The concept was revealed this week in a new patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and discovered by AppleInsider. The filing, entitled "Input Devices and Methods of Operation," notes that as physical keyboards get smaller and more compact, they may not offer the same typing experience users prefer.
A smaller keyboard might limit the tactile feedback a user feels on their fingertips while typing. This is as a result of keys that do not travel as far when pressed on, say, a much thinner keyboard.
Apple proposes addressing this issue by placing proximity sensors in each key on a keyboard. These sensors could be used to detect when user input on a key is imminent.
The patent filing describes a system that would "flow air from the input device," perhaps through openings in the surface of an individual key on a keyboard. This would provide tactile feedback to the user before they make physical contact with the key surface.
This air pressure could be used to apply air pressure against a user's fingertips, giving tactile feedback even though the key may not move as much as a key on a more traditional keyboard.
In another example, Apple describes a pneumatic system that would be used to "advance the selected key in a direction of actuation in response to detecting user selection." Through this method, the key would be "pulled away from the user."
Apple also proposes combining these two methods in a keyboard that would provide initial air resistance to movement of a user's fingers, and then withdraw a key from the user's touch.
The application, made public this week, was first filed in November of 2009. The proposed invention is credited to Aleksandar Pance, Michael Sinclair, and Brett Bilbrey.
22 Comments
I think this is one of those things you have to actually use to understand...
I think this is one of those things you have to actually use to understand...
You have to admit, though, that this is not a trivial invention such as many that get patented, e.g. just about any software patent. This is just the sort of thing the patent system was originally designed to protect.
I'm confused. So the keys are flush until you hover over one and then it pops up? Or what? I don't get it at all.
I think we're nearly in Rube Goldberg territory now.
Sadly these keyboards are power-hungry monsters and never get produced.