Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Charles A Sellers

Mark C Solomon

Kevin L Massaro

Jonathan R Harris

Mark H Ruch

Harold Merkel

Kevin F Clancy

David P Eichberger

Paul M Moore

Roger Q Paulsel

Matthew L Webb

Michael S Lempicki

Steven J Lau

Nicholas G Forlenza

Steve J Lau

Interface apparatus and methods are provided. The interface can include a keyboard () containing one or more keys (), each having a key base and a key top. A light guide () having an edge (), a first surface () and a second surface () can be disposed proximate the base of all or a portion of the plurality of keys. The light guide can have a plurality of apertures () disposed therethrough, with each aperture corresponding to the location of each of the one or more keys. One or more dispersion features () can be disposed in, on, or about each of the one or more apertures to transmit at least a portion of the light from the light guide to the base of each key.

Keyboard illumination apparatus and method

An insert for a keyboard comprises a molded body that comprises a pair of opposing sides. Each of the opposing sides has a groove that extends along at least a portion of the respective side. Each groove is adapted to receive a leveling wire from a keycap.

Keyboard insert

A keyboard apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps and a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators disposed proximate the rigid keycap member. The apparatus can also include a backing member comprising a switch disposed proximate the proximity sensing member. A displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member can activate the switch.

Keyboard systems utilizing a switch and proximity sensors

Systems and methods for illuminating a keycap on a keyboard are described. One system comprises a first light source positioned below the keycap on the keyboard and arranged to illuminate a portion of a bottom of the keycap. The system also comprises a second light source, adjacent the first light source, positioned below the keycap and arranged to illuminate a portion of the bottom of the keycap. One method of illuminating a keycap on a keyboard comprises activating a first light source, wherein the first light source and a second light source are positioned below the keycap on the keyboard, and activating the second light source responsive to the first light source operating outside a predetermined threshold parameter.

System for illuminating a keycap on a keyboard

A clamshell electronic device provided. A first hinge having a first centerline along the axis of rotation of the first hinge can be disposed on a base member. A second hinge having a second centerline along the axis of rotation of the second hinge can be disposed on a keyboard member connecting a display member to the keyboard member. The keyboard member can be slideably connected to the base member. The keyboard member can be continuously reversibly slideable from a first position to a second position. The first and second centerlines can be axially aligned when the keyboard member is in the first position. A rigid support member having a first end and a second end can be pivotably connected to the base member at the first end and pivotably connected to the display member via a third hinge at the second end.

Display support for a clamshell electronic device

The usability of an electronic device that includes an integrated fingerprint sensor is enhanced by mounting the fingerprint sensor rotatably and pivotably. The fingerprint sensor is prevented from moving during normal use, but the fingerprint sensor may be repositioned to accommodate a user's preferences.

Method and apparatus for enhancing the usability of an electronic device having an integrated fingerprint sensor

A battery pack comprises an event monitoring system at least partially disposed in an event-proof enclosure of the battery pack. The event-proof enclosure is adapted to enable the event monitoring system to retain data acquired by the event monitoring system for analysis after occurrence of a service event of the battery pack.

Battery pack event-proof monitoring and analysis system and method

Small footprint keyboard

A computer having a base and a display. The display is pivotable relative to the base. The computer has a securing mechanism that pivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanism produces a force that opposes pivotal motion of the display. The securing mechanism also has a clutch operator that is operable to prevent the force from opposing the pivotal motion of the display.

System and method for pivotably securing display housing to computer system

A portable computer system incorporating a rear projection display. The rear projection display is housed in a display enclosure that is movable between an open and closed position, and incorporates either a pliable or deformable projection surface or a projection surface formed of multiple rigid components. When the display enclosure is open, the projection surface is configured to expand beyond the form factor dimensions of the base portion of the portable computer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the projection surface is a pliable material that can be safely deformed or collapsed within the display enclosure when it is closed. The rear projection display thereby allows the effective viewing area of a portable computer display to be increased without negatively impacting the form factor dimensions or weight of the portable computer.

Portable computer system incorporating a rear projection display

The keyboard portion of a notebook computer has incorporated in its key switch membrane section a liquid detection electrical circuit with a series of normally open detection switch structures positioned be contacted and shorted out by liquid spilled on the keyboard. A spilled liquid short-circuiting of any of these normally open membrane switch structures during operation of the computer automatically creates a liquid spill output signal that is responsively utilized to shut down the computer before its system electronics can be contacted, short-circuited and damaged by liquid spilled on the keyboard and entering the interior of the computer therethrough.

Liquid spill-sensing keyboard which shuts down when a liquid spill is detected

A notebook computer has a keyboard including a deflectable base plate on the top side of which a series of parallel rows of depressible key structures are operatively mounted. The base plate is structurally reinforced, without increasing the overall height of the keyboard, using elongated stiffening ribs disposed within the interior of the keyboard. The ribs longitudinally extend parallel to the key rows, are anchored beam-like to the top side of the base plate, and are interdigitated with the key rows.

Keyboard with interior stiffening ribs

A touch sensitive pad is formed of a touchpad surface overlaid with a matrix of two overlaid arrays of conductors spaced from each other by an intermediate dielectric. The conductors and dielectric are deposited as successive layers in the surface, which is formed of a suitable substrate material. The conductors in each of the arrays are in the form of spaced rows extending in alignment, and the two conductor arrays are arranged so that their respective sets of rows intersect, forming an X-Y matrix over the face of the touchpad. The two arrays are provided with different voltage levels so that a potential difference exists between them. A user touching an area or portion of the touchpad, whether with a finger, stylus, or pointer, shorts contacted ones of the X-Y matrix of conductors together in the area touched, giving rise to an electric current flow. The precise location of the contact area can be determined by processing firmware or software. The resultant current flow is used to activate the processing electronics, which can otherwise be left in a power-conserving or sleep mode if the touchpad is not in use.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Charles A Sellers