KEYBOARD WITH NTEGRATED TOUCH SURFACE

摘要

Some embodiments provide a single integrated multi-functional input device (1) that provides the discrete input functionality of a keyboard to facilitate efficient text insertion operations and (2) that provides the functionality of a trackpad to facilitate efficient spatially dependent navigation in a graphical user interface (GUI) whereby each such functionality is accessible by the user's hands positioned at the home position keys of the keyboard. More specifically, some embodiments provide an enhanced keyboard with at least one touch sensitive key and software for adapting touches applied over the touch sensitive key to emulate trackpad functionality without interfering with regular text insertion (typing).

主权项

1. A computer system comprising:
a touch sensitive key-based input device comprising at least a first key with a touch sensitive surface and a second key with a touch sensitive surface, each key of the first and second keys generating touch input when sensing touch over the key and generating down and up inputs when the key is physically depressed and released; a processor coalescing input from the plurality of keys to perform different sets of output actions of a plurality of operational modes, wherein coalescing said input comprises entering a first operational mode of the plurality of operational modes in response to receiving first key down input indicating a press and hold of the first key for at least a defined interval, performing an output action from a first set of output actions of the first operational mode in response to receiving second key touch input while continuing to receiving the first key down input, and exiting the first operational mode in response to first key up input indicating a release of the first key, wherein exiting the first operational mode disables the second key touch input from further performing any output action of the first set of output actions.