PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10983650-B2
Application Number: US-202016863647-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dynamic input surface for electronic devices

Abstract:
A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A laptop computer comprising:
 an upper portion comprising:
 a display case; and 
 a display enclosed by the display case; and 
 
 a lower portion coupled to the upper portion and comprising:
 a keyboard; 
 a casing at least partially enclosing the keyboard and having an outer layer that defines an exterior surface of the lower portion positioned along a side of the keyboard; 
 a light source positioned below the outer layer of the casing and configured to produce an illuminated boundary of a track pad region; and 
 a force sensor positioned below the outer layer of the casing and configured to detect an input within the track pad region, wherein the laptop computer is configured to:
 detect a gesture input along the exterior surface of the lower portion; 
 dynamically vary at least one of a position or a size of the track pad region in accordance with the gesture input; and 
 while dynamically varying the at least one of the position or the size of the track pad region, animate the illuminated boundary to display the dynamic variation of the at least one of the position or the size of the track pad region. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the gesture input includes a first finger contact positioned at a first corner of the illuminated boundary and a second finger contact positioned at a second corner of the illuminated boundary; and 
 a size of the illuminated boundary is increased in accordance with an increase in distance between the first finger contact and the second finger contact. 
 
     
     
       3. The laptop computer of  claim 2 , wherein the size of the illuminated boundary is reduced in accordance with a decrease in distance between the first finger contact and the second finger contact. 
     
     
       4. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the gesture input includes a first finger contact and a second finger contact; and 
 a location of the illuminated boundary is modified in accordance with a movement of the first finger contact and the second finger contact in a same direction. 
 
     
     
       5. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer layer is formed from a metal material; 
 the metal material defines an array of holes; and 
 the illuminated boundary is produced by emitting light through a subset of holes of the array of holes. 
 
     
     
       6. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the input causes a localized deformation of the outer layer of the casing; and 
 the force sensor is configured to detect the localized deformation by detecting a change in capacitance. 
 
     
     
       7. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein the force sensor comprises:
 a drive layer positioned below the outer layer of the casing; 
 a sense layer positioned below the outer layer of the casing; and 
 a compliant layer positioned between the drive layer and the sense layer. 
 
     
     
       8. The laptop computer of  claim 7 , wherein the compliant layer comprises an array of gel dots positioned between the drive layer and the sense layer. 
     
     
       9. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , further comprising a haptic actuator configured to produce haptic feedback in response to the input received within the track pad region. 
     
     
       10. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting display (OLED), or an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 
     
     
       11. An electronic device comprising:
 a display case housing a display; 
 a keyboard assembly; 
 a casing at least partially surrounding the keyboard assembly and defining an input area, the input area adjacent to the keyboard assembly and along an exterior surface of the casing; 
 a sensor positioned within the casing and configured to detect a location and an amount of force of a contact along the input area; and 
 a light source configured to produce an illuminated boundary along the input area, wherein the electronic device is configured to:
 detect a gesture input within the input area along the exterior surface; 
 in accordance with the gesture input, dynamically vary at least one of a position or a size of a track pad region in the input area; and 
 while dynamically varying the at least one of the position or the size of the track pad region, animate the illuminated boundary to display the dynamic variation of the track pad region. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the gesture input includes a first contact that is stationary and a second contact that is moving relative to the first contact. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein a size of the illuminated boundary is changed in accordance with a distance between the first contact and the second contact. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the light source is further configured to produce a visual path that corresponds to a path of the contact along the input area. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the input area extends to an edge of the casing. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the sensor comprises:
 a drive layer positioned within the casing; and 
 a sense layer positioned within the casing; and 
 
 the sensor detects the location and the amount of force of the contact using a change in capacitance between the drive layer and the sense layer. 
 
     
     
       17. A computing device comprising:
 an upper portion comprising a display; and 
 a lower portion coupled to the upper portion and comprising:
 a casing defining an exterior surface of the lower portion; 
 a keyboard assembly positioned at least partially within the casing; 
 a sensor positioned within the casing and configured to detect a contact along the exterior surface; and 
 a light source positioned within the casing and configured to display an illuminated boundary of a dynamic input region, wherein the computing device is configured to:
 detect a gesture input along the exterior surface; 
 dynamically vary at least one of a position or a size of the dynamic input region in accordance with the gesture input; and 
 while dynamically varying the at least one of the position or the size of the dynamic input region, animate the illuminated boundary to display dynamic variation in accordance with the dynamic variation of the at least one of the position or the size of the dynamic input region. 
 
 
 
     
     
       18. The computing device of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the gesture input comprises a first contact and a second contact; and 
 a size of the illuminated boundary increases in accordance with an increase in distance between the first contact and the second contact. 
 
     
     
       19. The computing device of  claim 18 , wherein the size of the illuminated boundary decreases in accordance with a decrease in distance between the first contact and the second contact. 
     
