Device having integrated interface system

Abstract

To provide a device equipped with an integrated interface system.SOLUTION: A portable computer includes a display portion that includes a display, the display portion including a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case, and a top case that is formed from a dielectric material and 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 further 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.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 478,537, filed on March 29, 2017, entitled "Device having Integrated Interface System", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] [Technical Field] The described embodiments generally relate to electronic devices, and more specifically, to electronic devices having a transparent dielectric input surface integrated with the enclosure of the device.

Background Art

[0003] Many electronic devices include one or more input devices such as a keyboard, trackpad, mouse, or touch screen to enable a user to interact with the device. In some conventional electronic devices, in order to include any one or more of the input devices, it may be necessary to form holes, openings, or seams through which liquid or other foreign matter may enter the enclosure of the device. Further, the enclosures of some conventional electronic devices may be formed of materials that are prone to damage or have inferior tactile and aesthetic qualities.

[0004] The embodiments described herein generally relate to electronic devices having an enclosure that is at least partially formed from a transparent dielectric material such as plastic, glass, or ceramic material. The transparent dielectric material can form a continuous or seamless input surface that improves the appearance of the device without suffering from the drawbacks of conventional device structures.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A portable computer may include a display unit including a display, and a base unit pivotally coupled to the display unit. The base unit may include a lower case and an upper case formed of a dielectric material and coupled to the lower case. The upper case may include an upper member defining an upper surface of the base unit and side walls integrally formed with the upper member and defining side surfaces of the base unit. The portable computer may further include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a position of a touch input applied to the upper surface of the base unit and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input. The upper case may be formed of a transparent material.

[0006] The upper case may be formed of a single glass member. The side wall may be a first side wall, the side surface may be a first side surface, and the upper case may further include a second side wall integrally formed with the first side wall and the upper member and defining a second side surface of the base unit, and a third side wall integrally formed with the first side wall, the second side wall, and the upper member and defining a third side surface of the base unit.

[0007] The first sensing system may be disposed below the upper member and may extend over the entire area of the upper member, and the second sensing system may be disposed below the upper member and may extend over the entire area of the upper member. The upper member may define an opening, and the portable computer may further include a keyboard disposed in the opening.

[0008] The display may be a first display, and the portable computer may further include a second display visible through the upper case within the base unit. The second display may be configured to display an image of a keyboard in a keyboard area of the upper case. The image of the keyboard may include images of keys, and the second sensing system may be configured to register a key input in response to detecting an input applied to a key with a force exceeding a force threshold.

[0009] The device may include a display unit including a display housing and a display within the display housing. The device may further include a base portion coupled to the display unit, and the base portion includes a lower case and a glass upper case coupled to the lower case and defining an upper outer surface of the base portion. The device may further include a sensing system configured to determine the position of a touch input applied to any position on the upper outer surface of the base portion and to determine the force of the touch input applied to any position on the upper outer surface of the base portion. The sensing system may include a touch sensing system configured to determine the position of the touch input and a force sensing system configured to determine the force of the touch input and to determine the position of the touch input. The upper case is configured to locally deform in response to a touch input, and the device may be configured to register an input at the position of the touch input when the determined force exceeds a force threshold.

[0010] The device may further include a haptic device configured to generate a haptic output in the upper case in response to registering an input at the position of the touch input. The haptic output may generate a local haptic output such that the magnitude of the haptic output at that position is greater than the magnitude of the haptic output at different positions adjacent to that position. The haptic device may include a piezoelectric material coupled to the upper case.

[0011] The upper case may define an opening, and the device may further include a keyboard at least partially disposed in the opening. The lower case may define a lower member, a first side wall integrally formed with the lower member, a second side wall integrally formed with the lower member, and a third side wall integrally formed with the lower member. The upper case may be attached to the lower case via the first, second, and third side walls.

[0012] A notebook computer may include a display unit including a display, and a base unit flexibly coupled to the display unit. The base unit may include a lower case and a glass upper case coupled to the lower case and defining substantially the entire upper surface of the base unit. The notebook computer may further include a touch sensing system configured to determine the position of a touch event applied to the upper case, and a force sensing system configured to cause the notebook computer to register an input in response to a force associated with the touch event exceeding a threshold value.

[0013] The glass upper case may define a keyboard area and a trackpad area. The notebook computer may be configured to register an input as a key input when the position of the touch event is within the keyboard area. The force sensing system may be configured to determine whether the palm of the user's hand is within the trackpad area. In response to the force sensing system determining that the palm of the user's hand is not within the trackpad area, the notebook computer may set the threshold value to a first threshold value, and in response to the force sensing system determining that the palm of the user's hand is within the trackpad area, the notebook computer may set the threshold value to a second threshold value different from the first threshold value. The notebook computer may be configured to register an input as a trackpad input when the position of the touch event is within the trackpad area. The notebook computer may be configured to perform a first action in response to registering the input as a key input, and perform a second action different from the first action in response to registering the input as a trackpad input.

[0014] The notebook computer may further include a haptic device configured to generate a haptic output in the glass upper case in response to registering the input as a trackpad input or a key input.

[0015] The device may include a display unit including a display housing and a display within the display housing, a base unit flexibly coupled to the display unit and including a glass member defining a keyboard area configured to receive user input, a first tactile actuator configured to generate a first tactile output in a first area of the keyboard area, and a second tactile actuator configured to generate a second tactile output in a second area of the keyboard area different from the first area. The device may further include a keyboard area having keys. The first area may correspond to a first key of the keyboard area, and the second area may correspond to a second key of the keyboard area.

[0016] The device may further include a touch sensing system configured to determine whether a touch input is applied to the first key, and the first tactile actuator may generate the first tactile output in response to determining that the touch input is applied to the first key.

[0017] The device may further include a force sensing system configured to determine a force associated with a touch input applied to the first key, and the first tactile actuator may generate the first tactile output in response to determining that the force exceeds a force threshold. The force threshold may correspond to a force associated with a typing input on the first key.

[0018] The glass member may further define a trackpad area, and the device may further include a third tactile actuator configured to generate a third tactile output at any position within the trackpad area. The keyboard area may correspond to a plane of the glass member, the first and second tactile actuators may be configured to apply an out-of-plane force to the glass member, and the third tactile actuator may be configured to apply an in-plane force to the glass member.

[0019] A notebook computer may include a display unit including a display, and a base unit pivotally coupled to the display unit. The base unit may include a lower case and a glass upper case coupled to the lower case. The glass upper case may define a keyboard area and a trackpad area adjacent to the keyboard area. The notebook computer may further include a force sensing system configured to detect an input applied to the glass upper case within the keyboard area and the trackpad area, a first tactile actuator configured to generate a first tactile output in response to the force sensing system detecting a first input within the keyboard area, and a second tactile actuator configured to generate a second tactile output different from the first tactile output in response to the force sensing system detecting a second input within the trackpad area.

[0020] The first tactile output may include local deflection of the glass upper case within the keyboard area, and the second tactile output may include a force applied to the glass upper case in a plane - in - plane direction of the surface of the trackpad area.

[0021] The first tactile actuator may include a piezoelectric actuator, and the second tactile actuator may include a mass and an electromagnetic actuator configured to move the mass to generate the second tactile output.

[0022] The glass upper case defines a plane, and the keyboard area and the trackpad area may be defined in the plane. The glass upper case may define the entire upper surface of the base unit.

[0023] The keyboard area may include a plurality of keys defined by a mask layer below the glass upper case.

[0024] The display can be a first display, and the notebook computer can further include a second display visible through a glass upper case in the base portion, and the second display can display an image of keys within a keyboard area. The second display can display a boundary around at least a part of the trackpad area.

[0025] The portable computer can include a display housing, a display at least partially disposed within the display housing, and a base portion coupled to the display housing and configured to rotate relative to the display housing. The base portion can include a metal member defining a lower surface of the base portion and a glass member defining an upper surface of the base portion. The portable computer can include a first tactile actuator configured to generate a first type of tactile output in response to a first type of input being detected on the glass member, and a second tactile actuator configured to generate a second type of tactile output different from the first type of tactile output in response to a second type of input being detected on the glass member. The glass member can define a first touch sensing area and a second touch sensing area adjacent to the first touch sensing area. The first type of input can correspond to an input detected within the first touch sensing area, and the second type of input can correspond to an input detected within the second touch sensing area. The upper surface can be the entire upper surface of the base portion.

[0026] The first tactile actuator can be configured to locally deform the glass member, and the second tactile actuator can be configured to move at least a part of the glass member in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the upper surface of the base portion. The first tactile actuator can be a piezoelectric actuator configured to locally deform an area of the glass member corresponding to a single key.

[0027] A portable computer may include a display unit including a display, and a base unit pivotally coupled to the display unit. The base unit may include a glass upper case defining an outer surface, and a keyboard opening penetrating the glass upper case from the outer surface to the inner surface. The portable computer may further include a keyboard at least partially disposed within the keyboard opening, the keyboard including a substrate, keys configured to move relative to the substrate, and a fabric cover disposed across the keys and defining a user interface surface of the keys. The portable computer may further include a touch sensing system configured to detect touch inputs applied to the user interface surface of the keys below the glass upper case. The portable computer may further include a force sensing system configured to determine a force associated with the touch input.

[0028] The keyboard may further include a key web defining the key opening and a plurality of additional key openings, and the keys may be at least partially disposed within the key opening. The keyboard may further include a plurality of additional keys, and the additional keys may each be at least partially disposed within a corresponding key opening. The fabric cover may be disposed across the key web and the plurality of additional keys, and the fabric cover may define a keyboard area extending over the keys and the plurality of additional keys, and an outer area surrounding the keyboard area.

[0029] The outer area may be captured between the glass upper case and components below. At least a portion of the fabric cover is adhered to the keys.

[0030] The upper glass case may further define a trackpad area. The keyboard opening is a rectangular opening, and the trackpad area may include a first portion of the upper glass case along a first side of the keyboard opening, a second portion of the upper glass case along a second side of the keyboard opening, and a third portion of the upper glass case along a third side of the keyboard opening. The portable computer may further include a touch sensing system configured to detect touch input applied to any of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the upper glass case. The upper glass case may define an upper portion of the base portion and at least three side walls of the base portion.

[0031] The notebook computer may include a display portion including a display housing and a display within the display housing. The notebook computer may further include a base portion coupled to the display portion, the base portion including a lower case and an upper glass case coupled to the lower case, with an opening extending through the upper glass case. The notebook computer may further include a touch sensing system configured to detect touch input applied at any position below the upper glass case and a keyboard at least partially disposed in the opening. The keyboard may include a plurality of key mechanisms and a fabric cover extending across a gap between two key mechanisms. The upper glass case may define a surface continuously extending around the opening.

[0032] Each of the plurality of key mechanisms may include a keycap support and a keycap, and at least a portion of the fabric cover may be disposed between the keycap support and the keycap. The portion of the fabric cover disposed between the keycap support and the keycap may be adhered to the keycap support, and the keycap may be adhered to the fabric cover over the keycap support.

[0033] The notebook computer may further include an additional display disposed under at least a part of the glass top case. The additional display may be configured to display affordances selectable by a user touching the glass top case.

[0034] The notebook computer may further include a force sensing system configured to determine an amount of force associated with a touch input detected on the glass top case.

[0035] The device may include a display unit including a display, and a base unit flexibly coupled to the display unit, and the base unit includes a keyboard having a flexible sheet covering a gap between adjacent keys. The device may further include a continuous glass frame extending around the keyboard and defining a first touch sensing input area adjacent to a first side of the keyboard and a second touch sensing input area adjacent to a second side of the keyboard. The device may further include a touch sensing system configured to determine a position of a touch input applied to the first and second touch sensing input areas.

[0036] The keyboard may define a first portion of an upper part of the base unit, and the continuous glass frame may define all of the remaining parts of the upper part of the base unit. At least a part of the flexible sheet may be captured between a key cap support and a key cap coupled to the corresponding key cap support. A key among the plurality of keys may include an input surface defined only by the flexible sheet.

[0037] The display may be a first display, and the device may further include a second display configured to display an affordance on the first touch sensing input area. The affordance may be displayed based on content displayed on the first display.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, which specify structural elements with the same reference numerals, will enable the disclosure to be readily understood.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0119] Here, representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are described in detail. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to encompass alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended patent claims.

[0120] The embodiments described herein generally relate to a portable electronic device (e.g., a portable computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, etc.) having an upper portion of an enclosure formed of a dielectric material such as plastic, ceramic, glass, composite material, or a combination thereof. The component formed of the dielectric material can define a part of the internal volume of the enclosure for housing various components of the portable device, and can also define an input surface of an integrated interface system that enables various touch and keyboard inputs. Specifically, the integrated interface system can function as a trackpad, a keyboard, or provide the functions of both a trackpad and a keyboard. The dielectric component can define all or part of the keyboard and trackpad regions.

[0121] In some embodiments described herein, the integrated interface system can be integrated with a plurality of sensors including touch sensors and force sensors that can detect various inputs applied to various regions of the input surface. In some cases, the touch and / or force sensors are formed as an integrated structure configured to detect touch inputs applied to non-keyboard regions and key inputs (which can include mechanical keys and / or virtual keys) applied to the keyboard region. According to the embodiments described herein, the integrated interface system can be used to detect gestures and multi-touch inputs applied to the keycaps of a mechanical keyboard and make the keycaps and the keyboard region function as a trackpad.

[0122] The integrated interface system can also provide various output functions including visual output, tactile output, etc. For example, an image of an affordance (such as a key, keyboard, button, slider, dial, etc.) can be displayed on an upper case (such as a display device, etc.) to indicate a position where touch or force input can be provided. As another example, the upper case of the integrated interface system can be configured to move or vibrate in response to detection of touch or force input to provide a haptic output or tactile output. Therefore, the integrated interface system can provide integrated input and output functions via an integrated input / output surface.

[0123] As described above, the components that define the input surface of the integrated interface system can be formed from a continuous and / or seamless sheet of a dielectric material such as glass, plastic, or ceramic (e.g., it may be a single glass member). The sheet can have properties that enable the various input and output functions described herein. For example, the sheet can be tough, have high scratch resistance, and provide a surface finish with an appearance and / or tactile feel superior to other materials or components. The sheet can be dielectric and / or substantially non-conductive, can detect touch inputs and force inputs through the sheet, and can allow electromagnetic waves and / or electromagnetic fields (e.g., radio frequency signals, inductive power, inductive signals, and other wireless communications or electromagnetic energy transmissions) to pass through with little attenuation. The sheet is continuous or seamless and can help prevent the intrusion of liquids and other foreign objects. The sheet can also be light transmissive such that an image or light is visible through the sheet. As used herein, the term light transmissive can be used to refer to being transparent or translucent, or being able to transmit light in a different way. In some cases, a transparent material or component can make an object or image visible through the material or component, but may cause some diffusion, lensing effect, distortion, etc. (e.g., due to the texture of the surface), and such a deviation is understood to be within the scope of the meaning of transparent. Also, a transparent material can be processed by coating, painting, or other methods to produce a non-transparent (e.g., opaque) component. In such cases, the material may still be referred to as transparent even if it is part of an opaque component. A translucent component can be formed by creating a textured or matte surface on a transparent material (e.g., transparent glass). Translucent materials such as translucent polymers and translucent ceramics can also be used.

[0124] As described above, FIG. 1A shows a computing device 100 (or simply "device 100") that may include an integrated interface system. Specifically, the base portion 104 of device 100 may include an upper case 112 that defines a part of the enclosure and forms or is part of the integrated interface system described herein.

[0125] Device 100 can be, or can be similar to, a portable computer, also known as a notebook or laptop computer, having a display portion 102 and a base portion 104 flexibly or pivotally coupled to the display portion 102 (e.g., the display portion 102 can be rotated, pivoted, bent, articulated, or moved in different ways with respect to the base portion 104). The display portion 102 includes a display, also referred to as a primary display, which provides a primary means of communicating visual information to the user, such as through the display of a graphical user interface. The base portion 104 is configured to receive various user inputs, such as keyboard input (e.g., typing), touch input (e.g., gestures, multi-touch input, swipes, taps, etc.). The base portion 104 can also provide outputs for communicating information to the user, such as indicator lights, tactile output devices, displays, etc., attached to the base portion 104. In some cases, as described herein, using the continuous upper surface of the base portion 104 facilitates or enables the provision of various inputs and outputs through the base portion 104.

[0126] The display portion 102 and the base portion 104 can be coupled to each other so that they can be placed in an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the user can provide inputs to device 100 through the base portion 104 while viewing information on the display portion 102. In the closed position, the display portion 102 and the base portion 104 are folded together. More specifically, the display portion 102 and the base portion 104 can be hingedly coupled to each other (e.g., via a pivot mechanism or hinge 103) to form a foldable device that can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0127] Information and / or data can be transferred between the display unit 102 and the base unit 104. For example, display data such as data or signals for causing the display unit 102 to display an image, a user interface, application data, etc. can be transmitted from the base unit 104 to the display unit 102. Similarly, input data can also be transmitted from the display unit 102 to the base unit 104. The input data can include data related to touch inputs applied to the touch screen within the display unit 102, sensor data (e.g., from sensors such as a light sensor or an accelerometer within the display unit 102), camera data (e.g., from the camera of the display unit 102), etc. The device 100 can include any suitable communication system for transferring data between the display unit 102 and the base unit 104, such as a wired or wireless communication system. The wireless communication system can include a first transmitter / receiver in the display unit 102 and a second transmitter / receiver in the base unit 104 that communicates with the first transmitter / receiver. The first and second transmitters / receivers can communicate in any suitable manner and can use any suitable radio frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 60 GHz) or communication protocol, etc. The first and second transmitters / receivers can communicate via an optical communication link.

[0128] Electric power can also be transmitted between the base unit 104 and the display unit 102. For example, one or both of the base unit 104 and the display unit 102 may include a battery or other power source. Based on the power demand and supply of each part, power can be transmitted from one part to another as needed. For example, the base unit 104 and the display unit 102 may include not only a battery but also components that require power. Regardless of the location of the battery, circuit, or component, power can be distributed from the battery to the circuit or component that requires power. Any suitable components and technologies can be used to transmit power between the base unit 104 and the display unit 102. For example, a wired or physical power connection can couple the display unit 102 to the base unit 104. As another example, power can be transmitted wirelessly via an inductive or capacitive power transmission system, etc.

[0129] As described above, the base unit 104 may include an upper case 112. The upper case 112 may define, or be part of, the integrated interface system of the device 100. For example, the upper case 112 defines the upper outer surface of the base unit 104 and may be configured to receive touch input, force input, keyboard input, etc. In some cases, the entire upper surface (or substantially the entire upper surface) of the upper case 112 may sense touch and / or force, and touch input can be detected at substantially any position along the upper surface including the keyboard area and the surrounding area. When the entire upper case 112 senses touch and force, various types of input become possible via the upper case 112. For example, as described herein, touch input including cursor control gestures can be performed at any position on the upper case, such as on the keys of a virtual keyboard or a mechanical keyboard. As another example, by adding force sensing on the keyboard area and non-keyboard area, when multiple fingers are stationary on a virtual keyboard, the device can use the force sensing system to distinguish between the fingers stationary on the keys and the fingers actually tapping or pressing the keys, so that typing input can be easily detected.

[0130] In addition to receiving or detecting an input, the upper case 112 may be configured to provide an output to the user. For example, the upper case 112 may include or integrate (e.g., at any position or substantially any position along the upper surface of the upper case 112) a display, a light source, a tactile actuator, etc. that provide an output detectable via the upper case 112. More specifically, the display may be configured to generate an image on the upper case 112, and the tactile actuator may be configured to move the upper case 112 in a manner detectable by a user in contact with the upper case 112. The structure and configuration of the upper case 112 may facilitate and integrate these (and other) input and output functions. For example, a continuous non-conductive upper case 112 (e.g., formed from a dielectric such as glass, plastic, ceramic, composite material, or a combination of materials) can provide an effective platform for tactile and visual output while detecting an input through the upper case 112.

[0131] The upper case 112 may define or include input areas such as a keyboard area 114 and a touch input area 116. The keyboard area 114 may correspond to or include a virtual keyboard or a mechanical keyboard. In this specification, the virtual keyboard is described with reference to FIGS. 16A - 17B, and the mechanical keyboard is described with reference to FIGS. 12A - 15B and 33A - 43C.

[0132] The upper case 112 defines a continuous upper surface of the base portion 104, and the upper surface can be the upper outer surface of the base portion 104. The continuous upper surface (and more broadly the continuous upper case) refers to a surface or member that does not include seams, openings, through-holes, or other discontinuities. With respect to the upper case 112, the continuous upper case or continuous upper surface does not include seams, openings, through-holes, or other discontinuities in the portion of the upper case 112 that forms the upper outer surface of the base portion 104. More specifically, the upper case 112 may lack openings such as keys, keyboards, trackpads, buttons, etc. The upper case 112 may extend substantially to the outer edge of the base portion 104. Thus, the upper case 112 can prevent or reduce the possibility that liquid, dust, dirt, or other contaminants or debris enter the base portion 104 through the upper surface of the upper case 112. Also, the continuous surface provides a touch-sensitive tactile and visual output surface with a desired aesthetic appearance that can utilize the entire exposed upper surface of the upper case 112.

[0133] The upper case 112 can be formed of a light-transmissive material such as glass, plastic, or light-transmissive ceramic, or can include a light-transmissive material. In some cases, the upper case 112 is a single member, e.g., a single glass member, a single plastic member, or any other suitable material formed or including a single member. In other cases, the upper case 112 can be formed of a plurality of members made of the same or different materials that are joined, adhered, bonded, or otherwise connected together so as to define the upper case 112.

[0134] In some cases, all or part of the upper case 112 may be masked to form an opaque region. The masking can be formed using appropriate techniques such as deposition of ink, dye, film under the upper case 112 (and over the component or layer to be hidden or blocked), or placement of an opaque material by other means. The masking or other opaque material or layer can take on any desired color. In fact, since the upper case 112 can be light transmissive (e.g., transparent), the limitations on achievable colors can be reduced compared to conventional devices. For example, with an uncoated opaque plastic material, it may be difficult or impossible to achieve certain colors, finishes, or other optical treatments. By using a light transmissive or transparent upper case 112, a device with more available colors and / or finishes (e.g., mirror finish, metallic flake finish, etc.) can be realized. In some cases, an image, photograph, painting, or other graphic content is visible through the light transmissive upper case 112.

[0135] The touch input area 116 can be configured to detect touch input and / or force input, and can be any part of the upper case 112 that includes substantially the entire upper case 112, such as the keyboard area 114, the trackpad area (e.g., the trackpad area 2003 in FIG. 20A), the virtual key area (e.g., the virtual key area 1208 in FIG. 12A), any side wall of the upper case (e.g., the side walls 512a - c in FIGS. 5A - 5C), or other parts of the upper case 112, or can include any part. In some cases, substantially the entire upper case 112 can define a touch - sensing input area from edge to edge. In this way, as described herein, touch or trackpad inputs such as clicks, taps, gestures (e.g., swipes, pinches), and multi - touch inputs can be detected at any part of the upper case 112 including within the keyboard area 114. Further, even when the keyboard area 114 includes a mechanical key mechanism, the touch input area 116 can detect touch input (e.g., gestures) applied to the keycap rather than directly to the upper case 112. As used herein, "key" can refer to a mechanical key, a virtual key (e.g., a key displayed by a display below), a key area (e.g., defined by a mask layer of the upper case), or any other suitable type of key described herein, and the associated mechanisms, keycaps, or support structures.

[0136] The device 100, particularly the upper case 112, can further include or define output areas such as a visual output area and a tactile output area. The tactile output area includes areas of the upper case 112 that can move or otherwise induce the user's sense of touch differently. The visual output area includes areas where visual output is generated, such as areas associated with lights or displays (e.g., for displaying virtual keys or dynamic keys). Exemplary visual and tactile output areas, and components for generating visual and tactile output are described herein.

[0137] Accordingly, device 100 may include an upper case that defines an integrated interface system that provides various input and output functions, including keyboard input, touch input, visual output, and tactile output.

[0138] FIG. 1B is a simplified block diagram showing the functional aspects of an exemplary integrated interface system 118. The functions of the integrated interface system 118 may be performed by any of the components and structures described herein, including touch sensors, force sensors, tactile actuators, displays, mechanical keys, light sources, etc., and examples thereof are described herein.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 1B, the integrated interface system 118 provides a keyboard input function 120. The keyboard input function 120 includes the detection of key-based or similar inputs, including inputs typically provided via a keyboard (e.g., input of alphanumeric and / or symbol characters, selection of function keys, selection of arrow keys). The device (e.g., device 100) may use any suitable input mechanism for performing the keyboard input function 120, such as mechanical keys, touch sensors, force sensors, displays, etc. If the device includes a mechanical key or key mechanism, the keyboard input function 120 includes the detection of the physical movement of the key mechanism. If the device includes virtual keys, the keyboard input function 120 may include the detection of touch or force inputs on the virtual keys. In either case, the keyboard input function 120 may detect keyboard input via an input surface (such as the upper case 112 of FIG. 1A).

[0140] The integrated interface system 118 also provides a touch input function 122. The touch input function 122 includes the detection of touch-based inputs such as clicks, taps, gestures (e.g., swipes, pinches), multi-touch inputs, etc. These inputs can be the same as or include the inputs conventionally detected by a trackpad. For example, these inputs may include gesture inputs that can be used to control a cursor or an element of a graphical user interface on the display of the device. The device (e.g., device 100) can execute the touch input function 122 using any suitable input mechanism such as a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, etc. Such a mechanism can be associated with or cover substantially the entire user-facing portion of the upper case 112. In this way, the touch input function 122 can detect touch inputs applied to any position of the upper case 112 (e.g., including a mechanical or virtual keyboard, a trackpad area under a mechanical or virtual keyboard, and / or a portion of the upper case adjacent to the side of a mechanical keyboard or virtual keyboard).

[0141] The touch input function 122 may include the detection of touch inputs received in the keyboard area of the upper case 112 (e.g., the keyboard area 114 of FIG. 1A). The keyboard area may correspond to the keyless surface of a virtual keyboard or to the area of the upper case 112 that includes mechanical keys, as described above. In either case, the touch input function 122 may include the detection of touch inputs such as clicks, taps, gestures (e.g., swipes, pinches), and multi-touch inputs applied to the keyboard area. When a mechanical key or key mechanism is used, the touch input function 122 may include the detection of touch inputs through the mechanical key or mechanism.

[0142] The touch input function 122 may also include detection of touch input applied to the non-key area of the upper case 112. For example, the area of the upper case 112 that does not correspond to the keyboard area (non-keyboard area) may be configured to receive touch input, and the device may detect touch input in these areas as well.

[0143] The integrated interface system 118 further provides a force input function 128 that includes detection of a force input and / or a force component of a touch input. The device (e.g., device 100) may provide the force input function 128 using any suitable force sensor, such as the force sensors described herein with reference to FIGS. 21A-24B. The force input function 128 may include detection of a force input at any position on the upper case 112. For example, substantially the entire upper surface of the upper case 112 may be configured to receive and / or detect a force input applied at substantially any position on the upper surface of the upper case 112. Further, if the upper case 112 includes a dielectric surface or is formed from a dielectric sheet (e.g., glass, plastic, ceramic, etc.), a force input at any suitable position on the upper case (e.g., the keyboard area 114, the non-keyboard area, or any other suitable position) may be easily detected due to the dielectric properties and / or mechanical properties (or other properties) of the dielectric material.

[0144] The integrated interface system 118 further provides a display function 130 that includes output of images or other visual information via the upper case 112. For example, the device (e.g., device 100) may include, or may communicate with, a display within the device 100 that provides the display function 130 by generating an image visible on the upper case 112. The display may be used, for example, to generate an image of keys (or other affordances) in the keyboard area 114. The display may also be used to define an input area, button, or other affordance, or to display other graphical objects (e.g., images, videos, text, user interfaces, etc.) at any position on the upper case 112 (e.g., to indicate the position and / or function of an input). Since the upper case 112 may be formed of glass or other transparent material, the display may be integrated with the upper case 112 such that the upper case 112 functions as a screen even on surfaces that are opaque in conventional computing devices, such as the portion in contact with the trackpad or keyboard.

[0145] The integrated interface system 118 further provides a tactile output function 132 that includes generation of tactile or haptic output at the upper case 112. The device (e.g., device 100) may execute the tactile output function 132 using a haptic actuator as described herein with reference to FIGS. 25 - 30B. The haptic actuator may be coupled to the upper case 112 or may physically move the upper case 112 in different ways to generate a tactile output at the upper case 112. The tactile output may be used for various purposes, such as to indicate that a touch input (e.g., key selection or trackpad selection) has been detected by the device 100.

[0146] The integrated interface system 118 further provides an illumination function 134 that includes illumination of regions or elements of the upper case 112. The device (e.g., device 100) may provide the illumination function using a light source as described herein with reference to FIGS. 37A - 40B. For example, glass, plastic, or a light - transmissive upper case (e.g., upper case 112) may function as an optical waveguide. For example, a glass or light - transmissive (e.g., transparent or translucent) upper case 112 may function as an optical waveguide for guiding light from a light source to other regions of the device 100, such as under or around keycaps or other key mechanisms. Also, if the upper case 112 is completely transparent or has a transparent portion, the transparent portion allows an image from a display below to pass through the upper case 112, which is not possible with an opaque upper case. The illumination function 134 may further provide backlighting or other illumination to the display.

[0147] The integrated interface system 118 further provides one or more additional input and / or sensor functions 129. The device (e.g., device 100) can receive inputs (e.g., from a user or another computer, device, system, network, etc.) using appropriate components, or can detect appropriate properties or parameters of the device, the environment surrounding the device, or people or objects interacting with the device (or in the vicinity of the device). For example, the device can include an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a position / orientation sensor, a biosensor (such as a fingerprint sensor, a photoplethysmograph, a blood oxygen sensor, a blood glucose sensor, etc.), an indicator tracking sensor, a retina scanner, a humidity sensor, buttons, switches, a lid closure sensor, etc. The above sensors and / or input devices can be arranged at any appropriate part or position of the device. For example, the sensors and / or input devices can be arranged on the display unit 102 or the base unit 104 (or can include components on both the display unit 102 and the base unit 104). The input and / or sensor function 129 provides input and / or sensing functions using a network and / or communication system, and can receive, for example, commands, data, information, content (such as audio, video, images, web pages, etc.) from other devices or systems.

[0148] FIG. 2A is a partial exploded view of the device 100. As described above, the device 100 includes an upper case 112 that forms a part of the enclosure defining the base unit 104 and also defines the upper outer surface of the base unit 104, and this upper case can also function as an input surface of the integrated interface system for receiving user inputs. As shown in FIG. 2A, the base unit 104 is pivotally coupled to the display unit 102 to form a foldable or collapsible notebook computer.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 2A, the display unit 102 includes a display 204 coupled to a display housing 108. The display 204 may include various display components such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) component, a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED (OLED)), a filter layer, a polarizer, a light diffuser, a cover (e.g., a glass or plastic cover sheet), etc. More specifically, in some cases, the display 204 includes a display stack (e.g., including an LCD, a polarizing film, a light diffusing film, and / or a backlight or a side light), and a cover disposed on the display stack to form a user-facing surface outside the display 204. In other cases, the display 204 includes the above display stack but does not include a separate cover. In such a case, the side or surface of the LCD panel of the display stack may form the user-facing surface of the display 204. The display unit 102 may also include other components such as structural components that support any of the foregoing components, a battery, a wired or wireless communication component, a processor, a memory, etc.

[0150] The display unit 102 may include a mechanism 103 or a part thereof that is coupled to the display unit 102 or integrally formed with the display unit 102. For example, the display housing 108 may include a hinge (or a part thereof) attached to the display housing 108 by welding, brazing, adhesion, or other methods. The display 204 and the upper case 112 may include a feature 206 (such as a notch shown in FIG. 2A) that allows the display 204 and the upper case 112 to define substantially the entire user interface surface of the display unit 102 and the base unit 104 while enabling the placement of the mechanism 103.

[0151] The base portion 104 can include the lower case 110 and the upper case 112 described above, and together they define the internal volume of the base portion 104. The base portion 104 can further include components 208 such as a processor, a memory device, a circuit board, an input / output device, a tactile actuator, a wired and / or wireless communication device, a communication port, a disk drive, etc. within the internal volume. As described above, the upper case 112 can be a continuous surface (e.g., having no holes or openings on the upper surface) that reduces the chance of damage to the components 208 by preventing or restricting the intrusion of liquid, debris, or other contaminants into the internal volume.

[0152] The lower case 110 can include a lower member 111 and one or more side walls 113-1 to 113-4. In some cases, the lower case 110 can have one, two, three, or four side walls. If the lower case has three side walls, the side wall 113-3 can be omitted. If the lower case has two side walls, the side walls 113-2 and 113-4 can be omitted. If the lower case has one side wall, the only side wall can be the side wall 113-1. Of course, other configurations of the side walls are also possible.

[0153] The lower case 110 can be formed of, or include, any suitable material. For example, the lower case 110 can be formed of, or include, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium), glass, plastic, ceramic, composite material, any other suitable material, or a combination of these or other materials. In some cases, the lower case 110 can be a single (e.g., integral) component or member, such as a single sheet made of glass, metal, plastic, etc. For example, the lower case 110 can be a single component formed from a single metal piece and can be formed by stamping, stretching, machining, hydroforming, molding, or other suitable processes. If the lower case 110 is a single component, the lower member 111 and the side walls 113 can be an integral structure (e.g., an integral component).

[0154] The upper case 112 can be coupled to the lower case 110 in any suitable manner. Various examples of the coupling between the upper case 112 and the lower case 110, as well as various configurations and shapes of the upper and lower cases 112, 110, are described herein. Similarly, exemplary configurations of the display 204 and the display housing 108 (and the techniques for coupling them) are described herein.

[0155] Figures 2B - 2F are cross-sectional views of the base portion 104 along section line A - A of FIG. 1A, showing exemplary arrangements of the components 208 within the base portion 104. As shown in FIG. 2B, the component 208b can be coupled to the lower case 110. Some of the components 208b can contact the upper case 112 without being attached or fixed to the upper case 112. Alternatively, the component 208b can be separated from the upper case 112 by a space or material layer, or can be coupled to both the lower inner surface of the upper case and the upper inner surface of the lower case.

[0156] In another example shown in FIG. 2C, the component 208c can be coupled to the upper case 112. The component 208c can be spaced apart from the lower case 110 by a space (as shown), or some or all of the component 208c can contact the lower case 110 without being attached or fixed to the lower case 110.

[0157] In another example shown in FIG. 2D, a first component 210 (e.g., a first subset of the components 208 of FIG. 2A) can be coupled to the upper case 112, while a second component 212 (e.g., a second subset of the components 208 of FIG. 2A) can be coupled to the lower case 110. The first component 210 can include components that simplify input / output functions via the upper case 112, such as tactile actuators, displays, touch sensors, force sensors, etc. The second component 212 can include other components such as batteries, processors, circuit boards, communication ports, etc. Other distributions and configurations of the components are also conceivable.

[0158] The first and second components 210, 212 can be arranged so as not to interfere with each other when assembled. For example, as shown in FIG. 2D, the second component 212 is configured to fit into the space defined between the first components 210. This enables effective utilization of the internal volume of the base portion 104 and can reduce one or more dimensions (e.g., height) of the base portion 104 compared to other component arrangements.

[0159] FIG. 2E shows an exemplary component arrangement of FIG. 2D, in which a potting material 211 is disposed between the upper case 110 and the lower case 112 and fills the space between the components 210, 212. Potting can be used to refer to a material (e.g., a solid) that is disposed in a volume or region in a liquid, foam, or other fluid state and then cures to a non-fluid state. Potting can be formed from an insulating or dielectric material to prevent short circuits or interference of internal electrical components. Examples of potting materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, etc.

[0160] The potting material 211 can help support the upper case 112 and reduce or prevent flexure of the upper case 112 in response to forces applied, such as touch input, force input, keyboard input, trackpad input, forces associated with a hand resting on the upper case 112, etc. The potting material 211 can be any suitable material, such as silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, aerogel, or any other suitable polymer or other material. FIG. 2E shows a potting material 211 that occupies the entire space between the upper case 110 and the lower case 112. In other examples, such as the example shown in FIG. 2F, the potting material 211 can occupy less space than the entire space, resulting in gaps, openings, air pockets / bubbles, cavities, etc. being present in the base portion 104. In such cases, there can be multiple separate pieces or volumes of the potting material 211 (e.g., pillars 214) in the base portion 104.

[0161] The components 208b, 208c, 210, and 212 may correspond to the components 208 shown in FIG. 2A or may be different components. Also, the arrangement of the components shown in FIGS. 2B to 2F is merely an example, and other configurations and arrangements of the components are also possible. For example, some components (or a part thereof) may be arranged between the upper case 112 and the lower case 110 without contacting either the lower inner surface of the upper case 112 or the upper inner surface of the lower case 110. The above components may be coupled to, for example, the side surface or wall of the lower case 110.

[0162] FIG. 3A is a partial exploded view of the base portion 104 showing the upper case 112 separated from the lower case 110. FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the base portion 104 along the cross-section B-B of FIGS. 1A and 3A. The components 208 (FIG. 2A) of the device 100 arranged within the internal volume between the upper case 112 and the lower case 110 are omitted in FIGS. 3A and 3B for clarity. As shown, the upper case 112 is coupled to the lower case 110 to define the internal volume 300 of the base portion 104. FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of the structural integration of the upper case 112 and the lower case 110, and FIGS. 4A to 5D show some exemplary embodiments.

[0163] Figure 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 400a of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A, showing an exemplary configuration of a lower case 406a and an upper case 404a (which may correspond to the lower case 110 and the upper case 112, respectively). The upper case 404a may be attached to the lower case 406a via the sidewall of the lower case 406a. For example, a portion of the lower surface 405a of the upper case 404a is coupled to an upper portion of the sidewall 410a of the lower case 406a via a joining member 414. As shown, the upper case 404a may extend to the outer edge of the lower case 406a, and an edge or side surface 408 of the upper case 404a may form a part of the side surface of the base portion 400a. The upper case 404a may have a circular or rounded transition portion (e.g., a chamfered corner or edge) from the upper surface 407a of the upper case 404a to the edge or side surface 408 of the upper case 404a. The circular or rounded transition portion may define a part of a smooth continuous surface that includes the circular or rounded transition portion and at least a part of the side surface of the lower case 406a. In other cases, the upper case 404a may have other suitable shapes such as a substantially vertical angle (as shown) or a chamfered edge. The chamfered edge can withstand chipping, cracking, or other damage to the upper case 404a and provide an attractive or desired appearance and feel for the base portion 400a.

[0164] The joining member 414 can be any suitable material or combination of materials. The joining member 414 can be an adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-sensitive adhesive (HSA), an epoxy, a cyanoacrylate, or other suitable adhesives. In addition to fixing the upper case 404a to the lower case 406a, the joining member 414 also acts as a seal between the upper case 404a and the lower case 406a to prevent materials (e.g., liquids, dust, or other contaminants) from entering the base portion 400a.

[0165] In some cases, the joining member 414 can be substantially rigid such that when a force is applied to the upper case 404a (e.g., as a result of typing or other input applied to the upper case 404a), the distance between the interface surfaces of the upper case 404a and the lower case 406a changes little. Alternatively, the joining member 414 can be formed of, or include, a compliant material such as foam, rubber, polyurethane, or other suitable material that can move the upper case 404a relative to the lower case 406a in response to an applied force to the upper case 404a and / or the lower case 406a. Such forces can be generated by a haptic actuator in response to user input (e.g., typing or interaction with a trackpad), or by dropping the device or an object onto the device. Further, such forces can be compressive, tensile, shear, etc. As described herein, using a compliant material for the joining member 414 can provide the user with higher efficiency when transmitting haptic output through the upper case 404a, since the haptic actuator can more easily move the upper case 404a relative to the lower case 406a (than a more rigid joining member).

[0166] When a force sensor determines the amount of force applied to the upper case 404a based on the amount of deflection or movement of the upper case 404a relative to the lower case 406a, a flexible joining member 414 can be used. Such a force sensor or its components can be incorporated into the joining member 414. For example, electrodes for detecting a change in capacitance due to deflection of the upper case 404a relative to the lower case 406a can be included in the joining member 414.

[0167] The joining member 414 can be a single piece of material (e.g., a single adhesive layer), or can include multiple components, layers, or other elements. For example, a multi-layer joining member 414 can include a compliant member positioned (and adhered) between two adhesive layers, where the first adhesive layer adheres to the upper case 404a and the second adhesive layer adheres to the lower case 406a. A portion of the joining member can form a part of the side surface (e.g., outer surface) of the base portion, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower case 406a includes side walls 410a that extend away from (or upward as shown in FIG. 4A) a lower member 412a (similar to or an embodiment of the lower member 111 of FIGS. 3A and 3B). Thus, the lower case 406a defines at least the lower and side portions of the internal volume of the base portion 400a, and the upper case 404a defines the upper portion of the internal volume. In some cases, the lower case (e.g., lower case 406a) includes a plurality of side walls that define the outer and / or side surfaces of the base portion of the device. For example, FIG. 3A shows a lower case 110 that includes first, second, third, and fourth side walls that extend around the front, left, right, and rear regions of the base portion. The side walls can be integrally formed with the lower member (e.g., lower member 412a) of the lower case. The lower case (e.g., lower case 110, 406a, or other lower cases described herein) can be formed of a single piece of metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. In some cases, the lower case (including a bottom surface and one, two, three, or four side walls) can be a metal member formed by machining or other means from a single piece of metal. Other configurations are possible, such as a configuration where the upper case defines the upper and side portions of the internal volume and the lower case defines the lower portion of the internal volume. Examples of such configurations are described herein.

[0169] The upper case 404a, the lower case 406a, and the joining member 414 can have a substantially similar appearance. For example, these components can be configured to have the same or similar color, texture, tactile feel, etc. This includes the application of paint, ink, dye, or other coatings to the components, and / or the application of the same finishing process (e.g., machining, polishing, etc.) to the components.

[0170] FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 400b of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along a cross-section B-B of FIG. 3A, showing another configuration example of a lower case 406b and an upper case 404b. The upper case 404b and the lower case 406b each define corresponding stepped interface regions. Specifically, the upper case 404b may define a first interface surface 420 and a second interface surface 422 displaced (e.g., not in the same plane) from the first interface surface 420. Similarly, the lower case 406b may define a third interface surface 424 on the opposite side of the first interface surface 420 and a fourth interface surface 426 on the opposite side of the second interface surface 422.

[0171] The first and third interface surfaces 420, 424 may be coupled to each other via a first joining member 416, and the second and fourth interface surfaces 422, 426 may be coupled to each other via a second joining member 418. The first and second joining members 416, 418 may be the same as the above-described joining member 414 in terms of structure, material, function, etc. The first and second joining members 416, 418 may be substantially the same as or different from each other. For example, the first joining member 416 may have a different rigidity from the second joining member 418. As another example, while the first joining member 416 forms a better seal (e.g., to prevent the intrusion of liquid or other contaminants), the second joining member 418 may provide a lower sealing effect than the first joining member 416 but a stronger bonding or holding force. As yet another example, the first joining member 416 may lack a force sensor or a force-sensing structural element, while the second joining member 418 may include an electrode or other components that act as a force sensor (or part of a force sensor). Other optimizations are possible, and each joining member may be selected or optimized for a desired or appropriate combination of properties or characteristics. Examples of properties that may be selected or optimized include strength, hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, UV resistance, water resistance, adhesion strength, color, surface finish, machinability, etc.

[0172] FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 400c (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along a cross-section B-B of FIG. 3A, showing an exemplary configuration example of a lower case 406c and an upper case 404c. The upper case 404c may be coupled to the lower case 406c via a coupling member 428 which may be the same as the above-described coupling member 414 in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0173] The upper case 404c may not extend up to the edge 432 of the lower case 406c. For example, the edge 432 of the upper case 404c may be recessed with respect to the outside of the lower case 406c. The edge trim 430 is disposed and / or attached to the edge 432 of the upper case 404c and may substantially surround the upper case 404c along the edge 432 (for example, may be attached to the entire exposed edge of the upper case 404c). The edge trim 430 may be formed of or include any suitable one or more materials. For example, the edge trim 430 may be epoxy, plastic, paint, ink, dye, rubber coating or strip, etc. The edge trim 430 may be a single material adhered to the upper case 404c and / or the lower case 406c, or may include a plurality of elements or materials such as a trim material and a separate adhesive.

[0174] The edge trim 430 may protect the edge of the upper case 404c from scratches, chips, or other damage. The edge trim 430 may also prevent light from entering and exiting the upper case 404c through the edge 432. For example, the upper case 404c may be used as an optical waveguide or light pipe for lighting components such as keycaps, integrated displays, etc. In such a case, the edge trim 430 may prevent light leakage from the edge 432. When the upper case 404c is an optical waveguide or light pipe, the edge trim 430 may be disposed on the edge 432 and may include or be coated with a reflective material or coating configured to reflect light to the upper case 404c.

[0175] The edge trim 430 can be configured to have an appearance similar to that of the lower case 406c. For example, the edge trim 430 can have the same or similar color, texture, touch feeling, or other characteristics as the lower case 406c. Accordingly, the side surface of the base portion 400c can have a consistent appearance and can appear to be a single component (or the edge trim 430 and the lower case 406c can appear to be made of the same material). The edge trim 430 and the lower case 406c can undergo a common finishing process such as polishing, grinding, or machining that generates a similar texture and appearance for both components. For example, after assembling these components, the same polishing step can be applied to the edge trim 430 and the lower case 406c. In some cases, the same tool (e.g., a polishing tool) can be applied to the edge trim 430 and the lower case 406c substantially simultaneously.

[0176] FIG. 4D is a partial cross-sectional view of base portion 400d (which may correspond to base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A, showing an exemplary configuration of lower case 406d and upper case 404d. Upper case 404d may be coupled to lower case 406d via a plurality of joining members. First and second joining members 434, 438 may be first applied to define a valley or cavity in which a third joining member 436 may be placed. In some cases, the first and second joining members 434, 438 may be an adhesive foam, tape, film, or other material applied in a solid or semi-solid form to define the valley or cavity. After the first and second joining members 434, 438 are applied and the valley or cavity is defined, the third joining member 436 may be introduced into the valley or cavity. For example, the third joining member 436 may be a liquid or other flowable form of curable adhesive that flows, is injected, or otherwise introduced into the valley or cavity defined by the first and second joining members 434, 436. (The valley or cavity may be continuous around the joint surface of upper case 404d or lower case 406d and may completely contain the flowable material of the third joining member 436 at a desired location or position.) After the third joining member 436 is introduced into the valley or cavity, upper case 404d and lower case 406d may be joined to each other by the joining members (e.g., by curing and / or hardening some or all of joining members 434, 436, 438).

[0177] In some cases, the first, second, and third joining members 434, 438, and 436 may have different physical and / or mechanical properties. For example, the first and second joining members 434, 438 may be in solid or semi-solid form and may have dimensional stability such that their size or shape does not change significantly after being attached to the upper case 404d and / or the lower case 406d. Thus, these joining members can be used to define the physical and / or dimensional relationship between the upper and lower cases 404d, 406d (e.g., maintain a specific distance between them) and can also define a valley or cavity for introducing the material of the third joining member 436. The first and second joining members 434, 438 can also adhere or otherwise fix the upper case 404d to the lower case 406d. Instead of, or in addition to, using the first and second joining members 434, 438 to define or maintain the distance between the upper and lower cases 404d, 406d, a spacer can be disposed between the upper and lower cases 404d, 406d. The spacer can be any suitable material such as a foam, tape, film, solidified / cured adhesive, etc. The spacer can be in any suitable shape such as a pillar, disk, dome, etc. and can be spaced along the interface between the upper case 404d and the lower case 406d.

[0178] The third joining member 436 can be a high-shear adhesive (or other suitable adhesive or material), so that it provides a high-strength adhesive bond between the upper case 404d and the lower case 406d and can prevent or reduce delamination, or peeling, or relative movement between the upper and lower cases 404d, 406d. A high-shear adhesive can be more resistant to shear loads than other adhesives.

[0179] FIG. 4E is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 400e (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A, showing an exemplary configuration of a lower case 406e and an upper case 404e. The upper case 404e may be coupled to the lower case 406e via a joining member 440. The joining member 440 may be formed from a liquid or a flowable adhesive that is introduced into a valley or cavity defined by walls 442, 444 of the lower case 406e. As shown, walls 442, 444 are integral with the lower case 406e. For example, the valley or cavity may be machined (or formed by laser ablation or other means) into the lower case 406e to form walls 442, 444. Alternatively, walls 442, 444 may be separate components from the lower case 406e and may be fixed (e.g., welded, adhered, bonded) to the lower case 406e to form walls 442, 444. As described above, the joining member 440 may be formed by flowing, injecting, or otherwise introducing an adhesive (e.g., a high-shear adhesive or any other suitable adhesive) into the space between walls 442, 444. When the joining member 440 is formed from a liquid or a flowable material, walls 442, 444 may contain the flowable material in place so that the upper and lower cases 404e, 406e are properly joined.

[0180] FIG. 4F is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 400f (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A, showing an exemplary configuration of a lower case 406f and an upper case 404f. The lower case 406f defines a surface or shelf portion 448, and a portion of the side wall of the lower case 406f may extend beyond the shelf portion 448 to define a flange 446. The upper case 404f can rest on the shelf portion 448 or interface with it in a different manner, and the flange 446 may be adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the upper case 404f as shown in FIG. 4F. In some cases, the flange 446 extends above or beyond the shelf portion 448 by a distance substantially the same as the thickness of the upper case 404f (e.g., the height of the outer peripheral side of the upper case 404f), and the upper surface of the flange 446 (as shown in FIG. 4F) is substantially flush or flat with the upper surface of the upper case 404f. The upper case 404f may be affixed or secured to the lower case 406f using an adhesive or other suitable bonding technique or material.

[0181] FIGS. 4A - 4F illustrate techniques for coupling an exemplary upper case to an exemplary lower case. The techniques, bonding materials, shapes of the upper and lower cases, etc. are all equally applicable to other exemplary upper and lower cases, for example, upper and lower cases having different shapes (e.g., different wall thicknesses, different shapes, different wall angles, different sizes), different materials, different physical properties, etc. For example, the teachings illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 4A - 4F can be used with the upper and lower cases as shown in FIGS. 2A - 2F.

[0182] FIGS. 5A - 5D are partial cross-sectional views of a base portion of a computing device, where the upper case includes an upper member forming the upper surface of the base portion and side walls forming the side surfaces of the base portion. FIGS. 5A - 5D show various configurations of the interface and coupling between the lower case and the upper case when the upper case includes side walls instead of the lower case.

[0183] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 500a of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along the cross-section B-B of FIG. 3A. As described above, the upper case 504a of the base portion 500a includes an upper member 510a and side walls 512a. The side walls 512a may extend substantially perpendicular from the upper member 510a or may extend at different angles. The side walls 512a define the outer surface of the base portion 500a. Although only one side wall is shown, it is understood that the upper case 504a (and other upper cases described herein) may include a plurality of side walls such as 1, 2, 3, or 4 (or more). In some cases, the upper case described herein is integrally formed with an upper member (e.g., the upper member 510a) and includes three side walls that form the front, left, and right side surfaces of the base portion of the electronic device. The side walls are continuous along the corners between the two side walls and may, in some cases, generate a continuous side wall band that extends along at least three side surfaces of the base portion. Any feature of the side walls described herein may equally apply to the other side walls. For example, FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of one side wall, and the other part or all of the side walls of the upper case 504a (which may correspond and / or replace the side walls 113 of FIGS. 3A and 3B) have similar features and may be coupled to the lower case 506a in a similar manner.

[0184] The upper case 504a may be formed from any suitable material such as glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, etc. For example, the upper case 504a may be a single glass piece formed (e.g., slumped) to form the upper member 510a and the side walls 512a. An upper case made of a single continuous glass (or other material) may form a base portion that is highly resistant to spillage by lacking upward-facing seams, holes, openings, etc.

[0185] The upper case 504a may include one or more openings in a side wall (e.g., side wall 512a) to allow access to the internal components of the device. For example, the device may include a connector (e.g., for charging or communication), and the upper case 504a may include an opening for connecting a cable or other component to the connector. Exemplary connectors include universal serial bus (USB) connectors, card readers, power cable connectors, and the like. The opening may have other functions or may be associated with other components. For example, the opening may correspond to a disk drive into which a disk (e.g., a DVD or CD) can be inserted, or the opening may be used for a fastener (such as a screw or bolt) to fix the upper case 504a to another component (e.g., the lower case 506a).

[0186] The opening may be formed in the side wall (or other part) of the upper case 504a in any suitable manner. For example, the opening may be formed by machining, laser cutting, plasma cutting, sawing, chemical etching, or the like. Since the opening may be formed in the upper case 504a during the molding process, the need to form the opening after the formation and curing of the upper case 504a is reduced or eliminated.

[0187] The upper case 504a is coupled to the lower case 506a via a joining member 508a. The lower case 506a forms the lower part of the internal volume of the base part 500a and may be formed from any suitable material such as metal, glass, plastic, ceramic, or the like.

[0188] The side wall 512a of the upper case 504a may be coupled to the upper surface of the lower case 506a such that the edge 514a of the lower case 506a is substantially flush with the outer surface of the side wall 512a. Accordingly, the edge 514a of the lower case 506a defines a part of the outer surface of the base part 500a.

[0189] The joining member 508a couples the upper case 504a to the lower case 506a. The joining member 508a may be the same or similar in structure, material, function, etc. as the joining member 414 described above.

[0190] FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 500b of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A. The base portion 500b includes an upper case 504b coupled to a lower case 506b via a joining member 508b. The joining member 508b may be identical or similar in structure, material, function, etc. to the above-described joining member 414.

[0191] The base portion 500b is similar to the base portion 500a in that the upper case 504b includes both an upper member 510b and side walls 512b, and the lower case 506b is substantially flat. However, in the base portion 500b, the edge of the lower case 506b does not extend to the outer surface of the side walls 512b. Rather, the edge of the lower case 506b is coupled inside the side walls 512b, and the lower case 506b does not form a part of the outside of the base portion 500b.

[0192] FIG. 5C is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 500c of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along section line B-B of FIG. 3A. The base portion 500c includes an upper case 504c coupled to a lower case 506c via a joining member 508c. The joining member 508c may be identical or similar in structure, material, function, etc. to the above-described joining member 414.

[0193] The base portion 500c is similar to the base portion 500b in that the upper case 504c includes both an upper member 510c and side walls 512c, but the lower case 506c does not extend to or form a part of the outer side surface of the base portion 500c. However, in the base portion 500c, the lower case 506c is received in a notch 516 of the side walls 512c. The notch 516 allows the upper surface of the lower case 506c to interface with and / or be coupled to the side walls 512c instead of or in addition to the edge of the lower case 506c.

[0194] In the foregoing example, an upper case having a substantially sharp edge (e.g., the upper surface and the side surface are in contact at an angle of about 90 degrees) is shown. However, these depictions should not be construed as limiting the shape and / or configuration of the upper case described herein. Indeed, the upper case can have other shapes and edge profiles. For example, FIG. 5D is a partial cross-sectional view of a base portion 500d of a computing device (which may correspond to the base portion 104 of FIG. 1A) along a cross-section B-B of FIG. 3A. The base portion 500d includes an upper case 504d coupled to a lower case 506d via a joining member 508d. The joining member 508d may be the same or similar in structure, material, function, etc. to the joining member 414 described above.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 5D, the upper case 504d has an edge 518 with a circular, curved, or rounded outer profile. The radius can be any suitable radius, such as about 0.25 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1.0 mm, or any other suitable radius. In some cases, the edge 518 can have a curved profile following a spline or curve defined by more than a single radius. Other edge shapes are also conceivable, such as chamfers, depressions, steps, or other suitable shapes.

[0196] FIGS. 6A - 6G are partial cross-sectional views of a display portion of a computing device along a cross-section C-C of FIG. 1A, showing various configurations of the display portion. The display portions shown in FIGS. 6A - 6G can define an internal volume for holding display components (or other components of the computing device) such as a backlight, a side light, a cover, a display stack, an LED layer, an OLED layer, a circuit board, a battery, a processor, a memory, an antenna, etc. In FIGS. 6A - 6G, the display housing (e.g., display housings 602a - 602g) can be the same as the display housing 108 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. Similarly, the joining members (e.g., joining members 606a - 606g) for joining the cover and / or the display to the display housing can be the same as the joining member 414 (or other joining members) described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0197] FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of a display unit 600a in which a cover 604a is coupled to a display housing 602a. The cover 604a can be a transparent protective sheet positioned in front of a display stack 607a and optionally joined or adhered to the display stack 607a. The cover 604a can be formed of, or include, any suitable material such as glass, plastic, ceramic, polycarbonate, etc. The cover 604a can be a single (e.g., integral) component such as a single sheet of glass, plastic, or ceramic, or can include multiple components or layers such as multiple layers of glass, plastic, filters, coatings. The display stack 607a can include any suitable components such as an LED layer, an OLED layer, a light diffuser, an optical waveguide, a light source, a reflector, a polarizer, a filter. Although the display stack 607a is shown as a single component in FIG. 6A, it will be understood that the display stack 607a can have multiple components and / or layers.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 6A, the cover 604a can extend to form a portion outside of the display unit 600a. In this configuration, the entire user-facing surface 609 of the display unit 600a can be defined by a single surface without including a visible bezel, frame, or other surrounding components. For example, the display housing 602a may be invisible around the outer periphery of the cover 604a during normal operation of the computing device (e.g., during use of the computing device and / or viewing of the display by the user).

[0199] Cover 604a and display housing 602a can be formed from the same material or can include the same material. For example, cover 604a can be formed from glass or can include glass. Display housing 602a can also be formed from glass (e.g., the same or different glass as cover 604a). Alternatively, cover 604a and display housing 602a can be formed from different materials. For example, display housing 602a can be aluminum (or another metal), and cover 604a can be formed from glass or can include glass.

[0200] Cover 604a can be attached to display housing 602a via joining member 606a. Joining member 606a can be an adhesive that joins cover 604a to display housing 602a or can include an adhesive. Cover 604a, display housing 602a, and joining member 606a can have a substantially similar appearance. For example, these components can be configured to have the same or similar color, texture, feel, etc. This can include the application of paint, ink, dye, or other coatings to the components and / or the application of the same finishing process (e.g., machining, polishing, etc.) to the components.

[0201] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of display portion 600b in which cover 604b is coupled to display housing 602b. Cover 604b is attached to display housing 602b via joining member 606b. Display portion 600b also includes a display 607b that can be similar to display 607a described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0202] Cover 604b can extend substantially to the edge of the display housing 602b, except that the edge trim 608b can be disposed on and / or attached to the edge 612 of the cover 604b. The edge trim 608b covers the edge 612 of the cover 604b and the joining member 606b and can protect these components from damage. The edge trim 608b can also prevent light from entering and exiting the cover 604b through the edge 612. Further, if the cover 604b includes multiple layers, the edge trim 608b can cover the ends or edges of the layers. This can help improve the appearance of the display unit 600b (by covering the unsightly seams) and prevent delamination or other damage to the multiple layers of the cover 604b. The edge trim 608b can be similar to the edge trim 430 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0203] The edge trim 608b can be configured to have a similar appearance to the display housing 602b. For example, the edge trim 608b can have the same or a similar color, surface texture, tactile feel, or other characteristics as the display housing 602b. Thus, the sides of the display unit 600b can have a consistent appearance and can appear to consist of a single component (or the edge trim 608b and the display housing 602b can appear to be made of the same material). The edge trim 608b and the display housing 602b can undergo a common finishing process such as polishing, grinding, or machining that generates a similar texture and appearance on both components. For example, after assembling these components, the same polishing step can be applied to the edge trim 608b and the display housing 602b. In some cases, the same tool (e.g., a polishing tool) can be applied to the edge trim 608b and the display housing 602b substantially simultaneously or during a common processing operation.

[0204] FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of a display unit 600c in which a cover 604c is coupled to a display housing 602c. The cover 604c is attached to the display housing 602c via a joining member 606c. The display unit 600c also includes a display 607c, which may be similar to the display 607a described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 6C, the cover 604c can be set on the display housing 602c (e.g., a portion of the display housing 602c extends at least partially onto the side surface of the cover 604c). In some cases, the outer surface of the cover 604c can be substantially flush with the edge 614c of the display housing 602c. In this configuration, the edge 614c (and optionally the joining member 606c) can define a bezel or frame that surrounds or frames at least a portion of the cover 604c. Further, the portion of the display housing 602c that surrounds the edge of the cover 604c can protect the edge of the cover 604c from chipping, damage, contamination, or other potential damage.

[0206] FIG. 6D is a partial cross-sectional view of a display unit 600d in which a cover 604d is coupled to a display housing 602d. The display unit 600d also includes a display 607d, which may be similar to the display 607a described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0207] The cover 604d is attached to the display housing 602d via a joining member 606d. The display housing 602d includes a cutout region that defines a shelf portion 616d to which the cover 604d is attached (via the joining member 606d). With this configuration, similar to the configuration of the display member 600c (FIG. 6C), the cover 604d can be at least partially surrounded or framed by the edge 618d of the display housing 602d without the joining member being visible on the user-facing outer surface 620 of the display unit 600d. For example, the joining member 606d couples the inner or back surface of the cover 604d to the shelf portion 616d. Thus, the joining member 606d does not form part of the surface 620.

[0208] With the shelf portion 616d shown in FIG. 6D, the cover 604d can be fixed by the display housing 602d along a plurality of directions. For example, the cover 604d can engage with the display housing 602d along the outer edge of the cover 604d and around the back surface of the cover 604d. Accordingly, the cover 604d is held along in-plane and out-of-plane directions. Thereby, the strength, rigidity, and / or durability of the display portion 600d can be improved.

[0209] FIG. 6E is a partial cross-sectional view of a display portion 600e in which a display stack 624e is coupled to a display housing 602e without a separate cover (e.g., without cover glass). The display stack 624e can include various components arranged in a stack or laminate, including, for example, a rear polarizer 626e, a lower glass 628e, an upper glass 630e, and a front polarizer 632e. These are merely exemplary components or layers of the display stack 624e, and more or fewer or different components such as a backlight, an illumination panel, an optical waveguide panel, an organic light-emitting diode, a liquid crystal layer, etc. can be included in the display stack 624e.

[0210] The display stack 624e can be attached to the display housing 602e via the joint member 606e. The display stack 624e can extend substantially to the edge of the display housing 602e, except that the edge trim 608e can be disposed on and / or attached to the edge 622 of the display stack 624e. The edge trim 608e can cover the edge 622 of the display stack 624e and the joint member 606e, protecting these components from damage. The edge trim 608e can also prevent light from entering and exiting the display stack 624e through the edge 622. Further, the edge trim 608e can cover the ends or peripheral sides of the layers of the display stack 624e (e.g., the lower glass 628e, the upper glass 630e, and the front polarizer 632e). This can help improve the appearance of the display unit 600e (by covering the obtrusive joints) and prevent delamination or other damage to the multiple layers of the display stack 624e. The edge trim 608e can be similar to the above-described edge trims 430 and 608b in terms of structure, material, function, etc., and can be formed or finished in the same way.

[0211] FIG. 6F is a partial cross-sectional view of the display unit 600f in which the display stack 624f is coupled to the display housing 602f. The display stack 624f is attached to the display housing 602f via the joint member 606f. The display stack 624f can be similar to the above-described display stack 624e in terms of structure, material, function, etc. For example, the display stack 624f can include a rear polarizer 626f, a lower glass 628f, an upper glass 630f, and a front polarizer 632f.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 6F, similar to the display housing 602c of FIG. 6C, the display stack 624f can be set in the display housing 602f. In some cases, the outer surface of the display stack 624f can be substantially flush with the end portion 614f of the display housing 602f, and the end portion 614f (and optionally the joining member 606f) can define a bezel or frame that surrounds or frames at least a part of a part of the display stack 624f. Further, the portion of the display housing 602f surrounding the edge of the display stack 624f can protect the edge of the display stack 624f from delamination, chipping, breakage, contamination, or other potential damage.

[0213] FIG. 6G is a partial cross-sectional view of the display unit 600g in which the display stack 624g is coupled to the display housing 602g. The display stack 624g can be similar to the display stack 624e described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. For example, the display stack 624g can include a rear polarizer 626g, a lower glass 628g, an upper glass 630g, and a front polarizer 632g.

[0214] The display stack 624g is attached to the display housing 602g via a joining member 606g. The display housing 602g includes a cutout region that defines a shelf portion 616g to which the display stack 624g is attached (via the joining member 606g). With this configuration, the display stack 624g can be at least partially surrounded or framed by the edge 618g of the display housing 602g (around the outer edge), similar to the configuration of the display unit 600d (FIG. 6D).

[0215] FIG. 6H is a partial cross-sectional view of a display unit 600h in which a display 634 is coupled to a display housing 602h (which may be similar to other display housings described herein). The display 634 can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitable display or display stack, and can include a cover (e.g., glass, sapphire, or plastic protective cover) and / or other suitable components.

[0216] The display 634 is attached to the display housing 602h via any suitable attachment technique. The space between the display 634 and the inner surface of the display housing 602h can be filled with a potting material 635 (which may be similar to the potting material 211 described above and can include polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, or other suitable potting materials). The potting material 635 can support the display 634 and the display housing 602h. The potting material 635 can be any suitable material such as silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, aerogel, or any other suitable polymer or other material. FIG. 6H shows the potting material 635 occupying the entire space between the display 634 and the display housing 602h. In other examples, the potting material 635 may not occupy the entire space. The potting material 635 can also adhere, bond, or otherwise hold the display 634 to the display housing 602h. In some cases, the potting material 635 can be a dedicated mechanical fixture between the display 634 and the display housing 602h.

[0217] FIG. 6J is a partial cross-sectional view of a display unit 600j in which a display 638 is coupled to a display housing 602j (which may be similar to other display housings described herein). The display 638 can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitable display or display stack, and can include a cover (e.g., glass, sapphire, or plastic protective cover) and / or other suitable components.

[0218] The display 638 can be attached to the display housing 602j via an adhesive 636. The adhesive 636 can hold the display 638 to the display housing 602j. In some cases, the display 638 and the adhesive 636 can add structural strength and rigidity to the display housing 602j, enabling a thinner display housing 602j to be used for a display section where the display 638 is not directly adhered to the display housing 602j. In some cases, by adhering a large area (e.g., about 50%, about 60%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90%) of the back surface of the display 638 to the display housing 602j, the rigidity can be increased compared to a joining technique where the display 638 is attached to the display housing 602j around the perimeter of the display.

[0219] Figures 7A and 7B are partial cross-sectional views of a computing device having various combinations of the base portion and the display portion along cross-sections B - B and C - C of FIG. 1A. Figures 7A - 7B show a computing device in a closed configuration, rather than the open configuration shown in FIG. 1A.

[0220] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of a computing device 700a including a display portion 701a and a base portion 703a. The display portion 701a includes a cover 706a attached to a display housing 702a via a joining member 712a, and a display stack 718 within the display housing 702a. The display portion 701a is similar to the display portion 600a (FIG. 6A), and the display portion 701a (or its components) can be the same as or similar to the display portion 600a in terms of material, structure, and function.

[0221] The computing device 700a also includes a base portion 703a that includes an upper case 708a coupled to a lower case 704a via a joining member 710a. The base portion 703a is similar to the base portion 400a (FIG. 4A), and the base portion 703a (or its components) may be the same as or similar to the base portion 400a in terms of material, structure, and function.

[0222] The cover 706a of the display portion 701a and the upper case 708a of the base portion 703a may both be formed from the same or similar materials and may be coupled to the display housing 702a and the lower case 704a, respectively, in a similar manner. Accordingly, the sides of the computing device 700a may have a consistent and uniform appearance. For example, the common material and physical integration between the display portion 701a and the base portion 703a provide a substantially symmetric structure (although the exact thickness and size of the components may vary between the display portion 701a and the base portion 703a). Further, when the upper case 708a and the cover 706a are formed from the same material, the edges of their components may have a similar or identical appearance (e.g., color, texture, surface finish, etc.).

[0223] The components shown in FIG. 7A may undergo the same finishing process. For example, the edges of the upper case 708a and the cover 706a may undergo the same polishing process and / or may be polished to the same or similar degree of polish (or surface roughness). Further, as described above, the joining members 710a and 712a may be finished together with the upper case 708a and the cover 706a such that all of these components have the same or similar appearance, surface finish, etc.

[0224] FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of a computing device 700b including a display portion 701b and a base portion 703b. The display portion 701b includes a display stack 720 attached to a display housing 702b via a joining member 712b. The display portion 701b is similar to the display portion 600a (FIG. 6A), and the display portion 701b (or its components) may be the same as or similar to the display portion 600a in terms of material, structure, and function. The display stack 720 may be identical or similar to the display stack 624e (FIG. 6E) and may include, for example, a rear polarizer, a lower glass, an upper glass, and a front polarizer. These are merely exemplary components or layers of the display stack 720, and more, fewer, or different components may be included in the display stack 720. In some cases, the display portion 701b does not include a separate cover in front of or covering the display stack 720. In such a case, the frontmost layer of the display stack 720 may define the user interface surface (e.g., the outer surface) of the display portion 701.

[0225] The computing device 700b also includes a base portion 703b including an upper case 708b coupled to a lower case 704b via a joining member 710b. The base portion 703b is similar to the base portion 400a (FIG. 4A), and the base portion 703b (or its components) may be the same as or similar to the material, structure, and function of the base portion 400a in terms of material, structure, and function.

[0226] The display unit 701b and the base unit 703b further include edge trims 714, 716 disposed on and / or attached to the edges of the display stack 720 and the upper case 708b. The material, structure, and function of the edge trims 714, 716 can be the same as or similar to those of the edge trim 430. The edge trims 714, 716 can protect the display stack 720 and the upper case 708b, for example, by preventing or reducing chips, cracks, or other damages to the edges of the display stack 720 and the upper case 708b. Further, when the display stack 720 and / or the upper case 708b includes multiple layers, the edge trims 714, 716 can help prevent delamination between those layers (and hide those layers).

[0227] The edge trims 714, 716 can have the same or similar appearance (including color, surface finish, etc.) as each other and / or as other parts of the computing device 700b. For example, by having the edge trims 714, 716 and the joining members 710b, 712b have substantially the same appearance (e.g., color, surface finish, etc.), the edge trims 714, 716 can be formed from the same material as or include the same material as the joining members 710b, 712b so as to improve the uniformity and consistency of the sides of the computing device 700b.

[0228] As described above, the upper case of a computing device can be formed from a single continuous sheet of a material such as glass or ceramic. When the upper case has a relatively large surface area compared to its thickness, as seen in the upper case of a notebook computer, adding a reinforcing material to the upper case or incorporating it in other ways can improve the rigidity, strength, toughness, or other properties of the upper case (and / or the computing device as a whole). For example, the reinforcing material can improve the torsional rigidity of the upper case, thereby improving the torsional rigidity of the entire computing device. Such a reinforcing material can also define a region of high rigidity and a region of low rigidity, and define input regions having different structural characteristics, as described herein.

[0229] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of an upper case 800a and a reinforcing frame 802a that can be attached to the upper case 800a. As described above, the upper case 800a can define an input surface of an integrated interface system that receives various types of inputs such as touch input and force input. Further, the integrated interface system can include a touch sensor, a force sensor, a display, a tactile actuator, etc. that can be attached to the upper case 800a or integrated in some other way. The upper case 800a with the reinforcing frame 802a serves to define a structural platform for the components of the integrated interface system and provides an input surface to the integrated interface system. Further, as described herein, a reinforcing member such as the reinforcing frame 802a can help to define an input area or define the physical or mechanical response of the upper case 800a to various types of inputs.

[0230] The upper case 800a can be similar to the upper case 112 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. For example, the upper case 800a can be formed from glass, polycarbonate, ceramic, or any other suitable material, or can include them. In some cases, the upper case 800a is a single glass member (e.g., a glass sheet). The upper case 800a may not have seams, holes, or other openings on the upper surface of the upper case 800a.

[0231] The reinforcement frame 802a can be formed of, or include, any suitable material such as glass, plastic, carbon fiber, metal, etc. The reinforcement frame 802a can have any suitable shape. As shown, the reinforcement frame 802a defines a first frame region 804a and a second frame region 806a. The first frame region 804a can be provided under the keyboard region 808 of the upper case 800a. Here, the keyboard region 808, shown as a recess (which can be rectangular or other suitable shape) formed in the upper case 800a, can be configured to have keys or key mechanisms disposed therein. In other embodiments, such as when a virtual keyboard is implemented, the keyboard region 808 may not be defined by, or may not use, the recess of the upper case 800a. The reinforcement frame 802a can be used even if the frame does not surround or correspond to the recess of the upper case 800a.

[0232] The reinforcement frame 802a also defines a second frame region 806a that can be below the palm rest region 810a. The palm rest region 810a corresponds to the region where the hand is typically placed when interacting with the notebook computer and can be, or can define a part of, a touch input region of the upper case 800a. The palm rest region 810a can include a track pad region that is distinguished from other parts of the upper case 800a. The track pad region can be a region that receives touch and / or force inputs such as cursor control input, gesture input, multi-touch input, etc. For example, the track pad region can be defined by the boundary of the upper case 800a, and the second frame region 806a can be disposed below the boundary. Alternatively, the entire upper case 800a (e.g., both the keyboard region and the non-keyboard region of the upper case 800a) can be a touch input region. In such a case, the second frame region 806a may not correspond to a specific functional or physical boundary of the upper case 800a. Rather, the second frame region 806a can generally reinforce the palm rest region 810a. Nevertheless, the second frame region 806a can have the shape shown in FIG. 8A. Other shapes and configurations of the reinforcement frame 802a are also conceivable.

[0233] The reinforcing frame 802a can also help limit the effect of a force or touch input applied to one area (e.g., the keyboard area 808) of the upper case 800a on another area (e.g., the palm rest area 810a) of the upper case 800a. For example, when a force is applied within the keyboard area 808 (as a result of the user striking a virtual or mechanical key within the keyboard area 808), the reinforcing frame 802a can prevent that force from causing flexure or deformation in the upper case 800a of the palm rest area 810a (or can reduce the flexure or deformation as compared to the upper case 800a without the reinforcing frame 802a).

[0234] The reinforcing frame 802a can be attached to the upper case 800a in any suitable manner. For example, the reinforcing frame 802a can be glued or adhered to the upper case 800a with an adhesive (e.g., HSA, PSA, epoxy, cyanoacrylate, etc.). As another example, the reinforcing frame 802a can be fused to the upper case 800a by a sintering and / or annealing process. More specifically, the reinforcing frame 802a can be placed on the upper case 800a and then the reinforcing frame 802a and the upper case 800a can be heated for a temperature and period sufficient to fuse the reinforcing frame 802a to the upper case 800a.

[0235] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the upper case 800b and the reinforcing frame 802b that can be applied to the upper case 800b. The materials, structures, and functions of the upper case 800b and the reinforcing frame 802b can be the same as or similar to those of the upper case 800a and the reinforcing frame 802a described above with reference to FIG. 8A. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the upper case 800b may include an opening 812 (e.g., a rectangular opening) instead of the recess of the upper case 800a. The opening 812 corresponds to the keyboard area and can be configured to accommodate or receive the keyboard. For example, a keyboard including a plurality of key mechanisms (e.g., keycaps, keycap support mechanisms, key make sensors, or switches, etc.) coupled to a carrier plate (e.g., a circuit board or other substrate) can be disposed in the opening 812. When the opening of the upper case is configured to at least partially receive and / or frame the keyboard, the opening may be referred to as a keyboard opening. In an embodiment where the upper case has a keyboard opening, the keyboard opening is the only opening on the upper surface of the upper case, and the remaining portion of the upper case can be continuous (e.g., without additional openings, seams, gaps, discontinuities, etc.).

[0236] FIG. 9A shows an exemplary upper case 900 having a reinforcing rib structure 902 integrally formed therewith. The reinforcing rib structure 902 can perform the same or similar functions as the reinforcing frame 802a of FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 9A, the rib structure 902 has a shape substantially similar to that of the reinforcing frame 802a of FIG. 8A, and has a first rib portion 906 under the keyboard area 904 and a second rib portion 908 under the palm rest area.

[0237] FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper case 900 along the section D-D of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows a part of the reinforcing rib structure 902 that supports or reinforces the keyboard area 904. As shown, the reinforcing rib structure 902 and the upper case 900 form an integral structure. For example, the reinforcing rib structure 902 can be formed by removing material from a single material sheet (e.g., glass) by machining, etching, ablation, or other methods. As another example, the reinforcing rib structure 902 can be formed by a molding or slumping process in which the upper case 900 is heated and adapted to a mold that defines the reinforcing rib structure 902 (as well as other features and / or other shapes of the upper case 900 such as the keyboard area 904 or high or low relief areas).

[0238] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary upper case 1000 in which a plurality of reinforcing members 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008 are attached to the lower surface of the upper case 1000. For example, the reinforcing member 1002 is attached to the area of the upper case 1000 corresponding to the keyboard area 1001. The reinforcing member 1002 can strengthen or otherwise reinforce the keyboard area 1001. For example, the reinforcing member 1002 can help prevent or reduce deformation or deflection of the keyboard area 1001 that results from typing input (applied directly to the upper case 1000 or the key mechanism coupled to the upper case 1000). As shown, the reinforcing member 1002 forms an "x" shape, but other configurations and shapes are possible. Also, the keyboard area 1001 in FIG. 10 is recessed relative to other parts of the upper case 1000, but the reinforcing members shown and described in FIG. 10 can be used with other upper case structures such as a substantially flat (e.g., planar) upper case that does not have a recessed keyboard area.

[0239] Other reinforcing members can be attached to other areas of the upper case 1000. For example, the reinforcing member 1004 is attached to the upper case 1000 along the side of the keyboard area 1001, and the reinforcing member 1008 is attached to the upper case 1000 along the top of the keyboard area 1001. Similarly, these reinforcing members provide additional rigidity or strength to the upper case 1000 (and more generally the computing device), and can help prevent forces applied to one area of the upper case 1000 (such as the keyboard area 1001) from causing deformation or flexing in other areas of the upper case.

[0240] The reinforcing member 1006 is coupled to the upper case 1000 in the palm rest area 1003 below the keyboard area 1001. The reinforcing member 1006 is arranged such that a relatively large central area remains un-reinforced. The un-reinforced area may correspond to or define a trackpad or other touch or force sensing input area configured to receive touch and / or force inputs such as gestures (swipes, pinches, etc.), multi-touch inputs, clicks, etc. In some cases, the trackpad or other touch / force sensing input area is configured to deform or flex in response to certain inputs. These flexures or deformations can be utilized to determine the amount of force applied to the input area and to determine when a user input corresponds to a selection or “click”. In such cases, leaving the input area largely un-reinforced allows the input area to deform more readily for touch and / or force detection. The reinforcing members can also be included (or strategically omitted) to create a tactile or haptic feedback area by isolating haptic output from a particular haptic actuator or device to a local area smaller than the entire upper case of the device.

[0241] As described above, an upper case made of glass (or other light transmissive material) on a computing device such as the upper case 112 can be used as an optical waveguide or light pipe for illuminating portions of the upper case such as keys, a keyboard area, a display, and the like. More specifically, an integrated interface system including a glass or light transmissive upper case can illuminate a portion of the upper case to improve visibility and readability, or otherwise generate a desired appearance of the integrated interface system. FIGS. 11A - 11E show how a light source can be integrated with a computing device to illuminate the upper case of the integrated interface system.

[0242] FIG. 11A is an exploded view of a base portion 1100 of a computing device (e.g., a notebook computer) including an upper case 1102a and a lower case 1104. The upper case 1102a and the lower case 1104 can be similar to any of the upper case and the lower case described herein in terms of structure, material, function, and the like. For example, the upper case 1102a can be formed of or include glass, ceramic, or other light transmissive material.

[0243] The base portion 1100 also includes a light source 1106a. The light source 1106a can include one or more individual lighting elements such as LEDs, OLEDs, incandescent elements, fluorescent elements, and the like. The light source 1106a is configured as a light bar and is disposed along a side surface of the base portion 1100 adjacent to the lower portion of the keyboard area 1103 of the upper case 1102a (e.g., along a side surface of the base portion 1100 that is opposite the joined side of the display portion of the device).

[0244] FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of the base portion 1100 along the cross-section E-E of FIG. 11A. The light source 1106a is disposed in the recess 1108 formed at the edge of the upper case 1102a, but other positions are also possible. Specifically, the light source 1106a can be disposed at any position such that the light emitted from the light source 1106a is directed or coupled to the upper case 1102a (e.g., the edge of the upper case 1102a). In some cases, the light source 1106a can be disposed away from the edge of the upper case 1102a, and an optical waveguide, an optical waveguide tube, or other mechanisms can direct the light from the light source to the edge of the upper case 1102a.

[0245] By directing light towards the upper case, a light source can be used to illuminate various regions and / or components of the device. FIG. 11C shows, for example, an exemplary computing device 1110 with a light source 1106c. The computing device 1110 includes an upper case 1102c and a display 1112, and the display can be arranged to display buttons and / or other affordances on the upper case 1102c in a region above the keyboard (e.g., between the keyboard and the display portion of the device). This region may be referred to as a virtual key region and can replace or complement the conventional "function" key row on a conventional keyboard. Further, the virtual key region can be configured to present different keys, buttons, or affordances depending on the operating state of the device, such as a particular program being executed, the one being displayed on an associated display screen, etc. For example, the affordance can be selected from a group of affordance candidates based on the relevance and / or control ability with respect to the user interface displayed on the primary display (such as display 204) of the device. The display 1112 can include components such as a liquid crystal layer (which can be coupled to the upper case 1102c), and the light source 1106c can provide illumination to the display 1112. As shown, the virtual key region includes a plurality of segments. These segments can correspond to a single underlying display or multiple displays (e.g., individual displays for each segment). The display 1112 can represent a single display spanning multiple segments or one display corresponding to a single segment of a group of displays.

[0246] Since the display 1112 is disposed above the keyboard, the light source 1106c is disposed along the edge of the upper case 1102c above the keyboard (e.g., proximate to the display portion of a notebook computer). In some cases, for example, when the display 1112 is an OLED display, the display 1112 may not require a separate backlight. In such a case, the light source 1106c may be disposed at other positions to illuminate other areas of the upper case 1102c, such as a keyboard area that may include mechanical keys, virtual keys, or a combination of mechanical and virtual keys.

[0247] FIG. 11D shows an exemplary computing device 1114 with a light source 1106d arranged as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The computing device 1114 includes an upper case 1102d and a keyboard area 1116. The keyboard area 1116 may include, or be associated with, a display that displays virtual keys and / or other affordances, or may include, or be associated with, a mechanical keyboard (e.g., a key mechanism coupled to the keyboard area 1116 of the upper case 1102d). When the keyboard area 1116 includes, or is associated with, a display, the light source 1106d may provide illumination to the display. When the keyboard area 1116 includes, or is associated with, a mechanical keyboard, the light source 1106d may illuminate the keycaps, a portion of the upper case that frames the keycaps (or is visible between the keycaps), or other portions of the keyboard area 1116.

[0248] In some cases, the keyboard area 1116 may include individual key areas not associated with conventional mechanical keys. For example, the individual key areas may be defined by paint, etching, texture, mask areas, or other indicators disposed or formed on the top case 1102d. As one particular example, the individual key areas of the keyboard area 1116 may be defined by masked (e.g., substantially opaque) areas, or otherwise visually distinguished by unmasked (e.g., transparent or translucent) areas. When illuminated by the light source 1106d, light passes through the unmasked areas (and / or unmasked glyphs or characters within the mask areas) to visually define and distinguish the keys.

[0249] FIG. 11E shows an exemplary computing device 1118 with a light source 1106e disposed along the bottom surface of the top case 1102e. As shown, the top case includes a keyboard 1122, which can be a mechanical keyboard or a virtual keyboard. If the keyboard 1122 is a virtual keyboard, the computing device 1118 may include a display below the top case 1102e to generate images of the keys. The display may be configured to generate images of the keys in a virtual key area 1120 that can be above the keyboard (e.g., between the keyboard and the display portion of the device), and as described above, may be configured to present different keys in the virtual key area depending on the operating state of the device. The light source 1106e may be configured to illuminate the display, the keyboard 1122, and the virtual key area 1120. Alternatively, if the virtual key area 1120 is associated with its own display and light source (e.g., if the virtual key area 1120 includes an OLED display), the light source 1106e may simply be configured to illuminate the keyboard 1122 or the display that generates the key images of the keyboard 1122.

[0250] In some cases, keys, virtual key areas, trackpad areas, and / or other input areas (or other graphics, glyphs, symbols, etc.) can be displayed by shining a backlight on a masked surface with openings that define the keys, areas, and / or other graphics. FIGS. 11F and 11G illustrate a computing device 1130 in which various regions of an upper case are defined by openings in an opaque mask and visualized by supplying light below the opaque mask.

[0251] FIGS. 11F and 11G illustrate an exemplary computing device 1130 that includes a base portion 1131 coupled to a display portion 1133. The base portion 1131 can include a lower case 1137 and an upper case 1139. The upper case 1139 and the lower case 1137 can be similar to any of the upper and lower cases described herein in terms of structure, material, function, etc. The upper case 1139 can be formed of a light transmissive material and can be associated with a patterned mask. The computing device 1130 further includes a keyboard 1135, which can be a mechanical keyboard, a display that generates images of keys, or a keyboard defined by openings in an opaque mask region as described herein.

[0252] Computing device 1130 also includes a first region 1138 above the keyboard 1135 and a second region 1140 below the keyboard 1135. The first and second regions 1138, 1140 can be touch and / or force sensing input regions, as described herein, and can be associated with a pattern mask that defines the boundaries, glyphs, symbols, etc. of the input region. As shown in FIG. 11F, the first and second regions 1138, 1140 are substantially featureless and correspond to a mode in which illumination is not provided below the pattern mask associated with the upper case 1139. FIG. 11G shows a computing device 1130 with active illumination, and illustrates a virtual input region 1144 within the first region 1138 and a trackpad region 1142 within the second region 1140. The virtual input region 1144 and the trackpad region 1142 can be defined by openings (e.g., perforations or micro-perforations) in an opaque mask material associated with the upper case 1139 that are illuminated from below the mask. An optical waveguide, light extraction features, or other optical components located or integrated below the upper case 1139 can couple light to the openings in the pattern mask and help facilitate illumination of the pattern.

[0253] Since the mask and illumination are disposed below the upper case 1139, the virtual input region 1144 and the trackpad region 1142 may be non-visible when the illumination is inactive, and thus the first and second regions 1138, 1140 can act to receive touch and / or force input without a boundary. However, when the illumination is active, the definition of additional input regions can correspond to different functions. For example, when there is no illumination, substantially the entire second region 1140 can function as a touch and / or force sensing trackpad. When there is illumination, the device 1130 can respond differently to touch input and / or force input within the trackpad region 1142 than to input applied to portions of the second region 1140 outside of the trackpad region 1142.

[0254] FIG. 11H is an exploded view of the base portion 1131 of FIG. 11F. The base portion 1131 includes an upper case 1139, a lower case 1137, a mask layer 1152, and an optical waveguide 1158. The base portion 1131 further includes a light source 1162 configured to direct light to the optical waveguide 1158 when the base portion 1131 is assembled.

[0255] As described above, the upper case 1139 can be formed from a light-transmissive material such as glass, plastic, ceramic, or the like. The mask layer 1152 can be an opaque or substantially opaque material such as ink, dye, a polymer layer, or other materials. The mask layer 1152 can have patterns 1154, 1156 that respectively define a virtual input region 1144 and a track pad region 1142. The patterns 1154, 1156 can be a series of perforations or micro-perforations of the mask material, or larger gaps, or can include them. The mask layer 1152 can be deposited on the lower surface of the upper case 1139 or the upper surface of the optical waveguide 1158. For example, the mask layer 1152 can be ink, dye, or an adhesive sheet that can be adhered or otherwise applied to the optical waveguide 1158 or the upper case 1139. In other cases, the mask layer can be a separate component (e.g., an opaque polymer sheet) that has at least some surfaces that are not joined or adhered to the upper case 1139 or the optical waveguide 1158.

[0256] The optical waveguide 1158 can be a light-transmissive material that receives light from the light source 1162 and directs the light to the patterns 1154, 1156 of the mask layer 1152. An optical waveguide 1158 having substantially the same area as the mask layer 1152 and the upper case 1139 is shown. In some cases, the optical waveguide 1158 can be configured and shaped to direct light substantially only to the patterns 1154, 1156 of the mask layer 1152.

[0257] As shown, mask layer 1152 includes patterns 1154, 1156 corresponding to virtual input region 1144 and trackpad region 1142. In other cases, additional or other input regions, graphics, keys (e.g., all or some keys of keyboard 1135), symbols, etc. may be defined. Further, although a single optical waveguide 1158 and a single light source 1162 are shown, multiple optical waveguides and / or light sources may be implemented to enable selective illumination of illuminable features. For example, virtual input region 1144 may be illuminable separately from trackpad region 1142 (e.g., one may be on and the other may be off). Further, mask layer 1152 may also include patterns corresponding to keys of the keyboard, which may also be selectively illuminated. When the keys, trackpad region 1142, and virtual input region 1144 are not all illuminated, upper case 1139 may have a substantially uniform appearance (e.g., appear as a uniform black glossy surface).

[0258] As described above, the key input function may be provided by an integrated interface system in various manners. For example, the integrated interface system may include or be configured to detect input from a keyboard having mechanical keys. Alternatively or additionally, the integrated interface system may include or be configured to detect input from a virtual keyboard displayed on the upper case of the integrated interface system. More specifically, the integrated interface system may include a display that generates an image of a key or other affordance on a featureless (e.g., flat) surface such as the upper case of the integrated interface system. The virtual keyboard may alternatively or additionally include static key regions (e.g., defined by paint, mask, or other visual indicators) on the featureless surface of the upper case. Also, various combinations of these types of keyboards may be used in a single integrated interface system. For example, a portion of the keyboard of the integrated interface system may include mechanical keys, and another portion may include a virtual keyboard (or one or more virtual keys, buttons, other affordances).

[0259] The upper case of the integrated interface system described herein, such as a continuous upper case made of glass or ceramic material, can be configured to accommodate any one or combination of these types of keyboards. For example, FIGS. 12A-15B relate to an exemplary computing device including an integrated interface system with both mechanical keys and virtual keys, and FIGS. 16A-17B relate to an exemplary computing device including an integrated interface system with only virtual keys. As another example, the integrated interface system may include only mechanical keys.

[0260] FIG. 12A shows an exemplary computing device 1200 including a base portion 1201 coupled to a display portion 1203. The base portion 1201 may include a lower case 1204 and an upper case 1202. The upper case 1202 and the lower case 1204 may be similar to any of the upper case and the lower case described herein in terms of structure, material, and function. The computing device 1200 also includes a mechanical keyboard 1205 and a virtual key area 1208. (The virtual key area 1208 may be omitted and / or replaced with additional mechanical keys such as a row of mechanical "function column" keys). The computing device 1200 may include a conventional trackpad 1207 or may omit the trackpad 1207. In the latter case, the trackpad area may encompass an area of the base portion 1201 larger than the trackpad 1207, including substantially the entire area of the upper case 1202 below the keyboard (e.g., the palm rest area), an area along the side of the keyboard, and even the keyboard itself.

[0261] The keys of the mechanical keyboard 1205 (such as the representative key 1206) may include appropriate mechanisms and components for receiving an input, providing a tactile response and / or movement in response to the input, and causing the computing device 1200 to detect the operation of the keys. The keys may be coupled to the upper case 1202 by any suitable method such as an adhesive, a mechanical clip, a fastener, etc. Examples of exemplary key mechanisms and attachment techniques are described herein.

[0262] The virtual key area 1208 (which may include multiple segments) may include or be associated with one or more displays disposed below the upper case 1202 (e.g., within the internal volume of the base portion 1201). As described herein, the virtual key area 1208 may also include or be associated with a touch sensor that detects touch inputs applied to the virtual key area 1208. The virtual key area 1208 may dynamically display various buttons, keys, affordances, images, etc. based on different operating modes of the device 1200. For example, the virtual key area 1208 may display a first set of affordances (and optionally other information) when the user of the device 1200 is interacting with a first application, and a second set of affordances (and optionally other information) when the user is interacting with a second application. When an input such as a touch or force input is detected at a location on the virtual key area 1208, the device 1200 performs a specific action based on the affordance displayed at that location when the input was detected. Thus, if the virtual key area 1208 is displaying function keys (e.g., F1 - F12 keys), an input to a specific function key may cause the device 1200 to take an action associated with that specific function key. If the virtual key area 1208 is displaying a slider for controlling the volume of the device 1200, the device 1200 may adjust the output volume based on an input to the slider (e.g., a swipe or gesture input).

[0263] The upper surface of the upper case 1202 may be substantially flat (e.g., planar). Specifically, the upper case 1202 may be substantially featureless and may lack substantial recesses, openings, or high and / or low relief regions. For example, the upper case 1202 may be a substantially smooth planar sheet of glass or ceramic. In such a case, the keys of the mechanical keyboard 1205 may extend above the upper surface of the upper case 1202 and may interfere with the display unit 1203 when the computing device 1200 is in a closed configuration. In such a case, the upper case 1202 (e.g., the entire upper case) may be recessed relative to the rim or edge of the lower case 1204 such that there is a gap between the upper case 1202 and the display unit 1203 when the device 1200 is closed. The mechanical keyboard 1205 may have a size or height that fits within the gap without contacting the display unit 1203.

[0264] When a transparent glass or ceramic (or other material) is used, the upper case 1202 may be suitable for use in a keyboard with both mechanical and virtual keys because the transparency allows the upper case 1202 to function as a cover (and input surface) for displaying a virtual keyboard.

[0265] FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the base portion 1201 of FIG. 12A. The base portion 1201 shows the mechanical keyboard 1205, the upper case 1202, the lower case 1204, and the touch and / or force sensor 1210 below the upper case 1202. The touch and / or force sensor 1210 may be disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1202 and the lower case 1204.

[0266] The keyboard 1205 may comprise a plurality of separate keys and / or key mechanisms, or may be a pre-assembled structure including keys that are captured and held by a base plate or otherwise coupled to each other. As described herein, individual keys or pre-assembled key structures may be directly coupled to the upper surface of the upper case 1202.

[0267] The touch and / or force sensor 1210 may include various touch and / or force sensing components such as capacitive sensing elements or resistive sensing elements. The touch and / or force sensor 1210 may be configured to sense an input applied to the upper case 1202, and may sense the selection of a key of the keyboard 1205, the selection of an affordance on the virtual key area 1208 (FIG. 12A), and / or a touch input (click, tap, gesture, multi-touch input, etc.) applied to other areas of the upper case 1202. The touch and / or force sensor 1210 may be configured to detect an input regardless of the force component, such as detecting only the position of one or more touch inputs. The touch and / or force sensor 1210 may be additionally or alternatively configured to detect the force component of one or more touch inputs, for example, by determining the amount of deflection of the upper case 1202 caused by the touch input. For simplicity, the touch and / or force sensor 1210, and the touch and / or force sensors 1310, 1311, 1321, 1347, 1372, 1410, and 1510 are simply referred to as touch sensors in this specification. It is understood that these sensors may provide a touch input function, a force input function, or both.

[0268] Regarding the detection of the selection of a mechanical key, since the upper case 1202 may be a continuous material sheet, it may lack an opening or hole for mechanically coupling the key to a component within the base portion 1201. As a result, since direct access to the electronic components of the device 1200 through the upper case 1202 is not possible, it would be impossible to use a conventional key mechanism for detecting key presses. Accordingly, the touch and / or force sensor 1210 may utilize the same sensing technology (e.g., capacitance sensing) that is used to detect a touch input in a non-keyboard area (e.g., a trackpad area) to determine that a key has been selected. When the upper case 1202 is glass, ceramic, or another dielectric material, the dielectric properties of the upper case 1202 enable the touch and / or force sensor 1210 to detect the presence and / or position of a finger not only on the keyboard 1205 but also in the non-keyboard area of the base portion 1201.

[0269] The touch sensor 1210 can be substantially planar, or can include a substantially planar assembly adjacent to (or otherwise proximate to) the upper case 1202. The planar shape of the touch sensor 1210 can complement the plane of the upper case 1202. If the upper case 1202 has ribs, frames, or reinforcing members on the inner opposing surfaces of the upper case 1202, the touch sensor 1210 can have openings, discontinuities, recesses, or other features that accommodate the ribs while adjacent to the corresponding planar portion of the upper case 1202 with the substantially planar portion of the touch sensor 1210.

[0270] FIG. 13A shows an exemplary computing device 1300 including a base portion 1301 coupled to a display portion 1303. The base portion 1301 can include a lower case 1304 and an upper case 1302. The upper case 1302 and the lower case 1304 can be similar to any of the upper case and the lower case described herein in terms of structure, material, function, etc. The computing device 1300 also includes a mechanical keyboard 1305 and a virtual key area 1308, which can be similar to the keyboard 1205 and the virtual key area 1208 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. Similar to the upper case 1202, the upper case 1302 can be a continuous member (e.g., having no openings or holes on the upper surface).

[0271] The upper surface of the upper case 1302 can define a concave region 1307 where the keyboard 1305 can be disposed. The concave region 1307 can have any suitable depth. For example, the depth of the concave region 1307 can be from about 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. In some cases, the concave region 1307 has a depth such that the upper part of the key cap of the keyboard 1305 is substantially flush with or slightly below the non-concave or surrounding region of the keyboard. In such a case, when the display portion 1303 is in the closed position with respect to the base portion 1301 (e.g., when the device 1300 is closed), the key cap cannot contact the display portion 1303.

[0272] The concave region 1307 can have any suitable dimensions. As shown in FIGS. 13A - 13B, the concave region 1307 defines a region that is slightly larger than the keyboard 1305. However, the concave region 1307 can be even larger. For example, the concave region 1307 can provide a larger gap (e.g., a greater clearance) between the keyboard 1305 and the non - concave region around the upper case 1302 (e.g., along the outer perimeter of the keyboard 1305). Further, the concave region 1307 can be deeper or shallower than shown. The concave region 1307 is shown as defining a generally flat concave surface. The surface of other concave regions need not be planar and can define additional recesses, protrusions, features, etc.

[0273] FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the base portion 1301 of FIG. 13A. The base portion 1301 shows the keyboard 1305, the upper case 1302, the lower case 1304, and a touch sensor 1310 (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1302 and the lower case 1304) under the upper case 1302. The touch sensor 1310 can be similar to the touch sensor 1210 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. The keyboard 1305 can include a key mechanism directly coupled to the upper case 1302 or can be a keyboard assembly such as the keyboard assembly 1314 described with reference to FIG. 13C. The force sensing system can also be integrated with the base portion to facilitate detection of key presses, clicks, etc. applied to the keyboard and / or non - keyboard regions of the base portion.

[0274] The upper case 1302 can be formed in any suitable manner to create the recess 1307. For example, if the upper case 1302 is glass, it can be slumped onto a mold having a shape corresponding to the desired shape of the upper case 1302. More specifically, the glass sheet is heated and then placed in contact with the mold so that the glass can conform to the shape of the mold. Pressure may or may not be applied to the glass sheet during the slumping or forming process. Other forming processes such as grinding, lapping, machining, blowing, etching, sintering, etc. can also be used.

[0275] The touch sensor 1310 may define a concave region 1312 that substantially corresponds to and / or coincides with the concave region 1307 of the upper case 1302. Accordingly, the touch sensor 1310 can conform to the shape of the upper case 1302 such that the touch sensor 1310 can be proximate to (e.g., in direct contact with) the underside of the upper case 1302. By positioning the surface of the touch sensor 1310 proximate to both the keyboard and non-keyboard regions of the upper case 1302, touch and / or force can be sensed across substantially the entire upper case 1302. More specifically, the touch sensor 1310 can detect inputs within the keyboard region (e.g., key presses, key releases, or gestures above keys) and inputs outside the keyboard region (e.g., clicks, taps, gestures, and other touch inputs applied to the palm rest region or other touch or force sensing regions). The force sensing system may also be integrated with the base portion to facilitate detection of key presses, clicks, etc. applied to the keyboard and / or non-keyboard regions of the base portion 1301.

[0276] FIG. 13C is an exploded view of a base portion 1313 that may be an embodiment of the base portion 1301 of FIG. 13A, where a keyboard assembly 1314 is disposed in an opening 1315 (e.g., a keyboard opening) of an upper case 1316 or is accessible through the opening. The upper case 1316 may be similar to the upper case 1302, except that an opening 1315 is formed in the upper case 1316 to accommodate and provide access to the keyboard assembly 1314 instead of the recess 1307. The base portion 1313 includes a lower case 1304 and a touch sensor 1311 (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1316 and the lower case 1304) below the upper case 1316. The touch sensor 1311 may be similar to the touch sensor 1310 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. Further, the touch sensor 1311 may include a recess 1317 for accommodating the keyboard assembly 1314. Alternatively, the touch sensor 1311 may omit the recess 1317 (e.g., may be substantially flat or planar). The touch sensor 1311 may detect touch and / or force inputs applied at any location on the upper case 1316, including touch inputs applied to the keyboard assembly 1314 and operation of the keys of the keyboard assembly 1314. The force sensing system may also be integrated with the base portion to facilitate detection of key presses, clicks, etc., applied to the keyboard and / or non-keyboard regions of the base portion.

[0277] The keyboard assembly 1314 can include a key mechanism 1319 that can include a keycap support mechanism, domes, switches, scissor mechanisms, biasing mechanisms, springs, butterfly hinges, and / or other suitable components. The key mechanism 1319 can provide electrical and / or mechanical functions (e.g., a tactilely actuatable key mechanism) to the keys of the keyboard assembly 1314. The keyboard assembly 1314 can further include a base plate 1320 to which the key mechanism 1319 can be coupled and any key web 1322 that defines key openings that frame the keys. The key web 1322 can also help prevent debris from entering the base portion 1313 from the keyboard. The keyboard assembly 1314 can also include a cover 1323 disposed over the key mechanism 1319. The cover 1323 can be a flexible sheet, layer, or membrane and can be formed of or include plastic, fabric, etc. If the cover is a fabric cover, the fabric can be an organic material, synthetic material, woven material, knitted material, composite material, coated fabric, encapsulated fabric, waterproof fabric, multi-layer fabric, etc.

[0278] The cover 1323 can be attached to the base plate 1320 and / or the key mechanism 1319. The cover 1323 can substantially seal the keyboard assembly 1314 from the ingress of liquids, debris, or other contaminants. The cover 1323 can have sufficient flexibility such that the key mechanism 1319 can move in response to the operation of the corresponding key. For example, the material of the cover 1323 can have sufficient flexibility or a substantially non-flexible material can include seams, folds, channels, indentations, or other features or structures such that the key mechanism 1319 can move in response to the operation of the key.

[0279] The keyboard assembly 1314 may further include keycaps 1318 disposed in the key openings of the key web 1322 and coupled to the cover 1323. The keycaps 1318 may be directly adhered to the cover 1323 on the corresponding key mechanisms 1319. For example, the key mechanism 1319 may include, or may define, a keycap support that is movably supported relative to the base plate 1320 by a support mechanism (e.g., a butterfly hinge, a scissor mechanism). The cover 1323 can be laid on top of the keycap support (and can be adhered or otherwise fixed to the keycap support). The keycap may be affixed to the portion of the cover 1323 that overlaps the keycap support. For example, the keycap may be affixed to the cover 1323 using ultrasonic welding, adhesives, mechanical engagement features, etc. Thus, the cover 1323 can be sandwiched between the keycap support and the keycap. By adhering, joining, or otherwise attaching the cover 1323 to the keycap support and the keycap, a substantially continuous and unbroken cover 1323 can be used to enable a mechanical coupling between the key mechanism 1319 and the keycap 1318 while maintaining the sealing function of the cover 1323.

[0280] The cover 1323 may have an opening that enables mechanical engagement between the keycap support and the keycap. In such a case, the opening may be made smaller than the keycap and the keycap support such that the keycap and the keycap support cover and / or seal the opening. Thus, the exposed area of the cover 1323 (e.g., the area between the keycaps) can be made substantially continuous and / or unbroken to seal the keyboard and prevent or limit the entry of liquids, debris, or other contaminants into the key mechanism and / or the base portion 1313.

[0281] The base plate 1320 can be a circuit board having electrical interconnections that couple the keyboard assembly 1314 to components of devices such as a processor, memory, input interface, etc. With the electrical interconnections, the device can detect an electrical signal from the key mechanism 1319 and register a key input. When the touch sensor 1311 detects a key press or operation, the key mechanism 1319 may not include a switch or other make-sensing structural element, and the base plate 1320 may not include electrical interconnections. In such a case, the key mechanism 1319, the base plate 1320, and optionally the key web 1322 can be formed of, or include, a dielectric or non-conductive material such that a finger or other object can be sensed by the touch sensor 1311 through the keyboard assembly 1314.

[0282] FIG. 13D is an exploded view of a base portion 1329 similar to the base portions 1301, 1313, showing another exemplary arrangement of the keyboard assembly 1333 (otherwise, it can be similar to the keyboard assembly 1314 or can include components similar to the keyboard assembly 1314). Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13D, any key web 1322 can be disposed below the cover 1323. Also, FIG. 13D shows an embodiment where the cover 1323 defines the key interface or user contact surface (e.g., each key includes a key mechanism therebelow but does not include an additional key cap on the upper portion of the cover 1323). In other cases, an additional key cap (similar to the key cap 1318 in FIG. 13C) can be coupled to the cover 1323 to define the key interface or user contact surface. In other aspects, the embodiment of the base portion 1329 in FIG. 13D can be the same as or similar to the base portion 1313 in FIG. 13C. For example, the base portion 1329 shown in FIG. 13D can include a lower case 1304, a touch sensor 1321 (which can be the same as or similar to the touch sensors 1310, 1311), and a key mechanism 1341 (which can be similar to the key mechanism 1319 but may include an additional key cap or other upper components since there are no individual key caps for the keyboard assembly 1333).

[0283] In FIGS. 13C - 13D, a portion of the cover 1323 can be captured between the keyboard assemblies 1314, 1333 or more generally between two components of the device. For example, in some cases, the cover 1323 has a keyboard region 1330 that covers the keys of the keyboard assembly and an outer region 1332 that frames and / or surrounds the keyboard region 1330. The outer region 1332 can extend well beyond the keyboard region 1330 such that at least a portion of the outer region 1332 is disposed and captured between an upper component and a lower component. In some cases, the upper component is the upper case 1316. The lower component can be a component of the keyboard assemblies 1314, 1333 or the device in which the keyboard assembly is integrated. For example, the lower component can be a key web (e.g., key web 1322), a keyboard substrate (e.g., base plate 1320), a circuit board, a support structure that provides structural and / or other support to the upper case 1316, a portion of the lower case 1304, a frame coupled to the lower case 1304, etc. As a specific example, referring to FIG. 13D, any key web 1322 can be omitted and the outer region 1332 of the cover 1323 can be captured between a portion of the upper case 1316 and a portion of the base plate 1320.

[0284] Capturing the outer region 1332 of the cover 1323 between the upper case 1316 and the lower component helps to secure the cover 1323 to the device and seal the keyboard assembly, and can prevent movement or sliding of the cover 1323 during use. In some cases, the captured outer region 1332 of the cover 1323 can be adhered or otherwise joined to the upper case and / or the lower component that is capturing the cover 1323.

[0285] FIG. 13E is an exploded view of a base portion 1334 that may be an embodiment of the base portion 1301 of FIG. 13A, showing another arrangement of the components of a keyboard assembly 1335 (similar to or including similar components as the keyboard assembly 1314). Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13E, a cover 1336 (e.g., the fabric cover described above) is disposed below the keycap 1337, and a membrane 1338 is disposed below the cover 1336. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 13E, there is no rigid key web or other component that exposes a member between adjacent keycaps. Instead, the space between adjacent keycaps is open such that the cover 1336 is visible and / or is exposed between the keycaps 1337.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 13E, the illustrated embodiment of the keyboard assembly 1314 includes an upper case 1316 that defines an opening 1315. The keyboard assembly 1314 can be disposed in the opening 1315 when the base portion 1313 is assembled. The keyboard assembly 1314 further includes key caps 1337 (which can be similar to key cap 1318) that define an exposed input surface of the keys. A cover 1336 can be disposed below the key caps 1337 and can define an opening 1339. The key caps 1337 are mechanically coupled to a key mechanism 1340 (which can be identical or similar to the key mechanisms 1319, 1341 described above), which is disposed below the cover 1336 and can be configured to be coupled to a base plate 1344 (which can be similar to base plate 1320). For example, the key mechanism 1340 can include a support mechanism (e.g., a spring, a butterfly hinge, a scissor mechanism) that mechanically couples to the key caps 1337 to move the key caps 1337 and is operable by a user. The key mechanism 1340 can further include key actuation sensing structural elements such as dome switches, capacitive sensors, or other sensors. The opening 1339 in the cover 1336 allows the key caps 1337 to directly contact, fit, and / or mechanically engage the key mechanism 1340. In other examples, the opening 1339 is omitted, the key caps 1337 can be directly fixed to the top of the cover 1336, and the key mechanism 1340 (or a portion thereof) can be fixed to the bottom of the cover 1336 or another component below the cover 1336.

[0287] The keyboard assembly of FIG. 13E includes a membrane 1338 disposed below the cover 1336. The membrane 1338 can further define an opening 1342 through which the key caps 1337 can engage the key mechanism 1340. The membrane 1338 can be configured to assist in supporting the cover 1336 (e.g., preventing the cover 1336 from sagging or drooping). The membrane 1338 can also help prevent debris from entering the sensing area of the key mechanism 1340 or other areas of the device. The membrane 1338 can be formed from any suitable material such as silicone, polyurethane, polyisoprene, or any other suitable material.

[0288] The cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 can be fixed to the key cap 1337 (e.g., by adhesion, fusion, etc.), or can be removed from the key cap 1337. Various exemplary arrangements among the cover 1336, the membrane 1338, and the key cap 1337 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 13F - 13H and 13J - 13K. Also, since at least a portion of the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 are below the key cap 1337, the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 can be configured such that the key cap 1337 can be deformed, deflected, stretched, or otherwise moved during operation.

[0289] To maintain the membrane 1338 in a desired position, a support 1343 can be disposed below the membrane 1338 to provide structural support and / or increase the rigidity of the keyboard assembly. The support 1343 can be disposed on a base plate 1344 (which can be the same as or similar to the base plate 1320) and can be formed of or include any suitable material such as a polymer, metal, metal alloy, composite material (e.g., carbon fiber composite material, reinforced plastic, etc.).

