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：US20220321121A1

公开(公告)日：2022-10-06

申请号：US17806936

申请日：2022-06-14

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  John C. DiFonzo ,  Dayu Qu ,  Zheng Gao ,  Chang Zhang

IPC: H03K17/972 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/01

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device having adjustable input mechanisms. The input mechanisms of the input device may be dynamically adjusted based on one or more input characteristics associated with a user. Accordingly, the input device may be customized to fit a user's input preferences.

公开(公告)号：US20220155877A1

公开(公告)日：2022-05-19

申请号：US17650121

申请日：2022-02-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/02

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.

公开(公告)号：US11275451B2

公开(公告)日：2022-03-15

申请号：US16795270

申请日：2020-02-19

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/02

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.

公开(公告)号：US20220035414A1

公开(公告)日：2022-02-03

申请号：US17451452

申请日：2021-10-19

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Keith J. Hendren ,  Adam T. Garelli ,  Bryan W. Posner ,  Denis H. Endisch ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F1/16

Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.

公开(公告)号：US20210407748A1

公开(公告)日：2021-12-30

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: H01H13/86

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：US11194396B1

公开(公告)日：2021-12-07

申请号：US16742457

申请日：2020-01-14

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Jie Gu

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/041 ,  D03D1/00 ,  H01F7/16

Abstract: A fabric item may have control circuitry and input-output devices. A fabric haptic output device may be formed in the fabric item. The fabric haptic output device may be based on an electromagnetic fabric actuator, a piezoelectric fabric actuator, or other actuator formed from fabric. The fabric actuator may have a permanent magnet portion and an electromagnet portion. During operation, signals supplied to a coil in the electromagnet portion may create a magnetic field that moves the permanent magnet portion. Fabric support structures may be used to support an electromagnet or permanent magnet. Fabric springs may be coupled between the fabric support structures and the electromagnet or permanent magnet. The fabric of the support structures, magnetic structures, and springs may be incorporated into a wearable fabric structure, part of a cover or case for a device, a housing structure such as a housing wall, or other fabric structure.

公开(公告)号：US11139129B2

公开(公告)日：2021-10-05

申请号：US16584560

申请日：2019-09-26

Applicant: Apple Inc.

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

IPC: H01H13/00 ,  H01H13/86

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：US11137908B2

公开(公告)日：2021-10-05

申请号：US16818951

申请日：2020-03-13

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Keith J. Hendren ,  Alex J. Lehmann

IPC: G06F3/0488 ,  G02B27/01 ,  G06F3/0481

Abstract: The operation of a keyboard, another input device, and/or any surface can be enhanced by features of a head-mounted device, which can display feedback, outputs, or other features based on the user's actions. For example, the head-mounted device can display text generated by the user's operation of the keyboard. The text can be displayed in a manner that allows a user to readily see the keyboard, the user's hands, and the text that is generated by operation of the keyboard. The head-mounted device can further display features that facilitate the user's operation of the keyboard. For example, suggested text, keystrokes, or other features correlated with keys of the keyboard can be displayed for selection by a user. By further example, the keyboard can be displayed in a position and orientation that conforms to an arrangement of the user's hands within a field of view of the head-mounted device.

公开(公告)号：US20210103335A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-08

申请号：US17127059

申请日：2020-12-18

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Michael Y. Cheung

IPC: G06F3/01

Abstract: A system may have one or more electronic devices that include user input sensors such as force sensors, touch sensors, motion sensors, and other input devices. To provide a user with output, devices may have visual output components such as displays, audio output components, and haptic output components. Haptic output components may be used to apply an apparent force in a given direction relative to a device housing surface such as a sidewall surface or other device surface. Control circuitry in a device may direct a haptic output component to produce the apparent force in a direction perpendicular to the housing surface or tangential to the housing surface. The apparent applied force may be provided as feedback while the control circuitry is directing a display in the device or in an external device to provide a user with visual content based on the user input.