     
       20. The computing device of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the gesture input comprises a first contact and a second contact; and 
 a location of the illuminated boundary changes in accordance with a simultaneous movement of the first contact and the second contact.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/867,376, filed Sep. 28, 2015, and titled “Dynamic Input Surface for Electronic Devices,” which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/057,425, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Dynamic Track Pad for Electronic Devices,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/057,350, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Zero-Travel Input Structure,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a dynamic input surface for an electronic device, and a method of reconfiguring the dynamic input surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional electronic devices typically include a variety of distinct input devices or input surfaces formed from a variety of components. For example, conventional laptop computing devices typically include a keyboard and a track pad to allow a user to interact with the laptop. Each of these devices includes components that may be positioned both inside and outside of the casing of the laptop. For example, the keyboard may include keycaps protruding from the casing, and corresponding internal dome switches, electrical contacts and traces positioned within the casing. In order for the keycaps to protrude from the casing and maintain contact with the internal components, keycap apertures are formed through the casing of the electronic device. 
     Conventional input devices, such as keyboards or track pads for a laptop, are susceptible to damage. For example, debris and other contaminants may enter the casing of the electronic device through the keycap apertures and may subsequently damage the internal components of the electronic device. The damage to the internal components may render the electronic device inoperable. Likewise, the mechanical structures forming the input devices may be especially vulnerable to a drop or mechanical shock. 
     Additionally, because many conventional input devices have a number of components positioned both inside and outside the casing of the electronic device, the risk of component failure may increase. That is, in combination with some components being positioned on the outside of the casing where a number of components are used to form each of the conventional input devices, if a single component is damaged, lost, or becomes inoperable, the entire input device may become inoperable. 
     Furthermore, the construction or formation of conventional track pads may only enable the track pad to be static and/or fixed within an electronic device. That is, conventional track pads may have a fixed position within the electronic device. As a result, the track pad may not be positioned in a desired and/or optimal position during certain uses of the electronic device. Additionally, the conventional track pad may have a fixed dimension, which may be cumbersome when electronic device is being utilized to perform actions that involve a large amount of scrolling or other track pad functions. 
     SUMMARY 
     A dynamic input surface is disclosed. The dynamic input surface comprises a metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the metal contact portion. A size of the input area dynamically varies based on the gesture, and the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area. 
     An electronic device comprising a metal casing is disclosed. The metal casing comprises a partially-flexible contact portion, a keyboard assembly positioned within the metal casing, and a dynamic input surface on the metal casing. The dynamic input surface comprises a group of indicators, and an adjustable input area bounded by an illuminated subset of the group of indicators. 
     A method for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface of an electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating a boundary of an input area of the dynamic input surface, where the input area comprises a part of a contact surface. The method also comprises receiving at least one gesture within or on the boundary of the input area, adjusting at least one of a position or a size of the input area of the dynamic input surface based on the gesture, and varying the illumination of the boundary accordingly. 
    
    
     
       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, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a top view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-section side view of a stack-up of the dynamic input surface of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , taken along line  2 - 2 , according to embodiments. The dynamic input surface includes a compliant layer formed therein. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-section side view of a stack-up of the dynamic input surface of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , taken along line  2 - 2 , according to embodiments. The dynamic input surface includes supports formed therein. 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of a portion of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, a haptic feedback module, a touch detection module and a touch frequency module, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface and indicators formed in a contact portion, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface as shown in  FIG. 6A , according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown prior to resizing the dynamic input surface. 
         FIG. 6C  shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface as shown in  FIG. 6A , according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown subsequent to resizing the dynamic input surface. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface prior to the dynamic input surface being repositioned in an input area, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic track of  FIG. 7A , according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown subsequent to the dynamic input surface being repositioned in an input area. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface and a light trail, and a user&#39;s finger positioned in a first position on the input surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface and the light trail, and the user&#39;s finger positioned in a second position on the input surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface and the light trail, and the user&#39;s finger positioned in a third position on the input surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface for an electronic device. The method may be performed on the components as shown in  FIGS. 1-8C . 
     
    
    
     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 embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a dynamic input surface for electronic devices, and a method of reconfiguring the dynamic input surface. 
     In a particular embodiment, a dynamic input surface of an electronic device is configurable, such that the size, shape and/or positioning of the input surface can be changed and/or customizable. The size, shape and/or positioning of the input surface may be customized based on a user&#39;s desire and/or interaction within the electronic device. Increasing the size of the dynamic input surface allows a user more space for scrolling gestures, which may eliminate the need of a user having to lift their fingers from the input surface to continue scrolling. Additionally, changing the position or shape of the dynamic input surface allows a user to move dynamic input surface to a preferred side of the casing for easier or more comfortable use of the dynamic input surface and/or to move the dynamic input surface to a side when the dynamic input surface is not being utilized by a user interacting with the electronic device. The dynamic input surface may function as a track pad, for example, or other input device. 
     In another particular embodiment, the electronic device includes a contact portion formed from a flexible material that may bend or deform into and/or contact a portion of an input surface stack-up. The input surface stack-up may capacitively sense a user&#39;s touch or gesture, input force or deformation of the flexible material due to application of an a user&#39;s gesture or input force on a corresponding contact portion of the electronic device. The touch gestures and input force applied to the contact portion is of sufficient magnitude to result in deformation of the contact portion into the stack-up such that the stack-up capacitively senses the gesture and/or force, and also is a minimal magnitude so that the bending or deformation of the contact portion is visually and/or tactilely imperceptible to a user. It should be appreciated that the deformation may be on the order of tens of microns, for example 100 microns or less, 50 microns or less, or 10 microns or less, in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the deformation or other travel of the contact portion may be greater and may be perceptible to a user. 
     When a detected touch, gesture, or input force changes a measured capacitance, an input corresponding to any or all of the location of the capacitance change, amount of capacitive change and/or deformation of the flexible material may be provided to the electronic device. The location of a capacitive change may correspond to a location on a surface of the electronic device at which the touch gesture or input force was provided, and thus to a touch location. Accordingly, embodiments herein may detect not only a continuum of forces (as opposed to binary detection of force) but also a location of touch/interaction. Further, because embodiments described herein do not rely on capacitive coupling between a sensor and a device or person providing a touch input, embodiments may sense force and/or touch through grounding and/or shielding structures, such as metal, and may sense inputs provided by non-capacitive constructs touching an electronic device. Typical input forces may be approximately 20-350 grams, in certain embodiments, although this range is meant merely as an example rather than a limitation. 
     The electronic device may also include holes formed or otherwise extending through the contact portion, which may be selectively lit by the input surface stack-up. The holes may be selectively lit when a user of the electronic device repositions and/or resizes the interactive or input area of the dynamic input surface formed on the contact portion. As a result, a user may reconfigure the input surface used to interact with the electronic device based on user preference and/or operational characteristics of the electronic device, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, indicators other than holes (or illuminated holes) may be activated or selected instead. 
     Additionally, and as discussed herein, certain embodiments of the dynamic input surface allows a user to view previous movements, gestures and/or finger positioning when interacting with the electronic device. That is, previously touched portions of the dynamic input surface are illuminated to form a visual path indicating where the user previously touched (or otherwise interacted with) the casing and/or the dynamic input surface of the electronic device. This may be especially helpful when the electronic device is used with drawing or illustrator programs and/or games, in which cursor movements performed on the dynamic input surface require precision and a replication of previous movements on the input surface. 
     Furthermore, and as discussed herein, the components or layers forming the dynamic input surface are substantially surrounded by and/or enclosed within the casing of the electronic device. As a result, no portion of the dynamic input surface is exposed and/or positioned between the external and internal portion of the casing forming the electronic device. As a result, the casing can be formed from a solid piece of material, and thus may prevent damage to the internal components of the electronic device and/or the components of the dynamic input surface. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-9 . 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. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show an electronic device  100 , including a configurable, dynamic input surface  200 , according to embodiments. In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , electronic device  100  may be a laptop computer and the input surface may be a track pad. However, it is understood that electronic device  100  may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize configurable, dynamic input surface  200  (hereafter, “input surface  200 ”). 
     As discussed herein, dynamic input surface  200  is a configurable track pad or input device utilized by electronic device  100 . As a configurable input surface, the size, shape and/or positioning of dynamic input surface  200  can be changed within the electronic device  100 . Utilizing user gestures and an array of perforation holes formed in the casing of electronic device  100  to indicate boundary lines of the input surface, as discussed herein, dynamic input surface  200  can be customized based on a desired size, shape and/or position on the casing of electronic device  100 . Increasing the size of dynamic input surface  200  may allow a user more space for scrolling gestures, which may eliminate the need of a user having to lift their fingers from the input surface to continue scrolling. Additionally, changing the position or shape of dynamic input surface  200  allows a user to move dynamic input surface  200  to a preferred side of the casing for easier or more comfortable use of dynamic input surface  200  and/or to move dynamic input surface  200  to a side when dynamic input surface  200  is not being utilized by a user interacting with electronic device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100  may include a casing  102 . Casing  102  may take the form of an exterior, protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various internal components (for example, input surface  200 ) of electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , casing  102  may have a contact layer or portion  104 . Contact layer (portion  104 ) may be formed as a single, integral component, or may have a number of distinct components that may be configured to be coupled to one another, as discussed herein. As discussed herein, contact portion  104  (including input surface  200 ) may be interacted with (e.g., touched) by a user for providing input and/or interacting with electronic device  100 . 
