Apparatus and methods for mounting haptics actuation circuitry in keyboards

• US 8,760,273 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2010
• Issued: 06/24/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dell Products BV (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Casparian, Mark A., Azor, Frank C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): EUSTAQUIO, CAL J
• Application Number:
  US12/930,118
• Publication Number:
  US 20110095877A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,273 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 340/407.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/702 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/85 characterised by tactile feedback features
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2201/036 Variable resistance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/05 electromechanical
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/052 piezoelectric
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2225/03 Different type of switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/006 Containing a capacitive switch or usable as such
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/975 using a capacitive movable element

Abstract

Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key.

Claims

1. A haptics enabled keyboard assembly for accepting input from a user, the keyboard comprising:

a keyboard base; and

one or more haptics-enabled key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable hard plastic keycap, a separate raised flexible dome, and separate key output circuitry configured to provide an output signal and being disposed between the raised flexible rubber dome and the keyboard base, the hard plastic keycap being configured to depress the separate raised flexible rubber dome against the separate key output circuitry to cause the key output circuitry to provide an electrical output signal when the hard plastic keycap is depressed, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed on or within the keyboard base in a position between the key output circuitry and the keyboard base, the haptics actuation circuitry being configured to independently impart haptics motion to the depressable keycap of the key structure without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry is a separate piezo transducer.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the haptics-enabled key structures is a variable pressure sensitive key structure;

and where the electrical output signal provided by the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures is representative of the amount of downward pressure applied to the hard plastic keycap at any given time.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures is configured to produce a variable capacitance analog signal that is representative of the amount of downward pressure applied to the hard plastic keycap when the keycap is depressed by a user.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures comprises:

first and second circuit connection pads separated by an insulative gap therebetween;

a flexible and conductive half-dome structure overlying the first and second connection pads and positioned between the separate raised flexible rubber dome and the first and second connection pads of the same haptics-enabled key structure;

wherein the flexible and conductive half-dome structure is configured to flex when the separate raised flexible rubber dome is depressed by the hard plastic keycap against the flexible and conductive half-dome structure to cause the flexible and conductive half-dome structure to contact the first circuit pad to vary the capacitance associated between the first and second circuit pads when the hard plastic keycap is depressed to provide an indication of the pressure being applied to the hard plastic keycap; and

wherein haptics vibration motion is transmitted from the haptics actuation circuitry to the hard plastic keycap through the first circuit pad, the flexible and conductive half-dome structure and the separate raised flexible rubber dome when the separate raised flexible rubber dome is depressed against the flexible and conductive half-dome structure to cause the flexible and conductive half-dome structure to contact the first circuit pad.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures comprises a flexible and conductive half-dome structure positioned underneath the independently depressable keycap and separate raised flexible dome of the same haptics-enabled key structure.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures is disposed within a respective cavity defined in the keyboard base.

8. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising a raised support structure disposed within the cavity of the keyboard base;

and wherein the center of the separate haptics actuation circuitry is disposed on the raised support structure such that a top surface of the haptics actuation circuitry is coplanar with a top surface of the keyboard base.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the keyboard base and haptics enabled key structures are configured together as a keyboard for an information handling system.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the information handling system comprises a notebook computer.

27. The assembly of claim 6, where the flexible and conductive half-dome structure comprises a downwardly protruding flexible dome.

28. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) overlying and in contact with each of the upper surface of the keyboard base and the upper surface of the haptics actuation circuitry, the flexible PCB configured to route a haptics control signal to the haptics actuation circuitry to cause the haptics actuation circuitry to produce a haptics motion.

11. A method for accepting input from a user, comprising:

providing a haptics enabled keyboard assembly that includes a keyboard base, and one or more haptics-enabled key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable hard plastic keycap, a separate raised flexible dome, and separate key output circuitry configured to provide an output signal and being disposed between the raised flexible rubber dome and the keyboard base, the hard plastic keycap being configured to depress the separate raised flexible rubber dome against the separate key output circuitry, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed on or within the keyboard base in a position between the key output circuitry and the keyboard base,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly;

providing an electrical output signal from the key output circuitry when the separate raised flexible rubber dome is depressed against the separate key output circuitry by the hard plastic keycap; and

independently imparting haptics motion to the depressed hard plastic keycap of the key structure without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly.

12. A haptics enabled keyboard assembly for accepting input from a user, the keyboard comprising:

a keyboard base; and

one or more haptics-enabled key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable hard plastic keycap, a separate raised flexible dome, and separate key output circuitry configured to provide an output signal and being disposed between the raised flexible rubber dome and the keyboard base, the hard plastic keycap being configured to depress the separate raised flexible rubber dome against the separate key output circuitry to cause the key output circuitry to provide an electrical output signal when the hard plastic keycap is depressed, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed between the key output circuitry and the keycap, the haptics actuation circuitry being configured to independently impart haptics motion to the depressable keycap of the key structure without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry is at least partially disposed within a recessed area defined in the keycap.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry is a separate piezo transducer.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the haptics-enabled key structures is a variable pressure sensitive key structure;

and where the electrical output signal provided by the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures is representative of the amount of downward pressure applied to the hard plastic keycap at any given time.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the separate key output circuitry of each of the haptics-enabled key structures is configured to produce a variable capacitance analog signal that is representative of the amount of downward pressure applied to the hard plastic keycap when the keycap is depressed by a user.

18. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising at least one backlight element configured for backlighting the one or more key structures through a light transmittal path between the backlight element and the keycap;

and wherein the haptics actuation circuitry is not positioned in the light transmittal path.

19. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising a collapsible dual lever action key mechanism disposed between the separate key output circuitry and the haptics actuation circuitry.

20. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the haptics actuation circuitry is disposed between the hard plastic keycap and the separate raised flexible dome.

21. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the keyboard base and haptics enabled key structures are configured together as a keyboard for an information handling system.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the information handling system comprises a notebook computer.

14. A haptics enabled keyboard assembly for accepting input from a user, the keyboard comprising:

a keyboard base; and

one or more haptics-enabled key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently separate key output circuitry disposed between the keycap and the keyboard base with the key output circuitry being configured to provide an electrical output signal when the keycap is depressed, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed between the key output circuitry and the keycap, the haptics actuation circuitry being configured to independently impart haptics motion to the depressable keycap of the key structure without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly; and

wherein the key structure further comprises a chimney stack and a key guide, the chimney stack being slidably received within a complementary aperture defined in the key guide; and

wherein the haptics actuation circuitry is at least partially disposed within a recessed area defined in the chimney stack with the keycap couple thereto such that the haptics actuation circuitry is positioned between the keycap and the chimney stack.

23. A method for accepting input from a user, comprising:

providing a haptics enabled keyboard assembly that includes a keyboard base, and one or more haptics-enabled key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable hard plastic keycap, a separate raised flexible dome, and separate key output circuitry configured to provide an output signal and being disposed between the raised flexible rubber dome and the keyboard base, the hard plastic keycap being configured to depress the separate raised flexible rubber dome against the separate key output circuitry, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed between the key output circuitry and the keycap,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly.

providing an electrical output signal from the key output circuitry when the separate raised flexible rubber dome is depressed against the separate key output circuitry by the hard plastic keycap; and

independently imparting haptics motion to the depressed keycap of the key structure without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly.

24. A haptics enabled variable pressure keyboard assembly for accepting input from a user, the keyboard comprising:

a keyboard base; and

one or more haptics-enabled variable pressure sensitive key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each given one of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable keycap and separate key output circuitry disposed between the keycap and the keyboard base, the key output circuitry being configured to provide an electrical output signal when the keycap is depressed, the electrical output signal being representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed on or within the keyboard base in a position between the key output circuitry and the keyboard base, the haptics actuation circuitry being configured to independently impart haptics motion to the depressable keycap of the key structure based at least in part on the electrical output signal representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key to impart motion to the given one of the variable pressure sensitive keys without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly;

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly.

25. A method for accepting variable pressure input from a user, comprising:

providing a haptics enabled keyboard assembly that includes a keyboard base, and one or more haptics-enabled variable pressure sensitive key structures overlying and supported by the keyboard base, each of the haptics-enabled key structures including;

an independently depressable keycap and separate key output circuitry configured to provide an output signal and being disposed between the keycap and the keyboard base, and

separate haptics actuation circuitry disposed on or within the keyboard base in a position between the key output circuitry and the keyboard base,

wherein the separate haptics actuation circuitry of each haptics-enabled key structure is separate and independent from the haptics actuation circuitry of any other haptics-enabled key structure of the haptics enabled keyboard assembly;

providing an electrical output signal from the key output circuitry when the keycap is depressed, the electrical output signal being representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key; and

independently imparting haptics motion to the depressed keycap of the key structure based at least in part on the electrical output signal representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key to impart motion to the given one of the variable pressure sensitive keys without imparting substantially any haptics motion to any adjacent key structure of the keyboard assembly.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising independently imparting haptics motion to the depressed keycap of the key structure based at least in part on the electrical output signal representative of the level of pressure applied to the given key to impart motion to the given one of the variable pressure sensitive keys at a first pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is different than a second haptics motion that is imparted to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys at a second pressure level applied to the given one of the pressure sensitive keys that is different than the first pressure level.