User interface for electronic devices and methods therefor

摘要

A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

主权项

1. A user interface for an electronic device, comprising:
a structure defining one or more keys, wherein the structure comprises:
a top layer, a base layer, and an interior layer disposed between the top layer and the base layer, wherein:
each of the top layer, the base layer, and the interior layer comprise a magnetically permeable material; andat least one of the top layer, the base layer, or the interior layer comprises a pliant material;a substrate layer disposed between the top layer and the base layer, the substrate layer comprising an electrical conductor defining a coil corresponding to each key;wherein the magnetically permeable material and the coil define an inductance; an energy storage device selectively operable with the coil; and a control unit operable with the coil and the energy storage device configured to:
detect a change in the inductance when the pliant material is compressed; andwhere the change is greater than a predefined threshold, to discharge the energy storage device into the coil.