WO2021262156A1 - Dual function keys on keyboards - Google Patents

Dual function keys on keyboards Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021262156A1
WO2021262156A1 PCT/US2020/039247 US2020039247W WO2021262156A1 WO 2021262156 A1 WO2021262156 A1 WO 2021262156A1 US 2020039247 W US2020039247 W US 2020039247W WO 2021262156 A1 WO2021262156 A1 WO 2021262156A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
application
indication
instructions
force
mechanical switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2020/039247
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tony Seokhwa MOON
Derek Kyle Joseph KANAS
Original Assignee
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. filed Critical Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority to PCT/US2020/039247 priority Critical patent/WO2021262156A1/en
Publication of WO2021262156A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021262156A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G06F3/04817—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G06F3/147—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units using display panels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2354/00—Aspects of interface with display user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G5/00—Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
    • G09G5/36—Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the display of a graphic pattern, e.g. using an all-points-addressable [APA] memory

Definitions

  • keyboards are generally used to receive input at computing devices, and function keys of keyboards may be used to control functions of the computing devices.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example device with a dual function key on a keyboard.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of another example device with dual function keys on a keyboard.
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram of an example method to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium including instructions that causes a processor to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example device implementing a method to turn off a camera and a microphone using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the example device of Figure 5 continuing to implement the method to turn off a camera and a microphone.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example device implementing a method to turn on a camera and a microphone using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of the example device of Figure 7 continuing to implement the method to turn on a camera and a microphone.
  • keyboard layouts often change as new functions become available with new technology adoptions in laptops, for example, and/or other devices which use keyboards as input.
  • function keys of keyboards may be assigned new functionality in different versions of operating systems, and the like, which may be challenging to access without using alt-keys and the like.
  • it may be useful to implement two functions simultaneously and/or sequentially using a key, such as a function key, and the like.
  • a device that includes a keyboard and/or that uses a keyboard as input, in which a key at the keyboard includes a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • first instructions for implementing a first application may be implemented.
  • second instructions for implementing a second application may be implemented.
  • the device may include a display screen and/or be in communication with a display screen, and, as the first application and the second application are implemented, render, at the display screen, indications of the first application and the second application.
  • a user may depress the key to activate the mechanical switch to implement the first application and, by continuing to depress the key and applying a force above a threshold force, as detected by the force sensor, cause the second application to be implemented.
  • the display screen may show respective icons, and the like, of first application, and then the second application, representative of the first application and the second application being implemented.
  • the first application may comprise turning off a camera of the device, and the like
  • the second application may comprise muting a microphone of the device, and the like.
  • the user may depress the key to turn off the camera via the mechanical switch, and be provided with an icon, and the like, at the display screen indicating that camera has been turned off; the user may then continue to press the key, and apply a force above the threshold force at the key to turn off the microphone, as detected via the force sensor switch, and be provided with an icon, and the like, at the display screen indicating that microphone has been muted.
  • the user may again depress the key to again actuate and/or activate the mechanical switch to unmute the microphone, and then and, by continuing to depress the key and applying a force above a threshold force, as detected by the force sensor, cause the camera to be turned back on;
  • An aspect of the present specification provides a device comprising: a memory storing: first instructions for implementing a first application; and second instructions for implementing a second application; a keyboard including a key comprising a mechanical switch and a force sensor; and a controller in communication with the memory, the mechanical switch and the force sensor, the controller to: in response to the mechanical switch being activated, process the first instructions to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to the force sensor sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions to implement the second application.
  • Another aspect of the present specification provides a method comprising: detecting, at a computing device, that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, first instructions to implement a first application; and rendering, at a display screen of the computing device, a first indication of the first application; and detecting, at the computing device, after the mechanical switch has been activated, that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, second instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and rendering, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application, in addition to the first indication.
  • Another aspect of the present specification provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: in response to detecting that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated: execute first application instructions to implement a first application; and render, at a display screen, a first indication of the first application; and after detecting that the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to detecting that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force: execute second application instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and render, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example device 100 with a dual function key on a keyboard.
  • the device 100 may comprise a laptop computing device, a mobile device, a personal computer, and/or any other device and/or computing device, that uses a keyboard as input.
  • the device 100 comprises a memory 110 storing: first instructions 111 for implementing a first application; and second instructions 112 for implementing a second application.
  • the device 100 further comprises a keyboard 113 including a key 115.
  • the key 115 is depicted both at the keyboard 113 and schematically (e.g., at the arrow 116), in schematic cross-section (e.g., the schematic cross- section shows a keycap of the key 115).
  • the key 115 comprises a mechanical switch 117 and a force sensor 119.
  • the device 100 further comprises a controller 120 in communication with the memory 110, the mechanical switch 117 and the force sensor 119.
  • the controller 120 is to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 112 to implement the second application.
  • a value for the threshold force may be predetermined and/or determined heuristically, stored at the memory 110 separate from the instructions 111 , 112; the value for the threshold force may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreases) by way of a user interacting with the device 100 (e.g., via the keyboard and/or another input device, to interact with a menu, and the like, for adjusting the threshold value).
  • the key 115 may be held in place at the keyboard 113 via a mechanical frame, and the like, and may further include a biasing device to bias the key 115 away from the mechanical switch 117; however, in other examples, the mechanical switch 117 may include such a biasing device.
  • the mechanical switch 117 may comprise a rubber dome switch, and the like.
  • the mechanical switch 117 (and/or the key 115 and/or the keyboard 113) may include a membrane, and the like, which includes an open electrical circuit which may be closed when the mechanical switch 117 is activated (e.g., when a force is applied to the key 115) which is detected by the controller 120 and which hence indicates to the controller 120 that the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, thereby causing the controller 120 to process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application.
  • the mechanical switch 117 may comprise any suitable mechanical switch.
  • the force sensor 119 may comprise a capacitive sensor located beneath a top surface of the key 115 (e.g., beneath a top surface of a keycap of the key 115).
  • the force sensor 119 may comprise a flexible printed circuit located beneath a top surface of the key 115.
  • the force sensor 119 is generally in communication with the controller 120 (e.g., via a connector, and the like, to the flexible printed circuit, and the like), and is to sense a force applied to the key 115, and provide, to the controller 120, an indication of the force as sensed.
  • the indication of the force as sense provided to the controller 120 is generally indicative of a magnitude of the force and may increase or decrease as the applied force is increased or decreased.
  • the force sensor 119 may comprise any suitable force sensor and may be located at any suitable position at the key 115 including, but not limited to, integrated with the mechanical switch 117 and/or beneath the mechanical switch 117, and the like.
  • a user may depress the key 115 to activate the mechanical switch 117 to cause the controller 120 to implement the first instructions 111 , and the user may apply a force to the key 115 (e.g., after the mechanical switch 117 is activated and continues to be depressed), that is sensed by the force sensor 119; when the applied force is greater than a threshold force, as determined by the controller 120 (e.g., based on an indication received from the force sensor 119), the controller 120 causes the second instructions 112 to be implemented.
  • the user may operate the key 115 to cause the controller 120 to process both the first instructions 111 (e.g., to implement the first application) and the second instructions 112 (e.g., to implement the second application).
  • the instructions 111 , 112 may be implemented as engines (e.g., a first engine to implement the first application and a second engine to implement the second application) such that that the memory 110 may alternatively store: a first engine for implementing a first application; and a second engine for implementing a second application.
  • the controller 120 may be to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first engine to implement the first application; and engine after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second engine to implement the second application.
  • the term “engine” refers to hardware (e.g., the controller 120, which may include, but is not limited to, a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) an integrated circuit or other circuitry) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., programming such as machine- or processor-executable instructions, commands, or code such as firmware, a device driver, programming, object code, etc. as stored on hardware).
  • a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) an integrated circuit or other circuitry
  • software e.g., programming such as machine- or processor-executable instructions, commands, or code such as firmware, a device driver, programming, object code, etc. as stored on hardware.
  • Hardware including the controller 120, may include, but is not limited to, a hardware element with no software elements such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc.
  • a combination of hardware and software includes software hosted at hardware (e.g., a software module that is stored at a processor-readable memory, such as the memory 110, such as random access memory (RAM), a hard-disk or solid- state drive, resistive memory, or optical media such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), and/or implemented or interpreted by a processor), or hardware and software hosted at hardware.
  • a hardware element with no software elements such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc.
  • a combination of hardware and software includes software hosted at hardware (e.g., a software module that is stored at a processor-readable memory, such as the memory 110, such as random access memory (RAM), a hard-disk or solid- state drive, resistive memory, or optical media such as a digital versatile
  • the controller 120 may be a general-purpose controller and/or processor or special purpose logic, such as a microprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable array logic (PAL), a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc.
  • a microprocessor e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.
  • PAL programmable array logic
  • PLA programmable logic array
  • PLD programmable logic device
  • the memory 110 may include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a volatile computer- readable medium (e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.), a non-volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.), and/or the like.
  • a volatile computer- readable medium e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.
  • a non-volatile computer-readable medium e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.
  • a first engine for implementing a first application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware for implementing the first application, such as turning off a camera, and the like; however, a first engine for implementing a first application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware which correspond to any suitable application.
  • a second engine for implementing a second application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware for implementing the second application, such as muting a microphone, and the like; however, a second engine for implementing a second application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware which correspond to any suitable application.
  • the keyboard 113 is described as including one key 115 that includes a mechanical switch 117 and a force sensor 119, in other examples, the keyboard 113 may further include a plurality of keys (e.g., including the key 115) comprising: respective mechanical switches (e.g., similar to the mechanical switch 117) to activate respective first functions; and respective force sensors (e.g., similar to the force sensor 119) to activate respective second functions after the respective first functions are activated.
  • respective mechanical switches e.g., similar to the mechanical switch 117
  • respective force sensors e.g., similar to the force sensor 119
  • the device 100 may further include a display screen which may be used to provide indications, such as graphical icons, and the like, of the first application and the second application being implemented, as they are implemented, for example, to show a user which applications are being implemented.
  • a display screen which may be used to provide indications, such as graphical icons, and the like, of the first application and the second application being implemented, as they are implemented, for example, to show a user which applications are being implemented.
  • the device 100 may include a camera and a microphone
  • the first application may comprise a camera-off application
  • the second application may comprise a microphone-off, and/or a microphone-mute application to turn off, and/or mute, a microphone.
  • the device 100 may other components including, but not limited to, a speaker, a pointing device, a radio, a communication interface, hardware ports, and the like.
  • keyboard 113 is depicted as being internal to the device 100 (e.g., internal to a chassis of the device 100), in other examples the keyboard 113 may be external to the device (e.g., external to a chassis of the device 100, and in communication with the controller 120 via a communication interface and/or suitable hardware ports, and the like).
  • the device 100 may comprise: the memory 110 storing: the first instructions 111 for implementing a first application; and the second instructions 112 for implementing a second application; and the controller 120 in communication with the memory 110 and the keyboard 113, the keyboard 113 including the key 115 comprising the mechanical switch 117 and the force sensor 119, the controller 120 to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 112 to implement the second application.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of another example device 200 with a dual function key on a keyboard.
  • the device 200 is substantially similar to the device 100, with like components having like numbers, but in a “200” series rather than a “100” series.
  • the device 200 may comprise: a memory 210 storing: first instructions 211 for implementing a first application; and second instructions 212 for implementing a second application; a keyboard 213 (which may be internal or external to the device 200) including a key 215 comprising a mechanical switch 217 and a force sensor 219 (e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 216); and a controller 220 in communication with the memory 210, the mechanical switch 217 and the force sensor 219, the controller 120 to: in response to the mechanical switch 217 being activated, process the first instructions 211 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 217 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 219 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 212 to implement the second application.
  • a memory 210 storing: first instructions 211 for implementing a first application; and second instructions 212 for implementing a second application
  • a keyboard 213 which may be internal or external to the device 200
  • a controller 220 in communication
  • the device 200 further includes a display screen 228, a camera 231 and a microphone 232 (or, alternatively, the display screen 228 and/or the camera 231 and/or the microphone 232 may be located external to the device 200 and in communication with the controller 220 via a communication interface and/or suitable hardware ports, and the like).
  • the controller 220 may be further to: in response to the mechanical switch 217 being activated: process the first instructions 211 to implement the first application; and render at the display screen 228, a first indication of the first application; and after the mechanical switch 217 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 219 sensing a force above a threshold force: process the second instructions 212 to implement the second application; and render at the display screen 228, a second indication of the second application.
  • the first indication and the second indication may comprise respective icons representing the first application and the second application.
  • the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 231 (which may otherwise be on, for example the camera 231 may be automatically turned on when the device 200 is turned on), and the first indication of the first application may comprise an icon rendered at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera 231 being turned off.
  • the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone mute) application to turn off and/or mute the microphone 232 (which may otherwise be on, for example the microphone 232 may be automatically turned on when the device 200 is turned on), and the second indication of the second application may comprise an icon rendered at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone 232 being turned off and/or muted.
  • controller 220 may be further to remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period.
  • the controller 220 may be further to detect, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the mechanical switch 228 has been released; and, in response: remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228.
  • the indications may be removed from the display screen 228 when the user releases the key 215.
  • the controller 220 may be further to detect, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the force sensor 219 is sensing that the force has dropped below the threshold force; and, in response: remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen.
  • the indications may be removed from the display screen 228 when the user reduces applied force on the key 215.