[0290] The base portion 1313 shown in FIG. 13E further includes ribs 1345 in the lower case 1346 (which may be an embodiment of the lower case 1304). The ribs 1345 provide structural support to the lower case 1346 and can generally increase the strength and / or rigidity of the base portion 1313 compared to a lower case without ribs. The ribs 1345 can be separate components attached to the lower case 1346 or can be integrally formed with the lower case 1346 (e.g., the lower case 1346 can be formed by molding, machining, casting, forging, or other methods to include ribs 1345 formed from the same material as the rest of the lower case 1346). The ribs 1345 can also structurally support the keyboard assembly 1335 by contacting the base plate 1344 or otherwise structurally engaging it. This arrangement can enhance the strength and / or rigidity of the keyboard assembly 1335. The ribs 1345 can contact the lower side of the upper case 1316 (or otherwise support the upper case 1316 through components such as a gap layer or a touch sensor layer) to increase the strength and / or rigidity of the upper case 1316. The keyboard assembly 1335 can also include a touch sensor 1347 (which can be the same or similar to the above touch sensors 1310, 1311). Also, the force sensing system can be integrated with the base portion 1313 to facilitate detection of key presses, clicks, etc. applied to the keyboard and / or non - keyboard regions of the base portion.

[0291] FIGS. 13F - 13H and 13J - 13K are cross - sectional views of keys that can represent the keys of the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E along the section L - L of FIG. 13E. In these figures, some components of the keyboard assembly 1335 can be omitted, placed in different positions, and other components can be added. The above differences are illustrated and described with reference to each cross - sectional view, and it can be understood that the differences are applicable to the keyboard assembly 1335 shown in FIG. 13E.

[0292] FIG. 13F is a cross-sectional view of a key that can be used in the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. A keycap 1350, which can be one of the keycaps 1337 of FIG. 13E, is disposed on top of the cover 1336. As shown in FIG. 13F, the keycap 1350 can be made larger than an opening (e.g., one of the openings 1339) of the cover 1336 such that a portion (e.g., a peripheral portion) of the keycap 1350 overlaps the cover 1336. The keycap 1350 may not be fixed (e.g., adhered) to the cover 1336, whereby the keycap 1350 and the cover 1336 can move independently of each other. For example, when the keycap 1350 is operated (e.g., depressed), a portion of the keycap 1350 that overlaps the cover 1336 contacts the cover 1336 and can deflect the cover.

[0293] The keycap 1350 can engage a key mechanism (e.g., one of the key mechanisms 1340 of FIG. 13E) through an opening (e.g., one of the openings 1339 of FIG. 13E) of the cover 1336. For example, the keycap 1350 can be fastened to a support mechanism 1351 of the key mechanism or can engage in some other form. The support mechanism 1351 can be a scissor mechanism, a butterfly hinge, or some other suitable support mechanism and can support the keycap 1350 movably with respect to the base plate 1344.

[0294] The membrane 1338 can be disposed below the cover 1336. The membrane 1338 can provide several functions to the keys shown in FIG. 13F. For example, the membrane 1338 can have a portion that contacts the cover 1336 in a region 1352 that is proximate to (e.g., directly surrounds or is adjacent to) the opening. The membrane 1338 can be formed of a material having sufficient rigidity to apply a force to the cover 1336 in region 1352 to help prevent or limit slack in the cover 1336. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13F, the membrane 1338 can contact the cover 1336 at each key (or at least a subset of keys) of the keyboard, thereby forming an array of support regions for the cover 1336 across the entire keyboard. In this way, the membrane 1338 ultimately provides broad support to the cover 1336. The membrane 1338 can be fixed to the cover 1336 in region 1352 by an adhesive or other suitable attachment technique, or can contact the cover 1336 without being fixed thereto. The membrane 1338 can have any suitable shape, profile, contour, etc. such that the membrane 1338 can support the cover 1336 while deforming and / or flexing when the keycap 1350 is depressed.

[0295] The membrane 1338 can also help prevent contaminants (e.g., dust, liquid, etc.) from entering the region below the keycap. For example, as shown in FIG. 13F, the membrane 1338 can contact or be attached to (e.g., with an adhesive) the keycap 1350 to form a barrier between the external environment and the internal region of the device. Further, by fixing the membrane 1338 to the keycap 1350 (e.g., via an adhesive, radio frequency (RF) welding, soldering, etc.), the membrane 1338 is prevented from separating from the keycap 1350 during keycap operation, enabling the membrane 1338 to perform its barrier function during key operation.

[0296] The membrane 1338 can be formed of any suitable material. In some cases, the membrane 1338 is formed of a material having sufficient dimensional stability and / or rigidity to provide physical support to the cover 1336. Further, the membrane 1338 can be formed of a material having an adhesive or other material property that tends to adhere debris, chips, dust, or other particulates to the membrane 1338. Thereby, contaminants contacting the membrane 1338 can be prevented from adhering to the membrane 1338, moving around, and staying in an undesired position, so that the effect of the barrier function of the membrane 1338 can be further enhanced. Exemplary materials for the membrane 1338 include silicone, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and the like.

[0297] As described above, the support 1343 can be disposed below the membrane 1338 to maintain the membrane 1338 in a desired position. Optionally, an additional support (e.g., the additional support 1353 in FIG. 13G) can be disposed above the support 1343 and the membrane 1338 (and in contact with or otherwise proximate to the cover 1336) to help maintain the shape and / or position of the cover 1336. The support 1343 and the additional support 1353 can be formed of or include any suitable material such as metal, polymer, silicone, adhesive, etc. Also, the membrane 1338 can be adhered to the support 1343 and the additional support 1353, or can be fixed in other ways, or may not be adhered / fixed.

[0298] FIG. 13G is a cross-sectional view of another key that may be used in the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. It will be understood that the entire keyboard may be formed using the structure shown in FIG. 13G for each key or subset of keys of the keyboard. The key shown in FIG. 13G is substantially similar to the key shown in FIG. 13F. Accordingly, the details of the key structure described with respect to its key structure are equally and / or similarly applicable to the key structure shown in FIG. 13G (e.g., with respect to keycap 1350, cover 1336, support 1343, additional support 1353, key mechanism 1351, etc.) and will not be repeated here. However, in FIG. 13G, the membrane 1354 (which may otherwise be the same as membrane 1338) may terminate before contacting the keycap 1350. Accordingly, the membrane 1354 may contact and / or support the cover 1336 as described above, but may not form a barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the key mechanism 1351.

[0299] FIG. 13H is a cross-sectional view of another key that may be used in the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. It will be understood that the keyboard as a whole may be formed using the structure shown in FIG. 13H for each key or subset of keys of the keyboard. The key shown in FIG. 13H is substantially similar to the key shown in FIG. 13F. Accordingly, the details of the key structure described with reference to its key structure apply equally and / or similarly to the key structure shown in FIG. 13H (e.g., with respect to key cap 1350, cover 1336, support 1343, additional support 1353, key mechanism 1351, etc.) and will not be repeated here. However, in FIG. 13H, the membrane 1355 terminates before contacting the key cap 1350 (similar to the key of FIG. 13G), and the support 1343 is disposed over the membrane 1355 (which may otherwise be the same as the membrane 1338). Accordingly, the support 1343 may apply a force to the membrane 1355 that maintains the membrane 1355 in a particular position and prevents or reduces horizontal and vertical movement of the membrane 1355. Similar to the other key mechanisms shown, an additional support 1353 may be disposed over the support 1343 and contacted to the cover 1336. In other cases, the additional support 1353 may be omitted and the support 1343 may extend completely to the cover 1336. In yet other cases, the additional support 1353 may be omitted and the support 1343 may be disposed away from (e.g., non-contact with) the cover 1336, at least while the key is in an unoperated state.

[0300] FIG. 13J is a cross-sectional view of another key that can be used in the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. It will be understood that the structure shown in FIG. 13J can be used to form the entire keyboard for each key of the subset keys of the keyboard. The key shown in FIG. 13J is substantially the same as the key shown in FIG. 13F. Accordingly, the details of the key structure described with reference to its key structure are equally and / or similarly applicable to the key structure shown in FIG. 13J (e.g., with respect to the keycap 1350, the support 1343, the key mechanism 1351, etc.), and thus will not be repeated here. However, in FIG. 13J, the cover 1356 (which may be the same as the cover 1336) is in contact with and optionally attached to the keycap 1350, and the membrane may be omitted. Since the cover 1356 can be adhered or otherwise fixed to the keycap 1350, it forms a barrier against debris or other contaminants and can perform a function similar to that of the membrane 1338 in FIG. 13F. To avoid undesired interference between the cover 1356 (which may be deformed or increase the operating force of the keycap) and the keycap 1350, the cover 1356 may include a relief 1357 that partially or completely surrounds the keycap 1350. The relief 1357 may have any suitable shape and may be formed in any suitable manner (e.g., molding, embossing, etc.).

[0301] FIG. 13K is a cross-sectional view of another key that can be used in the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. It will be understood that the entire keyboard can be formed using the structure shown in FIG. 13K for each key of the subset keys of the keyboard. The key shown in FIG. 13K is substantially similar to the key shown in FIG. 13F. Accordingly, the details of the key structure described with reference to its key structure are equally and / or similarly applicable to the key structure shown in FIG. 13K (e.g., with respect to the cover 1336, the support 1343, the membrane 1338, the key mechanism 1351, etc.) and will not be repeated here. However, in FIG. 13K, the keycap 1358 may include a recess 1360. The ends of the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 adjacent to or defining the opening may be received in the recess 1360. Thereby, since there is no visible gap between the perimeter of the keycap and the internal region of the keyboard, a seamless appearance can be generated for the keyboard. Further, the additional connection structure can help prevent contaminants from entering under the keycap 1358.

[0302] The keycap 1358 may include an upper portion 1359 and a lower portion 1361. The upper portion 1359 and the lower portion 1361 may cooperate to define the recess 1360. Accordingly, the key can be assembled by placing the upper portion 1359 above the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 (and aligning it with the opening of the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338), and then attaching the lower portion 1361 to the upper portion 1359 through the opening to capture portions of the cover 1336 and the membrane 1338 in the recess 1360. The upper portion 1359 and the lower portion 1361 can be attached by any suitable method including adhesives, mechanical connections, fasteners, welding, etc. In other cases, the keycap 1358 can be a single-piece component that defines the recess 1360 (e.g., it can be a single molded polymer member).

[0303] If the keycap 1358 includes an upper part 1359 and a lower part 1361, these can be formed of, or include, any suitable material such as polymer, metal, glass, sapphire, etc. Further, they can be of the same material (e.g., the upper and lower parts 1359, 1361 can be formed of the same polymer material), or of different materials (e.g., the upper part 1359 can be made of glass and the lower part 1361 can be made of polymer).

[0304] As described above, modifications of the keys shown in FIG. 13K are also possible. For example, the membrane 1338 can be omitted. Also, the membrane 1338 and / or the cover 1336 can be adhered or otherwise fixed to the keycap 1358 within the recess. Other modifications are also possible.

[0305] As described above, FIGS. 13F - 13H and 13J - 13K are cross-sectional views of keys that can represent the keys of the keyboard assembly 1335 of FIG. 13E. It will be understood that the components, structures, structural relationships, and / or functions shown or described in one figure can be similarly applied to other figures. For example, the extension of the membrane 1338 up to the keycap 1350 in FIG. 13F can be understood to be applicable to the key shown in FIG. 13H (which shows that the membrane 1355 is not in contact with the keycap 1350). Other modifications, variations, exclusions, and combinations of the disclosed concepts are also contemplated.

[0306] FIG. 13L is an exploded view of a base portion 1365 that can be an embodiment of the base portion 1301 of FIG. 13A. In the base portion 1365, the base plate 1368 is shaped to provide an upwardly extending portion in the area between the keycaps of the keyboard, forming an appearance like a key web.

[0307] Referring to FIG. 13L, the base portion 1365 includes an upper case 1316 that defines an opening 1315. The keyboard assembly 1371 can be disposed within the opening 1315 when the base portion 1365 is assembled. The keyboard assembly 1371 also further includes a key mechanism 1366 (e.g., key caps, support mechanisms, domes (or other components for providing tactile feedback), key make sensors (e.g., electrical switches, domes, capacitive sensing elements), etc.).

[0308] The key mechanism 1366 can be electrically (and optionally mechanically) coupled to the circuit board 1367. The circuit board 1367 is electrically coupled to one or more components within the device through an opening in the molded base plate 1368 or around the peripheral side of the molded base plate 1368, enabling the device to detect key operations.

[0309] The circuit board 1367 can be disposed in a recess 1369 (e.g., an elongated valley) defined by the molded base plate 1368. The circuit board 1367 can be fixed to the molded base plate 1368 (or another component of the device) by any suitable method such as adhesives, fasteners, mechanical interlocks, heat staking, etc. The circuit board 1367 can be a rigid or flexible circuit board or any other suitable component for facilitating the detection of key operations by the device and optionally mechanically supporting the key mechanism.

[0310] The molded base plate 1368 can be formed to define a recess 1369 in which keys can be disposed. The recess 1369 extends upward and can be at least partially defined by protrusions 1370 that are visible from the gaps between the respective keys. As shown in FIG. 13L, the recess 1369 can be an elongated valley-shaped recess that receives a plurality of key columns. In other cases, as shown in FIGS. 13M - 13O, the recess can have other configurations such as separate recesses for each key.

[0311] The formed base plate 1368 can be formed of any suitable material. For example, it can be metal, polymer, composite material, metal alloy, glass, or other suitable materials. In some cases, the formed base plate 1368 is a punched or drawn metal (e.g., a metal sheet that has undergone punching, drawing, or other forming operations), a machined metal, and the like.

[0312] The keyboard assembly 1371 may further include a touch sensor 1372 (which may be the same as or similar to the touch sensors 1310, 1311, 1347 described above). Also, the force sensing system can be integrated with the base portion 1365 to facilitate detection of key presses, clicks, etc. applied to the keyboard and / or non-keyboard areas of the base portion 1365. The base portion 1365 may also include a lower case 1384 that is the same as or similar to other lower cases described herein, such as the lower case 1346 of FIG. 13E.

[0313] FIG. 13M shows a part of another embodiment of the formed base plate 1373. While the formed base plate 1368 of FIG. 13L defines an elongated recess 1369 (e.g., a valley), the formed base plate of FIG. 13M shows recesses 1374 sized and shaped to fit individual keys (however, some key groups such as arrow keys or direction keys may share a single recess that is larger than and / or differently shaped than the recesses 1374). In such cases, the key mechanism disposed in the recess 1374 can be electrically coupled to components within the device, such as wirelessly, through an opening in the formed base plate. In some cases, as described herein, key operation can be sensed through the formed base plate (and any mechanical key components) by capacitive sensing or the like. The formed base plate 1373 can be the same as or similar to the formed base plate 1368 of FIG. 13L in other respects such as the materials used and the forming method.

[0314] FIG. 13N is a detailed view of another embodiment of the base plate 1375. In FIG. 13N, an additional wall segment 1376 is added to the molded base 1378 that includes a valley-shaped recess similar to that shown in FIG. 13L. The molded base 1368 can be identical or similar to the molded base plate 1378 of FIG. 13L.

[0315] The additional wall segment 1376 extends from one protrusion 1377 to an adjacent protrusion 1377 and cooperates with the protrusions 1377 to form a recess defined by four walls. Thus, the additional wall segments and protrusions formed in the molded base 1378 can surround individual keys and provide a key-web-like appearance and structure around the keys. The additional wall segment 1376 can be configured to have a height lower than the height of the protrusions 1377. Thereby, a circuit board (such as the circuit board 1367 in FIG. 13L) can pass over the additional wall segment 1376 without protruding beyond the height of the protrusions 1377. In other cases, the additional wall segment 1376 has substantially the same height as the protrusions 1377.

[0316] The additional wall segment 1376 can be formed from any suitable material by any suitable method. For example, the additional wall segment 1376 can be formed from metal, polymer, glass, composite material, etc. The additional wall segment 1376 can be attached to the molded substrate 1378 via an adhesive, fastener, connecting structure, etc. In some cases, the additional wall segment 1376 can be formed by a molding operation (such as co-molding, insert molding, overmolding, etc.) and attached to the molded base 1378.

[0317] FIG. 13O is a detailed view of another embodiment of the substrate 1379. Similar to FIG. 13N, in FIG. 13O, an additional wall segment 1380 is added to the molded base 1381 that includes a valley-shaped recess. The molded base 1381 can be identical or similar to the molded base plate 1368 of FIG. 13L.

[0318] However, in FIG. 13O, while the upper part of the additional wall segment 1380 is substantially flat with the protrusion 1382, the lower path 1383 is defined over the surface of the forming base 1381 under the additional wall segment 1380. The lower path 1383 allows a circuit board (such as the circuit board 1367 in FIG. 13L) to pass under the additional wall segment 1380. Otherwise, the additional wall segment 1380 may be the same as the additional wall segment 1376 in FIG. 13N in terms of material and forming process.

[0319] The key web-like structure formed by the forming base plate and any additional wall segments may be exposed (e.g., not covered) and visible between the keys as described above. In other cases, the key web-like structure may be covered with a fabric, membrane, or other cover as described above with reference to FIGS. 13C - 13E. In fact, the forming base plate as described can be used in other keyboard configurations described herein. Similarly, features of other keyboard configurations can also be incorporated into the keyboard configuration shown in FIG. 13L.

[0320] FIG. 14A shows an exemplary computing device 1400 including a base portion 1401 coupled to a display portion 1403. The base portion 1401 may include a lower case 1404 and an upper case 1402. The upper case 1402 and the lower case 1404 may be the same as any of the upper case and the lower case described herein in terms of structure, material, function, etc. The computing device 1400 also includes a mechanical keyboard 1405 and a virtual key area 1408, which may be the same as the keyboard 1205 and the above-described virtual key area 1208 in terms of structure, material, function, etc. Similar to the upper case 1202, the upper case 1402 may be a continuous member (e.g., without openings or holes).

[0321] The upper surface of the upper case 1402 may define a plurality of concave regions 1407 in which one or more keys of the keyboard 1405 (but fewer than all keys of the keyboard 1405) can be arranged. In some cases, the upper case 1402 defines a separate recess for each key of the keyboard 1405. In other cases, the upper case 1402 defines a separate concave region for each key of a subset of keys, and other concave regions that accommodate two or more keys. For example, each of the letter, character, and number keys of the keyboard may be disposed in a separate concave region, and all of the arrow keys may be arranged in one common concave region.

[0322] The concave region 1407 may have any suitable depth, as described above with reference to the concave region 1307. Further, the concave region 1407 may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the concave region 1407 may be configured to define a uniform gap (e.g., gap 1414) between the walls of the concave region 1407 and the outside (e.g., perimeter) of the key disposed in the concave region 1407. The gap 1414 may be any suitable distance, such as between about 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0323] FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the base portion 1401 of FIG. 14A. The base portion 1401 shows the keyboard 1405, the upper case 1402, the lower case 1404, and a touch sensor 1410 (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1402 and the lower case 1404) under the upper case 1402.

[0324] The touch sensor 1410 may be similar to the touch sensors 1210, 1310, 1311 (or other touch sensors described herein) in terms of structure, material, function, etc. More specifically, the touch sensor 1410 may include concave regions 1412 that substantially correspond to and / or conform to various concave regions 1407 of the upper case 1402. For example, the concave region 1412 may be a single concave region that accommodates all of the concave regions 1407 of the upper case 1402. As a result, the distance between some portions of the upper case 1402 and the underlying touch sensor 1410, such as between the web portion 1416 (FIG. 14A) of the upper case 1402 and the touch sensor 1410, may increase, but these regions may be small enough so that the operation or effect of the touch sensor 1410 is not unduly impaired.

[0325] The upper case 1402 may be formed in any suitable manner as described above with reference to the upper case 1302. For example, the upper case 1402 may be slumped, molded, machined, etched, etc. to form the recess or concave regions 1407.

[0326] FIG. 15A shows an exemplary computing device 1500 that includes a base portion 1501 coupled to a display portion 1503. The base portion 1501 may include a lower case 1504 and an upper case 1502. The upper case 1502 and the lower case 1504 may be similar to any of the upper and lower cases described herein in terms of structure, material, function, etc. Similar to the upper case 1202, the upper case 1502 may be a continuous member (e.g., having no openings or holes). The computing device 1500 also includes a mechanical keyboard 1505 and a virtual key region 1508, which may be similar to the keyboard 1205 and the virtual key region 1208 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0327] The upper surface of the upper case 1502 may define a plurality of concave regions 1507 in which key columns of the keyboard 1505 can be arranged. In some cases, the upper case 1502 defines individual recesses for each key column of the keyboard 1505. In other cases, the upper case 1502 defines distinct concave regions for a subset of keys of a particular key column and other concave regions for accommodating other keys of the particular key column. For example, letters, characters, and / or numeric keys of a key column may each be disposed in a concave region, while function keys (e.g., Caps lock, Return, Tab, Shift, etc.) may be disposed in another concave region.

[0328] The concave region 1507 may have any suitable depth, as described above with reference to the concave region 1307. Further, the concave region 1507 may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the concave region 1507 may be configured to define a uniform gap (e.g., gap 1514) between the walls of the concave region 1507 and the outside of the keys located in the concave region 1507. The gap 1514 may be any suitable distance, such as between about 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. Since the concave regions 1507 are in a columnar shape, keys within the same concave region 1507 may be separated by a substantially uniform distance, such as between about 1.0 mm and 7.0 mm.

[0329] FIG. 15B is an exploded view of the base portion 1501 of FIG. 15A. The base portion 1501 shows the keyboard 1505, the upper case 1502, the lower case 1504, and the touch sensor 1510 (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1502 and the lower case 1504) below the upper case 1502.

[0330] The touch sensor 1510 may be similar to the touch sensors 1210, 1310, 1311, and 1410 described above in terms of structure, material, function, etc. More specifically, the touch sensor 1510 may include concave regions 1512 that substantially correspond to and / or conform to the various concave regions 1507 of the upper case 1502. For example, the concave region 1512 may be a single concave region that accommodates the entire concave region 1507 of the upper case 1502.

[0331] The upper case 1502 can be formed by any suitable method, such as the method described above with respect to the upper case 1302. For example, the upper case 1502 can form a recess or a concave region 1507 by performing slumping, molding, machining, etching, or the like.

[0332] Figures 12A-15B show a computing device including a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. As described above, a computing device described herein, specifically, a computing device provided with the integrated interface system described herein, may include one or more displays below the upper case to generate an image of a button, an icon, an affordance, or other visual output. For example, a display can be used to generate an image of a button or other affordance on the virtual keyboard. The display can be integrated with the upper case and the touch sensor and / or the force sensor in various ways.

[0333] Figure 16A shows an exemplary computing device 1600 including a base portion 1601 and a display portion 1603 coupled to the base portion 1601 (e.g., via a hinge). The base portion 1601 may include a lower case 1604 and an upper case 1602, and the upper case 1602 defines an input surface of the integrated input system. The upper case 1602 and the lower case 1604 may be similar to any of the upper case and the lower case described herein in terms of structure, material, function, or the like.

[0334] The computing device 1600 includes a virtual keyboard 1605 and a virtual key area 1608 on the upper case 1602. The virtual keyboard 1605 and the virtual key area 1608 may include one or more displays described herein that generate an image of a button, a key, or other affordance that can be selected by a user. A force and / or touch sensor is used in conjunction with the virtual keyboard 1605 and the virtual key area 1608 to detect a selection of an affordance displayed on the virtual keyboard 1605 and the virtual key area 1608.

[0335] Computing device 1600 further includes a trackpad area 1610 that can correspond to any location on the upper case 1602 other than the virtual keyboard 1605 and the virtual key area 1608 (e.g., including the palm rest area below the virtual keyboard 1605 and / or the area along the side of the virtual keyboard 1605). The virtual keyboard 1605, the virtual key area 1608, and the trackpad area 1610 can all be part of or define a touch input area of the computing device 1600. For example, touch and / or force inputs can be detected at any of these areas, and inputs that span areas (e.g., gestures that start in the virtual key area 1608 and end in the trackpad area 1610) can be detected.

[0336] The trackpad area 1610 can optionally include or be associated with a display or an illuminated mask layer. The display can be used, for example, to display input areas, buttons, keys, or other affordances. As an example, a display under the trackpad area 1610 can generate an image of a boundary (e.g., representing or replicating an image of the trackpad) indicating where a user can provide touch input. As another example, the display can generate an image of a slider that a user can select and / or move to change the volume settings of the computing device 1600. These are merely examples, and many other images and objects can be displayed, and inputs to the trackpad area 1610 can affect numerous settings and operations of the computing device 1600.

[0337] Various regions of the upper case 1602, such as the trackpad region 1610, the virtual keyboard 1605, and the virtual key region 1608, may have the same or different textures, finishes, colors, or other physical characteristics or appearances. In some cases, substantially the entire surface of the upper case 1602 has a uniform texture and appearance. In other cases, different regions have different textures or appearances. For example, while the virtual key region 1608 has a polished smooth surface, the virtual key region 1608 and the trackpad region 1610 may have a textured surface (e.g., a dimpled surface, a rough surface, etc.).

[0338] Selecting a particular texture for these regions can generate a desired tactile feel during user interaction. For example, the virtual keyboard 1605 is used for tap input or touch input (e.g., without slide input or gesture input), and thus may have a smooth polished surface. A smooth surface can prevent, for example, an unintentional slip of a finger or other input device. On the other hand, the trackpad region 1610 and the virtual key region 1608 are used for gesture input such as a swipe of a finger or a stylus and may have a rough surface, a textured surface, or other non-smooth surfaces. Such surface textures can reduce the friction and / or adhesion of a finger or other input device during the above input. Regions of different textures can be formed on a single continuous upper case 1602 (such as a continuous glass sheet) using suitable techniques such as abrasive blasting (such as sandblasting), chemical or physical etching, laser etching, grinding, polishing, lapping, etc. In some cases, a mask or shield can be used during processing to define regions having different textures. For example, a mask can be applied to the virtual keyboard region 1605 and an etching or grinding operation can be applied to the virtual key region 1608 and the trackpad region 1610.

[0339] The boundary between textures of different regions may indicate the boundary of the input and / or output functions provided by those regions. For example, the trackpad region 1610 (or a part thereof) may be textured only in the region where touch input is actually sensed. Thus, the user can distinguish, tactilely and / or visually, the touch-sensing trackpad input region of the upper case 1602 from the non-touch-sensing part. The textured region of the upper case has been described with reference to FIG. 16A, but it will be understood that the same concept and process may equally apply to any of the upper cases described herein.

[0340] FIG. 16A shows a virtual keyboard 1605 in a conventional layout. However, since the images of the keys of the virtual keyboard 1605 are generated on the display below the upper case, various keyboards may be displayed instead. For example, FIG. 16B shows a computing device 1600 with a virtual keyboard 1612 in an alternative configuration (e.g., an ergonomic configuration). As another example, FIG. 16C shows a computing device 1600 with a virtual keyboard 1613 in yet another alternative configuration. In this particular example, instead of a character input layout, the virtual keyboard 1613 defines regions for other types of input and / or operation. Such input is used for game control, and one input region (e.g., the left side of the computing device 1600) may control direction input, and another input region (e.g., the right side of the computing device 1600) may control individual input. As shown, the input region on the left side of the computing device 1600 defines a region that may correspond to the fingertips of the user's hand, but this is merely an example of one configuration.

[0341] Place the keyboard closer to the front of the computing device 1600 (e.g., swap the positions of the virtual keyboard 1605 (FIG. 16A) and the trackpad area 1610), or other keyboard configurations are possible, such as displaying a keyboard with different alphabets, symbols, etc. Also, the specific keyboard (and / or the position of the keyboard) being displayed can be automatically selected by the computing device 1600 based on the operating state of the device, such as a specific program being executed or what is being displayed on the associated display screen.

[0342] As described above, to operate the keys of the virtual keyboard, the user only needs to tap or press a part of the surface of the upper case 1602 where the keys are displayed. However, in some cases, the virtual keyboard can be used in combination with a keyboard accessory applicable to the upper case 1602. FIG. 16D shows a computing device 1600 equipped with a keyboard accessory 1614 shown above the upper case 1602. The keyboard accessory 1614 can include a base portion 1616 and keys 1618. The base portion 1616 and the keys 1618 can be integral components such as a molded silicone accessory. In some cases, the material can deform under normal typing force to provide tactile feedback or a typing sensation on a mechanical or movable keycap. Alternatively, the material does not deform under typical typing pressure, and the keys 1618 can simply provide raised immovable key pads for the user to tap while typing.

[0343] In some cases, the keyboard accessory 1614 can further include a mechanical key mechanism for the keys 1618, such as keycaps, mechanisms, domes (or other components for providing tactile feedback), key make sensors (e.g., electrical switches, domes, capacitance, etc.). The keyboard accessory 1614, specifically the keys 1618, can further include components that facilitate key make sensing by sensors below the upper case 1602, such as a metal or conductive element that can be sensed by a capacitive sensor within the computing device 1600.

[0344] The keyboard accessory 1614 can be light transmissive (e.g., transparent) such that glyphs, symbols, characters, or other images are displayed on the upper case 1602 by a display within the base portion 1601 and are visible through the keys 1618. Thus, the keyboard accessory 1614 can provide fixed physical keys through which a user can type input, but the functionality of those keys (e.g., characters are displayed when a particular key is struck) can be changed dynamically. For example, FIG. 16D shows a standard QWERTY keyboard 1617 that can be visible through the keyboard accessory 1614 and displayed on the upper case 1602 as shown in FIG. 16F. FIG. 16E shows a computing device 1600 that displays an alternative keyboard 1620 (e.g., alternative glyphs or characters) that can be visible through the keyboard accessory 1614 when the keyboard accessory 1614 is added to the upper case 1602. To make the images on the display visible through the keyboard accessory 1614, the keyboard accessory 1614 can be made of a material having the same or a similar refractive index as the upper case 1602. Further, if the keyboard accessory 1614 includes a plurality of components (e.g., keycaps, keyboard substrates or base portions, elastomeric biasing members, etc.), the plurality of components can have the same or a similar refractive index. In this way, bending, diffraction, distortion, magnification (or other optical phenomena) of the images displayed through the upper case 1602 and the keyboard accessory 1614 can be reduced or eliminated.

[0345] The keyboard accessory 1614 can be configured to be disposed at one position of the upper case 1602. In such a case, the keyboard accessory 1614 and / or the upper case 1602 (and / or any other part or region of the computing device 1600) may include optical and / or physical guides to assist the user in placing the keyboard accessory 1614 on the upper case 1602. For example, the upper case 1602 and the keyboard accessory 1614 may have complementary protrusions and recesses (or other suitable alignment features) that engage with each other to properly position the keyboard accessory 1614. As another example, the upper case 1602 and / or the keyboard accessory 1614 may have alignment marks, lines, arrows, or other visual indicators indicating the position and / or method where the keyboard accessory 1614 should be placed. Of course, the computing device 1600 can be configured to be used with or without the keyboard accessory 1614. For example, if a keyboard without physical keys is required, the user can simply stop using the keyboard accessory 1614 and type directly on the upper case 1602 instead.

[0346] In some cases, the keyboard accessory 1614 can be applied anywhere on the upper case 1602. For example, FIG. 16F shows a computing device 1600 with the keyboard accessory 1614 affixed to the upper case 1602 above the trackpad area 1610 and closer to the display unit 1603 than the front edge of the computing device 1600. On the other hand, FIG. 16G shows the keyboard accessory 1614 affixed to the upper case 1602 under the trackpad area 1622 and at a position away from the display unit 1603.

[0347] Computing device 1600 can detect the specific position and / or orientation of keyboard accessory 1614, and display glyphs, symbols, or other images at appropriate positions under keyboard accessory 1614 to match keys 1618 of keyboard accessory 1614. For example, keyboard accessory 1614 may include components 1624 such as magnets, metals or conductive parts, high-frequency tags that can be sensed or detected by computing device 1600. When keyboard accessory 1614 is attached to computing device 1600, computing device 1600 can determine information from components 1624 such as the position of keyboard accessory 1614 on upper case 1602 and the key layout of keyboard accessory 1614 (e.g., by referring to a look-up table and correlating the information detected from keyboard accessory 1614 with specific model, keyboard layout, or other information regarding keyboard accessory 1614). Once the key layout and position of keyboard accessory 1614 are determined, computing device 1600 can display an image on upper case 1602 at a position that matches key 1618 and is visible through key 1618.

[0348] FIG. 17A is an exploded view of an exemplary base portion 1701a that may substantially correspond to base portion 1601 of FIG. 16A. Base portion 1701a includes an upper case 1702a (corresponding to upper case 1602), a lower case 1704a (corresponding to lower case 1604), and a touch sensor 1706a under upper case 1702a (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by upper case 1702a and lower case 1704a). Base portion 1701a also includes a display 1708 below touch sensor 1706a.

[0349] The portions of the touch sensor 1706a and the upper case 1702a may be transparent to enable viewing of the display 1708 through the upper case 1702a and the touch sensor 1706a. Some portions of the upper case 1702a and / or the touch sensor 1706a may be substantially opaque, for example, to define and visually distinguish non-touch-sensing regions or to cover or occlude internal components.

[0350] The display 1708 includes a first display component 1710, a second display component 1712, and a third display component 1714. The first display component 1710 is disposed below the virtual key region 1608 (FIG. 16A) and displays an image for the virtual key region 1608. The second display component 1712 is disposed below the virtual keyboard region 1605 (FIG. 16A) and displays an image such as a key image or display for the virtual keyboard region 1605. The third display component 1714 may be used in embodiments where the trackpad region 1610 (FIG. 16A) is transparent and / or configured to display an image. If the trackpad region 1610 is not associated with the display, the third display component 1714 may be omitted. The first, second, and third display components may include or be associated with any suitable display components such as LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, backlights, side lights, filter layers, light diffusing layers, optical waveguides, and the like.

[0351] The first, second, and third display components are physically and operationally separated and may include their own hardware and software components, such as their own LCD array and light source, or their own OLED array. Alternatively, those display components may share one or more components, such as a processor, a backlight, etc. By providing individual display components for each display area, the display components in areas that do not require a display can be omitted, increasing the space for other components, and thus increasing the available space for other components. Also, if one of the individual displays is not in use, it can be turned off or blacked out independently of the other displays.

[0352] FIG. 17B is an exploded view of another exemplary base portion 1701b, which may generally correspond to the base portion 1601 of FIG. 16A. The base portion 1701b includes an upper case 1702b (corresponding to the upper case 1602), a lower case 1704b (corresponding to the lower case 1604), and a touch sensor 1706b under the upper case 1702b (e.g., disposed within the internal volume defined by the upper case 1702b and the lower case 1704b). As described above, the touch sensor 1706b and a portion of the upper case 1702b may be transparent, and a portion of the upper case 1702b and / or the touch sensor 1706b may be substantially opaque, for example, to define an area that does not sense touch and to visually distinguish it, or to cover or block internal components.

[0353] The base portion 1701b also includes the display 1716 below the touch sensor 1706b. While the display 1708 in FIG. 17A has three separate displays (each corresponding to a different input / output area), the base portion 1701b includes a single display 1716 that spans all the input / output areas. For example, the display 1716 may have a spread substantially the same as that of the upper case 1702b. Different areas of the display 1716 are used to generate images or other graphical objects in different areas of the upper case 1702b, such as a keyboard area (e.g., the virtual keyboard area 1605 in FIG. 16A), a virtual key area (e.g., the virtual key area 1608 in FIG. 16A), and a trackpad area (e.g., the trackpad area 1610 in FIG. 16A).

[0354] In a conventional computing device with a keyboard, the key mechanism exposed outside the device is mechanically coupled to the components inside the device. For example, the keycap can be physically connected to a dome switch (or other component) connected to the circuit board inside the device. The upper case of such a device may have an opening or hole for physically engaging the keycap with the component. However, as described above, the integrated interface system described in this specification may include a continuous upper case, such as a glass upper case, that does not include an opening or hole in the input surface. However, in such a continuous upper case, the key cannot be physically connected to the internal circuit board. Therefore, in such an upper case, the conventional physical connection between the key and the internal circuit board cannot be used to detect the pressing of the key. As described above, one method of detecting key input and other touch inputs applied to the upper case of the integrated interface system is to include a touch sensor below the portion of the upper case configured to receive the touch input. This includes, for example, a keyboard area, a non-keyboard area, a virtual key area, or other areas of the upper case.

[0355] FIG. 18A is an exploded view of a portion of the base of a computing device. More specifically, FIG. 18A shows an exemplary upper case 1802 and a touch sensor 1804. The upper case 1802 can be formed from glass, ceramic, or other suitable material and may not have an opening or hole. The upper case 1802 can include mechanical keys, virtual keys, or a combination of mechanical and virtual keys.

[0356] The touch sensor 1804 is provided below the upper case 1802. The touch sensor 1804 can be any suitable type of touch sensor and can use any suitable touch sensing technology. For example, the touch sensor 1804 can be a capacitive touch sensor that detects touch input by detecting a change in capacitance caused by the presence of a finger (or other implement) on or near the upper case 1802. In such a case, the touch sensor 1804 can include one or more layers on which conductive traces 1806 are disposed. The conductive traces 1806 can function as plates of a capacitor whose capacitance is measured. The conductive traces 1806 can be a conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium gallium oxide, gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, metal nanowires, nanotubes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive polymers, semiconductor materials, metal oxide materials, copper, gold, constantan, or any other suitable material and can be disposed on a substrate such as a circuit material (e.g., a flex circuit). If the upper case 1802 is transparent and the conductive traces 1806 are in a display path (e.g., between the display and the upper case 1802), the conductive traces 1806 can be substantially transparent (e.g., using ITO). If the upper case 1802 is not transparent and is painted, or if transparency of the conductive traces 1806 is not required and / or in regions, the conductive traces 1806 can be formed from an opaque material such as a solid metal trace (e.g., copper, gold, silver, etc.). The touch sensor 1804 can include other layers or components including a dielectric material, a substrate, connectors, electrodes, etc.

[0357] The touch sensor 1804 can be substantially transparent, such as when a display (e.g., the display 1708 or 1716 of FIGS. 17A-17B) is disposed under the touch sensor 1804 and an image is displayed through the touch sensor 1804. When the display is not used, or when light or an image does not need to pass through the touch sensor 1804, the touch sensor can be opaque. The touch sensor 1804 may be in contact with the upper case 1802 attached to the upper case 1802, or may be separated from the upper case 1802 by only a gap (which can be a layer of material or an empty space).

[0358] The touch sensor 1804 can be sized to provide touch sensing over substantially the entire upper surface of the upper case 1802 (e.g., the touch sensor 1804 can extend over substantially the entire area of the upper case 1802, or at least the entire area of the upper case 1802 that defines the upper surface of the base portion). Accordingly, the touch sensor 1804 can be used to detect any touch input applied anywhere on the upper case 1802. More specifically, the touch sensor 1804 can detect touch inputs similar to those normally detected by a trackpad, such as taps, swipes, gestures, and multi-touch inputs. By placing the touch sensor 1804 below the keyboard, similar inputs applied to the keys of the keyboard (whether a virtual keyboard or a mechanical keyboard) can be detected. For example, in addition to detecting key presses of the keyboard, the touch sensor 1804 can detect swipes, gestures, and multi-touch inputs applied to the keys of the keyboard. Also, since the touch sensor 1804 spans both the key regions and the non-key regions, swipes, gestures, and multi-touch inputs can start on a key (or even the keycap of a mechanical key) and end outside the keyboard region (or vice versa). Accordingly, the entire upper case of the computing device effectively functions as a trackpad, including the surface of the keys (e.g., keycaps) themselves. This specification describes techniques for detecting inputs applied to keys, including both key presses and touch inputs (e.g., gestures). The touch sensors described in this specification can also be used to detect the position of a finger or other implement that is not in physical contact with the upper case 1802. For example, the touch sensor can detect the presence or position of a finger floating above the upper case 1802. As described in this specification, this information can be used for various purposes, such as determining the key target for spell suggestions, automatic spell / grammar correction, or other suitable purposes.

[0359] The upper case 1802 of FIG. 18A is substantially flat or planar (e.g., defining the planar upper outer surface of the upper case 1802 and thus the base portion of the computing device). Accordingly, the touch sensor 1804 is also substantially planar, allowing for a tight coupling between the upper case 1802 and the touch sensor 1804. However, as described above, the upper case may have one or more recesses, such as a recessed area where a keyboard can be placed. FIG. 18B shows an upper case 1808b having a recessed area 1810b and a touch sensor 1812 having a recessed area 1814. The upper case 1808b and the touch sensor 1812 are similar to the upper case 1302 and the touch sensor 1310 described with reference to FIG. 13B. A conductive trace 1816 similar to the conductive trace 1806 described above may be disposed on the touch sensor 1812. The conductive trace 1816 may form a single integrated touch sensor across the entire upper case by continuously extending across the recessed area 1814 and the surrounding non-recessed area.

[0360] The recessed area 1814 of the touch sensor 1812 can be formed by folding a flat substrate (e.g., flexible circuit material, Mylar, etc.) that has been cut or shaped to produce a desired three-dimensional shape. For example, FIG. 18C shows a portion of a substrate 1832 having a shape that produces the touch sensor 1812 shown in FIG. 18B when folded along a fold line 1833 (in accordance with arrow 1834). FIG. 18C shows the same portion of the substrate 1832 after folding. The substrate 1832 can be folded after being partially coupled to the upper case 1808b. For example, the substrate 1832 can be attached to the lower portion of the recessed area 1810b and then the remainder of the substrate 1832 can be folded to conform to other areas of the upper case 1808b.

[0361] FIG. 18E shows another exemplary upper case 1808e similar to the upper case 1808b having a recess or concave region 1810e. However, instead of a single continuous touch sensor, FIG. 18E shows a touch sensing system 1818 having several separate touch sensors that provide a touch input function over substantially the entire upper case 1808e. Specifically, the touch sensing system 1818 includes a first touch sensor 1820 disposed below the recess 1810e and provides touch sensing (including key press sensing, gesture sensing, and multi-touch sensing) to a keyboard disposed in the recess 1810e. The touch sensing system 1818 further includes a second touch sensor 1822 disposed below and provides touch sensing to an area where a virtual key area (e.g., the virtual key area 1208 of FIG. 12A) may be located. The touch sensing system 1818 further includes a third touch sensor 1824 disposed below the palm rest or track pad area 1817 and a fourth touch sensor 1826 disposed along the side of the concave region 1810e. When not providing a touch sensing function to a specific area, the aforementioned touch sensors may be omitted.

[0362] FIG. 18F shows an exemplary upper case 1828 having a directly disposed conductive trace 1830. For example, the upper case 1828 can be formed from glass, ceramic, or other optically transmissive dielectric material. Instead of applying the conductive trace to a separate substrate and disposing the substrate adjacent to or on the upper case 1828, the conductive trace 1830 can be disposed directly on the lower surface of the upper case 1828. The conductive trace 1830 can be formed of, or can include, any suitable material such as ITO, indium gallium oxide, gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, metal nanowires, nanotubes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive polymers, semiconductor materials, metal oxide materials, copper, gold, constantan, etc. If the upper case 1828 is transparent, for example, when used in combination with one or more displays to generate virtual keys or other images on the upper case 1828, the conductive trace 1830 can be transparent or substantially transparent. If the upper case 1828 is not transparent, the conductive trace 1830 may or may not be transparent. The conductive trace 1830 can be disposed on the upper case 1828 by any suitable method such as lithography, chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition, nozzle vapor deposition (e.g., printing).

[0363] In the foregoing example, a touch sensor is shown that is disposed under the upper member of the upper case and configured to detect touch input on the upper surface of the upper case, but the touch sensor can be arranged and configured to detect touch input on the side surface of the upper case. For example, if the upper case defines a side wall, the touch sensor and / or touch sensing structural elements (e.g., electrode layers) can be disposed in contact with, or otherwise in the vicinity of, the inner surface of the side wall. Touch inputs applied to the side wall, such as taps, swipes, etc., can be detected by the touch sensor and cause one or more operations to be performed on the device.

[0364] As described above, an upper case such as a single sheet glass upper case can be strengthened to enhance the structural integrity (rigidity, strength, etc.) of the upper case and the entire computing device. Further, the upper case may include reinforcing and / or strengthening features that help define distinct touch and / or force input regions. For example, reinforcements, ribs, or other features can help prevent touch or force input applied to one area of the upper case from causing flexure or deformation in another area of the upper case.

[0365] FIG. 19A shows an exemplary upper case 1900 that includes a reinforcement 1902 on the lower surface of the upper case 1900. The reinforcement is shown integrally with the upper case 1900, but can be a separate component attached to the upper case, as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A-9B.

[0366] The reinforcement 1902 defines several distinct regions. The first region 1910 can correspond to the portion of the upper case 1900 where a keyboard (either a virtual keyboard or a mechanical keyboard) is disposed. The second region 1904 can correspond to a trackpad region. The third and fourth regions 1906, 1908 can be additional touch input regions and can correspond to a palm rest region where the user places their hand during typing. These regions are merely examples, and other configurations of the reinforcement 1902 are contemplated.

[0367] The regions defined by the reinforcement 1902 can be configured to isolate the effects of touch input and / or force input to a particular region. For example, the reinforcement 1902 can help prevent flexure of the second or trackpad region 1904 that could cause a force applied within the first region 1910, such as selection of a mechanical key, to be erroneously identified as a click or touch input to the second region 1904. Similarly, the reinforcement 1902 can reduce flexure in the first or second regions 1910, 1904 that results from the user's palm on the third and fourth regions 1906, 1908.

[0368] FIG. 19B is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper case 1900 along the section F-F of FIG. 19A. As shown, the reinforcing member 1902 forms ribs extending from the lower surface of the upper case 1900. The reinforcing member 1902 can be formed by any suitable process including machining, etching, ablation, etc.

[0369] The reinforcing member 1902 contacts or engages a structure disposed below the upper case 1900 (e.g., within the internal volume of the device) to provide additional support to the upper case and further isolate various regions. FIG. 19C is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper case 1900 along the section F-F of FIG. 19A, showing, for example, a component 1912 that is below the upper case 1900 and in contact with the reinforcing member 1902. The component 1912 can be any component such as a lower case (e.g., the lower case 110 of FIG. 1A), or any other component within the base portion of the computing device. As another example, FIG. 19D is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper case 1900 along the section F-F of FIG. 19A, showing a shim 1914 that is below the upper case 1900 and in contact with the reinforcing member 1902. The shim 1914 can be made of any material such as plastic, metal, foam, etc., and can be placed on another component 1916 (e.g., the lower case 110 of FIG. 1A) or any other component within the base portion of the computing device.

[0370] The reinforcing member 1902 may or may not be fixed to the component 1916 or the shim 1914 (e.g., via an adhesive, fastener, etc.). (e.g., it can simply be placed on or in contact with the component 1916 or the shim 1914). The reinforcing member 1902 is not fixed to the component 1916 or the shim 1914, allowing lateral or horizontal movement of the reinforcing member 1902 relative to the component 1916 or the shim 1914. When the shim 1914 is used (FIG. 19D), the lower surface of the shim may or may not be fixed to the component 1916 (e.g., via an adhesive, fastener, etc.).

[0371] Figs. 20A to 20C show another example of the upper case 2000 having a reinforcing member. Specifically, the upper case 2000, which may be similar to other upper cases described herein, may include a reinforcing member 2006 such as a rib attached to the lower surface of the upper case 2000. The reinforcing member 2006 may be similar to the above-described reinforcing member 1902 in terms of structure, material, function, etc.

[0372] The upper case 2000 may include reinforcing plates 2004 and 2008 attached to the lower surface of the upper case 2000. For example, the first reinforcing plate 2004 may be disposed under the keyboard region 2001, and the second reinforcing plate 2008 may be disposed under the trackpad region 2003.

[0373] The reinforcing plates 2004 and 2008 provide more uniform deflection in response to force inputs applied at various positions of the upper case 2000. This means that when a force is applied to a corner of the trackpad region 2003 (e.g., a corner of the second reinforcing plate 2008 or in its vicinity), the entire trackpad region 2003 can move under the applied force, not just a local portion. This can help improve force sensing. As a result, the placement of the force sensors becomes more flexible, enabling more consistent and / or accurate detection of force inputs. Fig. 20B is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper case 2000 along the cross-section G-G of Fig. 20A, showing the reinforcing member 2006 and the second reinforcing plate 2008. Fig. 20C is the same view as Fig. 20B, but shows the upper case 2000 when a force is applied to the central portion of the trackpad region 2003. As shown, a local force by the user's finger at the center of the trackpad region 2003 causes a substantially uniform deflection of the trackpad region 2003, not a local deformation. Furthermore, since the deflection is substantially blocked from the trackpad region 2003, crosstalk between regions of the upper case 2000 is prevented or reduced.

[0374] Figures 21A to 21D are schematic views of an input surface having an integrated force sensor or force sensing function. Generally, the input surface can be configured to detect the magnitude or degree of force applied to the surface of the device by measuring small-level flexure or displacement of the input surface. The force sensor can be configured to measure the flexure or displacement and generate an electrical response or signal corresponding to the degree or amount of force applied to the surface of the device.

[0375] A force sensor and associated processor and circuitry can be configured to register an input when a determined force satisfies (e.g., and / or exceeds) a force threshold (and when the position of the determined force is at a particular position). For example, if a force below the force threshold is determined or detected in a key area, the force sensor ignores the input or otherwise does not cause the device to perform a particular action (e.g., the device does not register a key input). When the force in the key area exceeds the threshold, the device can register the input as a key input and perform an appropriate action such as displaying the character or letter corresponding to the key on a display. The particular threshold that a force sensor or device must meet to register an input in response to a particular input can be any suitable threshold, and the threshold can be changed based on various factors. For example, if it is determined that the user has a light typing style (e.g., based on an average force value detected by the force sensor), the threshold can be dynamically set to a first value. If it is determined that the user has a heavy typing style, the same device can set the threshold to a second value that is higher than the first value. As more is learned about the forces associated with a user's typical typing / key input, dynamically adjusting the force input threshold can, in some situations, help improve the accuracy of key press detection because it can more easily ignore touches, taps, or other contacts on the input surface that are inadvertent. Further, different thresholds can be set for different positions on the input surface. For example, if it is determined that the user applies a greater force with the index finger than with the little finger, the device can set a lower force threshold for a key or input area normally associated with the little finger than for a key or input area normally associated with the index finger. These and other techniques can be implemented using any suitable force sensor or combination of force (and / or other) sensors.

[0376] Figures 21A - 21D show two exemplary force sensing structures that can be used in a computing device described herein, namely, the global deflection sensing structure 2100 shown in FIGS. 21C - 21D and the local deflection sensing structure 2150 shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. One or both of the sensing structures 2100 and 2150 can be incorporated into the computing device 100 of FIG. 1A. The force sensing structure can be used alone or in combination with the capacitive touch sensing structure configurations described herein with reference to other embodiments.

[0377] FIGS. 21A and 21B show a sensing structure 2100 in which the global deflection 2106 of the input surface 2102 of the upper case 2104 is measured using a suitable force sensor disposed below or integrated into the upper case 2104. FIG. 21A shows the structure 2100 in an undeflected state, and FIG. 21B shows the structure 2100 in a deflected state (having displacement or deflection 2106) resulting from a force applied by an object 2110 (e.g., a user's finger). By measuring the global deflection 2106 or displacement of the upper case 2104, both the position and magnitude of the applied force can be measured. Further, by measuring the global deflection 2106 of the upper case 2104, an average or total force that may be substantially independent of position can be sensed. Exemplary force sensors configured to measure the global deflection 2106 are described below with reference to FIG. 47.

[0378] Figures 21C and 21D show a sensing structure 2150 in which local deflection 2156 of the input surface 2152 of the upper case 2154 is measured using a suitable force sensor disposed below the upper case 2154 or integrated with the upper case 2154. FIG. 21C shows the structure 2150 in a non-deflected state, and FIG. 21D shows the structure 2150 in a deflected state (having deflection 2156) that occurs in response to a force applied by an object 2160 (e.g., a user's finger). By measuring the local deflection 2156 or the displacement of the upper case 2154, both the position and magnitude of the applied force can be measured. Further, by measuring the local deflection 2156 of the upper case 2154, multiple forces due to multiple touches along the input surface 2152 can be individually sensed. An exemplary force sensor configured to measure the local deflection 2156 will be described below with reference to FIG. 47.

[0379] In some cases, the input surface or upper case of the device may employ both a global deflection force sensing structure (e.g., 2100 of FIGS. 21A and 21B) and a local deflection force sensing structure (e.g., 2150 of FIGS. 21C and 21D). In some embodiments, two force sensing structures may be used to detect various user inputs. For example, the local force sensing structure 2150 may be used to invoke a first type of command. The first type of command may correspond to a position-dependent or cursor-driven action associated with a graphical user interface. Within the same device, the global force sensing structure 2100 may be used to trigger a second, different type of command that is an action independent of the position of the cursor within the graphical user interface.

[0380] Additionally or alternatively, when both force sensing structures are used in combination, the device can determine the type of input or force being applied to the input surface, which can help distinguish between inadvertent input or unintended contact or force and intentional force. For example, using the overall or large area flexure 2106 measured using configuration 2100, a reference force caused by a part of the hand (e.g., the palm) resting on the input surface can be established, while using the local or small area flexure 2156 measured using configuration 2150, the force applied by an input object 2110 (e.g., the user's finger) corresponding to an intentional force input can be distinguished.

[0381] Figures 22A - 22D show exemplary force sensors that can be used to perform a force sensing method similar to the force sensing structures 2100 and 2150 described above with reference to Figures 21A - 21D. As will be described in more detail later, some force sensors may be more suitable for sensing local flexure, while other sensors may be better suited for sensing overall flexure or displacement.

[0382] Figure 22A shows a first force sensor 2200a configured to detect the overall or large area flexure of an upper case 2204a having an input surface 2202a. The first force sensor 2200a can operate by a self - capacitive sensing method that uses one or more electrodes 2220a of an electrode array to detect changes in capacitance 2215a between each electrode 2220a and an object 2210a (e.g., the user's finger) applying a force to the input surface 2202a. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 2204a is separated from the electrodes 2220a by a compressible layer 2206a that may include a compressible medium or material. Exemplary compressible media include foams, gels, elastomeric materials, air, or other compliant materials, and combinations thereof.

[0383] In the first force sensor 2200a, when the force applied by the object 2210a presses or displaces the upper case 2204a toward the electrode 2220a, thereby compressing the compressible layer 2206a, the capacitance 2215a can change. The change in the capacitance 2215a can correspond to the degree or amount of the applied force, which can correspond to the predictable compressibility response or spring force of the compressible layer 2206a. A force sensing circuit operably coupled to the first force sensor 2200a can be used to measure the change in the capacitance 2215a and generate a signal corresponding to the amount or degree of the force applied by the object 2210a.

[0384] In some embodiments, the upper case 2204a can be substantially rigid or non-compliant over a local region corresponding to the touch of the object 2210a. Examples of materials that can be used to form the upper case 2204a can include glass, sapphire, polymers, ceramics, metals, and / or composite materials configured to produce a corresponding non-deforming structural response to the applied force. In some cases, the upper case 2204a is formed from a laminate of materials that are specifically configured to reduce or eliminate local deformation in response to a finger touch. Thus, the first force sensor 2200a can be used to detect overall or large-area flexure similar to the sensing structure 2150 described above with reference to FIGS. 21C and 21D.

