Abstract: A haptic keyboard apparatus includes a membrane resistor keyboard device and a haptic device. The membrane resistor keyboard device includes a plurality of key switches, each of the key switches being responsive to touch by a user. The haptic device is coupled to the membrane resistor keyboard device. The haptic device includes a plurality of haptic cells, each of which is disposed under a corresponding key switch. Each of the haptic cells is configured to provide haptic feedback in response to the touch by the user. In a specific embodiment, the haptic keyboard apparatus also includes a processor and a haptic controller that provide control signals to the haptic device. In an embodiment, the control signals include programmable voltages and frequencies, causing the haptic cells to effect vibrational patterns in response to the control signals and provide haptic feedback to the user.

Abstract: An integrated input device communicates with a host computer system in accordance with the low-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) Specification. The keyboard includes a function controller for providing output signals to a host computer or an upstream hub using a single USB low-speed cable and a USB type A connector. Signals generated by a pointing device are coupled to the appropriate pins of the function controller. The pointing device may be hard-wired to the function controller. Alternatively, the signals generated by the pointing device may be coupled to the function controller using a wireless technique, such as a radio frequency technique or an infrared technique.