Device having integrated interface system
A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
1 . A portable computer comprising:
a base portion comprising:
a bottom case comprising:
a bottom member defining at least a portion of a bottom surface of the base portion; and
a side wall defining at least a portion of a side surface of the base portion;
a glass top case attached to the side wall and defining an input surface; and
a touch sensing system configured to:
detect touch inputs applied to the input surface; and
detect key presses applied to an accessory keyboard that is removably couplable to the input surface;
a processing system within the base portion and operatively coupled to the touch sensing system, the processing system configured to:
in a first mode of operation, register a first key input in response to a touch input applied to the input surface; and
in a second mode of operation, register a second key input in response to a key press applied to the accessory keyboard.
2 . The portable computer of claim 1 , wherein:
the touch input is a first touch input; and
the processing system is further configured to, in the second mode of operation, register a trackpad input in response to a second touch input applied to the input surface.
3 . The portable computer of claim 1 , wherein:
the input surface comprises a trackpad region and a keyboard region; and
the glass top case defines a set of integral ribs along a bottom surface of the glass top case, the set of integral ribs including at least one rib positioned between the keyboard region and the trackpad region.
4 . The portable computer of claim 1 , wherein the base portion further comprises a display positioned below the glass top case and configured to produce graphical output visible through the glass top case.
5 . The portable computer of claim 4 , wherein:
in the first mode of operation, the display displays a first image of a key in the input surface; and
in the second mode of operation, the display displays a second image corresponding to a key glyph, the second image configured to be visible on a key of the accessory keyboard.
6 . The portable computer of claim 1 , wherein the input surface of the glass top case defines:
a trackpad region; and
a molded recess adjacent the trackpad region and configured to receive the accessory keyboard at least partially therein.
7 . The portable computer of claim 6 , wherein the base portion further comprises a sensing system configured to detect an attachment of the accessory keyboard and transition from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory keyboard.
8 . A portable computer comprising:
a display portion comprising:
a display housing; and
a display within the display housing;
a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and comprising:
a bottom case defining at least a portion of a side surface of the base portion;
a glass top case attached to the bottom case and defining an input surface;
a touch sensing system configured to detect touch inputs applied to the input surface;
a magnetic attachment system configured to magnetically retain a keyboard accessory in a predetermined position on the input surface; and
a key sensing system configured to detect, through the glass top case, key inputs to the keyboard; and
a processing system within the base portion and operatively coupled to the touch sensing system and the key sensing system, the processing system configured to:
register a key input in response to a signal from the key sensing system; and
register a trackpad input in response to a detected touch input applied to the input surface.
9 . The portable computer of claim 8 , wherein the input surface of the glass top case defines:
a trackpad region; and
a molded recess adjacent the trackpad region and configured to receive the keyboard accessory therein.
10 . The portable computer of claim 9 , wherein:
the keyboard comprises a key comprising a keycap; and
the keycap is substantially flush with the portion of the glass top case defining the trackpad region.
11 . The portable computer of claim 8 , wherein the key sensing system is configured to capacitively couple to a component of a key mechanism of the keyboard accessory to detect the key input.
12 . The portable computer of claim 8 , wherein:
the keyboard accessory comprises a base; and
the key mechanism comprises a support mechanism and a keycap movably coupled to the base by the support mechanism.
13 . The portable computer of claim 8 , wherein the key sensing system is configured to capacitively couple to a finger of a user in contact with a key of the keyboard accessory to detect the key input.
14 . The portable computer of claim 8 , wherein the key sensing system comprises an optical sensor.
15 . An electronic device comprising:
a display portion comprising a display;
a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and comprising:
a bottom case defining a side of the base portion;
a unitary glass top case attached to the bottom case, the unitary glass top case defining:
a trackpad region along a top of the base portion and defining an input surface; and
a recessed region adjacent the trackpad region;
a keyboard positioned within the recessed region and comprising a plurality of keys; and
a touch sensing system configured to detect a touch input received in the trackpad region; and
a processing system operatively coupled to the touch sensing system and the keyboard and configured to register a trackpad input in response to the touch input received in the trackpad region and register a key input in response to an actuation of a key of the keyboard.
16 . The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein:
each key of the plurality of keys comprises a keycap; and
each keycap is substantially flush with the input surface of the trackpad region.
17 . The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein the recessed region is molded into the unitary glass top case.
18 . The electronic device of claim 15 , further comprising a magnetic attachment system within the base portion and configured to magnetically align and retain an input accessory to the unitary glass top case.
19 . The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein:
the recessed region defines an opening through the unitary glass top case; and
a key of the plurality of keys is positioned at least partially in the opening.
20 . The electronic device of claim 15 , further comprising a key sensing system positioned below the unitary glass top case and configured to detect, through the unitary glass top case, actuations of the plurality of keys.