Computer keyboard with quantitatively force-sensing keys

A computer keyboard, comprising

• a grid of first group conductors and second group conductors, the first and second group conductors forming a plurality of intersections;
• a force-sensitive resistive element at each intersection of the plurality located between one of the conductors of the first group and one of the conductors of the second group forming said intersection;
• a plurality of keys located above the plurality of intersections, each key being associated with one intersection and configured to exert force on the conductors and force-sensitive resistive element of the associated intersection during a key press;
• a microprocessor having a plurality of first group conductor pins each in contact with one of the first group conductors and a plurality of second group conductor pins each in contact with one of the second group conductors;
• a sub-circuit connected to at least one of the second group conductors, the sub-circuit having a resistor network switchable by the microprocessor between a low resistance value and a high resistance value;
• and
• an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) coupled to the sub-circuit and to the microprocessor.

A microprocessor having preprogrammed instructions for performing steps comprising:

• placing a detection circuit in a first state in which the detection circuit is configured to identity a pressed key of a keyboard;
• selecting, while in the first state, a conductor pin from a group of conductor pins;
• testing, while in the first state, the selected conductor pin for a threshold voltage level;
• upon detecting the threshold voltage level on the selected conductor pin, placing the detection circuit in a second state by altering the resistance of a resistance network;
• when in the second state, receiving a digital value for a voltage on the selected conductor pin, the digital voltage value representing an amount of force applied to the pressed key;
• scanning the keyboard for presses of additional keys by testing for a threshold voltage level with regard to each of the additional keys when the detection circuit is in the first state;
• and
• placing the detection circuit in the second state and receiving additional digital voltage values upon detection of threshold voltages with regard to the additional keys.