  • activation and/or actuation of the key 215 while the first application and the second application are being implemented (and/or after the first application and the second application are implemented) may result in the controller 220: ceasing implementation of the first application and the second application but in a reverse order to that of an order in which the first application and the second application were implemented (e.g., in response to, respectively, the mechanical switch 217 being again actuated, and the force sensor 219 again sensing a force greater than the threshold force).
  • activation and/or actuation of the key 215 while the first application and the second application are being implemented (and/or after the first application and the second application are implemented) may result in the controller 220: implementing a third application that effectively performs a function opposite to that of the second function; and implementing a fourth application that effectively performs a function opposite to that of the first function (e.g., in response to, respectively, the mechanical switch 217 being again actuated, and the force sensor 219 again sensing a force greater than the threshold force).
  • the controller 220 may be further to: while the first application and the second application are being implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: cease implementing the second instructions 212 to cease implementation of the second application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a third indication of the second application being ceased); and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 again sensing the force above the threshold force: cease implementing the first instructions 211 to cease implementation of the first application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a fourth indication of the first application being ceased).
  • the controller 220 may be further to: after the first application and the second application are implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: implement third instructions (not depicted) to undo a result of the second application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a third indication of the result of the second application being undone); and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 again sensing the force above the threshold force: implement fourth instructions (not depicted) to undo a result of the first application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a fourth indication of the result of the first application being undone).
  • the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 231 and the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application to turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 232 such that: the controller 220 implementing the first instructions causes the camera 231 to turn off (e.g., when the mechanical switch 217 is first activated); the controller 220 implementing the second instructions 212 causes the microphone 232 to turn off and/or be muted (e.g., when the force sensor 219 first detects a force above a threshold force); the controller 220 ceasing implementing the second instructions 212 and/or implementing the third instructions, causes the microphone 232 to turn back on (and/or be unmuted) (e.g., when the mechanical switch 217 is next activated); and the controller 220 ceasing implementing the first instructions 211 and/or implementing the fourth instructions causes the camera 231 to turn back on (e.g., when the force sensor 219 next
  • the controller 220 may be further to: while the first application (but not the second application) is being implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: cease implementing the first instructions 211 to cease implementation of the first application (and/or implement the fourth instructions), and optionally render, at the display screen 228, the fourth indication of the first application being ceased; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 sensing the force above the threshold force: take no action.
  • a second actuation of the key 215 may result in the first application being ceased and/or the fourth application being
  • method 300 may be performed with the device 200, and/or a processor and/or the controller 220 thereof.
  • the method 300 may be one way in which the device 200 may be configured.
  • the following discussion of method 300 may lead to a further understanding of the device 200, and its various components.
  • method 300 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.
  • the method 300 may alternatively be performed with the device 100 and/or a processor and/or the controller 120 thereof
  • a computing device detects that a mechanical switch 217 of a key 215 of a keyboard 213 has been activated.
  • the computing device In response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 of the key 215 of the keyboard 213 has been activated: at a block 303 the computing device processes first instructions 211 to implement a first application; and, at a block 305, the computing device renders at a display screen 228 of the computing device, a first indication of the first application.
  • the computing device detects whether a force sensor 219 of the key 215 is sensing a force above a threshold force.
  • the computing device processes the second instructions 212 to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and, at a block 311 , the computing device renders a second indication of the second application, in addition to the first indication.
  • the method 300 may end at a block 313.
  • the method 300 may end at a block 313.
  • the method 300 may further include: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period; and/or detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the mechanical switch 217 has been released; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228; and/or detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the force sensor 219 is sensing that the force has dropped below the threshold force; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example device 400 that includes a computer-readable medium 401 and a processor 402 (e.g., which may be similar to, or different from, the controllers 120, 220).
  • the device 400 may be the same as, or similar to, the device 200.
  • the computer-readable medium 401 includes instructions that, when implemented by the processor 402, cause the processor 402 to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
  • the computer-readable medium 401 may be a non- transitory computer-readable medium, such as a volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.), a non-volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read-only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.), and/or the like.
  • a volatile computer-readable medium e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.
  • a non-volatile computer-readable medium e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read-only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.
  • the processor 402 may be a general-purpose processor or special purpose logic, such as a microprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable array logic (PAL), a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc.
  • a microprocessor e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.
  • PAL programmable array logic
  • PLA programmable logic array
  • PLD programmable logic device
  • the computer-readable medium 401 includes instructions 411 which may be provided in the form of modules and/or software modules (e.g., as used herein, a “module” and/or “software module” is a set of instructions that when executed or interpreted by a processor or stored at a processor-readable medium realizes a component or performs a method). Hence, for example, the instructions 411 may alternatively be replaced with an instructions module.
  • the instructions 411 are described in more detail below.
  • the device 400 further comprises: a keyboard 413 (which may be internal or external to the device 400) including a key 415 (e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 416) comprising a mechanical switch 417 and a force sensor 419.
  • a keyboard 413 which may be internal or external to the device 400
  • a key 415 e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 416
  • a mechanical switch 417 e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 416
  • the computer-readable medium 401 further includes first application instructions 411 (and/or a first application instructions module) to implement a first application, and second application instructions 422 (and/or a second application instructions module) to implement a second application, as described herein
  • the instructions 411 when executed by the processor 402, cause the processor 402 to: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 417 of the key 415 of the keyboard 413 has been activated: execute the first application instructions 441 to implement the first application; and render, at the display screen 428, a first indication of the first application; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 419 of the key 415 is sensing a force above a threshold force: execute second application instructions 422 to implement the second application, in addition to the first application; and render, at the display screen 428, a second indication of the second application.
  • the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 431 .
  • the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application to turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 432.
  • the instructions 411 may further be to cause the processor 402 to, while the first application and the second application are being implemented, and the mechanical switch 417 has been released such that the force sensor 419 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been again activated: cease implementing the second application instructions 422 to cease implementation of the second application and/or implement third application instructions (e.g., to turn on the microphone 432); and render, at the display screen 428, a third indication of the second application being ceased and/or the third application instructions being implemented; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 419 again sensing the force above the threshold force: cease implementing the first application instructions 441 to cease implementation of the first application and/or implement fourth application instructions (e.g., to turn on the camera 431 ; and render, at the display screen 428, a fourth indication of the first application being ceased/or the fourth application instructions being implemented.
  • a value for the threshold force may be predetermined and/or determined heuristically, and stored at the computer-readable medium 401 separate from the instructions 411, and/or as a component of the instructions 411.
  • Figure 5 depicts an example of the device 200 implementing the method 300 and/or the instructions 411.
  • Figure 5 depicts a front perspective view of the device 200 in the form of a laptop computer, and the like, showing the keyboard 213, the key 215, the display screen 228, and the camera 231 and the microphone 232 built into a bezel of the display screen 228. While the mechanical switch 217 and the force sensor 219 are not depicted, they are understood to be present, for example integrated with the key 215 and/or the keyboard 213, as described above. Similarly, while the memory 210 and the controller 220 are not depicted, they are understood to be present (e.g., internal to the laptop computer).
  • a user is interacting with the key 215 by depressing the key 215 via a finger of their hand 501 , to activate the mechanical switch 217, as detected (e.g., at the block 301 of the method 300) by the controller 220.
  • the first instructions 211 are implemented by the controller 220 which, as depicted, causes the first application to be implemented (e.g., at the block 303 of the method 300).
  • a camera-off application is implemented, causing the camera 231 to turn off, as represented in Figure 5 by an “X” 503 through the camera 231.
  • the controller 220 renders (e.g., at the block 305 of the method 300) an indication 505 at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera-off application being implemented.
  • the indication 505 comprises an icon of a camera with a line through it, however, the indication 505 may comprise any suitable graphical and/or textual indication.
  • an aural indication may be played via a speaker of the device 200.
  • Figure 6 is substantially similar to Figure 5, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 5.
  • the user continues to interact with the key 215 by continuing to depress the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 , to apply a force 601 which is above the threshold force.
  • the force 601 is sensed by the force sensor 219, the controller 220 determines that the force 601 is above the threshold force (e.g., a “YES” decision occurs at the block 307 of the method 300).
  • the second instructions 212 are implemented by the controller 220 (e.g., at the block 309 of the method 300) which, as depicted, causes the second application to be implemented.
  • a microphone- off (and/or microphone-mute) application causes the microphone 232 to turn off and/or be muted, as represented in Figure 6 by an “X” 603 through the microphone 232.
  • the controller 220 renders (e.g., at the block 311 of the method 300) an indication 605 at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application being implemented.
  • the indication 605 comprises an icon of a microphone with a line through it, however, the indication 605 may comprise any suitable graphical and/or textual indication.
  • an aural indication may be played via a speaker of the device 200.
  • both indications 505, 605 are rendered simultaneously showing which applications have been implemented at the device 200 due to activation of the key 215.
  • a user may easily turn off the camera 231 and turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 232, in this order, via one keystroke, for example by depressing the key 215 to first turn off the camera 231 and then pressing harder to turn off the microphone 232.
  • Figure 7 is substantially similar to Figure 6, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 6.
  • the camera 231 and the microphone 232 are initially both off as in Figure 6 (e.g., the first instructions 211 and the second instructions 212 have initially been implemented in Figure 7), and the user may have lifted their finger from the key 215, for example to ensure privacy at the device 200.
  • the user again depresses the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 to again activate the mechanical switch 217, as detected by the controller 220.
  • the controller 220 ceases implementation of the second instructions 212 to turn on and/or unmute the microphone 232 (and/or alternatively implements third instructions to turn on and/or unmute the microphone).
  • the controller 220 renders an indication 705 at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone-off application being ceased and/or a microphone-on application being implemented, along with the indication 505, to indicate that the microphone 232 has been turned back on, but the camera 231 remains off.
  • both of the indications 505, 605 may have been previously removed from the display screen 228, and in response to the mechanical switch 217 being again activated, and the microphone 232 being turned back on, the indications 505, 705 are rendered.
  • Figure 8 is substantially similar to Figure 7, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 7.
  • the user continues to interact with the key 215 by continuing to depress the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 , to apply a force 801 which is above the threshold force which is sensed by the force sensor 219 and the controller 220 determines that the force 801 is greater than the threshold force.
  • the controller 220 ceases implementation of the first instructions 211 to turn on the camera 231 (and/or alternatively implements fourth instructions to turn on the camera 231).
  • the controller 220 renders an indication 805 at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera-off application being ceased and/or a camera-on application being implemented, along with the indication 705, to indicate that the microphone 232 and the camera 231 have been turned back on.
  • Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a sequence for turning off both the camera 231 and the microphone 232 (e.g., in that order) via the key 215
  • Figure 7 and Figure 8 show a sequence for turning one both the microphone 232 and the camera 231 (e.g., in that order) via the key 215, which may be used by a user to turn the camera 231 and the microphone 232 off and on, for example for privacy reasons and/or for use with a remote video application, and the like.

Abstract

An example device comprises a memory storing first instructions for implementing a first application; and second instructions for implementing a second application. The example device further comprises a keyboard including a key comprising a mechanical switch and a force sensor. The example device further comprises a controller in communication with the memory, the mechanical switch and the force sensor. The controller is to: in response to the mechanical switch being activated, process the first instructions to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to the force sensor sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions to implement the second application.

Description

DUAL FUNCTION KEYS ON KEYBOARDS
BACKGROUND
[0001] Keyboard layouts often change as new functions become available with new technology adoptions in computing devices, For example, keyboards are generally used to receive input at computing devices, and function keys of keyboards may be used to control functions of the computing devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0003] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example device with a dual function key on a keyboard.
[0004] Figure 2 is a block diagram of another example device with dual function keys on a keyboard.
[0005] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of an example method to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
[0006] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium including instructions that causes a processor to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
[0007] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example device implementing a method to turn off a camera and a microphone using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
[0008] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the example device of Figure 5 continuing to implement the method to turn off a camera and a microphone.
[0009] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example device implementing a method to turn on a camera and a microphone using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor.
[0010] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the example device of Figure 7 continuing to implement the method to turn on a camera and a microphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Keyboard layouts often change as new functions become available with new technology adoptions in laptops, for example, and/or other devices which use keyboards as input. In particular, function keys of keyboards may be assigned new functionality in different versions of operating systems, and the like, which may be challenging to access without using alt-keys and the like. Furthermore, as described herein, it may be useful to implement two functions simultaneously and/or sequentially using a key, such as a function key, and the like.
[0012] Hence, provided herein is a device that includes a keyboard and/or that uses a keyboard as input, in which a key at the keyboard includes a mechanical switch and a force sensor. When the key is depressed, and the mechanical switch is actuated and/or activated, first instructions for implementing a first application may be implemented. After the mechanical switch is actuated and/or activated, and the force sensor senses a force above a threshold force, second instructions for implementing a second application may be implemented. In some of these examples, the device may include a display screen and/or be in communication with a display screen, and, as the first application and the second application are implemented, render, at the display screen, indications of the first application and the second application.
[0013] Hence, for example, a user may depress the key to activate the mechanical switch to implement the first application and, by continuing to depress the key and applying a force above a threshold force, as detected by the force sensor, cause the second application to be implemented. The display screen may show respective icons, and the like, of first application, and then the second application, representative of the first application and the second application being implemented.
