System for extended key actions and haptic feedback and optimized key layout for a solid-state keyboard and touchpad

A haptic keyboard of an information handling system, comprising:

• a coversheet to identify an extended action key of the haptic keyboard;
• a support layer;
• a contact foil placed between the coversheet and support layer;
• a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at the extended action key of the coversheet and generate an electric actuation signal;
• and
• a controller of the information handling system operatively coupled to the contact foil to:
• receive the electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element placed under the mechanical stress via the contact foil and determine the level of mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric element from the electric actuation signal;
• associate a selected function from a plurality of function levels associated with the actuated extended action key;
• and
• send one response haptic feedback control signal determined from a plurality of haptic feedback control signals corresponding to the plurality of function levels associated with the extended action key to the piezoelectric element to cause the piezoelectric element to generate haptic feedback at the extended action key indicating the selected function.

A haptic keyboard and touchpad control system of an information handling system, comprising:

• a coversheet to identify an extended action key of a haptic keyboard and a haptic touchpad;
• a support layer;
• a contact foil placed between the coversheet and support layer;
• a first piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at the extended action key of the coversheet and generate an electric actuation signal;
• and
• a controller of the information handling system operatively coupled to the contact foil to:
• receive the electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element placed under the mechanical stress via the contact foil and determine the level of mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric element from the electric actuation signal;
• associate a selected function from a plurality of function levels associated with the actuated extended action key based on the level of mechanical stress applied;
• and
• send a response haptic feedback control signal to the first piezoelectric element to cause the piezoelectric element to generate haptic feedback selected from a plurality of types of haptic feedback at the extended action key to indicate the selected function.