     Contact portion  104  may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various components included in electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, contact portion  104  may be made from metal, such as an aluminum plate, housing (e.g., casing) or the like, that may be at least partially flexible when pressed by a user. In another non-limiting example, contact portion  104  may be formed from a ceramic, a plastic or another polymer, or a fiber-matrix composite, and so on. 
     Electronic device  100  may also include a keyboard assembly  106  including a group of keycaps  108 . The keycaps  108  may at least partially protrude from contact portion  104 , and each may be substantially surrounded by contact portion  104 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , where electronic device  100  is a laptop computer, keyboard assembly  106  may be positioned within and/or may be received by casing  102  of electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , electronic device  100  may also include a display  110  and a display case  112  housing display  110 . Display case  112  may form an exterior housing and/or protective enclosure for display  110  of electronic device  100  as similarly discussed herein with respect to casing  102 . Display  110  may be implemented as any suitable display technology utilized by electronic device  100 . 
     Input surface  200  may be formed on and/or positioned on or within casing  102  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, the various electrically communicative components or layers, commonly referred to as a “stack-up,” forming input surface  200  may be positioned between and or secured to at least one of the contact portion  104  and/or a back portion of casing  102  of electronic device  100 . Input surface  200  may provide space for or form an input area  202  (shown in phantom) on contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Input area  202  may be formed adjacent keyboard assembly  106 . Additionally, in its widest form, as discussed herein, input area  202  may extend from keyboard assembly  106  to the edges of electronic device  100 . The input area  202  is a predetermined area of contact portion  104  that may allow a user to interact and/or provide input to electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. 
     As discussed in detail below, input area  202  on contact portion  104  may be formed from a stack-up as described below, where input area may be formed from a single stack-up or multiple stack-ups. In a non-limiting example, electronic device  100  may have a single stack-up for input area  202  on contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting example, electronic device  100  may have multiple stack-ups for input area  202  on contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 , where each stack-up is positioned proximate to another. 
     Although electronic device  100  is shown as a laptop computer, it is understood that electronic device  100  may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize input surface  200 . In non-limiting examples, other embodiments can implement electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     Additionally, although discussed herein in the context of a track pad, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices used in various electronic devices. As discussed herein, input surface  200 , and the components of the structure, may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to: buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, mice, joystick, keyboards, and so on. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show a side cross-section view of a portion of electronic device  100 , taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 2 , and discussed herein, various electrically communicative components or layers (e.g., stack-up) forming input surface  200  may be positioned between contact portion  104  and a back portion of casing  102  for electronic device  100 . The stack-up of input surface  200  may include a sense layer  204 , and a corresponding drive layer  206  separated from sense layer  204 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , sense layer  204  may be positioned below contact portion  104 , and drive layer  206  may positioned adjacent and/or above a back portion of casing  102  of electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , drive layer  206  may be positioned adjacent to and may contact the back portion of casing  102 . In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3 , drive layer  206  may be positioned adjacent the back portion of casing  102 , but may be separated from casing  102  by a rigid base layer  207 . In the non-limiting examples, back portion of casing  102  ( FIG. 2 ) and rigid base layer  207  ( FIG. 3 ) may be formed from metal, a ceramic, a plastic or another polymer, or a fiber-matrix composite that may be substantially rigid to support electronic device  100  and input surface  200 . It should be appreciated that the position of sense layer  204  and/or drive layer  206  may be interchanged in certain embodiments. In a non-limiting example, sense layer  204  can be positioned above or adjacent base portion  106  and drive layer  206  can be positioned adjacent and/or beneath contact portion  104 . Base portion  106  may serve as a ground and/or shield for drive layer  206  and/or sense layer  204 , although this is not required. 
     Sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  of input surface  200  may cooperate to measure capacitance between the sense and drive layers, and particularly capacitances (and changes in capacitances) at specific areas where the sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  overlap. The capacitive characteristics of sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  may be utilized to detect a user&#39;s touch on contact portion  104  and/or deflection of contact portion  104  when a force (F) is applied by a user of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, user touch and the force (F) may be applied to contact portion  104  of electronic device  100  in an input area  202  for a user to provide input and/or to interact with electronic device  100 . As result of the utilization of sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  in input structure  200  to determine input based on measured changes in capacitances, the touch, force, and/or contact applied to contact portion  104  can come from any user or object. That is, by measuring changes in capacitance, the input and/or interaction with electronic device  100  can be detected independent of the person or object providing the force. In a non-limiting example input structure  200  does not require the user to provide the touch or force with his finger or a capacitively-coupled object. Rather, the user can apply the touch or force to contact portion  104  using any object. For illustrative purposes, it is understood that a user&#39;s touch may be similarly represented as a force (F) and is visually interchangeable from the depicted force (F). As discussed herein, the distinction between a user&#39;s touch and a force (F) for deforming contact portion  104  is based on the magnitude of the touch and the force. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a compliant layer  208  may be positioned between sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  of stack-up of input surface  200 . Compliant layer  208  may also be physically coupled to each or both of sense layer  204  and drive layer  206 . Compliant layer  208  may be coupled to sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  using any suitable adhesive. 