[0014] In some examples, the first application may comprise turning off a camera of the device, and the like, and the second application may comprise muting a microphone of the device, and the like. Hence, the user may depress the key to turn off the camera via the mechanical switch, and be provided with an icon, and the like, at the display screen indicating that camera has been turned off; the user may then continue to press the key, and apply a force above the threshold force at the key to turn off the microphone, as detected via the force sensor switch, and be provided with an icon, and the like, at the display screen indicating that microphone has been muted. Once the key is released, in some examples, the user may again depress the key to again actuate and/or activate the mechanical switch to unmute the microphone, and then and, by continuing to depress the key and applying a force above a threshold force, as detected by the force sensor, cause the camera to be turned back on;
[0015] An aspect of the present specification provides a device comprising: a memory storing: first instructions for implementing a first application; and second instructions for implementing a second application; a keyboard including a key comprising a mechanical switch and a force sensor; and a controller in communication with the memory, the mechanical switch and the force sensor, the controller to: in response to the mechanical switch being activated, process the first instructions to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to the force sensor sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions to implement the second application.
[0016] Another aspect of the present specification provides a method comprising: detecting, at a computing device, that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, first instructions to implement a first application; and rendering, at a display screen of the computing device, a first indication of the first application; and detecting, at the computing device, after the mechanical switch has been activated, that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, second instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and rendering, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application, in addition to the first indication.
[0017] Another aspect of the present specification provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: in response to detecting that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated: execute first application instructions to implement a first application; and render, at a display screen, a first indication of the first application; and after detecting that the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to detecting that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force: execute second application instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and render, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application.
[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example device 100 with a dual function key on a keyboard. The device 100 may comprise a laptop computing device, a mobile device, a personal computer, and/or any other device and/or computing device, that uses a keyboard as input. As depicted, the device 100 comprises a memory 110 storing: first instructions 111 for implementing a first application; and second instructions 112 for implementing a second application.
[0019] As depicted, the device 100 further comprises a keyboard 113 including a key 115. The key 115 is depicted both at the keyboard 113 and schematically (e.g., at the arrow 116), in schematic cross-section (e.g., the schematic cross- section shows a keycap of the key 115). In particular, the key 115 comprises a mechanical switch 117 and a force sensor 119.
[0020] As depicted, the device 100 further comprises a controller 120 in communication with the memory 110, the mechanical switch 117 and the force sensor 119. As will be described in more detail below, the controller 120 is to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 112 to implement the second application. While not depicted, a value for the threshold force may be predetermined and/or determined heuristically, stored at the memory 110 separate from the instructions 111 , 112; the value for the threshold force may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreases) by way of a user interacting with the device 100 (e.g., via the keyboard and/or another input device, to interact with a menu, and the like, for adjusting the threshold value).
[0021] While not depicted, the key 115 may be held in place at the keyboard 113 via a mechanical frame, and the like, and may further include a biasing device to bias the key 115 away from the mechanical switch 117; however, in other examples, the mechanical switch 117 may include such a biasing device.
[0022] As depicted, the mechanical switch 117 may comprise a rubber dome switch, and the like. As such, the mechanical switch 117 (and/or the key 115 and/or the keyboard 113) may include a membrane, and the like, which includes an open electrical circuit which may be closed when the mechanical switch 117 is activated (e.g., when a force is applied to the key 115) which is detected by the controller 120 and which hence indicates to the controller 120 that the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, thereby causing the controller 120 to process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application. However, the mechanical switch 117 may comprise any suitable mechanical switch.
[0023] As depicted, the force sensor 119 may comprise a capacitive sensor located beneath a top surface of the key 115 (e.g., beneath a top surface of a keycap of the key 115). In particular, the force sensor 119 may comprise a flexible printed circuit located beneath a top surface of the key 115. Regardless, the force sensor 119 is generally in communication with the controller 120 (e.g., via a connector, and the like, to the flexible printed circuit, and the like), and is to sense a force applied to the key 115, and provide, to the controller 120, an indication of the force as sensed. Hence, for example, when a user applies a force to the key 115 and/or increases or decreased applied force, the indication of the force as sense provided to the controller 120 is generally indicative of a magnitude of the force and may increase or decrease as the applied force is increased or decreased. However, the force sensor 119 may comprise any suitable force sensor and may be located at any suitable position at the key 115 including, but not limited to, integrated with the mechanical switch 117 and/or beneath the mechanical switch 117, and the like. [0024] In general, a user may depress the key 115 to activate the mechanical switch 117 to cause the controller 120 to implement the first instructions 111 , and the user may apply a force to the key 115 (e.g., after the mechanical switch 117 is activated and continues to be depressed), that is sensed by the force sensor 119; when the applied force is greater than a threshold force, as determined by the controller 120 (e.g., based on an indication received from the force sensor 119), the controller 120 causes the second instructions 112 to be implemented. In this manner, the user may operate the key 115 to cause the controller 120 to process both the first instructions 111 (e.g., to implement the first application) and the second instructions 112 (e.g., to implement the second application).
[0025] In some examples, the instructions 111 , 112 may be implemented as engines (e.g., a first engine to implement the first application and a second engine to implement the second application) such that that the memory 110 may alternatively store: a first engine for implementing a first application; and a second engine for implementing a second application. Similarly, in these examples, the controller 120 may be to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first engine to implement the first application; and engine after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second engine to implement the second application. As used herein, the term “engine” refers to hardware (e.g., the controller 120, which may include, but is not limited to, a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) an integrated circuit or other circuitry) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., programming such as machine- or processor-executable instructions, commands, or code such as firmware, a device driver, programming, object code, etc. as stored on hardware).
[0026] Hardware, including the controller 120, may include, but is not limited to, a hardware element with no software elements such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. A combination of hardware and software includes software hosted at hardware (e.g., a software module that is stored at a processor-readable memory, such as the memory 110, such as random access memory (RAM), a hard-disk or solid- state drive, resistive memory, or optical media such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), and/or implemented or interpreted by a processor), or hardware and software hosted at hardware.
[0027] In particular, the controller 120 may be a general-purpose controller and/or processor or special purpose logic, such as a microprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable array logic (PAL), a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc. The memory 110 may include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a volatile computer- readable medium (e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.), a non-volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.), and/or the like.
[0028] For example, a first engine for implementing a first application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware for implementing the first application, such as turning off a camera, and the like; however, a first engine for implementing a first application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware which correspond to any suitable application. Similarly, a second engine for implementing a second application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware for implementing the second application, such as muting a microphone, and the like; however, a second engine for implementing a second application may comprise hardware or a combination of software and hardware which correspond to any suitable application.
[0029] While the keyboard 113 is described as including one key 115 that includes a mechanical switch 117 and a force sensor 119, in other examples, the keyboard 113 may further include a plurality of keys (e.g., including the key 115) comprising: respective mechanical switches (e.g., similar to the mechanical switch 117) to activate respective first functions; and respective force sensors (e.g., similar to the force sensor 119) to activate respective second functions after the respective first functions are activated.
