Mountable tool computer input
    121.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11893171B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-02-06

    申请号:US17651163

    申请日:2022-02-15

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.

    Deployable key mouse
    122.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11782519B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-10-10

    申请号:US17650121

    申请日:2022-02-07

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Inventor: Paul X. Wang

    CPC classification number: G06F3/0216 G06F3/0219

    Abstract: A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.

    Flexible Speakers
    128.
    发明申请

    公开(公告)号:US20230055725A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-02-23

    申请号:US17880930

    申请日:2022-08-04

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Abstract: A speaker includes a housing having walls that define a cavity and a diaphragm covering the cavity and configured to vibrate under application of a magnetic field. The vibration produces sound waves. The walls are configured to deform under bending stress. The speaker is configured produce the sound waves both in an undeformed state and in a deformed state. Another speaker includes a flexible layer, a sensor configured to detect a curvature of the flexible layer, and a transducer disposed on and configured to vibrate the flexible layer. The vibrations of the flexible layer generate sound waves and output generated by the transducer is based on the curvature of the flexible layer.

    Sensors for Electronic Finger Devices

    公开(公告)号:US20230004231A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-01-05

    申请号:US17901722

    申请日:2022-09-01

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Abstract: A system may include one or more finger-mounted devices such as finger devices with U-shaped housings configured to be mounted on a user's fingers while gathering sensor input and supplying haptic output. The sensors may include strain gauge circuitry mounted on elongated arms of the housing. When the arms move due to finger forces, the strain gauge circuitry can measure the arm movement. The sensors may also include ultrasonic sensors. An ultrasonic sensor may have an ultrasonic signal emitter and a corresponding ultrasonic signal detector configured to detect the ultrasonic signals after passing through a user's finger. A two-dimensional ultrasonic sensor may capture ultrasonic images of a user's finger pad. Ultrasonic proximity sensors may be used to measure distances between finger devices and external surfaces. Optical sensors and other sensors may also be used in the finger devices.

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