公开(公告)号：US11823851B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-21

申请号：US17369745

申请日：2021-07-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/041 ,  H01H13/86

CPC classification number: H01H13/86 ,  G06F1/1662 ,  G06F3/0202 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F1/1616 ,  H01H2223/003 ,  H01H2233/08

Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and provides finger support and key definition as the user feels the top surface of the keycaps and flexible layer. The flexible layer therefore smooths the top surface of the keyboard, supports fingers during key travel, prevents ingress of contaminants, fluids, or debris into the keyboard, and provides a surface that can be used as a touch interface that coincides with the keyboard.

公开(公告)号：US11822165B1

公开(公告)日：2023-11-21

申请号：US16875891

申请日：2020-05-15

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Cihan Yilmaz ,  Supriya Goyal ,  Shih-Chyuan Fan Jiang ,  Paul V. Johnson ,  Se Hyun Ahn ,  Cheng Chen ,  Yuan Chen ,  Hyungryul Choi ,  Zhibing Ge ,  Christiaan A. Ligtenberg ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Hyunmin A. Song ,  Chaohao Wang ,  Jiaying Wu

IPC: G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/163 ,  G02F1/1523 ,  G02F1/1343 ,  G02F1/1524 ,  G02F1/155

CPC classification number: G02F1/1323 ,  G02F1/13439 ,  G02F1/155 ,  G02F1/1524 ,  G02F1/1525 ,  G02F1/163

Abstract: A display may have display layers that form an array of pixels. An angle-of-view adjustment layer may overlap the display layers. The angle-of-view adjustment layer may include an array of adjustable light blocking structures formed from electrochromic material. The electrochromic material may be interposed between first and second electrode layers. When it is desired to operate the display in a private viewing mode, control circuitry may apply a current to the first and second electrodes that causes the electrochromic material to become more opaque, thereby restricting the angle of view of the display. When it is desired to operate the display in a public viewing mode, control circuitry may apply a current to the first and second electrodes that causes the electrochromic material to become more transparent, thereby opening up the angle of view of the display.

公开(公告)号：US11817275B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-14

申请号：US17447251

申请日：2021-09-09

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Abidur R. Chowdhury ,  Bart K. Andre ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: H05K5/00 ,  H01H13/86

CPC classification number: H01H13/86 ,  H01H2223/003

Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.

公开(公告)号：US20230315166A1

公开(公告)日：2023-10-05

申请号：US18330956

申请日：2023-06-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Keith J. Hendren ,  Nicholas L. Qu ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Adam T. Garelli

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044

CPC classification number: G06F1/1681 ,  G06F1/1647 ,  G06F1/1654 ,  G06F1/1669 ,  G06F3/0412 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: A computing device can be reconfigurable to include one or more electrical devices in various configurations. The computing device can include a base forming an input surface configured to receive user input. The base can receive one or more input devices, such as, displays or keyboards. The base can include a hinge rotatably attached to the base and configured to removably retain an electronic device, such as, a display. The computing device can include a coupling mechanism having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion rotatably coupled to an intermediate portion. The first and second retaining portions can be configured to removably retain electrical devices to the coupling mechanism.

公开(公告)号：US11775031B2

公开(公告)日：2023-10-03

申请号：US17383251

申请日：2021-07-22

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Keith J. Hendren ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Bryan W. Posner ,  Adam T. Garelli

IPC: G06F1/16

CPC classification number: G06F1/1686 ,  G06F1/1656 ,  G06F1/1683

Abstract: An electronic device can include a base portion and a display portion rotatably mounted to the base portion. The display portion can have a display housing including a trim that at least partially defines an orifice and a portion of the exterior surface of the electronic device. A display call can be positioned at the orifice in contact with the trim and can be secured to the display housing.