[0030] While not depicted, the device 100 may further include a display screen which may be used to provide indications, such as graphical icons, and the like, of the first application and the second application being implemented, as they are implemented, for example, to show a user which applications are being implemented.
[0031] In other examples, the device 100 may include a camera and a microphone, and the first application may comprise a camera-off application, and the second application may comprise a microphone-off, and/or a microphone-mute application to turn off, and/or mute, a microphone.
[0032] In other examples, the device 100 may other components including, but not limited to, a speaker, a pointing device, a radio, a communication interface, hardware ports, and the like.
[0033] Furthermore, while the keyboard 113 is depicted as being internal to the device 100 (e.g., internal to a chassis of the device 100), in other examples the keyboard 113 may be external to the device (e.g., external to a chassis of the device 100, and in communication with the controller 120 via a communication interface and/or suitable hardware ports, and the like). In these examples, the device 100 may comprise: the memory 110 storing: the first instructions 111 for implementing a first application; and the second instructions 112 for implementing a second application; and the controller 120 in communication with the memory 110 and the keyboard 113, the keyboard 113 including the key 115 comprising the mechanical switch 117 and the force sensor 119, the controller 120 to: in response to the mechanical switch 117 being activated, process the first instructions 111 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 117 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 119 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 112 to implement the second application.
[0034] Attention is next directed to Figure 2 which is a block diagram of another example device 200 with a dual function key on a keyboard. The device 200 is substantially similar to the device 100, with like components having like numbers, but in a “200” series rather than a “100” series. For example, the device 200 may comprise: a memory 210 storing: first instructions 211 for implementing a first application; and second instructions 212 for implementing a second application; a keyboard 213 (which may be internal or external to the device 200) including a key 215 comprising a mechanical switch 217 and a force sensor 219 (e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 216); and a controller 220 in communication with the memory 210, the mechanical switch 217 and the force sensor 219, the controller 120 to: in response to the mechanical switch 217 being activated, process the first instructions 211 to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch 217 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 219 sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions 212 to implement the second application.
[0035] However, in contrast to the device 100, the device 200 further includes a display screen 228, a camera 231 and a microphone 232 (or, alternatively, the display screen 228 and/or the camera 231 and/or the microphone 232 may be located external to the device 200 and in communication with the controller 220 via a communication interface and/or suitable hardware ports, and the like). As will be explained in more detail below, in some examples, the controller 220 may be further to: in response to the mechanical switch 217 being activated: process the first instructions 211 to implement the first application; and render at the display screen 228, a first indication of the first application; and after the mechanical switch 217 has been activated, in response to the force sensor 219 sensing a force above a threshold force: process the second instructions 212 to implement the second application; and render at the display screen 228, a second indication of the second application. The first indication and the second indication may comprise respective icons representing the first application and the second application.
[0036] Hence, for example, the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 231 (which may otherwise be on, for example the camera 231 may be automatically turned on when the device 200 is turned on), and the first indication of the first application may comprise an icon rendered at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera 231 being turned off. Similarly, the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone mute) application to turn off and/or mute the microphone 232 (which may otherwise be on, for example the microphone 232 may be automatically turned on when the device 200 is turned on), and the second indication of the second application may comprise an icon rendered at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone 232 being turned off and/or muted.
[0037] Furthermore, in some examples, the controller 220 may be further to remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period.
[0038] Alternatively, and/or in addition to removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period, the controller 220 may be further to detect, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the mechanical switch 228 has been released; and, in response: remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228. Hence, for example, the indications may be removed from the display screen 228 when the user releases the key 215.
[0039] Similarly (and/or alternatively and/or in addition to removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period and/or in response to detecting that mechanical switch 228 has been released), the controller 220 may be further to detect, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the force sensor 219 is sensing that the force has dropped below the threshold force; and, in response: remove the first indication and the second indication from the display screen. Hence, for example, the indications may be removed from the display screen 228 when the user reduces applied force on the key 215.
[0040] In some examples, activation and/or actuation of the key 215 while the first application and the second application are being implemented (and/or after the first application and the second application are implemented) may result in the controller 220: ceasing implementation of the first application and the second application but in a reverse order to that of an order in which the first application and the second application were implemented (e.g., in response to, respectively, the mechanical switch 217 being again actuated, and the force sensor 219 again sensing a force greater than the threshold force). Alternatively, activation and/or actuation of the key 215 while the first application and the second application are being implemented (and/or after the first application and the second application are implemented) may result in the controller 220: implementing a third application that effectively performs a function opposite to that of the second function; and implementing a fourth application that effectively performs a function opposite to that of the first function (e.g., in response to, respectively, the mechanical switch 217 being again actuated, and the force sensor 219 again sensing a force greater than the threshold force).
[0041] For example, the controller 220 may be further to: while the first application and the second application are being implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: cease implementing the second instructions 212 to cease implementation of the second application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a third indication of the second application being ceased); and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 again sensing the force above the threshold force: cease implementing the first instructions 211 to cease implementation of the first application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a fourth indication of the first application being ceased).
[0042] Alternatively, the controller 220 may be further to: after the first application and the second application are implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: implement third instructions (not depicted) to undo a result of the second application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a third indication of the result of the second application being undone); and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 again sensing the force above the threshold force: implement fourth instructions (not depicted) to undo a result of the first application (and optionally render, at the display screen 228, a fourth indication of the result of the first application being undone).
[0043] For example, as described above, the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 231 and the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application to turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 232 such that: the controller 220 implementing the first instructions causes the camera 231 to turn off (e.g., when the mechanical switch 217 is first activated); the controller 220 implementing the second instructions 212 causes the microphone 232 to turn off and/or be muted (e.g., when the force sensor 219 first detects a force above a threshold force); the controller 220 ceasing implementing the second instructions 212 and/or implementing the third instructions, causes the microphone 232 to turn back on (and/or be unmuted) (e.g., when the mechanical switch 217 is next activated); and the controller 220 ceasing implementing the first instructions 211 and/or implementing the fourth instructions causes the camera 231 to turn back on (e.g., when the force sensor 219 next detects a force above a threshold force).
[0044] However, when the first application is being implemented and not the second application (e.g., as the mechanical switch 217 may have been activated, but the force sensor 219 may not have sensed a force above the threshold force), and the controller 220 may be further to: while the first application (but not the second application) is being implemented, and the mechanical switch 217 has been released such that the force sensor 219 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated: cease implementing the first instructions 211 to cease implementation of the first application (and/or implement the fourth instructions), and optionally render, at the display screen 228, the fourth indication of the first application being ceased; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 217 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 sensing the force above the threshold force: take no action. In other words, when the first application is being implemented, but not the second application, a second actuation of the key 215 may result in the first application being ceased and/or the fourth application being implemented, and no action being taken with regards to the second application.
[0045] Referring to Figure 3, a flowchart of an example method 300 to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor is depicted. In order to assist in the explanation of method 300, it will be assumed that method 300 may be performed with the device 200, and/or a processor and/or the controller 220 thereof. The method 300 may be one way in which the device 200 may be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 300 may lead to a further understanding of the device 200, and its various components. Furthermore, it is to be emphasized, that method 300 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether. Furthermore, it is to be emphasized that the method 300 may alternatively be performed with the device 100 and/or a processor and/or the controller 120 thereof
[0046] Beginning at a block 301 , a computing device (e.g., the device 200) detects that a mechanical switch 217 of a key 215 of a keyboard 213 has been activated.
[0047] In response to detecting that the mechanical switch 217 of the key 215 of the keyboard 213 has been activated: at a block 303 the computing device processes first instructions 211 to implement a first application; and, at a block 305, the computing device renders at a display screen 228 of the computing device, a first indication of the first application.
[0048] At a block 307, after the mechanical switch 217 has been activated, the computing device detects whether a force sensor 219 of the key 215 is sensing a force above a threshold force. [0049] In response to detecting that the force sensor 219 of the key 215 is sensing a force above the threshold force (e.g., a “YES” decision at the block 307): at block 309, the computing device processes the second instructions 212 to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and, at a block 311 , the computing device renders a second indication of the second application, in addition to the first indication. The first indication (e.g., rendered at the block 305) and the second indication (e.g., rendered at the block 311) may comprise respective icons representing the first application and the second application.
[0050] The method 300 may end at a block 313.
[0051] Similarly, and returning briefly to the block 307, in response to detecting that the force sensor 219 of the key 215 is sensing a force below the threshold force (e.g., a “NO” decision at the block 307), the method 300 may end at a block 313.
[0052] As described above, the method 300 may further include: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228 after a given time period; and/or detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the mechanical switch 217 has been released; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228; and/or detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen 228, that the force sensor 219 is sensing that the force has dropped below the threshold force; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen 228.
[0053] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example device 400 that includes a computer-readable medium 401 and a processor 402 (e.g., which may be similar to, or different from, the controllers 120, 220). The device 400 may be the same as, or similar to, the device 200. The computer-readable medium 401 includes instructions that, when implemented by the processor 402, cause the processor 402 to implement dual functions using a key with a mechanical switch and a force sensor. The computer-readable medium 401 may be a non- transitory computer-readable medium, such as a volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., volatile RAM, a processor cache, a processor register, etc.), a non-volatile computer-readable medium (e.g., a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a paper storage device, flash memory, read-only memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.), and/or the like. The processor 402 may be a general-purpose processor or special purpose logic, such as a microprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable array logic (PAL), a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc. The computer-readable medium 401 or the processor 402 may be distributed among a plurality of computer-readable media or a plurality of processors.
[0054] The computer-readable medium 401 includes instructions 411 which may be provided in the form of modules and/or software modules (e.g., as used herein, a “module” and/or “software module” is a set of instructions that when executed or interpreted by a processor or stored at a processor-readable medium realizes a component or performs a method). Hence, for example, the instructions 411 may alternatively be replaced with an instructions module. The instructions 411 are described in more detail below.
[0055] As depicted, the device 400 further comprises: a keyboard 413 (which may be internal or external to the device 400) including a key 415 (e.g., seen in schematic cross-section at the arrow 416) comprising a mechanical switch 417 and a force sensor 419.
[0056] As depicted, the computer-readable medium 401 further includes first application instructions 411 (and/or a first application instructions module) to implement a first application, and second application instructions 422 (and/or a second application instructions module) to implement a second application, as described herein
[0057] In general, the instructions 411 , when executed by the processor 402, cause the processor 402 to: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 417 of the key 415 of the keyboard 413 has been activated: execute the first application instructions 441 to implement the first application; and render, at the display screen 428, a first indication of the first application; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 419 of the key 415 is sensing a force above a threshold force: execute second application instructions 422 to implement the second application, in addition to the first application; and render, at the display screen 428, a second indication of the second application.
[0058] As has already been described, the first application may comprise a camera-off application to turn off the camera 431 . Similarly, as has already been described, the second application may comprise a microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application to turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 432.
[0059] In some examples, the instructions 411 may further be to cause the processor 402 to, while the first application and the second application are being implemented, and the mechanical switch 417 has been released such that the force sensor 419 senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been again activated: cease implementing the second application instructions 422 to cease implementation of the second application and/or implement third application instructions (e.g., to turn on the microphone 432); and render, at the display screen 428, a third indication of the second application being ceased and/or the third application instructions being implemented; and after detecting that the mechanical switch 417 has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor 419 again sensing the force above the threshold force: cease implementing the first application instructions 441 to cease implementation of the first application and/or implement fourth application instructions (e.g., to turn on the camera 431 ; and render, at the display screen 428, a fourth indication of the first application being ceased/or the fourth application instructions being implemented.
[0060] In some examples, a value for the threshold force may be predetermined and/or determined heuristically, and stored at the computer-readable medium 401 separate from the instructions 411, and/or as a component of the instructions 411.
[0061] Attention is next directed to Figure 5 which depicts an example of the device 200 implementing the method 300 and/or the instructions 411.
[0062] In particular, Figure 5 depicts a front perspective view of the device 200 in the form of a laptop computer, and the like, showing the keyboard 213, the key 215, the display screen 228, and the camera 231 and the microphone 232 built into a bezel of the display screen 228. While the mechanical switch 217 and the force sensor 219 are not depicted, they are understood to be present, for example integrated with the key 215 and/or the keyboard 213, as described above. Similarly, while the memory 210 and the controller 220 are not depicted, they are understood to be present (e.g., internal to the laptop computer).
[0063] As depicted, a user is interacting with the key 215 by depressing the key 215 via a finger of their hand 501 , to activate the mechanical switch 217, as detected (e.g., at the block 301 of the method 300) by the controller 220. The first instructions 211 are implemented by the controller 220 which, as depicted, causes the first application to be implemented (e.g., at the block 303 of the method 300). In particular, a camera-off application is implemented, causing the camera 231 to turn off, as represented in Figure 5 by an “X” 503 through the camera 231. As also depicted in Figure 5, the controller 220 renders (e.g., at the block 305 of the method 300) an indication 505 at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera-off application being implemented. As depicted, the indication 505 comprises an icon of a camera with a line through it, however, the indication 505 may comprise any suitable graphical and/or textual indication. In some examples, an aural indication may be played via a speaker of the device 200.
[0064] It is understood in Figure 5 that the user is not yet depressing the key 215 with a force above the threshold force.
[0065] However, attention is next directed to Figure 6, which is substantially similar to Figure 5, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 5. As depicted, the user continues to interact with the key 215 by continuing to depress the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 , to apply a force 601 which is above the threshold force. The force 601 is sensed by the force sensor 219, the controller 220 determines that the force 601 is above the threshold force (e.g., a “YES” decision occurs at the block 307 of the method 300). The second instructions 212 are implemented by the controller 220 (e.g., at the block 309 of the method 300) which, as depicted, causes the second application to be implemented. For example, a microphone- off (and/or microphone-mute) application causes the microphone 232 to turn off and/or be muted, as represented in Figure 6 by an “X” 603 through the microphone 232. As also depicted in Figure 6, the controller 220 renders (e.g., at the block 311 of the method 300) an indication 605 at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone-off (and/or microphone-mute) application being implemented. As depicted, the indication 605 comprises an icon of a microphone with a line through it, however, the indication 605 may comprise any suitable graphical and/or textual indication. In some examples, an aural indication may be played via a speaker of the device 200.
[0066] As also depicted in Figure 6, both indications 505, 605 are rendered simultaneously showing which applications have been implemented at the device 200 due to activation of the key 215.
[0067] In this manner, a user may easily turn off the camera 231 and turn off (and/or mute) the microphone 232, in this order, via one keystroke, for example by depressing the key 215 to first turn off the camera 231 and then pressing harder to turn off the microphone 232.
[0068] Attention is next directed to Figure 7, which is substantially similar to Figure 6, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 6. As depicted, it is understood that the camera 231 and the microphone 232 are initially both off as in Figure 6 (e.g., the first instructions 211 and the second instructions 212 have initially been implemented in Figure 7), and the user may have lifted their finger from the key 215, for example to ensure privacy at the device 200.
[0069] However, in Figure 7, the user again depresses the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 to again activate the mechanical switch 217, as detected by the controller 220. The controller 220 ceases implementation of the second instructions 212 to turn on and/or unmute the microphone 232 (and/or alternatively implements third instructions to turn on and/or unmute the microphone). As also depicted in Figure 7 the controller 220 renders an indication 705 at the display screen 228 indicative of the microphone-off application being ceased and/or a microphone-on application being implemented, along with the indication 505, to indicate that the microphone 232 has been turned back on, but the camera 231 remains off. In particular, both of the indications 505, 605 may have been previously removed from the display screen 228, and in response to the mechanical switch 217 being again activated, and the microphone 232 being turned back on, the indications 505, 705 are rendered.
[0070] However, attention is next directed to Figure 8, which is substantially similar to Figure 7, with like components having like numbers, and follows on in a sequence in time from Figure 7. As depicted, the user continues to interact with the key 215 by continuing to depress the key 215 via the finger of their hand 501 , to apply a force 801 which is above the threshold force which is sensed by the force sensor 219 and the controller 220 determines that the force 801 is greater than the threshold force. The controller 220 ceases implementation of the first instructions 211 to turn on the camera 231 (and/or alternatively implements fourth instructions to turn on the camera 231). As also depicted in Figure 8 the controller 220 renders an indication 805 at the display screen 228 indicative of the camera-off application being ceased and/or a camera-on application being implemented, along with the indication 705, to indicate that the microphone 232 and the camera 231 have been turned back on.
[0071] Hence, Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a sequence for turning off both the camera 231 and the microphone 232 (e.g., in that order) via the key 215, and Figure 7 and Figure 8 show a sequence for turning one both the microphone 232 and the camera 231 (e.g., in that order) via the key 215, which may be used by a user to turn the camera 231 and the microphone 232 off and on, for example for privacy reasons and/or for use with a remote video application, and the like.
[0072] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a memory storing: first instructions for implementing a first application; and second instructions for implementing a second application; a keyboard including a key comprising a mechanical switch and a force sensor; and a controller in communication with the memory, the mechanical switch and the force sensor, the controller to: in response to the mechanical switch being activated, process the first instructions to implement the first application; and after the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to the force sensor sensing a force above a threshold force, process the second instructions to implement the second application.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the force sensor comprises a capacitive sensor located beneath a top surface of the key.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the force sensor comprises a flexible printed circuit located beneath a top surface of the key.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical switch comprises a rubber dome switch.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the keyboard further includes a plurality of keys comprising: respective mechanical switches to activate respective first functions; and respective force sensors to activate respective second functions after the respective first functions are activated.
6. A method comprising: detecting, at a computing device, that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, first instructions to implement a first application; and rendering, at a display screen of the computing device, a first indication of the first application; and detecting, at the computing device, after the mechanical switch has been activated, that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force, and, in response: processing, at the computing device, second instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and rendering, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application, in addition to the first indication.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen after a given time period.
8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen, that the mechanical switch has been released; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen.
9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: detecting, at the computing device, after the first indication and the second indication have been rendered at the display screen, that the force sensor is sensing that the force has dropped below the threshold force; and, in response: removing the first indication and the second indication from the display screen.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first indication and the second indication comprise respective icons representing the first application and the second application.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: in response to detecting that a mechanical switch of a key of a keyboard has been activated: execute first application instructions to implement a first application; and render, at a display screen, a first indication of the first application; and after detecting that the mechanical switch has been activated, in response to detecting that a force sensor of the key is sensing a force above a threshold force: execute second application instructions to implement a second application, in addition to the first application; and render, at the display screen, a second indication of the second application.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the first application comprise a camera-off application to turn off a camera.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the second application comprise a microphone-off application to turn off a microphone.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the instructions are further to cause the processor to: while the first application and the second application are being implemented, and the mechanical switch has been released such that the force sensor senses that the force is below the threshold force: in response to detecting that the mechanical switch has been again activated: cease implementing the second application instructions to cease implementation of the second application; and render, at the display screen, a third indication of the second application being ceased; and after detecting that the mechanical switch has been again activated, in response to detecting that the force sensor again sensing the force above the threshold force: cease implementing the first application instructions to cease implementation of the first application; and render, at the display screen, a fourth indication of the first application being ceased.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the first application comprise a camera-off application to turn off a camera and the second application comprise a microphone-off application to turn off a microphone such that: implementing the first application instructions causes the camera to turn off; implementing the second application instructions causes the microphone to turn off; ceasing implementing the second application instructions causes the microphone to turn back on; and ceasing implementing the first application instructions causes the camera to turn back on.
PCT/US2020/039247 2020-06-24 2020-06-24 Dual function keys on keyboards WO2021262156A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

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US20190265797A1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2019-08-29 Apple Inc. Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Providing Feedback During Interaction with an Intensity-Sensitive Button

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US8692736B1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2014-04-08 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Configurable keypad for an electronic device
US20150338883A1 (en) * 2014-05-26 2015-11-26 Apple Inc. Portable computing system
US20190265797A1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2019-08-29 Apple Inc. Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Providing Feedback During Interaction with an Intensity-Sensitive Button

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