     Compliant layer  208  may be formed from a substantially flexible and elastic material to support sense layer  204 , and/or prevent sense layer  204  from contacting drive layer  206  when a touch or force is applied to contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . Additionally, the elastic properties of compliant layer  208  may allow sense layer  204  to return to a neutral state (e.g., spring-back to an uncompressed position) relatively rapidly, thereby permitting the detection of a consecutively-applied touches or forces being applied at or near the same position on contact portion  104  and/or input area  202 . Compliant layer  208  can have apertures formed therein or can be a set of structures such as columns or pillars, in order to provide space for compliant layer  208  to expand when deformed by a force. Alternatively, compliant layer  208  can be solid, continuous layer(s) of material with no apertures, as discussed herein. 
     In a non-limiting example, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , compliant layer  208  may be formed from a single sheet of elastomeric material that may be disposed between sense layer  204  and drive layer  206 . The elastomer forming compliant layer  208  may be any suitable material that may deform, and subsequently spring-back, as sense layer  204  (or a discrete portion thereof) is compressed toward drive layer  206  as a result of a touch or force (F) applied to, and subsequently removed from, contact portion  104 . The elastomer may be a compliant gel, for example. 
     In another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , compliant layer  208  may be formed from a number of deformable components, such as deformable compliant structures  210 . For convenience, the term “gel dots” is used herein to describe the compliant structures, but this term is not meant to limit the structures to any particular material or shape. Deformable gel dots  210  may be formed from similar material as discussed herein with respect to compliant layer  208  in  FIG. 2 , and may have any suitable shape, size or configuration; in certain embodiments, the dots are cylindrical and form pillar-like structures extending between the drive and sense layers. As such, deformable gel dots  210  may also include similar structurally supportive characteristics and/or elastic characteristics as compliant layer  208 . The deformable gel dots  210  may be individual components that may be bonded, laminated or otherwise coupled to form a single layer of deformable gel dots  210 . Although shown and discussed herein as gel dots, it is understood that the number of deformable components forming compliant layer  208  can be any shape, any material having distinct consistencies and/or viscosities, so long as the deformable components forming compliant layer  208  function in a substantially similar manner as gel dots  210  discussed herein. 
     The inclusion of the deformable gel dots  210  in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 3  may aid in detecting the touch or force (F) applied to contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, where compliant layer  208  includes deformable gel dots  210 , the touch or force (F) may be more localized or focused on those gel dots  210  aligned with the touch or force (F) (e.g., under or nearby the portion of the contact portion  104  to which the force is applied). In the non-limiting example, gel dots  210  not under or otherwise aligned with the touch or force (F) may not be deformed. Additionally, the deformable gel dots  210  may not disperse or otherwise spread the touch or force (F) out over surrounding segments of the compliant layer  208 . This may increase the accuracy and/or response-time of the touch or force (F) being applied to contact portion  104  of electronic device  100  by a user because only a select group of deformable gel dots  210  may experience the force (F) and deform as a result. 
     The stack-up may also have a set of supports  212  (e.g., one or more supports  212 ) positioned between contact portion  104  and casing  102  of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , at least a portion of each of the supports  212  may be positioned within compliant layer  208 . Additionally, the supports  212  may be distributed throughout contact portion  104  of electronic device  100  for providing structural support to contact portion  104 . In a non-limiting example, the supports  212  may be positioned throughout electronic device  100  to provide structural support to contact portion  104  to substantially prevent or minimize undesirable bend in contact portion  104  when a force (F) is not applied by a user. Areas of contact portion  104  above and/or near supports  212  may be unbendable by a user, and therefore may be “dead zones” when no input can be detected by input surface  200 . The set of supports  212  may be formed from any suitable material that may support contact portion  104 . In a non-limiting example, the supports  212  may be formed from a polymer, such as plastic, or a metal similar to and/or formed integrally with contact portion  104  and/or base portion  106  of casing  102 . The supports may prevent or reduce deformation of the contact portion  104 , at least in a localized region at or near the support. The supports may contribute to or facilitate the imperceptible bending, flexing, travel or other motion of the contact portion  104  when subject to a typical input force. 
     In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , the supports  212  may be positioned within compliant layer  208 , between sense layer  204  and drive layer  206 . In another non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 3 , the supports  212  may be positioned within compliant layer  208  between contact portion  104  and back portion of casing  102  of electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , stack-up of input surface  200  may also include a light guide layer  218  positioned between sense layer  204  and contact portion  104  of casing  102  of electronic device  100 . Light guide layer  218  may be positioned between sense layer  204  and contact portion  104  to provide light to contact portion  104 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , light guide layer  218  may be utilized to provide light to a set of micro-perforations or holes  220  formed or otherwise extending through contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments these holes are sealed with an optically clear sealant (or any other suitable sealant) to reduce ingress of debris and/or liquid, while allowing light to pass through holes  220 . As discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 , indicators (here holes  220 ) may be throughout input area  202 , and may be utilized, along with light guide layer  218 , to form, provide and/or display line boundaries for input surface  200 . Some embodiments may employ indicators other than holes, for example: embedded illuminable structures (LEDs or other light sources, for example); color-changing strips, dots, or the like; micro displays, including LCD, OLED, and other types of displays; and so on. Any such indicator or set of indicators may be used in lieu of the holes described herein. 
