential input. 
     Continuing the example, presume the user&#39;s palm is resting on, and thus contacting, the third haptic region  122 C. The haptic output in the first haptic region  122 A may be felt by the user&#39;s finger but not the user&#39;s palm. However, in some embodiments a part of the third haptic region  122 C may move slightly insofar as it is coupled to the first haptic region  122 A; the magnitude of this motion may be below the user&#39;s perceptual threshold. Accordingly, even though a portion of the third haptic region  122 C moves, the first and third haptic regions are discrete from one another. Put another way, each haptic region  122  has localized haptic output, insofar as the haptic output in a given region is typically imperceptible in other haptic regions. 
       FIG. 3  shows the laptop computing device  300  similar to that of  FIG. 2 , and also illustrates a user interacting with the haptic I/O area  121  and keyboard  116 . As previously mentioned, the second input device  120 , and thus its haptic I/O area  121 , may be positioned next to or adjacent the keyboard  116 , or otherwise between the keyboard and an edge of the top case  104  that commonly faces the user when the user interacts with the laptop computing device  100 . In some portions of this document this relative positioning may be described as the second input device  120  (and/or haptic I/O area  121 ) being “below” the keyboard  116 . 
     As discussed above, in some embodiments, the top case  104  may have a smooth and unbroken outer surface  114  in and around the input area  120 . Furthermore, the input area  120  generally is a portion of the top case  104  and is not set in (or is not a separate section from) the top case. Thus, the input area of top case is smooth, unlike a trackpad that is inset into a laptop housing. 
     In the embodiment  300  shown in  FIG. 3 , the second input device  120  (and, by extension, the outer surface of the top case  104 ) defines multiple discrete haptic regions  122 A,  122 B,  122 C, in the haptic I/O area  121 , similar to the embodiment discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . Here, however, the haptic I/O area  121  also includes a palm rest region  305 . The palm rest region  305  may provide haptic output to a user&#39;s palm  310  (or other portion of a user) in contact with it, as described in more detail below. One or more haptic actuators (not shown) may be associated with the palm rest region  305  and operate to provide its haptic output in a fashion similar to other haptic actuators described herein. 
     In some embodiments the palm rest region  305  may not accept input but may provide output. In other embodiments, the palm rest region  305  may function like any haptic region  122 , both accepting input and providing output. In embodiments where the palm rest region  305  accepts or otherwise detects input, it may be configured to ignore any input matching a profile of a resting palm. For example, the palm rest region may reject or ignore a touch or force if the contact area is larger than a predetermined size, or it may reject or ignore a touch or force if another part of the second input device  120  or the keyboard  116  is receiving input. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the palm rest region  305  providing a haptic output  320  to a user&#39;s palm  310 . In the embodiment  300  shown in  FIG. 4 , the palm rest region  305  may provide haptic output independently of any haptic regions  122 A,  122 B,  122 C in the haptic I/O area  121 . Further, in some embodiments the palm rest region  305  may provide haptic output instead of, or in addition to, the haptic regions  122 A,  122 B,  122 C. 
     As one example, a user may interact with the keyboard  116  to provide input to the laptop computing device  300 . Haptic output may be provided at or through the palm rest region  305  in response to the input. Similarly, haptic output may be provided at or through the palm rest region  305  in response to input at another part of the second input device  120 . In this fashion the palm rest region  305  may provide haptic feedback to a user, thereby confirming an input, alerting the user of an operating condition of the laptop computing device  300  or software executing thereon, or the like. Providing haptic output through the palm rest region  305  may be useful insofar as the user&#39;s palms are typically in contact with the region when the user is interacting with the laptop computing device  300 . In some embodiments haptic output may not be provided through the palm rest region  305  unless a touch sensor, force sensor, proximity sensor, or the like determines the user is in contact with the region. 
