Specialized Keyboard Keycaps
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsWei-Min Liang, Huaichung Hsu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This application is directed to keycaps for use in association with key switches that facilitate the creation of custom keyboards. Mechanical keyboards feature key switches having standardized top portions that make it possible to fit a wide variety of different keycaps thereon. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include specialized, electronic keycaps that introduce different functionalities to improve keyboard customizability. For example, in some embodiments, keycaps can include haptic feedback mechanisms, while in other embodiments keycaps can include a display screen.
Claims19
An electronic keycap comprising:
- an electronic top;
- a cap body;
- a cross-shaped coupler disposed within the cap body;
- a first conductive region, a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a fourth conductive region;
- wherein at least a portion of the first conductive region couples with the cross-shaped coupler and forms a first interior surface of the cross-shaped coupler;
- wherein at least a portion of the second conductive region couples with the cross-shaped coupler and forms a second interior surface of the cross-shaped coupler;
- wherein at least a portion of the third conductive region couples with the cross-shaped coupler and forms a third interior surface of the cross-shaped coupler;
- wherein at least a portion of the fourth conductive region couples with the cross-shaped coupler and forms a fourth interior surface of the cross-shaped coupler;
- wherein the first conductive region comprises a first nub, the second conductive region comprises a second nub, the third conductive region comprises a third nub, and the fourth conductive region comprises a fourth nub;
- wherein the electronic top comprises a first slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot;
- and
- wherein the electronic top couples with the cap body at least in part by coupling the first nub with the first slot, the second nub with the second slot, the third nub with the third slot, and the fourth nub with the fourth slot.
An electronic keycap comprising:
- an electronic top;
- a cap body;
- a cross-shaped coupler disposed within the cap body;
- at least one conductive region coupled with the cross-shaped coupler to form a surface of the cross-shaped coupler;
- wherein the at least one conductive region comprises a nub;
- and
- wherein the electronic top couples with the cap body such that the nub creates an electrical connection with a conductive portion of the electronic top.
An electronic keycap comprising:
- an electronic top;
- a cap body;
- a cross-shaped coupler disposed within the cap body;
- the cross-shaped coupler comprising at least one conductive region;
- and
- wherein the electronic top couples with the cap body such that the at least one conductive region creates an electrical connection with a conductive portion of the electronic top.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.