     Although shown in a specific configuration in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it is understood that the stack-up forming input surface  200  may be formed in different orders or orientations. In a non-limiting example, sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  may be flipped or switched within the stack-up. In another non-limiting example, light guide layer  218  may be positioned adjacent casing  102 . In the non-limiting example where light guide layer  218  is positioned adjacent base casing  102 , the remaining layers in the stack-up (for example, the compliant layer  208 ) may be formed from a material having substantially transparent properties and/or characteristics to allow light to pass through the stack-up of input surface  200 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of portion of electronic device  100  and input surface  200 . The back portion of casing  102  for electronic device  100  is removed in  FIG. 4  to more clearly show input surface  200 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , light guide layer  218  may extend beyond the other layers of stack-up of input surface  200 , for example, rigid base layer  207 . Further, one or more light source  222  may be positioned on, near, or adjacent light guide layer  218 . Light source  222  may be any suitable light source, such as an LED, that may emit light into light guide layer  218 , which may subsequently direct the light through holes  220  of contact portion  104  to light portions of input area  202 , as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , stack-up of input surface  200  may also include a circuit connector  224  in electrical communication with various layers of input surface  200 . Circuit connector  224  may be in electrical communication with sense layer  204  and drive layer  206  for detecting and/or determining a capacitance change in input surface  200  when a force is applied to contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . Circuit connector  224  may be configured as any suitable electrically communicative conduit or line including, but not limited to an electrical flex or an electrical trace. 
     Additionally, circuit connector  224  may be in electrical communication with various distinct components of electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4 , circuit connector  224  may be in electrical communication with a haptic feedback module  226  of electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example, circuit connector  224  may electrically couple haptic feedback module  226  to stack-up of input surface  200 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , haptic feedback module  226  may be positioned on or aligned with stack-up forming input surface  200 . Haptic feedback module  226  may also be in communication with haptic actuator(s)  227  (one shown) positioned at least partially within or adjacent to input area  202 . The haptic feedback module  226 , via haptic actuator(s)  227 , may provide haptic signals to contact portion  104  of casing  102  including input area  202 . As discussed herein, because there is no button for providing haptic feedback to a user of input surface  200 , haptic feedback module  226  may recognize a user&#39;s input by communicating with stack-up of input surface  200 , and may subsequently provide a haptic feedback through haptic signals (e.g., ultrasonic waves), generated by haptic actuator  227 , to the user. The haptic signals mimic the tactile feel of a click on a conventional track pad. 
     Haptic feedback module  226  may provide additional haptic signal to contact portion  104  within input area  202  when a user is interacting with input surface  200 , for example when used as a track pad. In a non-limiting example, haptic feedback module  226  may recognize when a user&#39;s touch is adjacent, proximate or on a boundary line of input area  202  for input surface  200 , and may subsequently provide a haptic signals to notify the user that they may be moving outside of input area  202 . This haptic signal may provide an indicator that may allow a user to interact within the boundaries of input area  202  of input surface  200  without having to look at input area  202  on contact portion  104 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4 , circuit connector  224  may also be in electrical communication with a touch detection module  228 . Similar to haptic feedback module  226 , circuit connector  224  may electrically couple touch detection module  228  to stack-up of input surface  200 . Touch detection module  228  may detect, determine and/or monitor the distinct types of touch and/or motions a user may perform on input area  202  of input surface  200 , and may subsequently determine if the touch was intended to interact with input surface  200 . In a non-limiting example, touch detection module  228  may detect a user touching input area  202  of input surface  200  with a single fingertip to form a contact point with input surface  200 . Additionally, touch detection module  228  may also detect the contact point is continuously moving in a first direction. In the non-limiting example, touch detection module  228  may determine that the type of touch (e.g., single fingertip or single contact point) and/or motion of the touch (e.g., continuous in a first direction, or otherwise of a type determined to be deliberate) may correlate to a user intending to interact with input surface  200 . 
     In another non-limiting example, touch detection module  228  may detect a user touching input area  202  of input surface  200 , where a large portion of input area may be engaged and a large contact point or many contact points positioned close together may be detected. Additionally, touch detection module  228  may also detect the large contact point is randomly moving in a variety of directions, in small distances. In the non-limiting example, touch detection module  228  may determine that the type of touch (e.g., large contact point) and motion of the touch (e.g., random movement, small distances) may correlate to a user&#39;s palm touching input surface  200  while typing on keyboard assembly  106 . As a result, touch detection module  228  may prevent interaction with input surface  200  until new or distinct touch-type and/or motion is detected. 
     Additionally, a location in which the change in capacitance occurs may indicate the location of the touch or force applied by the user. That is, embodiments described herein may localize a touch or force by determining which particular sense/drive regions are deformed by the touch or force. These deformed components correspond to a location at which the touch or force is applied because the change in capacitance is greatest at that region. Thus, embodiments described herein may sense not only touch or force but also a location at which a touch or force is applied. 