     Accordingly, the palm rest region  305  (or any other suitable region of the second input device  120 , or any other suitable portion of the top case  104 ) may be used to provide output in response to an input provided to another part, section, structure, or device of an embodiment  300 . Some embodiments may determine whether a user is contacting a particular haptic region  122  or the palm rest region  305  and provide haptic output only in one or more of those regions being touched. This may not only reduce power consumption of an embodiment  300  but may also ensure that the user perceives the haptic output. 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate sample layouts for haptic actuators  118 , shown in various embodiments. Each of  FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrates a sample laptop computing device  500  (or other electronic device) that includes a keyboard  116  (e.g., first input device) and a touch-sensitive input area  120  (e.g., second input device). As discussed with respect to prior figures, the touch-sensitive input area  120  is generally a defined portion of the top case  104  that detects touch and/or force inputs, rather than a separate structure set into or accessible through the top case. In some embodiments, however, the input area  120  may be a separate structure from the top case  104  or may not share any elements or parts with the top case  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the input area  120  may extend to one or more edges of the top case  104  (such as the left and right edges, in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C ) and stop short of some edges (such as the bottom edge). Likewise, the input area  120  may extend to abut the keyboard  116  or may be separated from the keyboard  116  by a buffer region of the top case  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a laptop computing device  500  having three haptic actuators  118  affixed to an underside of the top case  104 , beneath the input area  120 . Generally and as described above, the haptic actuators  118  may provide haptic output through the input area to a user touching the input area  120 . As also discussed above, each haptic actuator  118  provides its output to a discrete region of the input area  120 . It should be appreciated that the haptic actuators  118  may operate at the same time, one at a time, or in groups of two (or more, in other embodiments). Multiple haptic actuators  118  may provide haptic output simultaneously or at overlapping times in order to provide more complex output, constructively or destructively interfere with one another, enhance or reduce haptic output in portions of one or more haptic regions  122 , and so on. As one non-limiting example, haptic actuators  118  associated with abutting discrete haptic regions  122  may provide output at the same time to enhance one another, thereby providing a greater haptic output in one or both of the abutting discrete haptic regions  122  than if that region&#39;s haptic actuator operated alone. It should be appreciated that, when haptic actuators  118  cooperate to provide such enhanced output, output from one haptic actuator may impact an abutting discrete haptic region  122  by enhancing the output of that haptic region&#39;s actuator. In the absence of cooperation between haptic actuators, each haptic actuator&#39;s output is perceptible only within its associated haptic region  122 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the laptop computing device of  FIG. 5A , but with a different number of, and configuration for, the haptic actuators  118 . Here, there are 12 haptic actuators  118  in two rows. Insofar as each haptic actuator  118  is associated with its own discrete haptic region  122 , it should be appreciated that haptic regions can be organized into rows and columns as well. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates the laptop computing device of  FIG. 5A  with yet another configuration of haptic actuators  118 . The electronic device  500  again includes a first input device  116  in the form of a keyboard and a second input device in the form of a touch-sensitive (and/or force-sensitive) input area  120 . Here, as with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the input area  120  includes discrete haptic regions  122 , one of which is a palm rest region  305 . 
     The palm rest region  305  includes multiple haptic actuators  118  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5C . As previously discussed, each haptic actuator  118  may be associated with a discrete haptic region. Accordingly, in some embodiments the palm rest region  305  may be subdivided into separate, discrete haptic regions  122 D,  122 E,  122 F. Haptic output may be provided discretely through these haptic regions  122 D,  122 E,  122 F in order to actuate only a portion of the palm rest region  305 . Further, the haptic regions  122 D,  122 E,  122 F, making up the palm rest region  305  may be operative to accept input in some embodiments, although in other embodiments these haptic regions may provide output only (as is true with any haptic region  122  discussed herein). 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates yet another configuration of haptic actuators  118  for a laptop computing device  500 . Similar to embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the haptic actuators may be positioned beneath the top case  104 , within a boundary of the input area  120 . Here, however, the palm rest region  305  includes a single haptic actuator  118 G. Thus, all of the palm rest region  305  provides haptic feedback and can be considered a single haptic region. Further and as also shown in  FIG. 5D , the haptic actuator  118 G may be elongated as compared to the other haptic actuators  118 A,  118 B of the input area  120 . Similarly, the end haptic actuators  118 A are longer in at least one dimension than the inner haptic actuators  118 B. Haptic actuators  118  may have different sizes and/or shapes, as may haptic regions  122 . In this manner the input area  120  may be divided into a number of haptic regions  122  of differing sizes and/or shapes, which provides greater options for localizing haptic input for a user. 
