Apparatus and method for an actuator in an electronic device
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a base element;
a key top configured to pivot in relation to the base element, the key top having a center area and a peripheral area;
a single dome switch between the base element and the key top, wherein the single dome switch is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to a depression of the key top; and
a capacitive sensing system configured to sense a capacitance corresponding to a distance between a portion of the peripheral area and the base element.
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Abstract
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base element, a key top, a single dome switch, and a capacitive sensing system. The key top is configured to pivot in relation to the base element. The key top has a center area and a peripheral area. The single dome switch is between the base element and the key top. The single dome switch is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to a depression of the key top. The capacitive sensing system is configured to sense a capacitance corresponding to a distance between a portion of the peripheral area and the base element.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a base element; a key top configured to pivot in relation to the base element, the key top having a center area and a peripheral area; a single dome switch between the base element and the key top, wherein the single dome switch is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to a depression of the key top; and a capacitive sensing system configured to sense a capacitance corresponding to a distance between a portion of the peripheral area and the base element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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6. An apparatus as in claim i further comprising a protective film between the peripheral area and the base element.
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11. A method, comprising:
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providing a base element; providing a key top configured to pivot in relation to the base element, wherein the key top comprises a center area and a peripheral area; providing a single dome switch between the base element and the key top, wherein the single dome switch is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to a depression of the key top; and providing a capacitive switch between the base element and the key top, wherein a capacitance of the capacitive switch corresponds to a depression of the peripheral area. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising:
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code for generating a first signal in response to an actuation of a first capacitive switch, wherein the first capacitive switch comprises an upper electrode and a lower electrode, wherein the upper electrode is proximate a peripheral part of a key, wherein the lower electrode is proximate a base element of the key, and wherein the key is configured such that the peripheral part is pivotable relative to the base element; code for generating a second signal in response to an actuation of a second capacitive switch, wherein the second capacitive switch comprises the upper electrode and another different lower electrode, and wherein the another different lower electrode is proximate the base element, and wherein the lower electrodes are spaced from each other; code for performing an operation, with a processor, in response to the first signal; and code for performing another operation, with the processor, in response to the second signal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification