Computing device with adaptive input row
Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.
1. A portable computing device comprising:
a housing having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion:
a primary display positioned within the first portion of the housing;
a keyboard having a set of keys positioned within the second portion of the housing; and
an adaptive input row positioned on a support structure within an opening within the second portion of the housing, the adaptive input row comprising:
a display positioned over the support structure;
a cover positioned over the display and forming a portion of an exterior surface of the portable computing electronic device; and
a sensor positioned below the cover and configured to detect a touch on the cover;
wherein the adaptive input row is configured to define a set of programmably defined regions.
2. The portable computing device of claim 1 , wherein:
the portable computing device further comprises circuitry operably coupled to the display;
the circuitry is configured to control the display; and
the circuitry is positioned over the support structure and below the cover.
3. The portable computing device of claim 2 , wherein:
the sensor extends across a portion of the cover positioned over the circuitry; and
the display does not extend across the portion of the cover positioned over the circuitry.
4. The portable computing device of claim 3 , wherein:
the portion of the cover positioned over the circuitry defines a static input region; and
the static input region includes a fixed indicia that is selectively illuminatable.
5. The portable computing device of claim 4 , wherein the static input region functions as a power button for the portable computing device.
6. The portable computing device of claim 1 , wherein:
the cover is attached to the housing at a first end to define a cantilever; and
a second end of the cover opposite the first end is configured to deflect in response to a force applied to the cover.
7. The portable computing device of claim 1 , wherein:
the portable computing device further comprises circuitry operably coupled to the display;
the circuitry is configured to control the display; and
the circuitry is positioned below the support structure and below the cover.
8. The portable computing device of claim 7 , wherein:
a flexible conduit couples the circuitry to the display; and
the flexible conduit passes through a lower opening defined by the support structure.
9. The portable computing device of claim 8 , wherein:
the flexible conduit includes a seal overmolded over a portion of the flexible conduit; and
the seal blocks ingress of contaminants through the lower opening defined by the support structure.
10. A laptop computer, comprising:
a housing having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion:
a primary display positioned within the first portion of the housing;
a keyboard having a set of keys positioned within the second portion of the housing; and
an adaptive input row positioned within the second portion of the housing, the adaptive input row comprising:
a display;
a cover positioned over the display; and
a sensor positioned below the cover and configured to detect a touch on the cover;
wherein the adaptive input row is configured to define a set of programmably defined regions, at least one of the regions being not illuminated.
11. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is sized to receive the touch of a single finger.
12. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is located at an end of the adaptive input row.
13. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the display does not extend under the at least one of the regions.
14. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is aligned with a remainder of the set of programmably defined regions.
15. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is at least partially transparent.
16. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is operable between a non-illuminated state and an illuminated state.
17. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the regions is not illuminable by the display.
18. The laptop computer of claim 10 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect single-dimensional touch location information.
19. A laptop computer, comprising:
a housing having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion:
a primary display positioned within the first portion of the housing;
a keyboard having a set of keys positioned within the second portion of the housing;
a track pad positioned in the second portion of the housing on a first side of the keyboard; and
an adaptive input row positioned within an opening in the second portion of the housing on a second side of the keyboard, the second side being positioned opposite the first side, the adaptive input row comprising:
a display;
a cover positioned over the display; and
a sensor positioned below the cover and configured to detect a touch on the cover;
wherein the adaptive input row is configured to define a set of programmably defined regions.
20. The laptop computer of claim 19 , wherein the at least one of the regions is non-illuminatable.