     In many embodiments, haptic actuators may be coupled to the inner surface of the top case at a location corresponding to the input area, in order to provide a haptic output through the input area. The haptic output can be localized so that the haptic output is perceived in discrete regions of the top case  104 , as previously described. In  FIGS. 6A-6C , which are cross-section views, a haptic actuator  118  is shown attached to the inner surface  140  of the top case  104 . The haptic actuator  118  is not fixed to the bottom case  106 . This permits the haptic actuator  118  to locally deform the top case  104  in order to generate haptic output. The haptic actuator  118  is shown in schematic format for ease of illustration. 
     In  FIG. 6A  the haptic actuator is shown in a rest or neutral state. When the haptic actuator  118  is in its rest state, the top case  104  is undeformed. Typically, although not necessarily, the top case  104  (or the outer surface  114  of the top case) is flat when the haptic actuator  118  is at rest. As also shown in  FIG. 6A , there is no separate inset, structure, or the like forming the outer surface  114  above the haptic actuator  118 . Rather, the top case  104  extends in an unbroken manner over the haptic actuator. Thus and as mentioned earlier, the top case  104  itself forms the haptic region  122  associated with the haptic actuator, and by extension also forms the input area  120 . The top case  104  may appear smooth and/or unbroken from side to side, rather than defining a depression, cutout or hole through which the input area  120  and its haptic region(s)  122  are accessed. 
       FIG. 6B  shows one sample activation or motion of the haptic actuator  118 . Here, the haptic actuator  118  moves upward (e.g., along the Z axis and away from the bottom case  106 ). This pushes upward on the top case  104 , causing its outer surface  114  to protrude in the region affixed to the haptic actuator  118 . A user touching this portion of the top case  104  perceives this upward deformation of the top case  104  as a haptic output. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates another sample activation or motion of the haptic actuator  118 . In certain embodiments the haptic actuator may also move downward (e.g., along the Z axis and toward the bottom case  106 ). The haptic actuator  118  pulls the top case  104  downward with it, thereby creating a recess in the outer surface  114  of the top case  104  above the haptic actuator. A user touching this portion of the top case  104  perceives this downward deformation of the top case  104  as a haptic output. Accordingly, both protrusions and recesses (collectively, “deformations”) in the outer surface  114  of the top case  104  can be caused by motion of a haptic actuator  118 , and both may provide haptic output in a discrete haptic region to a user. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating a sample haptic actuator  118  attached to a top case  104  of a sample electronic device by a brace  700 . The brace retains the haptic actuator  118  (or is otherwise coupled to the haptic actuator) and may fully or partially surround it. 
     In turn, in the depicted embodiment the brace  700  is coupled to the top case  104  by retainers  710 , which are physical structures supporting the brace and affixed to the top case. The retainers  710  may be bosses or other structures and may be formed integrally with the top case  104  or may be separate elements. The retainers may be screws, nuts, or other fasteners. The retainers  710  may be one or more layers or deposits of adhesive. The retainers  710  may be part of the brace  700  itself and may be located in different locations than illustrated. The retainers  710  may pass through the brace  700  as shown or may not in some embodiments. In some embodiments a distance or separation between the retainers  710  may dictate a size of a deformation in the top case  104 , and thus a size of any associated haptic region  122 . It should be appreciated that the size of the haptic region  122  may be greater than the distance between the retainers  710  insofar as any deformation in the top case  104  may be greater in dimension than the aforementioned distance. 
     A battery  780  may be positioned below the haptic actuator  118  and may be coupled to and/or abut the bottom case  106 . Generally, the haptic actuator  118  is spaced apart from the battery  780  such that the haptic actuator  118  does not contact the battery when it actuates, as described below. Likewise, spacing between the battery  780  and haptic actuator  118  is such that the battery does not contact the haptic actuator if the battery swells. 
     Generally, the haptic actuator  118  may deform, bend, or move (collectively, “actuate”) in response to a signal. This actuation may cause the brace  700  to bend or otherwise move insofar as the brace is coupled to the haptic actuator. The retainers  710  are typically rigid or semi-rigid, and thus transfer the brace&#39;s motion to the top case  104 , which causes a part of the top case above or adjacent the brace  700  and/or haptic actuator  118  to protrude or recess. The resulting protrusion or recess/depression formed in the outer surface  114  of the top case  104  may be felt by a user as haptic feedback. 
     The haptic actuator  118  may be rapidly actuated such that the outer surface  114  protrudes and/or recesses multiple times. This oscillation of the top case  104  may be felt as a vibration, tapping, or the like and is one example of dynamic haptic feedback provided by an embodiment. As another option, the haptic actuator  118  may be actuated and maintained in an actuated state so that the outer surface  114  maintains its deformation (e.g., its protrusion or recess), which is an example of static haptic feedback. Thus, a haptic actuator  118  may induce or otherwise provide static and/or dynamic haptic feedback through the top case, and through any input area  120  and/or haptic region  122  defined on an outer surface  114  of the top case. 
     Haptic actuators  118  may take many forms. Various materials, structures, devices and the like may be used as haptic actuators  118 , including shape memory alloys, linear reluctance motors, linear vibrators, piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers, magnetic devices, pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, and so on.  FIGS. 8-11  discuss sample haptic actuators  118  but it should be understood that these are provided as example actuators rather than as an exhaustive list. 
       FIG. 8  shows a linear reluctance motor (LRM) style haptic actuator  118 . The LRM includes a magnet  800 , a coil  810 , a guide shaft  820 , and a bearing  830 . Typically, although not necessarily, the magnet  800 , coil  810 , and bearing  830  are circular or cylindrical. Although the coil  810  is shown as encircling the magnet  800 , this may be reversed in some embodiments. Likewise, the positions of the bearing  830  and guide shaft  820  may be different in other embodiments. 
     The magnet  800  and the guide shaft  820  are coupled to the bottom case  106 , although in other embodiments they may be coupled to the top case  104  or may be contained in a separate housing. The coil  810  and the bearing  830  are coupled to the top case  104  but may be coupled to the bottom case  106  or a separate housing in other embodiments. Haptic output is produced by the haptic actuator  118  when the coil  810  is energized by an electric current, causing the coil  810  to repel the magnet  800 . Insofar as the top case  104  is typically thinner, more flexible and less structurally supported than the bottom case  106 , it will deform first. Thus, the bottom case  106  supports and stabilizes the magnet  800  while the top case  104  permits the coil to move away from the magnet and exert force upward on the top case (e.g., in the +Z direction as shown by arrow  840 ). This locally deforms the top case  104  to provide haptic output, causing a protrusion. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet  800  and/or coil  810  may be aligned to cause the coil  810  to move downward relative to the magnet  800 , thereby exerting a downward force on the top case  104  and causing a recess in the top case (e.g., in the −Z direction as shown by the arrow  850 ). This, too, is a type of haptic output. 
     The guide shaft  820  and bearing  830  ensure that any motion of the top case  104  is confined to the Z axis. This may enhance the haptic output by reducing energy used to move the top case  104  in shear (e.g., in the X-Y plane). 
     In still further embodiments, the coil  810  may be stationary and the magnet  800  may move. 
       FIG. 9  shows a first piezoelectric haptic actuator  118 , and particularly a piezoelectric material coupled to the top case  104 . The bottom case  106  is omitted from this view. 
     The piezoelectric haptic actuator  118  is coupled directly to an inner surface  900  of the top case  104 , which may be a touch-sensitive or force-sensitive layer in certain embodiments. When energized, the piezoelectric haptic actuator shortens, causing the top case  104  (to which the piezoelectric actuator is attached) to bend, thereby forming a protrusion. This shortening is caused by opposing ends of the piezoelectric material moving towards each other, as illustrated by directional arrows  910 ,  920 . The shortening of the piezoelectric actuator and the consequent deformation of the top case  104  is perceived by the user as a haptic output. In some embodiments the haptic actuator  118  may be configured to cause a recess or depression in the top case  104  rather than a protrusion. 
       FIG. 10  shows another piezoelectric haptic actuator  118 . In this embodiment the piezoelectric actuator  118  is coupled to a beam  1000  rather than the top case  104 . The beam  1000  is in turn coupled to the top case  104  by a shim  1010  or another connector. As the haptic actuator  118  actuates, it contracts and bends or otherwise deflects the beam  1000 . The beam likewise deflects the top case  104  through the shim  1010 , causing a protrusion or a recess to form. A user perceives this deformation as haptic feedback. 
