Integrated keyboard and touchpad

A method of inputting data into a computer, the method comprising the steps of:

• displaying a reference point on a screen;
• positioning an image on the screen in response to pressure applied to the screen at the reference point by a user;
• interpreting a change in the location of the pressure as motion by the user across the screen surface;
• and
• inputting data associated with the location on the screen to which pressure is applied so that the image follows the movement of the location of the reference point.

A method of inputting data into a computer, the method comprising the steps of:

• displaying on a screen at least one sensing area in a predetermined position relative to a reference point, wherein the sensing area includes a certain area of the screen surface;
• maintaining the sensing area position relative to the reference point;
• interpreting pressure applied along an axis intersecting the screen surface within the sensing area as a data input signal;
• and
• inputting data associated with the sensing area.

A data input system comprising a screen having multiple layers, the layers including:

• a flexible display layer;
• a flexible layer adapted to provide tactile feedback to the user and disposed beneath the display layer;
• a first flexible circuit layer disposed beneath the tactile layer and including a first electronic circuit;
• a second flexible circuit layer disposed beneath the first circuit layer and including a second electronic circuit;
• and
• an insulating layer disposed between the first and second circuit layers, the insulating layer selectably preventing contact between the first and second electronic circuits;
• and
• wherein the first electronic circuit is located on a bottom surface of the first circuit layer, and the second electronic circuit is located on a top surface of the second circuit layer, so that a pressure applied to the flexible display creates electrical contact between corresponding locations on the first and second electronic circuits.

A computer comprising:

• a display screen;
• a data input system operating to accept data inputted by a user, wherein the screen is responsive to a pressure applied by a user to the screen surface, and operates to selectably display an image of a desired data input device, such that the screen is operable in a first mode in which pressure is interpreted as movement along the screen surface, and a second mode in which pressure is interpreted as point pressure in a direction intersecting the screen surface at a location on the screen surface;
• and
• an output screen contained within the second side and adapted to display output data.