公开(公告)号：US11720176B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-08

申请号：US17843756

申请日：2022-06-17

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christiaan A. Ligtenberg ,  Brett W. Degner ,  Ron A. Hopkinson ,  Asif Hussain ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Mikael M. Silvanto ,  Chang Zhang ,  Zheng Gao ,  Robert Y. Cao ,  Keith J. Hendren ,  Bryan W. Posner ,  Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque ,  Alex J. Lehmann

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F1/16 ,  H03K17/96 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H13/85 ,  H01H13/86 ,  G06F3/04886 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  H03K17/94 ,  G06F3/02 ,  H03K17/98 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G06V40/10 ,  H10N30/20 ,  G06F3/0488 ,  H01H13/703 ,  H01H13/705 ,  G06F1/26 ,  H01H3/12

CPC classification number: G06F3/016 ,  G06F1/165 ,  G06F1/1616 ,  G06F1/1662 ,  G06F3/017 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/0216 ,  G06F3/03547 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G06F3/0412 ,  G06F3/0414 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  G06F3/0446 ,  G06F3/0447 ,  G06F3/0488 ,  G06F3/04144 ,  G06F3/04886 ,  G06V40/107 ,  H01H13/703 ,  H01H13/705 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H13/85 ,  H01H13/86 ,  H03K17/943 ,  H03K17/9622 ,  H03K17/9643 ,  H03K17/9647 ,  H03K17/98 ,  H10N30/20 ,  G06F1/169 ,  G06F1/266 ,  G06F2203/04102 ,  G06F2203/04105 ,  G06F2203/04106 ,  H01H3/125 ,  H01H2201/036 ,  H01H2215/05 ,  H01H2215/052 ,  H01H2219/002 ,  H01H2219/004 ,  H01H2219/046 ,  H01H2219/056 ,  H01H2223/002 ,  H03K2217/94089 ,  H03K2217/96003 ,  H03K2217/9653

Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.

公开(公告)号：US20230018184A1

公开(公告)日：2023-01-19

申请号：US17935644

申请日：2022-09-27

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Alex J. Lehmann ,  Robert Y. Cao ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Mikael M. Silvanto ,  Qiliang Xu ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Robert J. Lockwood

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G01L1/16

Abstract: A force input/haptic output interface for an electronic device can include a force input sensor and a haptic actuator. In one example, the force input sensor and the haptic actuator are accommodated on a frame positioned below an input surface. In many examples, the frame includes relieved portions that redirect and/or concentrate compression or tension in the haptic actuator into the frame.

公开(公告)号：US11521577B2

公开(公告)日：2022-12-06

申请号：US16831577

申请日：2020-03-26

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Mikael M. Silvanto ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Victor H. Yin

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G09G3/3208 ,  G09G5/14 ,  G09G3/36

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may be formed from liquid crystal display pixels, organic light-emitting diode pixels, or other pixels. The display may have an active area that is bordered along at least one edge by an inactive area. The active area contains pixels and displays images. The inactive area does not contain any pixels and does not display images. The inactive area may have a layer of black ink or other masking material to block internal components from view. The active area may have an opening that contains an isolated portion of the inactive area or may contain a recess into which a portion of the inactive area protrudes. An electrical component such as a speaker, camera, light-emitting diode, light sensor, or other electrical device may be mounted in the inactive area in the recess or opening of the active area.

公开(公告)号：US20220342487A1

公开(公告)日：2022-10-27

申请号：US17811698

申请日：2022-07-11

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Christiaan A. Ligtenberg ,  Mikael M. Silvanto

IPC: G06F3/02 ,  G06F1/16 ,  H01H9/18

Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, a substrate within the enclosure, a keycap support mechanism, and a keycap supported by the keycap support mechanism and movable relative to the substrate. The keycap includes a body, a mask layer defining a glyph opening, and a semitransparent mirror layer positioned within the glyph opening. The electronic device also includes a light source configured to direct light through the semitransparent mirror layer.

公开(公告)号：US11429147B2

公开(公告)日：2022-08-30

申请号：US17162905

申请日：2021-01-29

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Adam T. Garelli ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Senem E. Emgin

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: An electronic device may have an elongated sensing strip. Control circuitry may use the sensing strip to gather air gesture input from the fingers or other body part of a user. The electronic device may have a housing. The housing may have portions such as upper and lower portions that rotate relative to each other about an axis. A hinge may be used to couple the upper and lower portions together. The sensing strip may extend parallel to the axis and may be located on the lower portion between keys on the lower portion and the axis or on the upper portion between the edge of a display in the upper portion and the axis. The sensing strip may have a one-dimensional array of sensor elements such as capacitive sensor elements, optical sensor elements, ultrasonic sensor elements, or radio-frequency sensor elements.