     Circuit connector  224  may also be in electrical communication with a touch frequency module  230 . Similar to haptic feedback module  226 , circuit connector  224  may electrically couple touch frequency module  230  to stack-up of input surface  200 . Touch frequency module  230  may detect a portion of input area  202  in which the user most frequently touches and/or interacts with, and may subsequently resize and/or reposition input area  202  based on the detected, frequently touched area. In a non-limiting example, a user may frequently touch or interact with a right portion of input area  202  of input surface  200 . As a result of detecting the frequency in which the right portion of the input area  202  is touched, touch frequency module  230  may resize and/or reposition input area  202  only on the right portion of input area  202 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a top view of electronic device  100  including input surface  200 . As shown in  FIG. 5  and discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , casing  102  may have micro-perforations or holes  220  (shown in phantom) formed or otherwise extending through contact portion  104 . In the non-limiting example, holes  220  may be positioned through contact portion  104  in adjustable input area  202  for input surface  200 . Input area  202  may include a group of holes  220 . Additionally, and as discussed herein, input area  202 , when configured, may have boundaries defined by illuminated holes  220 . Although shown as being arranged in a grid geometry, it is understood that the holes  220  extending through contact portion  104  may be positioned in any geometry or configuration within contact portion  104 . Additionally, it is understood that holes  220  may be formed over the entire surface of contact portion  104 ; however, only those holes  220  formed in input area  202  may be visible by a user when a light is provided by light guide layer  218  and/or light source  222 , as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a top view of electronic device  100  including input surface  200  (shown in phantom). In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6A , input area  202  may be defined by boundary lines  232 . Boundary lines  232  may be formed by illuminating select holes  220  extending through contact portion  104  using light guide layer  218  and/or light source  222  (see,  FIG. 4 ), or through the use of any other suitable indicators. To interact with input surface  200  and/or electronic device  100 , a user must touch and/or form contact point(s) within input area  202  defined by boundary lines  232 . Portions of input surface  200  positioned outside of input area  202  may be deactivated or temporarily inoperable, such that a user may not interact with input surface  200  when touching or forming contact point(s) outside of boundary lines  232 . A user may perform a variety of touch gestures on contact portion  104  within input area  202  to interact or engage input surface  200  and/or electronic device  100 . In non-limiting examples, a user may sweep their finger(s) to move a cursor on display  110 , or a user may apply a force to deform contact portion  104  within input area  202  to provide a “mouse click” to input surface  200  and/or electronic device  100 . 
     Additionally, a user may perform additional touch gestures to reconfigure input surface  200 . In non-limiting examples shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , a user may perform distinct touch gestures to adjust a size of input area  202  of input surface  200 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6B , a user may form a first contact point  234  within input area  202  using a first finger  236 , and may also form a second contact point  238  within input area  202  using a second finger  240 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , first contact point  234  formed by first finger  236  and second contact point  238  formed by second finger  240  may be positioned opposite one another within input area  202 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 6B , first contact point  234  formed by first finger  236  and second contact point  238  formed by second finger  240  may be positioned within input area  202  adjacent boundary lines  232 . 
     Once the first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  are formed, a user may move at least one contact point to either increase or decrease the dimensions of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200 . In the non-limiting example as shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , first contact point  234  and/or second contact point  238  may be moved outward to increase the dimensions of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , first contact point  234  and/or first finger  236  may be moved in a first direction (D 1 ). While first contact point  234  and/or first finger  236  is moved in the first direction (D 1 ), second contact point  238  and/or second finger  240  may either remain stationary, or be moved in a second direction (D 2 ), opposite the first direction (D 1 ). Where the second contact point  238  and/or second finger  240  remains stationary, it may be subsequently moved when first contact point  234  and/or first finger  236  is moved to a desired position on contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . 
     As first contact point  234  and/or second contact point  238  move in the desired direction for resizing the dimensions of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200 , input surface  200  may also change or alter the selectively illuminated holes  220  extending through contact portion  104 . That is, resizing input area  202  by moving the first contact point  234  and/or second contact point  238  results in resizing boundary lines  232 . The resizing of boundary lines  232  is accomplished by changing the holes  220  that are illuminated and/or in contact or alignment with the moving first contact point  234  and/or second contact point  238 . This may allow a user to visualize in real time the size of input area  202  of input surface  200 , as the dimensions of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200  are changing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , and with comparison to  FIG. 6A , the dimensions of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200  may be resized to be larger. In the non-limiting example, after resizing, input area  202  may be formed on the majority of contact portion  104 . This may allow a user more space or surface to interact with input surface  200  and/or electronic device  100 . 
     The direction of movement of the contact points and/or fingers may determine the directional change and/or size increase of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200 . In non-limiting examples, where a contact point is moved in a completely horizontal or vertical direction, the width or the height of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200  may only be resized. In a further non-limiting example, where a contact point is moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction (e.g., diagonally), both the width and the height of boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200  may be resized. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show top views of electronic device  100  including input surface  200  (shown in phantom). In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , boundary lines  232  and/or input area  202  of input surface  200  may be repositioned and/or relocated on contact portion  104  of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  may be formed by first finger  236  and second finger  240 , respectively, in a similar fashion as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 6B and 6C . However, distinct from  FIGS. 6B and 6C , first finger  236  and second finger  240  may be positioned directly on boundary line  232 . 
     After first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  are formed, a user may move the first contact point  234  and the second contact point  238  simultaneously in a similar direction (D) to relocate or reposition input area  202  of input surface  200 . In the non-limiting example as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  may be simultaneously moved in a direction (D) to move input area  202  from a first position (see,  FIG. 7A ) on contact portion  104 , to a second position (see,  FIG. 7B ) on contact portion  104 . The first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  may be moved simultaneously by moving first finger  236  and second finger  240  in a direction (D) simultaneously. As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 6B and 6C , as first contact point  234  and second contact point  238  simultaneously move in direction (D), input surface  200  may also change the selectively illuminated holes  220  for others located in direction (D) from the initially-illuminated holes. Once positioned in the second position, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the user may lift first finger  236  and second finger  240  to discontinue the contact points, and may touch and/or interact with relocated or repositioned input area  202  of input surface  200 . 
     Although discussed herein as using two contact points (e.g., first contact point  234  and second contact point  238 ) and/or two fingers (e.g., first finger  236  and second finger  240 ), it is understood that any number of contact points and/or combination of fingers may be used to resize and/or reposition input area  202  of input surface  200 . Additionally, it is understood that the contact points, and/or fingers may be positioned adjacent one another, and adjacent the same side of boundary line for resize and/or reposition input area  202  of input surface  200 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  show another non-limiting example of electronic device  100  having input surface  200 . In the non-limiting examples shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , contact portion  104  may not include boundary lines  232  identifying input area  202 . Rather, the entire area of contact portion  104  may be input area  202 . In the non-limiting example, a user may contact or touch a contact portion  104  and/or input area  202  to form a contact point  234  with finger  236  in order to interact with input surface  200  and/or electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , when a user&#39;s finger  236  moves along input area  202 , input surface  200  may selectively illuminate holes  220  extending through contact portion  104  in portions in which a user previously touched. That is, as a user moves finger  236  along input area  202 , input surface  200  may create a light trail  242  by illuminating holes  220  in areas of contact portion  104  in which a contact point  234  was previously made by finger  236 . Light trail  242  may provide a user with a visual path of where the user&#39;s finger  236  previously touched on contact portion  104 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an example process for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface of an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 9  is a flowchart depicting one example process  900  for adjusting a position and/or a size of a dynamic input surface for an electronic device, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-8C . 
     In operation  902 , a boundary of an input area of a dynamic input surface is illuminated. The input area includes and/or is formed in a part of a contact surface. The contact surface may be illuminated to visually indicate the input area of the dynamic input surface. The contact surface may be part of a partially-flexible contact portion of an electronic device. The illuminating of the boundary of the input area may also include providing light to a group of holes extending through the partially-flexible, metal contact portion defining the dynamic input surface, and forming the boundary of the input area by lighting the group of holes. 
     In operation  904 , one or more gestures may be received within or on the boundary of the input area of the dynamic input surface. The receiving of the gesture(s) may include receiving a first contact point within or on the boundary of the input area, and receiving a second contact point within or on the boundary of the input area. The first contact point and the second contact point are on opposite and/or adjacent sides of the input area. 
     In operation  906 , the position and/or the size of the input area of the dynamic input surface may be adjusted. The input area may be adjusted based on the gesture(s) received in operation  904 . The adjusting of the position of the input area may include simultaneously moving a first portion of the boundary corresponding to the first contact point and a second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a similar or same direction across the contact surface. Additionally, the adjusting of the position of the input area may include relocating the input area from a first position on the contact surface to a second position on the contact surface. 
     The adjusting of the size of the input area may include one of increasing or decreasing at least one dimension of the boundary forming the input area of the dynamic input surface. Additionally, the adjusting of the size of the input area may include moving the first portion of the boundary corresponding to the first contact point in a first direction and, one of, maintaining the second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a stationary position, or moving the second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a second direction, opposite the first direction. 
     In operation  908 , the illumination of the boundary is varied. The illumination of the boundary is varied according and/or based on the gesture received in operation  904 . Where the received gesture is one of repositioning the input area of the dynamic input surface, the illumination of the boundary is varied to move the input area defined within the boundary is moved to the new, desired position on the contact surface. Where the received gesture is one of resizing the input area of the dynamic input surface, the illumination of the boundary is varied to increase or decrease the input area defined within the boundary to the new, desired size. 
     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 targeted 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: 20200430
Publication Date: 20210420
Grant Date: 20210420
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: DEGNER, BRETT W.
SUNSHINE, Daniel D.
HOPKINSON, Ron A.
LIGTENBERG, CHRISTIAAN A.
LEGGETT, WILLIAM F.
KESSLER, PATRICK
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/04106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54325709