       FIG. 11  shows an inertial haptic actuator  118 . The inertial haptic actuator has a magnet  1100 , a coil  1110 , a mass  1120 , and springs  1130  enclosed within an actuator housing  1140 . The mass is typically coupled to the magnet  1100  or coil  1110 . Attachment features  1150  couple the haptic actuator  118  to a top case  104  (or other portion of a housing) of an electronic device. 
     The coil  1110  generates a magnetic field when current passes through it (e.g., when the coil is energized). This magnetic field interacts with the magnet  1100  and generates a Lorentz force that moves the magnet  1100  and coupled mass  1120 . The mass moves linearly toward an end of the haptic actuator  118 ; the spring  1130  prevents the mass from directly impacting the actuator housing  1140 . 
     When the coil  1110  is de-energized, or alternately subjected to a reverse current, the magnet  1100  and mass  1120  move in the opposite direction. This alternating movement imparts force to the actuator housing  1140  and, through the attachment features  1150 , to the top case of an electronic device (or any other part of an electronic device to which the actuator  118  is coupled). This force may cause the top case to move or vibrate, either of which may be perceived by a user as a haptic output. 
     In contrast to the haptic actuators illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 , the haptic output of the present haptic actuator  118  is primarily in the X-Y plane. That is, the top case moves in shear relative to a user&#39;s finger in contact with the case rather than pressing into the user&#39;s finger. 
     In some embodiments, a haptic output can involve multiple simultaneous outputs, or signals. For example, the haptic output can involve signals being provided by more than one discrete region simultaneously, or in a pattern. Combinations of signals, both simultaneous and non-simultaneous can be provided in order for the user to be able to distinguish between many possible signals. 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the top case  104  (e.g., the outer surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1  is the opposing side to the side shown in this figure). A first section  1200  of the top case  104  is bounded by a stiffener  1430 . The first section  1200  may accept or support a keyboard, for example. In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , keyholes are omitted for simplicity; it should be appreciated that some embodiments may include keyholes defined in the first section while others omit the keyholes. In embodiments omitting the keyholes, key actuation may be sensed through the top case  104 . 
     Multiple second sections  1210  may include a touch-sensing layer, as represented by the grid in these sections. Generally, each second section  1210  may correspond to a discrete haptic region  122 , which is discussed in more detail above. Further, a second section may be bounded by a sidewall  1220  of the top case  104  and/or one or more stiffeners  1240 . The stiffeners may extend from a sidewall  1220  or may be separated from the sidewall by a gap. 
     The stiffeners  1230 ,  1240  may isolate the first section  1200  and second sections  1210  from haptic output initiated by haptic actuators coupled to, or otherwise associated with, abutting sections (e.g., sections that share a common boundary), or may otherwise reduce haptic output from traveling between abutting sections. The stiffeners  1230 ,  1240  effectively serve to damp haptic output and prevent it from being perceptible in an abutting section. 
     Dimensions of the stiffeners  1230 ,  1240  may vary between or within embodiments. For example, the stiffener  1230  surrounding the first section  1200  may be taller (e.g., longer in a Z dimension) than the stiffeners  1240  between the second sections  1210 . By increasing a height of a stiffener, damping of haptic output may be made more effective. Further, although multiple stiffeners  1240  are shown between abutting second sections  1210  (e.g., between discrete haptic regions) it should be appreciated that a single stiffener  1240  may be used in some embodiments. It should also be appreciated that multiple stiffeners may be arranged end to end to form a broken line or wall between abutting sections. 
     Typically, it is the presence of a haptic actuator that defines each of the multiple discrete regions, rather than a stiffener or other physical marker. While a stiffener, or a rib, or structural support may be present on the inner surface of the top case, the multiple discrete regions are defined by the presence of a haptic actuator. 
     In some embodiments the stiffeners  1230 ,  1240  may define discrete compartments for batteries that power an electronic device, as well. Accordingly, a battery may underlie, be adjacent to, and/or be approximately the same size as a discrete haptic region, and multiple batteries may underlie, be the same size as, or be adjacent to corresponding discrete haptic regions. In still other embodiments the stiffeners  1230 ,  1240  may be coupled to a bottom case, such as the bottom case  106  discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  as well as the top case  104 . 
