Abstract: Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a user input device that forms a cover for an electronic device. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a computing system having a segmented cover and a portable electronic device coupled to the segmented cover. The segmented cover may define an attachment panel and an input panel. The portable electronic device may be coupled to the segmented cover. The input panel may be configured to be placed over a device display of the portable electronic device. The input panel may include an accessory display and a touch-sensitive layer coupled to the accessory display.

Abstract: Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Abstract: A transparent high-conductivity layer for providing electrostatic feedback to a user of an electronic device. The transparent high-conductivity layer is positioned over a capacitive input sensor and has a resistivity sufficiently high to prevent interference with the capacitive input sensor. As one example, the transparent high-conductivity layer can be formed from a layer of geometrically-separated regions of high-conductivity material. The average distance between geometrically-separated regions can substantially define the resistivity of the transparent high-conductivity layer.

Abstract: Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Abstract: Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: A transparent high-conductivity layer for providing electrostatic feedback to a user of an electronic device. The transparent high-conductivity layer is positioned over a capacitive input sensor and has a resistivity sufficiently high to prevent interference with the capacitive input sensor. As one example, the transparent high-conductivity layer can be formed from a layer of geometrically-separated regions of high-conductivity material. The average distance between geometrically-separated regions can substantially define the resistivity of the transparent high-conductivity layer.

Abstract: A transparent high-conductivity layer for providing electrostatic feedback to a user of an electronic device. The transparent high-conductivity layer is positioned over a capacitive input sensor and has a resistivity sufficiently high to prevent interference with the capacitive input sensor. As one example, the transparent high-conductivity layer can be formed from a layer of geometrically-separated regions of high-conductivity material. The average distance between geometrically-separated regions can substantially define the resistivity of the transparent high-conductivity layer.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: An input/output interface for an electronic device receives touch and/or force input and, additionally provides haptic output to a user. In particular the input/output interface is operated in conjunction with an input surface and includes at least one input sensor and at least one haptic output element. In typical embodiments, the input sensor is ground-shifted to prevent damage to the input sensor when the haptic output element is driven.

Abstract: A transparent high-conductivity layer for providing electrostatic feedback to a user of an electronic device. The transparent high-conductivity layer is positioned over a capacitive input sensor and has a resistivity sufficiently high to prevent interference with the capacitive input sensor. As one example, the transparent high-conductivity layer can be formed from a layer of geometrically-separated regions of high-conductivity material. The average distance between geometrically-separated regions can substantially define the resistivity of the transparent high-conductivity layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods to fixture and utilizing a probe which tests a capacitive array are described herein. A support bracket with freedom about a plurality of axes may aid in locating a probe and allowing the probe to contact multiple surfaces consistently. By utilizing the support bracket, the angle between a test probe and a contact surface may be minimized such that the surface of the test probe and the contact surface may rest flat against one another. The system may also limit the force translated through support bracket. This system and method may allow for a high degree of accuracy and a high degree of precision during contact of the test probe and the test surface.