A very unique Apple patent has been discovered which has started rumours of Apple developing a new, low-profile keyboard equipped with perforated keys. The Patently Apple website has discovered the Apple Patent which explains a new design that uses air pressure and proximity sensors.
Once a user’s finger is registered by the new device to be above a key, the keyboard then emits a light stream of air to provide the user with pre-press feedback. The Apple Patent also describes that the flowing of air could also be implemented in a virtual keyboard.
Innovative Air-Driven Tactile Feedback
The concept of using air to provide tactile feedback is quite revolutionary. Traditional keyboards rely on mechanical switches or membrane layers to give users the sensation of pressing a key. However, Apple’s new design aims to replace these physical components with a more advanced system. By using air pressure and proximity sensors, the keyboard can detect when a user’s finger is hovering above a key and respond accordingly. This not only reduces the wear and tear on physical components but also allows for a thinner, more streamlined keyboard design.
Potential Applications and Benefits
With the virtual keyboard, “each key location is merely a defined region on a solid surface, where contact with that surface region will generate a defined input signal.” As such, the new virtual keyboards may not have any moveable surfaces at all. This could have significant implications for the design of future Apple devices. For instance, laptops and tablets could become even thinner and lighter, as the need for a traditional keyboard mechanism would be eliminated.
Moreover, this technology could enhance the user experience in various ways. For example, the air-driven feedback could be customized to provide different sensations for different types of keys or functions. Imagine a keyboard that gives a softer air puff for regular typing but a stronger one for special function keys or shortcuts. This level of customization could make typing more intuitive and efficient.
Additionally, the absence of moving parts could make these keyboards more durable and less prone to issues like key sticking or mechanical failure. This could be particularly beneficial for users who type extensively or in environments where traditional keyboards might be susceptible to damage from dust or spills.
More information and a full run down of the newly discovered Apple Patent can be found over on the Patently Apple website.
In conclusion, Apple’s exploration into air-driven tactile feedback for keyboards represents a significant leap forward in input device technology. By leveraging air pressure and proximity sensors, Apple aims to create a more responsive, durable, and customizable typing experience. While it’s still in the patent stage, the potential applications and benefits of this technology are vast, promising to redefine how we interact with our devices in the future.
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