Pressure sensitive functionality for keyboard keys
US6758615B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2225/018
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having a key sensing device that provides two levels of sensing by generating electrical signals depending on the force applied on the keys. The different levels of key sensing can be used to provide different functions, for instance, in a software application. This key sensing functionality can be provided on all or only some of the keys of the keyboard. For example, the different pressure levels applied on the key can be used to control cursor movement or scrolling and to produce pressure-based shifting between lower case and upper case. A method of providing pressure sensitive key functionalities for a keyboard comprises producing a signal by applying a pressure to a key which is configured to produce different signals in response to different pressure levels applied to the key. A user interface response is generated based on the signal produced by the pressure applied to the key. The different signals are adapted to generate different user interface responses for the key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.