     The number and placement of haptic actuators can influence the spatial resolution and complexity of haptic output. In some embodiments, a haptic output can be produced in areas of the laptop computer not usually associated with user input or output. For example,  FIG. 13  shows additional discrete haptic regions  1320   a - 1320   i  on the surface of the laptop computer  1300 , in addition to the input area  120  located between the keyboard  116  and the user. 
     In some embodiments, the keyboard  116  and/or keyboard region does not extend completely from one edge of the top case to the other. That is, a width of the keyboard  116  often is less than a width of the top case. Accordingly, discrete haptic regions  1320   a  may be defined between edges of the top case  104  and the keyboard  116 . Further, another discrete haptic region  1320   b  may be defined between a top of the keyboard  116  and upper edge of the top case  104 . 
     Likewise, multiple discrete haptic regions  1320   d ,  1320   e  may encircle the display  1310 . Each of these discrete haptic regions  1320   d ,  1320   e  may function as described elsewhere herein. Discrete haptic regions  1320   f ,  1320   g  may be formed on sides of the upper case, as well. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, haptic actuators may be positioned on side edges of the upper portion  1312  and lower portion  1302 . For example, haptic actuators may be positioned to enable discrete haptic regions  1320   h ,  1320   i  at a front edge and side edges of a top case  104  (or of a bottom case) or an upper portion of the electronic device  1300 . Furthermore, haptic actuators may be positioned to provide a haptic output at the outer surface of the bottom case (not shown) to provide a haptic output to the lap of the user or others provided to whatever surface on which the laptop computer is sitting. Likewise, haptic actuators may be positioned to provide a haptic output at the outer surface of the upper portion (not shown) to provide a haptic output to the user. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of example components of an example electronic device. The schematic representation depicted in  FIG. 14  may correspond to components of any electronic device described herein. 
     The electronic device  1400  typically includes a processing unit  1404  operably connected to a computer-readable memory  1402 . The processing unit  1404  may be operatively connected to the memory  1402  component via an electronic bus or bridge. The processing unit  1404  may be implemented as one or more computer processing units or microcontrollers configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit  1404  may include a central processing unit (CPU) of the device  1400 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the processing unit  1404  may include other electronic circuitry within the device  1400  including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. The processing unit  1404  may be configured to perform functionality described in the examples above. In addition, the processing unit or other electronic circuitry within the device may be provided on or coupled to a flexible circuit board in order to accommodate folding or bending of the electronic device. A flexible circuit board may be a laminate including a flexible base material and a flexible conductor. Example base materials for flexible circuit boards include, but are not limited to, polymer materials such as vinyl (e.g., polypropylene), polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially-oriented PET, and polyethylene napthalate (PEN)), polyimide, polyetherimide, polyaryletherketone (e.g., polyether ether ketone (PEEK)), fluoropolymer and copolymers thereof. A metal foil may be used to provide the conductive element of the flexible circuit board. 
     The memory  1402  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  1402  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements as well as transitory instructions, operations, and the like. 
     The electronic device  1400  may include control circuitry  1406 . The control circuitry  1406  may be implemented in a single control unit and not necessarily as distinct electrical circuit elements. As used herein, “control unit” will be used synonymously with “control circuitry.” The control circuitry  1406  may receive signals from the processing unit  1404  or from other elements of the electronic device  1400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the electronic device  1400  includes a battery  1408  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the electronic device  1400 . The battery  1408  may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. The battery  1408  may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the electronic device  1400 . The battery  1408 , via power management circuitry, may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as a power outlet. The battery  1408  may store received power so that the electronic device  1400  may operate without connection to an external power source for an extended period of time, which may range from several hours to several days. The battery may be flexible to accommodate bending or flexing of the electronic device. For example, the battery may be mounted to a flexible housing or may be mounted to a flexible printed circuit. In some cases, the battery  1408  is formed from flexible anodes and flexible cathode layers and the battery cell is itself flexible. In other cases, individual battery cells are not flexible, but are attached to a flexible substrate or carrier that allows an array of battery cells to bend or fold around a foldable region of the device. 
