Depressible keys with decoupled electrical and mechanical functionality
First Claim
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1. A keyboard comprising:
- a plurality of keys, including at least one key comprising;
a keycap comprising an optically reflective bottom surface;
a travel mechanism coupled to an underside of the keycap; and
a non-contact proximity sensor comprising;
a light emitter oriented to emit light toward the reflective bottom surface; and
a light detector oriented to receive light reflected from the reflective bottom surface; and
a keyboard controller coupled to the non-contact proximity sensor, the keyboard controller configured to;
measure changes in distance between the keycap and the non-contact proximity sensor based on the received light; and
determine an amount of force exerted on the keycap based on a rate of change of the measured changes in distance between the keycap and the non-contact proximity sensor, whereinthe light emitter emits visible light if the keycap is to be illuminated or invisible light if the keycap is not to be illuminated.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for decoupling the electrical and mechanical functionality of a depressible key are disclosed. The depressible key can include a non-contact proximity sensor, such as an optical sensor, to detect motion of the keycap. The output from the optical sensor is used to determine a distance, velocity, acceleration, and a force applied during a keypress.
118 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A keyboard comprising:
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a plurality of keys, including at least one key comprising; a keycap comprising an optically reflective bottom surface; a travel mechanism coupled to an underside of the keycap; and a non-contact proximity sensor comprising; a light emitter oriented to emit light toward the reflective bottom surface; and a light detector oriented to receive light reflected from the reflective bottom surface; and a keyboard controller coupled to the non-contact proximity sensor, the keyboard controller configured to; measure changes in distance between the keycap and the non-contact proximity sensor based on the received light; and determine an amount of force exerted on the keycap based on a rate of change of the measured changes in distance between the keycap and the non-contact proximity sensor, wherein the light emitter emits visible light if the keycap is to be illuminated or invisible light if the keycap is not to be illuminated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A depressible key comprising:
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a keycap comprising an optically reflective bottom surface; a travel mechanism coupled to an underside of the keycap; a tactile feedback structure configured to collapse in response to a force applied to the keycap; and an optical sensor comprising; a light emitter positioned below the keycap and oriented to emit light toward the reflective bottom surface; and a light detector positioned below the keycap and oriented to receive light reflected from the reflective bottom surface and measure distances of travel of the keycap; and a controller coupled to the optical sensor and configured to; determine whether to illuminate the keycap; cause the light emitter to emit visible light if the keycap is to be illuminated; cause the light emitter to emit invisible light if the keycap is not to be illuminated; and determine an amount of force exerted on the keycap based on a rate of change of the measured distances of travel of the keycap. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of detecting a press of a depressible key, comprising:
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illuminating an underside of a keycap with a wavelength of light, the wavelength of light comprising a visible wavelength of light if the keycap is to be illuminated or an invisible wavelength of light if the keycap is not to be illuminated; receiving an electrical signal corresponding to an amplitude of light reflected from the underside of the keycap; determining distances of travel of the keycap based on the electrical signal; determining at least one of a velocity, an acceleration, or an amount of force of the keycap based on a rate of change of the determined distances of travel; and reporting a press of the key if the distance of travel of the keycap passes a first threshold and the at least one of the velocity, the acceleration, or the amount of force of the keycap passes a second threshold. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification