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US 8,946,570 B2Granted
Keyboard systems utilizing a switch and proximity sensors
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorCharles A. Sellers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A keyboard apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps and a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators disposed proximate the rigid keycap member. The apparatus can also include a backing member comprising a switch disposed proximate the proximity sensing member. A displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member can activate the switch.
Claims15
A keyboard apparatus, comprising:
- a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps;
- a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators;
- wherein the proximity sensing member is disposed proximate the rigid member;
- and
- a backing member comprising a switch;
- wherein the switch is disposed proximate the proximity sensing member;
- and
- wherein each keycap causes a displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member which activates the switch.
5 more elements
A keyboard method, comprising:
- displacing a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps and a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators;
- sensing the location of the displacement force using at least a portion of the plurality of proximity sensors;
- and
- activating a switch disposed on a backing member, wherein each of the plurality of keycaps activates the switch in response to the displacement force.
1 more element
A keyboard system, comprising:
- a housing;
- a rigid member comprising a light guide, a plurality of keycaps, and at least one character disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of keycaps disposed at least partially within the housing;
- a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators disposed at least partially within the housing;
- wherein the proximity sensing member is disposed proximate the rigid keycap member;
- and
- wherein at least a portion of the light provided by the plurality of illuminators is transmissible through the at least one character disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of keycaps;
- a backing member comprising a single switch disposed at least partially within the housing;
- wherein the switch is activated by each of the plurality of keycaps and is disposed proximate the proximity sensing member;
- and
- wherein a displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member activates the switch;
- and
- a processor to generate a signal wherein the signal content is determined at least in part based upon the location of a displacement force applied to the rigid member and the activation of the switch.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.