     As discussed above, the battery  1408  may be coupled to a bottom case of the electronic device  1400  and may be spaced apart from one or more haptic actuators coupled to a top case of the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  1400  includes one or more input devices  1410  (such as the aforementioned first input device  116  and second input device  120 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). The input device  1410  is a device that is configured to receive input from a user or the environment. The input device  1410  may include, for example, one or more keys, a touch-sensitive surface, a force-sensitive surface a push button, a touch-activated button, a touch screen (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or a force-sensitive display), capacitive touch button, dial, crown, or the like. In some embodiments, the input device  1410  may provide a dedicated or primary function, including, for example, a power button, volume buttons, home buttons, scroll wheels, and camera buttons. 
     The device  1400  may also include one or more sensors  1420 , such as a force sensor, a capacitive sensor, an accelerometer, a barometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, or the like. The sensors  1420  may be operably coupled to processing circuitry, including a processing unit  1404  and/or control circuitry  1406 . In some embodiments, a sensor  1420  may detect internal and/or external parameters of an electronic device  1400  or its environment, including location, position, acceleration, temperature, light, force, contact, and so on. Example sensors  1420  for this purpose include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and other similar types of position/orientation sensing devices. In addition, the sensors  1420  may include a microphone, acoustic sensor, light sensor, optical facial recognition sensor, or other type of sensing device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  1400  includes one or more output devices  1412  configured to provide output to a user. The output device  1412  may include a display  1414  that renders visual information generated by the processing unit  1404 . The output device  1412  may also include one or more speakers to provide audio output. The output device  1412  may also include one or more haptic actuators  118 , as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     The display  1414  may be a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active layer organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, organic electroluminescent (EL) display, electrophoretic ink display, or the like. If the display  1414  is a liquid-crystal display or an electrophoretic ink display, it may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display  1414  is an organic light-emitting diode or organic electroluminescent type display, the brightness of the display  1414  may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. In addition, information regarding configuration and/or orientation of the electronic device  1400  may be used to control the output of the display  1414  as described with respect to input devices  1410 . 
     The display may be configured to bend or fold. The display may include or be integrated with various layers, including, for example, a display element layer, display electrode layers, a touch sensor layer, a force sensing layer, and the like, each of which may be formed using flexible substrates. For example, a flexible substrate may comprise a polymer having sufficient flexibility to allow bending or folding of the display layer. Suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, vinyl polymers (e.g., polypropylene), polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially-oriented PET, and polyethylene napthalate (PEN)), polyimide, polyetherimide, polyaryletherketone (e.g., polyether ether ketone (PEEK)), fluoropolymers and copolymers thereof. Metallized polymer films, such Mylar®, may also provide flexible substrates. 
     The electronic device  1400  may also include a communication port  1416  that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port  1416  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port  1416  may be used to couple the electronic device to a host computer. 
     The electronic device may also include at least one accessory  1418 , such as a camera, a flash for the camera, or other such device. The camera may be connected to other parts of the electronic device such as the control circuitry. 
     In some embodiments, the laptop computer enclosure (including the top case) may be a single piece of any suitable material, such as metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, corundum, carbon fiber, and so on. In certain embodiments using keyboards, key mechanisms are exposed on the outside of the device, and mechanically couple to components within the device. For example, a keycap may physically depress to a dome switch (or other component) that is attached to a circuit board within the device. A top case of such a device may have openings or holes through which the keycap physically engages the component(s). As noted herein, however, an embodiment may include a continuous top case that does not define any openings or holes in the outer surface. Such continuous top cases may use one or more touch and/or force sensors below portions of the top case to detect inputs. This may include, for example, a keyboard region, an input area, a non-keyboard region, a virtual key region, or other regions of the top case. In embodiments, the touch and/or force sensor may operate through capacitive sensing, optical sensing, resistive sensing, and so on. 
     Additionally, although embodiments have been described herein in the context of a laptop computing device, it should be appreciated that embodiments may take the form of any suitable device, including a mobile phone, tablet computing device, appliance, touch-sensitive panel, control console for an automobile or other vehicle, wearable device, and so on. 
     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 intended 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: 20190130
Publication Date: 20210309
Grant Date: 20210309
Priority Date: 20180629
Inventors: HENDREN, KEITH J.
MATHEW, DINESH C.
POSNER, BRYAN W.
ENDISCH, DENIS H.
LEHMANN, Alex J.
CAO, ROBERT Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 68156785