[0385] FIG. 22B shows a second force sensor 2200b configured to detect local or small-area flexure of the upper case 2204b having an input surface 2202b. Similar to the previous example, the second force sensor 2200b can operate in a self-capacitance sensing mode that uses one or more of the electrodes 2220b of the electrode array to detect a change in the capacitance 2215b between each electrode 2220b and an object 2210b (e.g., a user's finger) that applies a force to the input surface 2202b. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 2204b is separated from the electrode 2220b by a compressible layer 2206b that can include a compressible medium or material, similar to the example described above with reference to FIG. 22A.

[0386] As shown in FIG. 22B, the upper case 2204b can be formed from one or more materials that allow for local deflection or deformation in response to a force applied by an object 2210b, such as a user's finger. Examples of materials that can be used to form the upper case 2204b include glass, sapphire, polymers, metals, and / or composite materials configured to produce a corresponding local deformation or flexure structural response to an applied force. In some cases, the upper case 2204b is formed from a laminate of materials that can slip or shear deform so that each layer provides local deformation in response to a finger touch. Thus, the second force sensor 2200b can be used to detect local or small area flexure, similar to the sensing structure 2100 described above with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B.

[0387] FIG. 22C shows a third force sensor 2200c configured to detect global or large area flexure of the upper case 2204c having an input surface 2202c. The third force sensor 2200c can operate by a mutual capacitance sensing method that uses one or more pairs of electrodes (2220c, 2222c) to detect a change in capacitance 2215c due to the presence of an object 2210c (e.g., a user's finger) applying a force to the input surface 2202c. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 2204c is separated from the electrode pair (2220c, 2222c) by a compressible layer 2206c, which can include a compressible medium or material similar to the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0388] In the third force sensor 2200c, when the force applied by the object 2210c compresses the compressible layer 2206c by pressing or displacing the upper case 2204c toward the electrode pair (2220c, 2222c), the capacitance 2215c can change. The capacitance 2215c or charge coupling may be affected by the presence of the object 2210c that takes or extracts charge from the electrode pair (2220c, 2222c). The change in the capacitance 2215c may correspond to the degree or amount of the applied force, which may correspond to the predictable compressibility response or spring force of the compressible layer 2206c. A force sensing circuit operably coupled to the third force sensor 2200c can be used to measure the change in the capacitance 2215c (or stored charge or other suitable phenomenon) and generate a signal corresponding to the amount or degree of the force applied by the object 2210c.

[0389] In some embodiments, the upper case 2204c can be substantially rigid or non-compliant over a local region corresponding to the touch of the object 2210c, similar to the example described above with reference to FIG. 22A. Thus, the third force sensor 2200c can be used to detect overall or large-area flexure, similar to the force sensing structure 2150 described above with reference to FIGS. 21C and 21D.

[0390] FIG. 22D shows a fourth force sensor 2200d configured to detect local or small-area flexure of the upper case 2204d having an input surface 2202d. Similar to the example of FIG. 22C, the fourth force sensor 2200d can operate according to a mutual capacitance sensing method that uses one or more pairs of electrodes 2220d, 2222d to detect a change in the capacitance 2215d resulting from the presence of an object 2210d (e.g., a user's finger) applying a force to the input surface 2202d. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 2204d is separated from the electrode pair (2220d, 2222d) by a compressible layer 2206d, and the compressible layer 2206d can include a compressible medium or material similar to the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0391] As shown in FIG. 22D, the upper case 2204d can be formed of a material that allows local bending or deformation in response to a force applied by an object 2210d such as a user's finger, similar to the example described above with reference to FIG. 22B. Accordingly, the fourth force sensor 2200d can be used to detect local or small-area bending similar to the sensing structure 2100 described above with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B.

[0392] FIGS. 22E-22F show exemplary force sensors 2200e and 2200f, respectively. Similar to the force sensors 2200c and 2200d of FIGS. 22C and 22D, the force sensors 2200e and 2200f operate using a mutual capacitance sensing scheme. Specifically, the force sensor 2200e shows an upper case 2204e having an input surface 2202e that bends globally or over a wide area in response to a force applied by an object 2210e. When a force is applied, relative movement occurs between pairs of electrodes 2220e, 2222e separated by a compressible layer 2206e. The relative movement between the pair of electrodes 2220e, 2222e or the compression of the compressible layer 2206e results in a change in capacitance, which can be sensed using a force sensing circuit operably coupled to the pair of electrodes 2220e, 2222e. Similar to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22C, the upper case 2204c can be configured to resist or prevent local bending in response to an applied force.

[0393] The sixth force sensor 2200f of FIG. 22F operates similarly, except that the upper case 2204f having an input surface 2202f is configured to bend locally in response to a force applied by an object 2210f. A pair of electrodes 2220f, 2222f separated by a compressible layer 2206f results in a change in capacitance 2215f due to bending in response to an applied force, and this change can be sensed using a force sensing circuit. Similar to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 22B and 22D, the upper case 2204f can be configured to bend locally in response to an applied force.

[0394] Figure 22G shows a seventh force sensor 2200g configured to detect a force applied using a strain-based sensing scheme. Specifically, the seventh force sensor 2200g is configured to detect the magnitude of an applied force using an array of strain sensor elements 2230g operably coupled to an upper case 2204g having an input surface 2202g. As shown in Figure 22G, the upper case 2204g may experience local deformation or deflection in response to a force applied by an object 2210g (e.g., a user's finger). The local deformation or deflection causes any one or more of the strain sensor elements 2230g to be strained, which can result in an electrical response (e.g., a change in resistance or impedance or other suitable electrical phenomenon) that can be measured using a force sensing circuit.

[0395] In one example, the strain sensor elements 2230g are formed from a strain-sensing material that exhibits a change in resistance in response to a change in strain conditions. Examples of strain-sensing materials include, but are not limited to, indium tin oxide, indium gallium oxide, gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, metal nanowires, nanotubes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive polymers, semiconductor materials, metal oxide materials, copper, gold, constantan, karma, iselasticity, or any combination thereof. Depending on the specific composition and thickness of the strain-sensing material, the strain sensor elements 2230g can be either light-transmissive or opaque.

[0396] In some embodiments, the strain sensor elements 2230g are formed in a two-dimensional array across the area of the input surface 2202g. Each strain sensor element 2230g may form a pixel or element of the two-dimensional array and may include a strain gauge or a strain sensing element of a similar shape. The strain gauge may include a plurality of traces or fingers configured to detect strain along a particular direction or a plurality of directions. When the strain sensor elements 2230g are arranged in a two-dimensional array, the strain sensor elements 2230g may be used to determine both the position and magnitude of a plurality of forces applied to the input surface 2202g. Depending on the configuration, a multi-touch, multi-force function may be provided that can calculate or estimate the magnitude of each applied force.

[0397] With respect to the force sensor 2200g of FIG. 22G, the strain sensor elements 2230g may include a temperature compensation configuration or temperature compensation elements to reduce the effect of temperature changes on the force measurements performed by the force sensor 2200g. For example, the strain sensor elements 2230g may include additional reference elements configured to provide an electrical response due to temperature changes that can be used to calibrate or compensate for the temperature effect on the force measurements. In some cases, the force sensor 2200g includes one or more strain isolation elements or strain relaxation features that can be used to separate the strain sensor elements 2230g from temperature elements or reference elements used to compensate for temperature changes.

[0398] Figures 22H and 22J each illustrate exemplary force sensors 2200h and 2200j. Force sensors 2200h and 2200j illustrate an exemplary configuration in which force sensors 2200h and 2200j are integrated with mutual capacitance sensors. In the configuration of the eighth force sensor 2200h of FIG. 22H, the array of force sensing electrodes 2222h shares the array of touch sensing electrodes 2224h and the drive electrode layer 2220h. The drive electrode layer 2220h may include a drive electrode array disposed in a transverse direction with respect to each of the force sensing electrodes 2222h and the touch sensing electrodes 2224h. The drive electrode layer 2220h may be operatively coupled to a force and / or touch sensing circuit configured to detect changes in the first touch sensing capacitance 2216h and / or the second force sensing capacitance 2215h. In some embodiments, the drive signals transmitted using the drive electrode layer 2220h may be time or frequency multiplexed to facilitate signal discrimination between the touch sensing capacitance 2216h and the change in the force sensing capacitance. In some embodiments, the drive electrode layer 2220h forms an electrical shield or insulating layer between the force sensing electrodes 2222h and the touch sensing electrodes 2224h and / or other electrical components within the device.

[0399] Similar to the force sensors 2200e and 2200f of FIGS. 22E and 22F, the force sensors 2200h and 2200j operate by a mutual capacitance sensing method. Specifically, the force sensor 2200h shows an upper case 2204h having an input surface 2202h that bends globally or over a wide area in response to the force applied by the object 2210h. In some cases, the touch sensing electrode 2224h and the drive electrode layer 2220h are separated by a substantially incompressible layer or substrate that can transmit the applied force and compress the compressible layer 2206h disposed between the force sensing electrode 2222h and the drive electrode layer 2220h. When a force is applied, a relative movement occurs between the drive electrode layer 2220h and the force sensing electrode 2222h. Similar to the other mutual capacitance force sensors described above, the relative movement between the drive electrode layer 2220h and the force sensing electrode 2222h or the compression of the compressible layer 2206h results in a change in the force sensing capacitance 2215h, and this change can be sensed using a force sensing circuit operably coupled to the force sensing electrode 2222h. Similar to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 22A, 22C, and 22E, the upper case 2204h can be configured to resist or prevent local bending in response to the applied force.

[0400] The ninth force sensor 2200j of FIG. 22J operates similarly, except that the upper case 2204j having the input surface 2202j is configured to locally flex in response to the force applied by the object 2210j. In this example, the touch sensing electrode 2224j and the drive electrode layer 2220j can also flex in response to the applied force. Here, the touch sensing electrode 2224j and the drive electrode layer 2220j are separated by a substantially non-compressible layer that can flex when a force is applied by the object 2210j. Generally, the substantially non-compressible layer can maintain the distance between the touch sensing electrode 2224j and the drive electrode layer 2220j, but locally deforms to allow compression of the compressible layer 2206j located below the drive electrode layer 2220j. The force sensing electrode 2222j is separated from the drive electrode layer 2220j by the compressible layer 2206j, and the compressible layer 2206j is configured to flex in response to the applied force to change the capacitance 2215j, and this change can be sensed using a force sensing circuit. Similar to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 22B, 22D, and 22F, the upper case 2204j can be configured to locally flex in response to the applied force.

[0401] In the example of FIG. 22J, the compressible layer 2206j includes an array of compressible pillar structures 2230j disposed over the area of the force sensor 2200j. The compressible pillar structures 2230j can be formed from a compressible material including an elastomer, foam, or other similar material. In some embodiments, the compressible pillar structures 2230j are formed from a silicone material. The compressible pillar structures 2230j can be surrounded by air, gel, or a liquid material. In some cases, the gel or liquid material has an optical refractive index matching that of the material forming the compressible pillar structures 2230j. Thus, in some embodiments, the compressible pillar structures 2230j are not visually perceptible.

[0402] FIG. 22K shows a tenth force sensor 2200k configured to detect an applied force by an optical sensing method. Specifically, the force sensor 2200k shows an upper case 2204k having an input surface 2202k that flexes globally or over a wide area in response to a force applied by an object 2210k. When a force is applied, relative movement occurs between the upper case 2204k and one or more optical sensors 2238k. Similar to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 22A, 22C, and 22E, the upper case 2204k can be configured to resist or prevent local flexure in response to an applied force.

[0403] The optical sensor 2238k can use any suitable optical distance sensing technique such as time-of-flight sensing, interferometer sensing, intensity-based sensing, confocal sensing, etc. A plurality of optical sensors 2238k can be used and strategically arranged below the upper case 2204k to facilitate sensing of the force due to flexure or displacement of the upper case 2204k. Also, while other force sensors can include a compressible layer between the upper case and a force sensing layer (e.g., an electrode layer), the force sensor 2200k can have an optically transparent gap between the optical sensor 2238 and the upper case 2204k. For example, the space between the optical sensor 2238k and the upper case 2204k can be a void. In some cases, the void is present directly above the optical sensor 2238k and extends under the lower side of the upper case 2204k while other regions of the upper case 2204k are in contact with the compressible layer. For example, the compressible layer can be disposed below substantially the entire region of the upper case 2204k except that holes or air columns corresponding to the optical sensors 2238k can be formed in the compressible layer to allow a direct optical path to the upper case 2204k.

[0404] Figures 22L and 22M show an eleventh force sensor 2200m configured to detect a force applied by a sensing element located on a leg or support of a device. Specifically, force sensor 2200m includes a force sensing structure 2230m located on each of the legs or supports of the device. In this example, force sensing structure 2230m is a capacitive sensor having a first capacitive element 2232m and a second capacitive element 2234m separated by a compressible element 2236m. Similar to the capacitive force sensors described above with respect to other embodiments, the applied force causes the compressible element 2236m to compress or flex, resulting in a decrease in the gap between the first capacitive element 2232m and the second capacitive element 2234m. The relative movement between the first capacitive element 2232m and the second capacitive element 2234m can be measured as a change in capacitance using a force sensing circuit coupled to the force sensing structure 2230m.

[0405] Figure 22L shows the force sensor 2200m in an un-flexed state, and Figure 22M shows the force sensor 2200m in a flexed or actuated state. As shown in Figure 22M, the force applied to input surface 2202m by object 2210m causes compression of any one or more of the force sensing structures 2230m, which compression can be detected by measuring a change in capacitance. Alternatively, the force sensing structure 2230m can include one or more strain sensing elements configured to detect a small amount of compression caused by the applied force. The strain sensing elements can include strain gauges, resistive sensors, or other similar elements that exhibit a change in electrical response due to flexure or strain.

[0406] As shown in Figure 22M, the force applied by object 2210m can cause non-uniform or unbalanced flexure or compression between each of the force sensing structures 2230m. For example, the force sensing structure 2230m closest to the applied force can experience the greatest flexure or compression. As shown in Figure 22M, since object 2210m is closest to the force sensing structure 2230m on the right side of the device, the compressible element 2236m of the force sensing structure 2230m experiences a greater compression than the force sensing structure 2230m located on the left side of the device.

[0407] Using the non-uniform or unbalanced compression of the force sensing structure 2230m, the position of the object 2210m along the input surface 2202m can be estimated. As an example, the displacement or compression of the force sensing structure 2230m is compared using the ratio of the amount of compression and can be used to estimate the position of the object 2210m as a ratio or fraction of the distance between the force sensing structures 2230m. In some cases, the center of gravity can be calculated using the relative outputs of two or more force sensing structures 2230m, and this center of gravity can be used to estimate the position of the object 2210m applying force to the input surface 2202m. Generally, three or more force sensing structures 2230m are required to provide an estimate of the two-dimensional position of the object 2210m along the input surface 2202m of the upper case.

[0408] In some embodiments, the average or synthesis of all the outputs of the force sensing structure 2230m is used to calculate the overall or comprehensive force applied to the input surface 2202m. The average or synthesis of the outputs of the force sensing structure can be used as user input (e.g., selection of an item). Additionally or alternatively, the overall or comprehensively applied force can be used to determine a base, calibration, or stationary input and cancel the influence of the user's wrist or other object that is stationary or applying force in other ways on the input surface 2202m or other parts of the device. Examples of the elimination of the palm or other similar non-input user contacts will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 31A and 31B.

[0409] Regarding the above-described embodiments of 22A to 22H and 22J to 22M, any electrode or conductive element can be formed from various conductive materials including, but not limited to, indium tin oxide, indium gallium oxide, gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, metal nanowires, nanotubes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive polymers, semiconductor materials, metal oxide materials, copper, gold, constantan, karma, iselasticity, or any combination thereof. The conductive material can be applied to various layers or substrates of the force sensor using any of a variety of manufacturing techniques including, for example, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputter deposition, printing, or other deposition techniques. In some cases, the conductive material is formed as an individual or separate layer and is applied to or attached to the substrate or layer using an adhesive or other bonding technique.

[0410] The force sensors of FIGS. 22A to 22H and 22J to 22M are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting in nature. The actual embodiments of the above examples may vary depending on the structural aspects and components of the device. In addition, many of the embodiments of the force sensors described above with reference to 22A to 22H and 22J to 22M can be combined to produce a composite or combined force sensor. For example, any one or more of the capacitive force sensors described with reference to FIGS. 22A to 22F, 22H, and 22J can be combined with one or more strain force sensors described with reference to FIG. 22G.

[0411] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary upper case having an exemplary force sensor disposed around the upper case. More specifically, FIG. 23 shows a base portion 2300 in which an upper case 2310 is coupled to a lower case 2320 to form a sealed volume. The base portion 2300 of FIG. 23 can correspond to any one of the base portions described herein. Specifically, although not shown in the figure, the base portion 2300 can include a keyboard, one or more touch input surfaces, and other components or elements described herein with reference to other embodiments.

[0412] As shown in FIG. 23, the base portion 2300 includes a force sensor 2330 disposed along the periphery of the upper case 2310. The force sensor 2330 is disposed between the upper case 2310 and the lower case 2320 and may be configured to measure the applied force by detecting compression or relative displacement between the two components. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the force sensor 2330 may include a compressible element or compressible layer that flexes in response to the applied force. The amount of flexure is measured using one or more of the force sensing methods described above with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B, and this amount of flexure can be used to estimate the amount of force applied to one or more regions of the upper case 2310.

[0413] In some embodiments, the upper case 2310 is substantially rigid to facilitate sensing of the force using the ambient force sensor 2330. For example, the upper case 2310 is reinforced by a laminate or composite structure so that the upper case 2310 does not bend or flex so much as to contact the internal components and interfere with the measurement by the force sensor 2330, and promotes the transmission of the force along the input surface of the upper case 2310 to the force sensor 2330. The upper case may include one or more ribs, stiffeners, or other structural features to provide the rigidity necessary for the operation of the ambient force sensor 2330. Exemplary reinforcement techniques will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A-10 and 19A-20C.

[0414] In some embodiments, the force sensor 2330 forms a seal between the upper case 2310 and the lower case 2320. For example, the force sensor 2330 is compressible in response to the applied force and is formed of a compliant material having sufficient compliance to form a barrier or seal to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into the internal volume defined by the upper case 2310 and the lower case 2320. In some cases, the force sensor 2330 is attached to the upper case 2310 and the lower case 2320 using an adhesive to form a waterproof or water-resistant seal between the two components.

[0415] Figures 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of the upper case and the force sensor of FIG. 23. Specifically, FIG. 24A shows the unoperated state of the upper case 2310 where the force sensor 2330 is not compressed, and FIG. 24B shows the operated state of the upper case 2310 where the force sensor 2330 is at least partially compressed in response to the applied force. The force can be applied by an object 2410 (e.g., a user's finger). The force sensor 2330 can deform locally or globally (e.g., substantially uniformly) in response to the applied force.

[0416] Similar to the example described above with reference to FIGS. 22A-22H and 22J, the force sensor 2330 can include a compressible layer or a compressible element 2436 that compresses in response to the applied force. The amount of deflection of the compressible element 2436 can be measured by electrodes 2432, 2434 disposed on opposite sides of the compressible element 2436. The force sensor 2330 can be operatively coupled to a force sensing circuit configured to measure a change in the electrical response due to the deflection. In one example, the force sensing circuit is configured to measure a change in capacitance between electrodes 2432 and 2434 caused by the deflection or compression of the compressible element 2436. In another example, the force sensing circuit is configured to measure a change in charge or resistance between electrodes 2432 and 2434 resulting from the compression of the compressible element 2436, which can be formed from a piezoelectric material or a piezoresistive material.

[0417] In some embodiments, the force sensor 2330 can be formed from a series of electrode pairs or an array of electrode pairs configured to detect the amount of deformation across respective regions or areas. Similar to the above description regarding FIG. 22J, the location of the force applied by the object 2410 may result in non-uniform or unbalanced deflection between the electrode pairs of the force sensor 2330, and this can be utilized to estimate the location of the applied force and / or the magnitude of the plurality of forces applied to the upper case 2310. Specifically, the relative measurements (e.g., ratios) of the compression of two or more electrode pairs of the force sensor 2330 can be used to estimate the position of the object 2410 as a ratio or fraction of the distance between each two or more electrode pairs. In some cases, the center of gravity can be calculated using the relative outputs of two or more electrode pairs, and this can be utilized to estimate the position of the object 2410 applying the force.

[0418] In some embodiments, the average or synthesis of the plurality of electrode pairs of the force sensor 2330 can be used to calculate the overall or total force applied to the input surface 2202h (FIG. 22H). The average or synthesis of the outputs of the force sensing structure can be used as a user input (e.g., selection of an item). Additionally or alternatively, the overall or total force applied can be used to determine a baseline, calibration, or stationary input and cancel out the effects of the user's wrist or other object that is stationary on or otherwise applying force to the upper case 2310. Examples of the elimination of the palm or other similar non-input user contacts will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 31A and 31B.

[0419] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of an upper case having an exemplary two-layer force sensor. Specifically, FIG. 25 shows an exemplary base portion 2500 in which an upper case 2510 is coupled to a lower case 2520 to form a sealed volume. The base portion 2500 of FIG. 25 may correspond to any one of the base portions described herein. Specifically, although not shown in the figure, the base portion 2500 may include a keyboard, one or more touch input surfaces, and other components or elements described herein with respect to other embodiments. According to some embodiments, the upper case 2510 may include one or more recesses or depressions 2512 formed on the upper surface and may receive components of the keyboard or other elements of the device.

[0420] As shown in FIG. 25, a force sensor 2530 having a first sensing layer 2532, a compressible layer 2536, and a second sensing layer 2534 may be coupled or attached to the upper case 2510. In some cases, the force sensor 2530 is a flexible laminate and is attached to the lower surface of the upper case 2510. Due to the flexibility of the force sensor 2530, the force sensor 2530 can conform to or adapt to the shape of the upper case 2510. In some cases, the force sensor 2530 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper case 2510. Thus, in this example, the force sensor 2530 may have a pocket or depression corresponding to the depression 2512 of the upper case 2510.

[0421] Each or both of the layers 2532 and 2534 may include an electrode array disposed across the region of the force sensor 2530. The layers 2532 and 2534 are disposed on opposite sides of the compressible layer 2536, and the compressible layer 2536 may be formed from a single sheet or alternatively a plurality of compressible elements disposed across the region of the force sensor 2530. The compressible layer 2536 may include, but is not limited to, an elastomer, a gel, a foam, air, compressible struts, or combinations thereof.

[0422] Similar to the example described above with reference to FIGS. 22A - 22H and 22J, the force applied to the upper case 2510 can be measured by measuring the relative compression between the electrodes of layers 2532 and 2534. The force sensor 2530 can operate according to a self - capacitance method, a mutual - capacitance method, a strain - based (e.g., piezo) sensing method, or any other force - sensing method described herein. The force sensor 2530 can also be configured to detect local or global deflection between layers 2532 and 2534 depending on the flexibility or compliance of the upper case 2510 and / or elements of the force sensor 2530. In some cases, the force sensor 2530 can be configured to deform locally or over a narrow region for a particular predetermined region and globally or over a wide region for other predetermined regions.

[0423] FIGS. 26A and 26B show an exemplary device having a tactile actuator. Specifically, FIGS. 26A and 26B show a device 2600 having a tactile device 2610 coupled to an upper case 2620 of a base portion 2622. The tactile device 2610 is configured to generate a tactile output that can include movement (e.g., vibration or displacement) of the upper case 2620. The movement caused by the tactile device 2610 can be perceived as tactile feedback to the user when the user is in contact with the upper case 2620 or other parts of the device 2600. In some cases, the tactile device 2610 can generate a perceivable vibration or sound even when the user is not in contact with the upper case 2620.

[0424] FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the device 2600 of FIG. 26A taken along the section line K-K. Specifically, FIG. 26B is a simplified schematic view of the tactile device 2610 coupled to the upper case 2620. The tactile device 2610 can be configured to generate one or more types of motion. As shown in FIG. 26B, the tactile device 2610 can be configured to generate horizontal or lateral motion, as indicated by the horizontal arrow. Additionally or alternatively, the tactile device 2610 can be configured to generate vertical or planar motion, as indicated by the vertical arrow. An exemplary hardware implementation of the tactile device 2610 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 29A-29H and 29J-29K.

[0425] The tactile device 2610 is configured to provide overall and / or local tactile output to the user for various applications. For example, the tactile device 2610 can provide a general tactile output in the form of vibrations to the outer surface of the device (via the upper case 2620) to notify the user of an event or action. The alert can correspond to any of various notifications, such as receipt of a message, an incoming call, a trigger of a calendar reminder, start / completion of an event, etc. The alert can also correspond to a system-level event generated by the operating system or a hardware component integrated with the device. For example, the alert can correspond to a signal indicating that the device is plugged in (power from the outlet is connected to the device's port), the device is connected to an Internet connection, the device is low on power, the device is fully charged, etc. Also, the overall tactile sensation can be used to indicate that an input has been received or triggered. For example, the overall tactile output can be used to indicate that a virtual button or key has been operated with a touch force exceeding a threshold, or that a "click" event has occurred with a touch force exceeding a threshold within the trackpad area.

[0426] The tactile device 2610 can provide local tactile output in the form of local deflection or movement to provide tactile feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the local tactile output can be generated in response to a user touch input to indicate that an input has been received or triggered. For example, the local tactile output can be used to indicate that a touch input has been detected or registered at a first key (e.g., by a touch sensing system), or that a touch force on a virtual button or key has caused the virtual button or key to be actuated (e.g., detected by a force sensing system) by exceeding a threshold. Similarly, the local tactile output can be used to indicate that a touch force within a trackpad area has exceeded a threshold and caused a "click" event to occur. The local tactile output can be used to guide a user's touch along the input surface of the upper case 2620 and indicate a tactile reference. For example, the local tactile output can be used to indicate the position of a virtual key (e.g., "F" or "J" on a QWERTY keyboard).

[0427] Figures 27A - 27D, 28A, and 28B show exemplary tactile outputs that can be generated using a tactile device (e.g., the tactile device 2610 of Figures 26A and 26B). Figures 27A - 27D show the type of tactile output generated by moving or translating the outer surface of the device. The movement can be performed globally or over a large area or surface of the outer surface. In contrast, Figures 28A and 28B show the type of tactile output generated using local deflection or deformation of the outer surface of the device. The tactile output can be generated using any one or more of the exemplary tactile devices 2610 described above with reference to Figures 26A and 26B, or other exemplary tactile devices described below with reference to Figures 29A - 29H, 29J, 29K, 30A, and 30B.

[0428] Figures 27A - 27D show exemplary overall or large - area movements that can be generated using a tactile device. More specifically, FIGS. 27A and 27B show a contact surface 2702a configured to generate lateral or horizontal movement (2720a, 2720b), as indicated by the horizontal arrows. The contact surface 2702a may correspond to the input surface or input region of the upper case described with reference to other embodiments herein. The horizontal movement (2720a, 2720b) of the contact surface 2702a can generate a tactile or perceivable feedback when the body of user 2710a is in contact with the contact surface 2702a.

[0429] Regarding the embodiments of FIGS. 27A and 27B, the friction between the contact surface 2702a and the user 2710a slightly pulls or drags the user's skin, which is perceived as tactile input by the user 2710a. In some examples, the amount of movement and / or the surface finish of the contact surface 2702a can be configured to generate a particular type of tactile feedback. For example, the surface finish of the glass or composite layer forming the contact surface 2702a can have a roughness or texture configured to generate a particular tactile feedback when the tactile output is actuated.

[0430] FIGS. 27C and 27D show a contact surface 2702c configured to generate vertical or right - angled movement (2720c, 2720d), as indicated by the vertical arrows. Similar to the previous example, the contact surface 2702c may correspond to the input surface or input region of the upper case described with respect to other embodiments herein. The right - angled movement (2720c, 2720d) of the contact surface 2702c can generate a tactile or perceivable feedback when the body of user 2710c is in contact with the contact surface 2702c.

