Membrane antenna assembly for a wireless device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for use in a cordless device, comprising:
- an antenna component configured to couple to a radio transmitter, the antenna component further configured for electromagnetic propagation of a signal from the radio transmitter; and
a metallized membrane of a keyswitch matrix system, the metallized membrane having a surface that comprises a first geometric shape printed with conductive ink, the first geometric shape configured to couple with the antenna component.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A radio frequency keyboard assembly configured for use in a keyboard having a plurality of keys. The assembly includes a key matrix and a communication circuit. The key matrix includes an electrical matrix having switch points and a metallized membrane with printed geometric shapes that are part of an antenna. Each switch point is associated with a key from the plurality of keys and is capable of generating information associated with the key when the switch point connects with the electrical matrix. The antenna parts can be located on any surface of the membranes comprising the keyswitch matrix system. The communication circuit connects with the antenna and transmits the information through the antenna. To improve performance, RF signals can be transmitted when the switch points are not connected within the electrical matrix.
28 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in a cordless device, comprising:
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an antenna component configured to couple to a radio transmitter, the antenna component further configured for electromagnetic propagation of a signal from the radio transmitter; and
a metallized membrane of a keyswitch matrix system, the metallized membrane having a surface that comprises a first geometric shape printed with conductive ink, the first geometric shape configured to couple with the antenna component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for use in a cordless device, comprising:
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means for propagating electromagnetic energy through coupling to a radio transmitter; and
means for electrically grounding configured to couple to a radio frequency transmission system, the means for electrically grounding printed on a membrane of a keyswitch matrix system and coupled to the means for propagating. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of manufacturing antenna components on a membrane keyswitch assembly having a plurality of membranes, the method comprising:
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printing with an electrically conductive printing substance a geometric shape on a surface of one of the plurality of membranes, the geometric shape forming a ground plane; and
electrically coupling the printed geometric shape with one or more antenna components. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification