KEYBOARD SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A keyboard apparatus, comprising:
- a rigid member (110) comprising a plurality of keycaps (120);
a proximity sensing member (130) comprising a plurality of proximity sensors (140) and a plurality of illuminators (150);
wherein the proximity sensing member is disposed proximate the rigid member; and
a backing member (160) comprising a switch (170);
wherein the switch is disposed proximate the proximity sensing member; and
wherein a displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member activates the switch.
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Abstract
A keyboard apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps and a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators disposed proximate the rigid keycap member. The apparatus can also include a backing member comprising a switch disposed proximate the proximity sensing member. A displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member can activate the switch.
12 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A keyboard apparatus, comprising:
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a rigid member (110) comprising a plurality of keycaps (120); a proximity sensing member (130) comprising a plurality of proximity sensors (140) and a plurality of illuminators (150); wherein the proximity sensing member is disposed proximate the rigid member; and a backing member (160) comprising a switch (170); wherein the switch is disposed proximate the proximity sensing member; and wherein a displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member activates the switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A keyboard method, comprising:
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displacing (330) a rigid member (110) comprising a plurality of keycaps (120) and a proximity sensing member (130) comprising a plurality of proximity sensors (140) and a plurality of illuminators (150); sensing the location of the displacement force using at least a portion of the plurality of proximity sensors; and activating a switch (170) disposed on a backing member (160) in response to the displacement force. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A keyboard system, comprising:
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a housing (310); a rigid member (110) comprising a light guide, a plurality of keycaps (120), and at least one character (210) disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of keycaps disposed at least partially within the housing; a proximity sensing member (130) comprising a plurality of proximity sensors (140) and a plurality of illuminators (150) disposed at least partially within the housing; wherein the proximity sensing member is disposed proximate the rigid keycap member; and wherein at least a portion of the light provided by the plurality of illuminators is transmissible through the at least one character disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of keycaps; a backing member (160) comprising a switch (170) disposed at least partially within the housing; wherein the switch (170) is disposed proximate the proximity sensing member; and wherein a displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member activates the switch; and a processor (320) to generate a signal (340) wherein the signal content is determined at least in part based upon the location of a displacement force applied to the rigid member and the activation of the switch. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification