Dynamic input surface for electronic devices

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/057,425, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Dynamic Track Pad for Electronic Devices,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also related and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/057,350, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Zero-Travel Input Structure,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

0002The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a dynamic input surface for an electronic device, and a method of reconfiguring the dynamic input surface.

BACKGROUND

0003Conventional electronic devices typically include a variety of distinct input devices or input surfaces formed from a variety of components. For example, conventional laptop computing devices typically include a keyboard and a track pad to allow a user to interact with the laptop. Each of these devices includes components that may be positioned both inside and outside of the casing of the laptop. For example, the keyboard may include keycaps protruding from the casing, and corresponding internal dome switches, electrical contacts and traces positioned within the casing. In order for the keycaps to protrude from the casing and maintain contact with the internal components, keycap apertures are formed through the casing of the electronic device.

0004Conventional input devices, such as keyboards or track pads for a laptop, are susceptible to damage. For example, debris and other contaminants may enter the casing of the electronic device through the keycap apertures and may subsequently damage the internal components of the electronic device. The damage to the internal components may render the electronic device inoperable. Likewise, the mechanical structures forming the input devices may be especially vulnerable to a drop or mechanical shock.

0005Additionally, because many conventional input devices have a number of components positioned both inside and outside the casing of the electronic device, the risk of component failure may increase. That is, in combination with some components being positioned on the outside of the casing where a number of components are used to form each of the conventional input devices, if a single component is damaged, lost, or becomes inoperable, the entire input device may become inoperable.

0006Furthermore, the construction or formation of conventional track pads may only enable the track pad to be static and/or fixed within an electronic device. That is, conventional track pads may have a fixed position within the electronic device. As a result, the track pad may not be positioned in a desired and/or optimal position during certain uses of the electronic device. Additionally, the conventional track pad may have a fixed dimension, which may be cumbersome when electronic device is being utilized to perform actions that involve a large amount of scrolling or other track pad functions.

SUMMARY

0007A dynamic input surface is disclosed. The dynamic input surface comprises a metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the metal contact portion. A size of the input area dynamically varies based on the gesture, and the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.

0008An electronic device comprising a metal casing is disclosed. The metal casing comprises a partially-flexible contact portion, a keyboard assembly positioned within the metal casing, and a dynamic input surface on the metal casing. The dynamic input surface comprises a group of indicators, and an adjustable input area bounded by an illuminated subset of the group of indicators.

0009A method for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface of an electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating a boundary of an input area of the dynamic input surface, where the input area comprises a part of a contact surface. The method also comprises receiving at least one gesture within or on the boundary of the input area, adjusting at least one of a position or a size of the input area of the dynamic input surface based on the gesture, and varying the illumination of the boundary accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0010The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, according to embodiments.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, according to embodiments.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a cross-section side view of a stack-up of the dynamic input surface of the electronic device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, taken along line <b>2</b>-<b>2</b>, according to embodiments. The dynamic input surface includes a compliant layer formed therein.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a cross-section side view of a stack-up of the dynamic input surface of the electronic device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, taken along line <b>2</b>-<b>2</b>, according to embodiments. The dynamic input surface includes supports formed therein.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a bottom view of a portion of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, a haptic feedback module, a touch detection module and a touch frequency module, according to embodiments.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface and indicators formed in a contact portion, according to embodiments.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface, according to embodiments.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown prior to resizing the dynamic input surface.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown subsequent to resizing the dynamic input surface.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface prior to the dynamic input surface being repositioned in an input area, according to embodiments.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic track of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, according to embodiments. The electronic device is shown subsequent to the dynamic input surface being repositioned in an input area.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> shows a top view of an electronic device including a dynamic input surface and a light trail, and a user's finger positioned in a first position on the input surface, according to embodiments.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface and the light trail, and the user's finger positioned in a second position on the input surface, according to embodiments.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> shows a top view of the electronic device including the dynamic input surface and the light trail, and the user's finger positioned in a third position on the input surface, according to embodiments.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface for an electronic device. The method may be performed on the components as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-8C</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0026Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

0027The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a dynamic input surface for electronic devices, and a method of reconfiguring the dynamic input surface.

0028In a particular embodiment, a dynamic input surface of an electronic device is configurable, such that the size, shape and/or positioning of the input surface can be changed and/or customizable. The size, shape and/or positioning of the input surface may be customized based on a user's desire and/or interaction within the electronic device. Increasing the size of the dynamic input surface allows a user more space for scrolling gestures, which may eliminate the need of a user having to lift their fingers from the input surface to continue scrolling. Additionally, changing the position or shape of the dynamic input surface allows a user to move dynamic input surface to a preferred side of the casing for easier or more comfortable use of the dynamic input surface and/or to move the dynamic input surface to a side when the dynamic input surface is not being utilized by a user interacting with the electronic device. The dynamic input surface may function as a track pad, for example, or other input device.

0029In another particular embodiment, the electronic device includes a contact portion formed from a flexible material that may bend or deform into and/or contact a portion of an input surface stack-up. The input surface stack-up may capacitively sense a user's touch or gesture, input force or deformation of the flexible material due to application of an a user's gesture or input force on a corresponding contact portion of the electronic device. The touch gestures and input force applied to the contact portion is of sufficient magnitude to result in deformation of the contact portion into the stack-up such that the stack-up capacitively senses the gesture and/or force, and also is a minimal magnitude so that the bending or deformation of the contact portion is visually and/or tactilely imperceptible to a user. It should be appreciated that the deformation may be on the order of tens of microns, for example 100 microns or less, 50 microns or less, or 10 microns or less, in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the deformation or other travel of the contact portion may be greater and may be perceptible to a user.

0030When a detected touch, gesture, or input force changes a measured capacitance, an input corresponding to any or all of the location of the capacitance change, amount of capacitive change and/or deformation of the flexible material may be provided to the electronic device. The location of a capacitive change may correspond to a location on a surface of the electronic device at which the touch gesture or input force was provided, and thus to a touch location. Accordingly, embodiments herein may detect not only a continuum of forces (as opposed to binary detection of force) but also a location of touch/interaction. Further, because embodiments described herein do not rely on capacitive coupling between a sensor and a device or person providing a touch input, embodiments may sense force and/or touch through grounding and/or shielding structures, such as metal, and may sense inputs provided by non-capacitive constructs touching an electronic device. Typical input forces may be approximately 20-350 grams, in certain embodiments, although this range is meant merely as an example rather than a limitation.

0031The electronic device may also include holes formed or otherwise extending through the contact portion, which may be selectively lit by the input surface stack-up. The holes may be selectively lit when a user of the electronic device repositions and/or resizes the interactive or input area of the dynamic input surface formed on the contact portion. As a result, a user may reconfigure the input surface used to interact with the electronic device based on user preference and/or operational characteristics of the electronic device, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, indicators other than holes (or illuminated holes) may be activated or selected instead.

0032Additionally, and as discussed herein, certain embodiments of the dynamic input surface allows a user to view previous movements, gestures and/or finger positioning when interacting with the electronic device. That is, previously touched portions of the dynamic input surface are illuminated to form a visual path indicating where the user previously touched (or otherwise interacted with) the casing and/or the dynamic input surface of the electronic device. This may be especially helpful when the electronic device is used with drawing or illustrator programs and/or games, in which cursor movements performed on the dynamic input surface require precision and a replication of previous movements on the input surface.

0033Furthermore, and as discussed herein, the components or layers forming the dynamic input surface are substantially surrounded by and/or enclosed within the casing of the electronic device. As a result, no portion of the dynamic input surface is exposed and/or positioned between the external and internal portion of the casing forming the electronic device. As a result, the casing can be formed from a solid piece of material, and thus may prevent damage to the internal components of the electronic device and/or the components of the dynamic input surface.

0034These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-9</figref>. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref> show an electronic device <b>100</b>, including a configurable, dynamic input surface <b>200</b>, according to embodiments. In a non-limiting example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, electronic device <b>100</b> may be a laptop computer and the input surface may be a track pad. However, it is understood that electronic device <b>100</b> may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize configurable, dynamic input surface <b>200</b> (hereafter, “input surface <b>200</b>”).

0036As discussed herein, dynamic input surface <b>200</b> is a configurable track pad or input device utilized by electronic device <b>100</b>. As a configurable input surface, the size, shape and/or positioning of dynamic input surface <b>200</b> can be changed within the electronic device <b>100</b>. Utilizing user gestures and an array of perforation holes formed in the casing of electronic device <b>100</b> to indicate boundary lines of the input surface, as discussed herein, dynamic input surface <b>200</b> can be customized based on a desired size, shape and/or position on the casing of electronic device <b>100</b>. Increasing the size of dynamic input surface <b>200</b> may allow a user more space for scrolling gestures, which may eliminate the need of a user having to lift their fingers from the input surface to continue scrolling. Additionally, changing the position or shape of dynamic input surface <b>200</b> allows a user to move dynamic input surface <b>200</b> to a preferred side of the casing for easier or more comfortable use of dynamic input surface <b>200</b> and/or to move dynamic input surface <b>200</b> to a side when dynamic input surface <b>200</b> is not being utilized by a user interacting with electronic device <b>100</b>.

0037Electronic device <b>100</b> may include a casing <b>102</b>. Casing <b>102</b> may take the form of an exterior, protective casing or shell for electronic device <b>100</b> and the various internal components (for example, input surface <b>200</b>) of electronic device <b>100</b>. In a non-limiting example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, casing <b>102</b> may have a contact layer or portion <b>104</b>. Contact layer (portion <b>104</b>) may be formed as a single, integral component, or may have a number of distinct components that may be configured to be coupled to one another, as discussed herein. As discussed herein, contact portion <b>104</b> (including input surface <b>200</b>) may be interacted with (e.g., touched) by a user for providing input and/or interacting with electronic device <b>100</b>.

0038Contact portion <b>104</b> may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device <b>100</b> and the various components included in electronic device <b>100</b>. In a non-limiting example, contact portion <b>104</b> may be made from metal, such as an aluminum plate, housing (e.g., casing) or the like, that may be at least partially flexible when pressed by a user. In another non-limiting example, contact portion <b>104</b> may be formed from a ceramic, a plastic or another polymer, or a fiber-matrix composite, and so on.

0039Electronic device <b>100</b> may also include a keyboard assembly <b>106</b> including a group of keycaps <b>108</b>. The keycaps <b>108</b> may at least partially protrude from contact portion <b>104</b>, and each may be substantially surrounded by contact portion <b>104</b>. In the non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, where electronic device <b>100</b> is a laptop computer, keyboard assembly <b>106</b> may be positioned within and/or may be received by casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>.

0040As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, electronic device <b>100</b> may also include a display <b>110</b> and a display case <b>112</b> housing display <b>110</b>. Display case <b>112</b> may form an exterior housing and/or protective enclosure for display <b>110</b> of electronic device <b>100</b> as similarly discussed herein with respect to casing <b>102</b>. Display <b>110</b> may be implemented as any suitable display technology utilized by electronic device <b>100</b>.

0041Input surface <b>200</b> may be formed on and/or positioned on or within casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. As discussed herein, the various electrically communicative components or layers, commonly referred to as a “stack-up,” forming input surface <b>200</b> may be positioned between and or secured to at least one of the contact portion <b>104</b> and/or a back portion of casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. Input surface <b>200</b> may provide space for or form an input area <b>202</b> (shown in phantom) on contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>. Input area <b>202</b> may be formed adjacent keyboard assembly <b>106</b>. Additionally, in its widest form, as discussed herein, input area <b>202</b> may extend from keyboard assembly <b>106</b> to the edges of electronic device <b>100</b>. The input area <b>202</b> is a predetermined area of contact portion <b>104</b> that may allow a user to interact and/or provide input to electronic device <b>100</b>, as discussed herein.

0042As discussed in detail below, input area <b>202</b> on contact portion <b>104</b> may be formed from a stack-up as described below, where input area may be formed from a single stack-up or multiple stack-ups. In a non-limiting example, electronic device <b>100</b> may have a single stack-up for input area <b>202</b> on contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. In another non-limiting example, electronic device <b>100</b> may have multiple stack-ups for input area <b>202</b> on contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>, where each stack-up is positioned proximate to another.

0043Although electronic device <b>100</b> is shown as a laptop computer, it is understood that electronic device <b>100</b> may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize input surface <b>200</b>. In non-limiting examples, other embodiments can implement electronic device <b>100</b> differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on.

0044Additionally, although discussed herein in the context of a track pad, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices used in various electronic devices. As discussed herein, input surface <b>200</b>, and the components of the structure, may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to: buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, mice, joystick, keyboards, and so on.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> show a side cross-section view of a portion of electronic device <b>100</b>, taken along line <b>2</b>-<b>2</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and discussed herein, various electrically communicative components or layers (e.g., stack-up) forming input surface <b>200</b> may be positioned between contact portion <b>104</b> and a back portion of casing <b>102</b> for electronic device <b>100</b>. The stack-up of input surface <b>200</b> may include a sense layer <b>204</b>, and a corresponding drive layer <b>206</b> separated from sense layer <b>204</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, sense layer <b>204</b> may be positioned below contact portion <b>104</b>, and drive layer <b>206</b> may positioned adjacent and/or above a back portion of casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. In a non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, drive layer <b>206</b> may be positioned adjacent to and may contact the back portion of casing <b>102</b>. In another non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, drive layer <b>206</b> may be positioned adjacent the back portion of casing <b>102</b>, but may be separated from casing <b>102</b> by a rigid base layer <b>207</b>. In the non-limiting examples, back portion of casing <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) and rigid base layer <b>207</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) may be formed from metal, a ceramic, a plastic or another polymer, or a fiber-matrix composite that may be substantially rigid to support electronic device <b>100</b> and input surface <b>200</b>. It should be appreciated that the position of sense layer <b>204</b> and/or drive layer <b>206</b> may be interchanged in certain embodiments. In a non-limiting example, sense layer <b>204</b> can be positioned above or adjacent base portion <b>106</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> can be positioned adjacent and/or beneath contact portion <b>104</b>. Base portion <b>106</b> may serve as a ground and/or shield for drive layer <b>206</b> and/or sense layer <b>204</b>, although this is not required.

0046Sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> of input surface <b>200</b> may cooperate to measure capacitance between the sense and drive layers, and particularly capacitances (and changes in capacitances) at specific areas where the sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> overlap. The capacitive characteristics of sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> may be utilized to detect a user's touch on contact portion <b>104</b> and/or deflection of contact portion <b>104</b> when a force (F) is applied by a user of electronic device <b>100</b>. As discussed herein, user touch and the force (F) may be applied to contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b> in an input area <b>202</b> for a user to provide input and/or to interact with electronic device <b>100</b>. As result of the utilization of sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> in input structure <b>200</b> to determine input based on measured changes in capacitances, the touch, force, and/or contact applied to contact portion <b>104</b> can come from any user or object. That is, by measuring changes in capacitance, the input and/or interaction with electronic device <b>100</b> can be detected independent of the person or object providing the force. In a non-limiting example input structure <b>200</b> does not require the user to provide the touch or force with his finger or a capacitively-coupled object. Rather, the user can apply the touch or force to contact portion <b>104</b> using any object. For illustrative purposes, it is understood that a user's touch may be similarly represented as a force (F) and is visually interchangeable from the depicted force (F). As discussed herein, the distinction between a user's touch and a force (F) for deforming contact portion <b>104</b> is based on the magnitude of the touch and the force.

0047As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, a compliant layer <b>208</b> may be positioned between sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> of stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>. Compliant layer <b>208</b> may also be physically coupled to each or both of sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b>. Compliant layer <b>208</b> may be coupled to sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> using any suitable adhesive.

0048Compliant layer <b>208</b> may be formed from a substantially flexible and elastic material to support sense layer <b>204</b>, and/or prevent sense layer <b>204</b> from contacting drive layer <b>206</b> when a touch or force is applied to contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. Additionally, the elastic properties of compliant layer <b>208</b> may allow sense layer <b>204</b> to return to a neutral state (e.g., spring-back to an uncompressed position) relatively rapidly, thereby permitting the detection of a consecutively-applied touches or forces being applied at or near the same position on contact portion <b>104</b> and/or input area <b>202</b>. Compliant layer <b>208</b> can have apertures formed therein or can be a set of structures such as columns or pillars, in order to provide space for compliant layer <b>208</b> to expand when deformed by a force. Alternatively, compliant layer <b>208</b> can be solid, continuous layer(s) of material with no apertures, as discussed herein.

0049In a non-limiting example, and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, compliant layer <b>208</b> may be formed from a single sheet of elastomeric material that may be disposed between sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b>. The elastomer forming compliant layer <b>208</b> may be any suitable material that may deform, and subsequently spring-back, as sense layer <b>204</b> (or a discrete portion thereof) is compressed toward drive layer <b>206</b> as a result of a touch or force (F) applied to, and subsequently removed from, contact portion <b>104</b>. The elastomer may be a compliant gel, for example.

0050In another non-limiting example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, compliant layer <b>208</b> may be formed from a number of deformable components, such as deformable compliant structures <b>210</b>. For convenience, the term “gel dots” is used herein to describe the compliant structures, but this term is not meant to limit the structures to any particular material or shape. Deformable gel dots <b>210</b> may be formed from similar material as discussed herein with respect to compliant layer <b>208</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and may have any suitable shape, size or configuration; in certain embodiments, the dots are cylindrical and form pillar-like structures extending between the drive and sense layers. As such, deformable gel dots <b>210</b> may also include similar structurally supportive characteristics and/or elastic characteristics as compliant layer <b>208</b>. The deformable gel dots <b>210</b> may be individual components that may be bonded, laminated or otherwise coupled to form a single layer of deformable gel dots <b>210</b>. Although shown and discussed herein as gel dots, it is understood that the number of deformable components forming compliant layer <b>208</b> can be any shape, any material having distinct consistencies and/or viscosities, so long as the deformable components forming compliant layer <b>208</b> function in a substantially similar manner as gel dots <b>210</b> discussed herein.

0051The inclusion of the deformable gel dots <b>210</b> in the non-limiting example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> may aid in detecting the touch or force (F) applied to contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. In a non-limiting example, where compliant layer <b>208</b> includes deformable gel dots <b>210</b>, the touch or force (F) may be more localized or focused on those gel dots <b>210</b> aligned with the touch or force (F) (e.g., under or nearby the portion of the contact portion <b>104</b> to which the force is applied). In the non-limiting example, gel dots <b>210</b> not under or otherwise aligned with the touch or force (F) may not be deformed. Additionally, the deformable gel dots <b>210</b> may not disperse or otherwise spread the touch or force (F) out over surrounding segments of the compliant layer <b>208</b>. This may increase the accuracy and/or response-time of the touch or force (F) being applied to contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b> by a user because only a select group of deformable gel dots <b>210</b> may experience the force (F) and deform as a result.

0052The stack-up may also have a set of supports <b>212</b> (e.g., one or more supports <b>212</b>) positioned between contact portion <b>104</b> and casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, at least a portion of each of the supports <b>212</b> may be positioned within compliant layer <b>208</b>. Additionally, the supports <b>212</b> may be distributed throughout contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b> for providing structural support to contact portion <b>104</b>. In a non-limiting example, the supports <b>212</b> may be positioned throughout electronic device <b>100</b> to provide structural support to contact portion <b>104</b> to substantially prevent or minimize undesirable bend in contact portion <b>104</b> when a force (F) is not applied by a user. Areas of contact portion <b>104</b> above and/or near supports <b>212</b> may be unbendable by a user, and therefore may be “dead zones” when no input can be detected by input surface <b>200</b>. The set of supports <b>212</b> may be formed from any suitable material that may support contact portion <b>104</b>. In a non-limiting example, the supports <b>212</b> may be formed from a polymer, such as plastic, or a metal similar to and/or formed integrally with contact portion <b>104</b> and/or base portion <b>106</b> of casing <b>102</b>. The supports may prevent or reduce deformation of the contact portion <b>104</b>, at least in a localized region at or near the support. The supports may contribute to or facilitate the imperceptible bending, flexing, travel or other motion of the contact portion <b>104</b> when subject to a typical input force.

0053In a non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the supports <b>212</b> may be positioned within compliant layer <b>208</b>, between sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b>. In another non-limiting example as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the supports <b>212</b> may be positioned within compliant layer <b>208</b> between contact portion <b>104</b> and back portion of casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>.

0054As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, stack-up of input surface <b>200</b> may also include a light guide layer <b>218</b> positioned between sense layer <b>204</b> and contact portion <b>104</b> of casing <b>102</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. Light guide layer <b>218</b> may be positioned between sense layer <b>204</b> and contact portion <b>104</b> to provide light to contact portion <b>104</b>. In a non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, light guide layer <b>218</b> may be utilized to provide light to a set of micro-perforations or holes <b>220</b> formed or otherwise extending through contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. In some embodiments these holes are sealed with an optically clear sealant (or any other suitable sealant) to reduce ingress of debris and/or liquid, while allowing light to pass through holes <b>220</b>. As discussed in more detail below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, indicators (here holes <b>220</b>) may be throughout input area <b>202</b>, and may be utilized, along with light guide layer <b>218</b>, to form, provide and/or display line boundaries for input surface <b>200</b>. Some embodiments may employ indicators other than holes, for example: embedded illuminable structures (LEDs or other light sources, for example); color-changing strips, dots, or the like; micro displays, including LCD, OLED, and other types of displays; and so on. Any such indicator or set of indicators may be used in lieu of the holes described herein.

0055Although shown in a specific configuration in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, it is understood that the stack-up forming input surface <b>200</b> may be formed in different orders or orientations. In a non-limiting example, sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> may be flipped or switched within the stack-up. In another non-limiting example, light guide layer <b>218</b> may be positioned adjacent casing <b>102</b>. In the non-limiting example where light guide layer <b>218</b> is positioned adjacent base casing <b>102</b>, the remaining layers in the stack-up (for example, the compliant layer <b>208</b>) may be formed from a material having substantially transparent properties and/or characteristics to allow light to pass through the stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a bottom view of portion of electronic device <b>100</b> and input surface <b>200</b>. The back portion of casing <b>102</b> for electronic device <b>100</b> is removed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> to more clearly show input surface <b>200</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, light guide layer <b>218</b> may extend beyond the other layers of stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>, for example, rigid base layer <b>207</b>. Further, one or more light source <b>222</b> may be positioned on, near, or adjacent light guide layer <b>218</b>. Light source <b>222</b> may be any suitable light source, such as an LED, that may emit light into light guide layer <b>218</b>, which may subsequently direct the light through holes <b>220</b> of contact portion <b>104</b> to light portions of input area <b>202</b>, as discussed herein.

0057As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, stack-up of input surface <b>200</b> may also include a circuit connector <b>224</b> in electrical communication with various layers of input surface <b>200</b>. Circuit connector <b>224</b> may be in electrical communication with sense layer <b>204</b> and drive layer <b>206</b> for detecting and/or determining a capacitance change in input surface <b>200</b> when a force is applied to contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. Circuit connector <b>224</b> may be configured as any suitable electrically communicative conduit or line including, but not limited to an electrical flex or an electrical trace.

0058Additionally, circuit connector <b>224</b> may be in electrical communication with various distinct components of electronic device <b>100</b>. In a non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, circuit connector <b>224</b> may be in electrical communication with a haptic feedback module <b>226</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. In the non-limiting example, circuit connector <b>224</b> may electrically couple haptic feedback module <b>226</b> to stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, haptic feedback module <b>226</b> may be positioned on or aligned with stack-up forming input surface <b>200</b>. Haptic feedback module <b>226</b> may also be in communication with haptic actuator(s) <b>227</b> (one shown) positioned at least partially within or adjacent to input area <b>202</b>. The haptic feedback module <b>226</b>, via haptic actuator(s) <b>227</b>, may provide haptic signals to contact portion <b>104</b> of casing <b>102</b> including input area <b>202</b>. As discussed herein, because there is no button for providing haptic feedback to a user of input surface <b>200</b>, haptic feedback module <b>226</b> may recognize a user's input by communicating with stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>, and may subsequently provide a haptic feedback through haptic signals (e.g., ultrasonic waves), generated by haptic actuator <b>227</b>, to the user. The haptic signals mimic the tactile feel of a click on a conventional track pad.

0059Haptic feedback module <b>226</b> may provide additional haptic signal to contact portion <b>104</b> within input area <b>202</b> when a user is interacting with input surface <b>200</b>, for example when used as a track pad. In a non-limiting example, haptic feedback module <b>226</b> may recognize when a user's touch is adjacent, proximate or on a boundary line of input area <b>202</b> for input surface <b>200</b>, and may subsequently provide a haptic signals to notify the user that they may be moving outside of input area <b>202</b>. This haptic signal may provide an indicator that may allow a user to interact within the boundaries of input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> without having to look at input area <b>202</b> on contact portion <b>104</b>.

0060In the non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, circuit connector <b>224</b> may also be in electrical communication with a touch detection module <b>228</b>. Similar to haptic feedback module <b>226</b>, circuit connector <b>224</b> may electrically couple touch detection module <b>228</b> to stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>. Touch detection module <b>228</b> may detect, determine and/or monitor the distinct types of touch and/or motions a user may perform on input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>, and may subsequently determine if the touch was intended to interact with input surface <b>200</b>. In a non-limiting example, touch detection module <b>228</b> may detect a user touching input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> with a single fingertip to form a contact point with input surface <b>200</b>. Additionally, touch detection module <b>228</b> may also detect the contact point is continuously moving in a first direction. In the non-limiting example, touch detection module <b>228</b> may determine that the type of touch (e.g., single fingertip or single contact point) and/or motion of the touch (e.g., continuous in a first direction, or otherwise of a type determined to be deliberate) may correlate to a user intending to interact with input surface <b>200</b>.

0061In another non-limiting example, touch detection module <b>228</b> may detect a user touching input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>, where a large portion of input area may be engaged and a large contact point or many contact points positioned close together may be detected. Additionally, touch detection module <b>228</b> may also detect the large contact point is randomly moving in a variety of directions, in small distances. In the non-limiting example, touch detection module <b>228</b> may determine that the type of touch (e.g., large contact point) and motion of the touch (e.g., random movement, small distances) may correlate to a user's palm touching input surface <b>200</b> while typing on keyboard assembly <b>106</b>. As a result, touch detection module <b>228</b> may prevent interaction with input surface <b>200</b> until new or distinct touch-type and/or motion is detected.

0062Additionally, a location in which the change in capacitance occurs may indicate the location of the touch or force applied by the user. That is, embodiments described herein may localize a touch or force by determining which particular sense/drive regions are deformed by the touch or force. These deformed components correspond to a location at which the touch or force is applied because the change in capacitance is greatest at that region. Thus, embodiments described herein may sense not only touch or force but also a location at which a touch or force is applied.

0063Circuit connector <b>224</b> may also be in electrical communication with a touch frequency module <b>230</b>. Similar to haptic feedback module <b>226</b>, circuit connector <b>224</b> may electrically couple touch frequency module <b>230</b> to stack-up of input surface <b>200</b>. Touch frequency module <b>230</b> may detect a portion of input area <b>202</b> in which the user most frequently touches and/or interacts with, and may subsequently resize and/or reposition input area <b>202</b> based on the detected, frequently touched area. In a non-limiting example, a user may frequently touch or interact with a right portion of input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. As a result of detecting the frequency in which the right portion of the input area <b>202</b> is touched, touch frequency module <b>230</b> may resize and/or reposition input area <b>202</b> only on the right portion of input area <b>202</b>.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a top view of electronic device <b>100</b> including input surface <b>200</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and discussed herein with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, casing <b>102</b> may have micro-perforations or holes <b>220</b> (shown in phantom) formed or otherwise extending through contact portion <b>104</b>. In the non-limiting example, holes <b>220</b> may be positioned through contact portion <b>104</b> in adjustable input area <b>202</b> for input surface <b>200</b>. Input area <b>202</b> may include a group of holes <b>220</b>. Additionally, and as discussed herein, input area <b>202</b>, when configured, may have boundaries defined by illuminated holes <b>220</b>. Although shown as being arranged in a grid geometry, it is understood that the holes <b>220</b> extending through contact portion <b>104</b> may be positioned in any geometry or configuration within contact portion <b>104</b>. Additionally, it is understood that holes <b>220</b> may be formed over the entire surface of contact portion <b>104</b>; however, only those holes <b>220</b> formed in input area <b>202</b> may be visible by a user when a light is provided by light guide layer <b>218</b> and/or light source <b>222</b>, as discussed herein.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> shows a top view of electronic device <b>100</b> including input surface <b>200</b> (shown in phantom). In the non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, input area <b>202</b> may be defined by boundary lines <b>232</b>. Boundary lines <b>232</b> may be formed by illuminating select holes <b>220</b> extending through contact portion <b>104</b> using light guide layer <b>218</b> and/or light source <b>222</b> (see, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>), or through the use of any other suitable indicators. To interact with input surface <b>200</b> and/or electronic device <b>100</b>, a user must touch and/or form contact point(s) within input area <b>202</b> defined by boundary lines <b>232</b>. Portions of input surface <b>200</b> positioned outside of input area <b>202</b> may be deactivated or temporarily inoperable, such that a user may not interact with input surface <b>200</b> when touching or forming contact point(s) outside of boundary lines <b>232</b>. A user may perform a variety of touch gestures on contact portion <b>104</b> within input area <b>202</b> to interact or engage input surface <b>200</b> and/or electronic device <b>100</b>. In non-limiting examples, a user may sweep their finger(s) to move a cursor on display <b>110</b>, or a user may apply a force to deform contact portion <b>104</b> within input area <b>202</b> to provide a “mouse click” to input surface <b>200</b> and/or electronic device <b>100</b>.

0066Additionally, a user may perform additional touch gestures to reconfigure input surface <b>200</b>. In non-limiting examples shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>, a user may perform distinct touch gestures to adjust a size of input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. In the non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>, a user may form a first contact point <b>234</b> within input area <b>202</b> using a first finger <b>236</b>, and may also form a second contact point <b>238</b> within input area <b>202</b> using a second finger <b>240</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> formed by first finger <b>236</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> formed by second finger <b>240</b> may be positioned opposite one another within input area <b>202</b>. Additionally, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> formed by first finger <b>236</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> formed by second finger <b>240</b> may be positioned within input area <b>202</b> adjacent boundary lines <b>232</b>.

0067Once the first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> are formed, a user may move at least one contact point to either increase or decrease the dimensions of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. In the non-limiting example as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> and/or second contact point <b>238</b> may be moved outward to increase the dimensions of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> and/or first finger <b>236</b> may be moved in a first direction (D₁). While first contact point <b>234</b> and/or first finger <b>236</b> is moved in the first direction (D₁), second contact point <b>238</b> and/or second finger <b>240</b> may either remain stationary, or be moved in a second direction (D₂), opposite the first direction (D₁). Where the second contact point <b>238</b> and/or second finger <b>240</b> remains stationary, it may be subsequently moved when first contact point <b>234</b> and/or first finger <b>236</b> is moved to a desired position on contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>.

0068As first contact point <b>234</b> and/or second contact point <b>238</b> move in the desired direction for resizing the dimensions of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>, input surface <b>200</b> may also change or alter the selectively illuminated holes <b>220</b> extending through contact portion <b>104</b>. That is, resizing input area <b>202</b> by moving the first contact point <b>234</b> and/or second contact point <b>238</b> results in resizing boundary lines <b>232</b>. The resizing of boundary lines <b>232</b> is accomplished by changing the holes <b>220</b> that are illuminated and/or in contact or alignment with the moving first contact point <b>234</b> and/or second contact point <b>238</b>. This may allow a user to visualize in real time the size of input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>, as the dimensions of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> are changing.

0069As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref>, and with comparison to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, the dimensions of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> may be resized to be larger. In the non-limiting example, after resizing, input area <b>202</b> may be formed on the majority of contact portion <b>104</b>. This may allow a user more space or surface to interact with input surface <b>200</b> and/or electronic device <b>100</b>.

0070The direction of movement of the contact points and/or fingers may determine the directional change and/or size increase of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. In non-limiting examples, where a contact point is moved in a completely horizontal or vertical direction, the width or the height of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> may only be resized. In a further non-limiting example, where a contact point is moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction (e.g., diagonally), both the width and the height of boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> may be resized.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref> show top views of electronic device <b>100</b> including input surface <b>200</b> (shown in phantom). In the non-limiting example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref>, boundary lines <b>232</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b> may be repositioned and/or relocated on contact portion <b>104</b> of electronic device <b>100</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> may be formed by first finger <b>236</b> and second finger <b>240</b>, respectively, in a similar fashion as discussed herein with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>. However, distinct from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>, first finger <b>236</b> and second finger <b>240</b> may be positioned directly on boundary line <b>232</b>.

0072After first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> are formed, a user may move the first contact point <b>234</b> and the second contact point <b>238</b> simultaneously in a similar direction (D) to relocate or reposition input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. In the non-limiting example as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref>, first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> may be simultaneously moved in a direction (D) to move input area <b>202</b> from a first position (see, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>) on contact portion <b>104</b>, to a second position (see, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>) on contact portion <b>104</b>. The first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> may be moved simultaneously by moving first finger <b>236</b> and second finger <b>240</b> in a direction (D) simultaneously. As similarly discussed herein with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>, as first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b> simultaneously move in direction (D), input surface <b>200</b> may also change the selectively illuminated holes <b>220</b> for others located in direction (D) from the initially-illuminated holes. Once positioned in the second position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>, the user may lift first finger <b>236</b> and second finger <b>240</b> to discontinue the contact points, and may touch and/or interact with relocated or repositioned input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>.

0073Although discussed herein as using two contact points (e.g., first contact point <b>234</b> and second contact point <b>238</b>) and/or two fingers (e.g., first finger <b>236</b> and second finger <b>240</b>), it is understood that any number of contact points and/or combination of fingers may be used to resize and/or reposition input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>. Additionally, it is understood that the contact points, and/or fingers may be positioned adjacent one another, and adjacent the same side of boundary line for resize and/or reposition input area <b>202</b> of input surface <b>200</b>.

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8C</figref> show another non-limiting example of electronic device <b>100</b> having input surface <b>200</b>. In the non-limiting examples shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8C</figref>, contact portion <b>104</b> may not include boundary lines <b>232</b> identifying input area <b>202</b>. Rather, the entire area of contact portion <b>104</b> may be input area <b>202</b>. In the non-limiting example, a user may contact or touch a contact portion <b>104</b> and/or input area <b>202</b> to form a contact point <b>234</b> with finger <b>236</b> in order to interact with input surface <b>200</b> and/or electronic device <b>100</b>.

0075As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8C</figref>, when a user's finger <b>236</b> moves along input area <b>202</b>, input surface <b>200</b> may selectively illuminate holes <b>220</b> extending through contact portion <b>104</b> in portions in which a user previously touched. That is, as a user moves finger <b>236</b> along input area <b>202</b>, input surface <b>200</b> may create a light trail <b>242</b> by illuminating holes <b>220</b> in areas of contact portion <b>104</b> in which a contact point <b>234</b> was previously made by finger <b>236</b>. Light trail <b>242</b> may provide a user with a visual path of where the user's finger <b>236</b> previously touched on contact portion <b>104</b>.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> depicts an example process for reconfiguring a dynamic input surface of an electronic device. Specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flowchart depicting one example process <b>900</b> for adjusting a position and/or a size of a dynamic input surface for an electronic device, as discussed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-8C</figref>.

0077In operation <b>902</b>, a boundary of an input area of a dynamic input surface is illuminated. The input area includes and/or is formed in a part of a contact surface. The contact surface may be illuminated to visually indicate the input area of the dynamic input surface. The contact surface may be part of a partially-flexible contact portion of an electronic device. The illuminating of the boundary of the input area may also include providing light to a group of holes extending through the partially-flexible, metal contact portion defining the dynamic input surface, and forming the boundary of the input area by lighting the group of holes.

0078In operation <b>904</b>, one or more gestures may be received within or on the boundary of the input area of the dynamic input surface. The receiving of the gesture(s) may include receiving a first contact point within or on the boundary of the input area, and receiving a second contact point within or on the boundary of the input area. The first contact point and the second contact point are on opposite and/or adjacent sides of the input area.

0079In operation <b>906</b>, the position and/or the size of the input area of the dynamic input surface may be adjusted. The input area may be adjusted based on the gesture(s) received in operation <b>904</b>. The adjusting of the position of the input area may include simultaneously moving a first portion of the boundary corresponding to the first contact point and a second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a similar or same direction across the contact surface. Additionally, the adjusting of the position of the input area may include relocating the input area from a first position on the contact surface to a second position on the contact surface.

0080The adjusting of the size of the input area may include one of increasing or decreasing at least one dimension of the boundary forming the input area of the dynamic input surface. Additionally, the adjusting of the size of the input area may include moving the first portion of the boundary corresponding to the first contact point in a first direction and, one of, maintaining the second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a stationary position, or moving the second portion of the boundary corresponding to the second contact point in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

0081In operation <b>908</b>, the illumination of the boundary is varied. The illumination of the boundary is varied according and/or based on the gesture received in operation <b>904</b>. Where the received gesture is one of repositioning the input area of the dynamic input surface, the illumination of the boundary is varied to move the input area defined within the boundary is moved to the new, desired position on the contact surface. Where the received gesture is one of resizing the input area of the dynamic input surface, the illumination of the boundary is varied to increase or decrease the input area defined within the boundary to the new, desired size.

0082The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.