Haptic keyboard systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A keyboard comprising:
- a plurality of separately movable keys positioned on the keyboard, each of one or more of the plurality of keys have operatively associated therewith;
a user-engageable top surface; and
an actuation mechanism positioned thereunder its associated key, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to;
provide haptic feedback to a user engaging the user-engageable top surface of its associated key, andfacilitate light transmission therethrough the actuation mechanism and to its associated key, andthe actuation mechanism includes an electrically-deformable material configured to actuate its associated key; and
a light source positioned beneath at least a portion of the top surface of at least some of the plurality of keys and configured to backlight one or more of the plurality of keys by light from the light source passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the one or more backlit keys.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a light source can be mounted or otherwise positioned relatively close to and beneath the top surface of one or more keys or keyboard elements to backlight a portion or portions of a keyboard.
121 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A keyboard comprising:
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a plurality of separately movable keys positioned on the keyboard, each of one or more of the plurality of keys have operatively associated therewith; a user-engageable top surface; and an actuation mechanism positioned thereunder its associated key, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to; provide haptic feedback to a user engaging the user-engageable top surface of its associated key, and facilitate light transmission therethrough the actuation mechanism and to its associated key, and the actuation mechanism includes an electrically-deformable material configured to actuate its associated key; and a light source positioned beneath at least a portion of the top surface of at least some of the plurality of keys and configured to backlight one or more of the plurality of keys by light from the light source passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the one or more backlit keys. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A keyboard comprising:
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at least one key positioned on the keyboard; an actuating mechanism, associated with the keys, the actuating mechanism being configured to actuate the key using structures that enable the transmission of light to underneath the key; and a light source positioned to illuminate the key. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A keyboard comprising:
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a plurality of separately movable keys positioned on the keyboard, each of one or more of the plurality of keys have operatively associated therewith; a user-engageable top surface; and an actuation mechanism positioned thereunder its associated key, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to; provide haptic feedback to a user engaging the user-engageable top surface of its associated key, and facilitate light transmission therethrough the actuation mechanism and to its associated key, and the actuation mechanism includes an electrically-deformable material configured to actuate its associated key; and at least one light source positioned beneath at least a portion of the top surface of at least one of the plurality of keys and configured to backlight one or more of the plurality of keys by light from the light source passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the one or more backlit keys, wherein only a sub-region of the top surface of at least one individual key has light from the light source passing therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification