Method and apparatus for controlling a multi-mode keyboard
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A multi-mode keyboard for a portable electronic device, the keyboard comprising:
- a layer of keycaps;
a layer of flexible transparent touch sensors positioned below the layer of keycaps, the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors for receiving touch input, wherein the touch input comprises navigation input;
a layer of flexible output device; and
a dome sheet positioned below the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors and the layer of flexible output device, the dome sheet for receiving key click input from the layer of keycaps through flexure of the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors and the layer of flexible output device, the dome sheet including a plurality of domes, wherein each dome corresponds to a key click input value, and wherein collapsing of each of the plurality of domes provides a different key click input value.
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Abstract
A multi-mode keyboard for a portable electronic device is provided. The keyboard comprising: a layer of flexible transparent touch sensors for receiving touch input; a layer of flexible output device; and a dome sheet for receiving key click input.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multi-mode keyboard for a portable electronic device, the keyboard comprising:
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a layer of keycaps; a layer of flexible transparent touch sensors positioned below the layer of keycaps, the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors for receiving touch input, wherein the touch input comprises navigation input; a layer of flexible output device; and a dome sheet positioned below the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors and the layer of flexible output device, the dome sheet for receiving key click input from the layer of keycaps through flexure of the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors and the layer of flexible output device, the dome sheet including a plurality of domes, wherein each dome corresponds to a key click input value, and wherein collapsing of each of the plurality of domes provides a different key click input value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling a multi-mode keyboard comprising:
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receiving first input data via the keyboard; and if the first input data results in a key click input received from a first input key, switching the multi-mode keyboard from an inactive mode to a first mode displaying a first indicia on the keyboard; if the first input data results in a key-click input received from a second input key, switching the multi-mode keyboard from the inactive mode to a second mode displaying a second indicia on the keyboard; and wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are displayed on a layer of flexible display that flexes to provide the key click input received from the first input key and the key-click input received from the second input key. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A multi-mode keyboard for a portable electronic device having a processor, the keyboard comprising:
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a layer of flexible transparent touch sensors for receiving touch input wherein the touch input comprises navigation input; a flexible display layer configured for displaying at least one indicia thereon; a dome sheet for receiving key click input, the dome sheet including a plurality of domes, wherein each dome corresponds to a key click input value, and wherein collapsing of each of the plurality of domes provides a different key click input value; a printed circuit board including a plurality of circuit traces, each circuit trace corresponding to one of the domes; a layer of keycaps placed on top of said layer of flexible transparent touch sensors, each keycap in alignment with a corresponding one of said domes and a corresponding one of said circuit traces; wherein the dome sheet is positioned to receive key click input from the layer of keycaps through flexure of the layer of flexible transparent touch sensors and the flexible display layer; wherein the keyboard is configured for switching between a first mode and a second mode based on whether touch input or key click input is received by the processor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification