KEYPAD AND SENSOR COMBINATION TO PROVIDE DETECTION REGION THAT OVERLAYS KEYS
First Claim
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1. A computing device comprising:
- a keypad having a plurality of key structures;
a sensor mechanism that is positioned with respect to the keypad to provide a sensor detection region that overlays at least a portion of the keypad, wherein the sensor mechanism is configured to detect an object in the sensor detection region and provide an output indicating the detected object; and
one or more processors configured to;
receive an input signal that corresponds to the output of the sensor mechanism; and
perform an operation in response to the input signal.
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Abstract
A computing device is provided comprising a keypad having a plurality of key structures, and a sensor mechanism. The sensor mechanism is positioned with respect to the keypad to provide a sensor detection region that overlays at least a portion of the keypad. The sensor mechanism is configured to detect an object in the sensor detection region and provide an output indicating the detected. The computing device further includes one or more processors that are programmed, instructed or otherwise configured to (i) receive an input signal that corresponds to the output of the sensor mechanism; and (ii) perform an operation in response to the input signal.
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Citations
43 Claims
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1. A computing device comprising:
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a keypad having a plurality of key structures;
a sensor mechanism that is positioned with respect to the keypad to provide a sensor detection region that overlays at least a portion of the keypad, wherein the sensor mechanism is configured to detect an object in the sensor detection region and provide an output indicating the detected object; and
one or more processors configured to;
receive an input signal that corresponds to the output of the sensor mechanism; and
perform an operation in response to the input signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computing device comprising:
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an electrical contact layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts;
a key structure layer comprising a plurality of key structures, wherein each of the plurality of key structures is configured to travel inward to cause a switching event with an electrical contact of the electrical contact layer; and
a sensor mechanism provided at least in part between the key structure layer and the electrical contact layer, wherein the sensor mechanism is configured to generate an output that indicates a change in a field property of the sensor mechanism; and
one or more processors configured to;
receive an input signal that corresponds to the output of the sensor mechanism; and
perform an operation in response to the input signal - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A key structure assembly comprising:
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a key structure layer comprising a plurality of key structures, wherein each of the plurality of key structures is configured to travel inward to cause a switching event with an electrical contact layer; and
a sensor layer provided at least in part between the key layer and the electrical contact layer; and
wherein the sensor layer is configured to generate an output that indicates a capacitive change in the sensor layer. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36)
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34. The key structure assembly of claim 322, wherein at least some of the actuation members of the actuation member layer extend through the sensor layer to make connect with the electrical contact of the electrical contact layer.
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37. A method for operating a computing device, the method comprising:
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detecting a presence of an object, either in contact with or within a designated range from, a contact surface of one or more key structures of the computing device;
processing the detected presence as an input, independent of inward travel of any of the one or more key structures. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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Specification