[0431] Regarding the embodiments of FIGS. 27C and 27D, relative movement between the contact surface 2702c and the user 2710c causes a slight change in surface pressure, which is perceived as tactile input by the user 2710c. In some examples, the amount of movement of the contact surface 2702c (e.g., outward displacement 2706 and / or inward displacement 2708), the speed of movement, and / or the frequency of movement (if periodic) can be configured to generate a particular type of tactile feedback. For example, the characteristics of the tactile device and / or the structural constraints on the contact surface 2702c can be configured to generate a particular tactile feedback when the tactile output is actuated. The structural constraints can include, for example, the boundary conditions of the contact surface 2702c, the flexibility or rigidity of the layer forming the contact surface 2702c, and / or the presence of reinforcing components coupled to the contact surface 2702c.

[0432] FIGS. 28A and 28B show other exemplary tactile outputs that can be generated using a tactile device (e.g., the tactile device 2610 of FIGS. 26A and 26B). More specifically, FIGS. 28A and 28B show tactile outputs generated by movement, deformation, or translation of a local region or area of the outer surface of the device. The tactile output can be generated using any one or more of the exemplary tactile devices 2610 described above with reference to FIGS. 26A-26B and other exemplary tactile devices described below with reference to FIGS. 29A-28H, 29J, 29K, 30A, and 30B.

[0433] Figures 28A and 28B show exemplary local or small area movements that can be generated using a haptic device. More specifically, FIGS. 28A and 28B show exemplary haptic outputs that result in local displacement or deformation of contact surface 2802. The local haptic output can be configured to be perceived by the user in a single area of the contact surface and substantially not perceived in other areas of the contact surface. Specifically, the magnitude of the local haptic output can be made larger at one position than at other adjacent positions. Thus, when a local haptic output is generated on the contact surface in the area corresponding to a key of a keyboard, the magnitude of the haptic output can be made larger within the key area than in the adjacent key areas. The magnitude of the haptic output can refer to the deformation or deflection of the contact surface (e.g., the physical distance that a portion of the contact surface moves), or can refer to the perceived intensity of the haptic output by the user. Such local haptic actuators and haptic outputs can be used to provide a sensation similar to or otherwise evoking the sensation of using a mechanical keyboard. For example, instead of the entire input surface receiving a substantially uniform haptic output when a key input is registered, only a local area (as small as a single key) associated with the key can receive the haptic output. Thus, other fingers that are stationary on or touching the input surface cannot detect the haptic output (or what indicates the haptic output) as well as the finger that selected the key. Also, this can provide the user with positive feedback regarding the selected key.

[0434] As shown in FIG. 28A, a local region or area of the contact surface 2802 can be displaced or deformed outwardly to generate an instantaneous raised region 2806. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 28B, a local region or area of the contact surface 2802 can be displaced or deformed inwardly to generate an instantaneous depressed or concave region 2808. Depending on the embodiment, the haptic output can include outward displacement, inward displacement, or both inward and outward displacement. The displacement can extend across any suitable region of the input surface. For example, in some cases, the haptic actuator is configured to align with the key region of a keyboard and generate a displacement of substantially the same size. Thus, discrete local displacements as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B can be generated for each key of the keyboard (e.g., virtual keys of a virtual keyboard). In some cases, the displacement may be slightly larger than an individual key, or the haptic actuator may be configured to generate a displacement that provides haptic output to multiple key regions of the keyboard. Any haptic actuator described herein can be configured to generate local haptic output and / or displacement at a specific local region of the input surface or upper case. For example, a piezoelectric actuator can be disposed below or near an individual key region of a keyboard to function as a haptic actuator for that specific key region. In some cases, a single piezoelectric actuator can provide haptic output to two, three, four, five, six, or more keys (but less than all keys of the keyboard).

[0435] Regarding the embodiments of FIGS. 28A and 28B, relative movement between the contact surface 2802 and the body of the user 2810 (e.g., the finger of the user) can result in small changes in surface pressure that can be perceived as tactile input by the user 2810. In some examples, the amount of movement of the contact surface 2802 (e.g., outward displacement 2806 and / or inward displacement 2808), the speed of movement, and / or the frequency of movement (if periodic) can be configured to generate a particular type of tactile feedback. For example, the characteristics of the tactile device and / or the flexibility of the contact surface 2802 can be configured to generate a particular tactile feedback when the tactile output is actuated. The flexibility of the contact surface 2802 can be promoted by the structural configuration and / or constraints of one or more layers forming the contact surface 2802.

[0436] FIGS. 29A-29H and 29J-29K show exemplary tactile devices that can be used to generate any one or more of the tactile outputs described with reference to FIGS. 27A-27D and 28A and 28B. The following tactile devices are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting. In some examples, a portable computing device (also referred to as a portable computer) can include two or more tactile devices, and perhaps two or more types of tactile devices. Each tactile device can be configured to generate a particular type of tactile output over different or overlapping regions of the outer surface of the portable computer or other portable electronic device.

[0437] FIG. 29A shows an exemplary tactile device 2900a that displaces or moves a contact surface 2902a in a horizontal or lateral direction (e.g., in-plane) by applying an in-plane force to the contact surface 2902a (with respect to the plane defined by the contact surface), as indicated by the arrows. In this embodiment, the tactile device 2900a includes an electromagnetic actuator having an electromagnetic element 2910a that is magnetically coupled to a magnet or a suction plate 2912a. The electromagnetic element 2910a can be driven by a current or an electrical signal that generates a magnetic field that attracts or repels the suction plate 2912a. The magnetic coupling between the electromagnetic element 2910a and the suction plate 2912a results in a horizontal or lateral movement of the contact surface 2902a. The current or electrical signal can be periodic or alternating, thereby causing a periodic or oscillatory movement of the contact surface 2902a. The tactile device 2900a can be driven to generate impact movements, a series of impact movements, and / or vibrations of the contact surface 2902a.

[0438] FIG. 29B shows another exemplary tactile device 2900b that can be used to displace or move a contact surface 2902b. Similar to the previous example, the tactile device 2900b includes an electromagnetic actuator having an electromagnetic element 2910b that is magnetically coupled to a magnet or a suction plate 2912b. As a result of being driven by a current or an electrical signal, the electromagnetic element 2910b generates a magnetic field that attracts or repels the suction plate 2912b. The magnetic coupling between the electromagnetic element 2910b and the suction plate 2912b can be configured to generate a perpendicular or vertical (or out-of-plane) movement of the contact surface 2902b by applying an out-of-plane force to the contact surface 2902b (with respect to the plane defined by the contact surface). The current or electrical signal can be periodic or alternating, thereby causing a periodic or oscillatory movement of the contact surface 2902b. Thus, similar to the above example, the tactile device 2900b can be driven to generate impact movements, a series of impact movements, and / or vibrations of the contact surface 2902b.

[0439] The haptic devices 2900a and 2900b of FIGS. 29A and 29B can each be used to generate global (e.g., large area) or local (e.g., small area) haptic output along a contact surface. For example, if the haptic device 2900a is coupled to a generally rigid or hard layer forming the contact surface 2902a, the haptic device 2900a can be used to induce horizontal movement across the entire contact surface or a large region of the contact surface 2902a. If one or more layers forming the contact surface 2902a can deflect or displace relative to a larger surface, the haptic device 2900a can be configured to induce horizontal movement over a local or small region of the contact surface 2902a. Local flexure can be provided by a strain relief or flexible feature integrally formed in or coupled to one or more layers defining the contact surface 2902a. Similarly, the haptic device 2900b can be configured to generate global or local haptic output depending on the structural constraints of the system that can allow or prevent local displacement or movement of the contact surface 2902b.

[0440] FIGS. 29C and 29D show other exemplary haptic devices 2900c and 2900d. The haptic devices 2900c and 2900d can be configured to generate local flexure or displacement of a contact surface (2902c, 2902d) using actuator strips (2910c, 2910d) that can be formed from a piezoelectric material. Force distribution layers 2909c, 2909d can be disposed between the actuator strips 2910c, 2910d and the contact surfaces 2902c, 2902d. The force distribution layers 2909c, 2909d can increase the area affected by the actuator strips 2910c, 2910d. More specifically, the force distribution layers 2909c, 2909d can increase the area of the contact surfaces 2902c, 2902d where movement, flexure, or vibration generated by the actuator strips 2910c, 2910d can be detected by a user (e.g., the user's finger). The force distribution layers 2909c, 2909d can be formed from or include any suitable material such as silicone, metal, glass, elastomeric materials, polymers, and the like.

[0441] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29C, a voltage can be applied to the piezoelectric material of the actuator strip 2910c to reduce or decrease the length of the actuator strip 2910c. If the actuator strip 2910c cannot be shear-deformed with respect to the layer forming the contact surface 2902c, the change in length can instantaneously generate a raised or protruding region 2908c. The local deformation can also be characterized as a convexity or bulge of the contact surface 2902c.

[0442] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29D, a voltage can be applied to the piezoelectric material of the actuator strip 2910d to grow or increase the length of the actuator strip 2910d. Similar to the previous example, if the actuator strip 2910d cannot be shear-deformed with respect to the layer forming the contact surface 2902d, a change in length can instantaneously cause a depressed or concave region 2908d. The local deformation can be characterized as being recessed or concave with respect to the contact surface 2902d. As described above with reference to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the local deflection or deformation of the contact surface can be conveniently perceived by the user in contact with the corresponding region of the contact surface.

[0443] In the examples shown in FIGS. 29C and 29D, the haptic devices 2900c and 2900d can be configured to cause local flexure and / or deformation that is substantially isolated to, or included in, the area of the key region. For example, in the case of a device having a glass surface that defines a non - mechanical key (e.g., a virtual key or key region displayed on a display below, or defined by a mask, paint, ink, or dye on the glass surface), each key can be associated with a haptic device similar to the haptic devices 2900c, 2900d. In such a case, each key, or at least a subset of keys, can be associated with a separate haptic actuator that generates a haptic output designed to be felt by the user only within that key region. Further, the key - specific haptic actuator can be configured to generate the haptic output of the associated key in response to a touch and / or force sensor that detects a key input applied to the corresponding key. Thus, individual haptic outputs that can mimic or suggest the feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard can be generated for each key region, such that when one key is struck, a tactile sensation is produced that is primarily and / or substantially felt only at the struck key.

[0444] Figure 29E shows another exemplary haptic device 2900e that can be used to displace or move the contact surface 2902e or otherwise generate haptic output through the contact surface 2902e. The haptic device 2900e can include a mass 2916e coupled to a housing 2914e (or other structure) via a spring member 2918e. The spring member 2918e is shown as a coil spring, but other spring types and / or elastic members (e.g., foam, disc spring, torsion spring, elastomeric bumper, etc.) can be used. The haptic device 2900e also includes an electromagnetic actuator configured to vibrate or otherwise move the mass 2916e relative to the housing 2914e, thereby imparting an impact movement, a series of impact movements, and / or vibrations to the contact surface 2902e. The electromagnetic actuator can move the mass 2916e in a direction generally parallel to the plane defined by the contact surface 2902e. The electromagnetic actuator can be incorporated into the haptic device 2900e in any suitable manner and can include a magnet, ferromagnetic material, electromagnetic coil, etc. For example, the mass 2916e can be a magnet or include a magnet, and by winding a coil around the mass 2916e or placing the coil adjacent to the mass 2916e, the coil and magnet can interact to generate movement and haptic output. Figure 29E shows a housing 2914e attached to the contact surface 2902e, but the housing can be attached to another component within the device, and the impact and / or vibrations can be detected by the user through the contact surface 2902e and through the physical path between the mounting location and the contact surface 2902e.

[0445] FIG. 29F shows another exemplary haptic device 2900f that can be used to displace or move the contact surface 2902f or otherwise generate haptic output through the contact surface 2902f. The haptic device 2900f can include a housing 2920f, a mass 2924f, and an electromagnetic actuator 2926f (e.g., a voice coil motor or other suitable actuator) configured to move the mass 2924f relative to the housing 2920f (or other structure) and / or the contact surface 2902f. The electromagnetic actuator 2926f can be configured to move the mass 2924f in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the contact surface 2902f.

[0446] The haptic device 2900f also includes a spring member 2922f that contacts the mass 2924f and the contact surface 2902f. Although the spring member 2922f is shown as a coil spring, other spring types and / or elastic members (e.g., foam, disc spring, torsion spring, elastomeric bumper, etc.) can be used. The spring member 2922f can generate haptic output by imparting impact movement, a series of impact movements, and / or vibrations to the contact surface 2902f. The haptic output from a single haptic device 2900f can be detected by a user at substantially any location along the contact surface (e.g., anywhere on the upper case of the device) or can be detected only substantially locally. In the latter case, multiple haptic devices 2900f can be incorporated into the device to provide local haptic output through the contact surface 2902f.

[0447] FIG. 29G shows another exemplary haptic device 2900g that can be used to displace or move the contact surface 2902g or otherwise generate haptic output through the contact surface 2902g. The haptic device 2900g can be configured to generate local flexure or displacement of the contact surface, similar to the haptic devices 2900c, 2900d, using an actuator strip 2934g that can be formed from a piezoelectric material. The actuator strip 2934g can be attached to a beam 2930g and then coupled to the contact surface 2902g via a force dispersion layer 2932g. The beam 2930g can amplify the displacement of the actuator strip 2934g and / or convert the flexure of the actuator strip 2934g into a directional movement that generates a detectable haptic output that is more detectable than the actuator strip 2934g alone. The haptic device 2900g includes a force dispersion layer 2932g between the beam 2930g and the contact surface 2902g, which can increase the area of the contact surface 2902g that is affected by the beam 2930g. More specifically, the force dispersion layer 2932g can increase the area of the contact surface 2902g where the movement, flexure, or vibration generated by the actuator strip 2934g and / or the beam 2930g is detectable by a user (e.g., the user's finger). The force dispersion layer 2932g can be formed from or include any suitable material such as silicone, metal, glass, elastomeric materials, polymers, etc.

[0448] FIG. 29H shows another exemplary haptic device 2900h that can be used to displace or move the contact surface 2902h or otherwise generate a haptic output through the contact surface 2902h. The haptic device 2900h can be substantially similar to the haptic device 2900g, but instead of the beam 2930g having a free end (e.g., having a cantilever configuration), the beam 2930h can be attached to the upper case at a plurality of locations (e.g., two opposing ends). In some cases, the beam 2930h can be similar to a plate with a recess defined by the walls of the entire perimeter of the recess. In other respects, the haptic device 2900h can be the same or similar to the haptic device 2900g and can include an actuator strip 2934h and a force distribution layer 2932h that can be the same or similar to the corresponding components of FIG. 29G.

[0449] Figures 29J and 29K show another exemplary haptic device 2900j that can be used to displace or move a contact surface or to generate tactile output in other forms via the contact surface. FIG. 29J is a partial top view of a contact surface 2940 that may correspond to the upper case of a computing device, as described herein. FIG. 29K is a partial cross-sectional view of the haptic device 2900j along section line H-H of FIG. 29J. An opening or slit 2944 may be formed in the contact surface 2940 to define a beam 2942 (or other cantilever beam or flexible member). As shown in FIG. 29K, an actuator strip 2950 (similar to the actuator strips 2909c, 2909d described above, which may be formed of or include a piezoelectric material) may be coupled to the contact surface 2940 via a force distribution layer 2948 (which may be the same as or similar to the force distribution layers 2909c, 2909d described above). When the actuator strip 2950 is actuated, it can deflect the beam 2942 upward (as shown) or downward, creating a local deformation detectable by a user (e.g., the user's finger). Also, FIG. 29K shows an optional cover 2946 that overlays at least the beam 2942 (and opt...

Claims

1. 1. A portable computer, comprising: A display unit including a display; a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion, The lower case, an upper case formed of a dielectric material and coupled to the lower case; the upper case comprising: an upper member defining an upper surface of the base; a sidewall integrally formed with the upper member and defining a side surface of the base portion; a base portion including:

1. A sensing system comprising: a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base; a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input; and A sensing system comprising: A portable computer comprising:

2. 2. The portable computer of claim 1, wherein said upper case is formed from a single piece of glass.

3. the sidewall is a first sidewall; the side surface is a first side surface, The upper case is a second sidewall integrally formed with the first sidewall and the top member defining a second side of the base portion; a third sidewall integrally formed with the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the top member defining a third side of the base portion; The portable computer of claim 2 further comprising:

4. the first sensing system is disposed below the top member and extends across an area of ​​the top member; 4. The portable computer of claim 3, wherein said second sensing system is disposed below said top member and extends across said area of ​​said top member.

5. the top member defining an opening; 4. The portable computer of claim 3, further comprising a keyboard disposed in said opening.

6. the display is a first display, 4. The portable computer of claim 3, further comprising a second display within said base portion and viewable through said upper case.

7. 7. The portable computer of claim 6, wherein the second display is configured to display an image of a keyboard in a keyboard area of ​​the upper case.

8. the image of the keyboard includes images of keys; 8. The portable computer of claim 7, wherein the second sensing system is configured to register a key input in response to detecting an input applied to the key with a force exceeding a force threshold.

9. 2. The portable computer of claim 1, wherein said upper case is formed of a transparent material.

10. A device, comprising: A display unit, A display housing; a display within the display housing; and A display unit including: a base portion coupled to the display portion, The lower case, a glass upper case coupled to said lower case and defining an upper exterior surface of said base; a base portion including:

1. A sensing system comprising: determining a location of a touch input applied to any location on the upper exterior surface of the base; determining a force of the touch input applied at any location on the upper exterior surface of the base; A sensing system configured to A device comprising:

11. The sensing system comprises: a touch sensing system configured to determine the location of the touch input; a force sensing system configured to determine the force of the touch input and to determine the position of the touch input; Including, the glass top case is configured to locally deform in response to the touch input; the device is configured to register an input at the location of the touch input if the determined force exceeds a force threshold. The device of claim 10.

12. 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a haptic device configured to generate a haptic output at the glass top case in response to registration of the touch input at the location of the input.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the haptic output generates a localized haptic output such that a magnitude of the haptic output at the location is greater than the magnitude of the haptic output at a different location adjacent to the location.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the haptic device includes a piezoelectric material coupled to the glass top casing.

15. the glass upper case defining an opening; The device of claim 10 , wherein the device further comprises a keyboard disposed at least partially in the opening.

16. The lower case is A lower member; a first sidewall integrally formed with the lower member; a second side wall integrally formed with the lower member; a third side wall integrally formed with the lower member; Define The device of claim 10 , wherein the glass top case is attached to the bottom case via the first, second, and third side walls.

17. 1. A notebook computer, comprising: A display unit including a display; a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion, The lower case, a glass upper case coupled to the lower case and defining substantially the entire top surface of the base; a base portion including: a touch sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch event applied to the upper case; a force sensing system configured to cause the notebook computer to register an input in response to a force associated with the touch event exceeding a threshold; A notebook computer comprising:

18. the glass upper case defining a keyboard area and a trackpad area; 20. The notebook computer of claim 17, wherein the notebook computer is configured to register the input as a key input if the location of the touch event is within the keyboard area.

19. the force sensing system is configured to determine whether a user's palm is within the track pad area; in response to the force sensing system determining that the palm of the user is not within the track pad area, the notebook computer sets the threshold to a first threshold; 20. The notebook computer of claim 18, wherein in response to the force sensing system determining that the palm of the user is within the track pad area, the notebook computer sets the threshold to a second threshold different from the first threshold.

20. 20. The notebook computer of claim 18, wherein if the location of the touch event is within the trackpad area, the notebook computer is configured to register the input as a trackpad input.

21. 21. The notebook computer of claim 20, wherein the notebook computer is configured to take a first action in response to registering the input as the key input and to take a second action, different from the first action, in response to registering the input as a trackpad input.

22. 21. The notebook computer of claim 20, further comprising a haptic device configured to generate a haptic output at the glass upper case in response to registering the input as the trackpad input or the key input.

23. A display unit, A display housing; a display within the display housing; and A display unit including: a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion, the base portion including a glass member defining a keyboard area configured to receive user input; a first haptic actuator configured to generate a first haptic output in a first region of the keyboard region; a second haptic actuator configured to generate a second haptic output in a second area of ​​the keyboard area different from the first area; A device comprising:

24. the keyboard area includes keys; the first region corresponds to a first key of the keyboard region; 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the second region corresponds to a second key of the keyboard region.

25. the device further comprising a touch sensing system configured to determine whether a touch input is applied to the first key; 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the first haptic actuator generates the first haptic output in response to the touch input being determined to be applied to the first key.

26. the device further comprising a force sensing system configured to determine a force associated with a touch input applied to the first key; 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the first haptic actuator generates the first haptic output in response to the force being determined to exceed a force threshold.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the force threshold corresponds to a force associated with a typing input on the first key.

28. the glass member further defines a track pad area; 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the device further comprises a third haptic actuator configured to generate a third haptic output at any location within the track pad area.

29. the keyboard area corresponds to a plane of the glass member; the first and second haptic actuators are configured to apply an out-of-plane force to the glass member; 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the third tactile actuator is configured to apply an in-plane force to the glass member.

30. 1. A notebook computer, comprising: A display unit including a display; a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion, The lower case, a glass upper case coupled to the lower case; said glass upper case comprising: The keyboard area and a trackpad area adjacent to the keyboard area; a base portion defining a force sensing system configured to detect inputs applied to the glass top case within the keyboard area and the trackpad area; a first haptic actuator configured to generate a first haptic output in response to the force sensing system detecting a first input in the keyboard region; a second haptic actuator configured to generate a second haptic output different from the first haptic output in response to the force sensing system detecting a second input within the track pad area; A notebook computer comprising:

31. the first tactile output comprises a localized deflection of the glass top case in the keyboard area; 31. The notebook computer of claim 30, wherein the second haptic output comprises a force applied to the glass top case in an in-plane direction of a surface of the track pad area.

32. the first haptic actuator comprises a piezoelectric actuator; The second haptic actuator comprises: Mass, an electromagnetic actuator configured to move the mass to generate the second haptic output; 32. The notebook computer of claim 31, comprising:

33. the glass upper case defines a plane; 31. The notebook computer of claim 30, wherein the keyboard area and the trackpad area are defined on the plane.

34. 34. The notebook computer of claim 33, wherein the glass top case defines the entire top surface of the base.

35. 31. The notebook computer of claim 30, wherein the keyboard area includes a plurality of keys defined by a mask layer below the glass top case.

36. the display is a first display, the notebook computer further comprising a second display in the base viewable through the glass top case; 31. The notebook computer of claim 30, wherein the second display displays images of keys within the keyboard area.

37. 37. The notebook computer of claim 36, wherein the second display displays a border around at least a portion of the trackpad area.

38. 1. A portable computer, comprising: A display housing; a display disposed at least partially within the display housing; and a base coupled to the display housing and configured to rotate relative to the display housing, a metal member defining a lower surface of the base portion; a glass member defining a top surface of the base; a base portion including: a first haptic actuator configured to generate a first type of haptic output in response to a first type of input being detected on the glass member; a second haptic actuator configured to generate a second type of haptic output different from the first type of haptic output in response to a second type of input being detected on the glass member; A portable computer comprising:

39. The glass member is a first touch sensitive area; a second touch sensitive area adjacent to the first touch sensitive area; 40. The portable computer of claim 38, defining:

40. the first type of input corresponds to an input detected within the first touch sensitive area; 40. The portable computer of claim 39, wherein the second type of input corresponds to an input detected within the second touch-sensitive area.

41. the first haptic actuator is configured to locally deform the glass member; 41. The portable computer of claim 40, wherein the second haptic actuator is configured to move at least a portion of the glass member along a direction parallel to a plane defined by the top surface of the base.

42. 42. The portable computer of claim 41, wherein the first tactile actuator is a piezoelectric actuator configured to locally deform an area of ​​the glass member corresponding to a single key.

43. 40. The portable computer of claim 38, wherein the top surface is the entire top surface of the base portion.

44. 1. A portable computer, comprising: A display unit including a display; a base pivotally coupled to the display and including a glass upper case, The exterior and a keyboard opening extending through the glass upper case from the exterior surface to the interior surface; a base portion defining a keyboard at least partially disposed within the keyboard opening, A substrate; a key configured to move relative to the substrate; a fabric cover disposed over the keys and defining a user interface surface of the keys; a keyboard including A portable computer comprising:

45. the keyboard further includes a key web defining a key opening and a plurality of additional key openings; the key is at least partially disposed within the key opening; the keyboard includes a plurality of additional keys, each of the additional keys being disposed at least partially within a corresponding key opening; the fabric cover is disposed across the key web and the plurality of additional keys; The fabric cover is a keyboard area spanning said key and said plurality of additional keys; an outer area surrounding the keyboard area; 45. The portable computer of claim 44, defining:

46. 46. ​​The portable computer of claim 45, wherein the exterior area is captured between the glass top case and an underlying component.

47. 45. The portable computer of claim 44, wherein at least a portion of the fabric cover is adhered to the key.

48. 45. The portable computer of claim 44, wherein the glass top case further defines a trackpad area.

49. the keyboard opening is a rectangular opening, The track pad area is a first portion of the glass top case along a first side of the keyboard opening; a second portion of the glass top case along a second side of the keyboard opening; a third portion of the glass top case along a third side of the keyboard opening; Including, 49. The portable computer of claim 48, wherein the portable computer further comprises a touch sensing system configured to detect touch input applied to any of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the glass top case.

50. 50. The portable computer of claim 49, further comprising a force sensing system configured to determine a force associated with the touch input.

51. said glass upper case being: An upper portion of the base portion; At least three side walls of the base; 50. The portable computer of claim 49, defining:

52. 45. The portable computer of claim 44, further comprising a touch sensing system beneath the glass top case configured to detect touch input applied to the user interface surface of the key.

53. A display unit, A display housing; a display within the display housing; and A display unit including: a base portion coupled to the display portion, The lower case, a glass top case coupled to the bottom case, the glass top case defining an opening extending through the glass top case; a touch sensing system beneath the glass top case configured to detect touch input applied to any location on the glass top case; a base portion including: a keyboard disposed at least partially within the opening, A plurality of key mechanisms; a fabric cover extending into a gap between two of the key mechanisms; a keyboard including A notebook computer comprising:

54. Each of the plurality of key mechanisms comprises: A keycap support; Key caps and Including, 54. The notebook computer of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the fabric cover is disposed between the keycap support and the keycap.

55. the portion of the fabric cover disposed between the keycap support and the keycap is adhered to the keycap support; 55. The notebook computer of claim 54, wherein the keycaps are adhered to the fabric cover over the keycap support.

56. 54. The notebook computer of claim 53, wherein the glass top case defines a surface that extends continuously around the opening.

57. 57. The notebook computer of claim 56, further comprising an additional display disposed beneath at least a portion of the glass upper case.

58. 58. The notebook computer of claim 57, wherein the additional display is configured to display affordances selectable by a user touching the glass top case.

59. 54. The notebook computer of claim 53, further comprising a force sensing system configured to determine an amount of force associated with the touch input detected on the glass top case.

60. A device, comprising: A display unit including a display; a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion, a keyboard including keys and a flexible sheet covering gaps between adjacent keys; a continuous glass frame extending around the periphery of the keyboard, a first touch-sensitive input area adjacent a first side of the keyboard; a second touch-sensitive input area adjacent a second side of the keyboard; a continuous glass frame defining a base portion including: a touch sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the first and second touch-sensitive input areas; A device comprising:

61. the keyboard defines a first portion of an upper portion of the base; 61. The device of claim 60, wherein the continuous glass frame defines all of the remaining portions of the top of the base.

62. 62. The device of claim 61, wherein at least a portion of the flexible sheet is captured between a keycap support and a corresponding keycap coupled to the corresponding keycap support.

63. 62. The device of claim 61, wherein one of the keys includes an input surface defined solely by the flexible sheet.

64. the display is a first display, the device further includes a second display configured to display an affordance in the first touch-sensitive input area.

62. The device of claim 61.

65. 65. The device of claim 64, wherein the affordances are displayed based on content displayed on the first display.

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