CN102402294A - Adaptive keyboard light turner - Google Patents

Abstract

An input device includes a display device configured to selectively modulate light to produce a changeable display image. The input device also includes a keyboard assembly disposed over the display device and including one or more depressible keys. Each depressible key includes a keycap having a light transmissive window and a light-turning feature or element between the display device and the keycap.

Description

Self-adaptation keyboard light beam

The cross reference of related application

The application is the part continuation application of No. the 12/757th, 734, the U.S. Patent application submitted on April 9th, 2010, and this U.S. Patent application integral body by reference is herein incorporated.

Background technology

Computer peripheral is improved with expanded function constantly and the user experience of high-quality is provided.Improved one of them field once provided such peripherals: its input function with keyboard type is combined for the ability of user's output with demonstration.In many cases, this is through provide the viewing area of separating with key to realize for keyboard.For example, in traditional keyboard layout, the LCD display of rectangle can be positioned at function key or more than the numeric keypad.

The another kind of mode of combinatorial input and fan-out capability is to use the dummy keyboard on the touth-interactive display in the peripherals.On the touth-interactive display device, show each key, it has the legend or the symbol of its function of indication.This dummy keyboard mode has many benefits, comprises the ability of the demonstration that dynamically changes each key.Yet, see that from the position of pure input the interactive touch display is not normally more expected.Particularly, touch display does not provide tactile feedback, and said tactile feedback can provide more responsive and more pleasant typewriting is experienced.

Summary of the invention

Content part of the present invention is provided, thereby with the selection of the form introduction design simplified, said design is further described in the embodiment part hereinafter.Its meaning of content part of the present invention is not in the key feature or the essential feature that identify the theme of being asked for protection, and it is anticipated also not in the scope that is used to limit the theme of being asked for protection.The theme of being asked for protection in addition, is not limited to solve the implementation of any or all shortcomings that in arbitrary portion of the present disclosure, write down.

According to one side of the present disclosure, a kind of input equipment comprises and is configured to optionally light modulated to produce the display device of changeable display image.Said input equipment also comprises the keyboard components that is placed on the said display device and comprises the key that one or more can be depressed.Each key that can depress comprises: the keycap (keycap) with optical transmission window; Light beam between said keycap and the said display device (light pillar); And the light between said light beam and the said keycap turns to layer (light-turning layer.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates the example calculations system that comprises computer peripheral, and said computer peripheral provides the ability that shows the output that can watch through the key of keyboard components.

Fig. 2 is the exploded view of the computer peripheral shown in Fig. 1, and shows the demonstration of the watching output that the display device below the keyboard components of computer peripheral provides.

Fig. 3 illustrates the example of the output display capabilities that can be used in combination with the computer peripheral of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are the fragmentary cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the key that can be used in combination with the computer peripheral of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are bottom and the top perspective of the embodiment of two keycaps, and these two keycaps comprise the central, transparent sheet, are used to be convenient to see through the image that key watches the display device below keyboard components to produce.

Fig. 8 illustrates the example arrangement of the keyboard components underlying structure of the tactile feedback structure with off-centring.

Fig. 9 illustrates and sees through key and watch the side view of the key of watching Consideration that image is associated.

Figure 10 and Figure 11 are the exploded views that the other example key structure that comprises light beam is shown.

Figure 12 schematically shows the light beam that the key with keyboard components couples.

Figure 13 schematically shows the light beam that the display device below the key with keyboard components couples.

Figure 14 schematically shows the light beam with negative optical power.

Figure 15 schematically shows the light beam with positive luminous power.

Figure 16 schematically shows the part that turns to layer with the light of the form of the array of the microprism that repeats.

Figure 17 schematically shows the light beam that the key with keyboard components couples.

Figure 18 schematically shows the light beam that the display device below the key with keyboard components couples.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 has described to comprise the example calculations system 20 of display monitor 22, parts shell 24 (for example comprising processor, hard disk drive or the like) and computer peripheral 26.The additional view that Fig. 2 provides computer peripheral 26 and can be used to the exemplary components in its structure.As will in each example, describe, computer peripheral 26 may be implemented as except the input function of keyboard type, and displayable output also is provided.Especially, computer peripheral can comprise the key that utilizes two structures, and said two structures have transparent parts, watches image so that see through key.Also can utilize said two structures to come to cover selectively or reduce in the peripherals visual impact with the incoherent part of Presentation Function.

Term " input " and " output " will be by frequent uses during in this manual with reference to the keypad function of example calculations peripheral devices.When being used in combination with keyboard key, term " input " is often referred to the input signal that when activate key, is provided by peripherals." output " is often referred to the demonstration that provides for key, such as legend, icon or the symbol of the indication key function that is shown.

As on key 28 by (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) of indication such as " Q ", " W ", " E ", " R ", " T ", " Y ", the alphanumeric input capability that computer peripheral 26 is configured to provide traditional will normally be expected.For simplicity of illustration, many keys of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are shown as and do not have sign, comprise label or demonstration but understanding is generally each key.In addition, except well-known " QWERTY " form, perhaps replace this form, the key 28 of keyboard can be configured to provide other input variedly.Can for example distribute key being provided for various language and alphabetic(al) function, and/or activate other input command that is used to control computing system 20.In some implementations, can for example come dynamically to change the key function in response to the operation situation that changes the software of operation on computing system 20.For example, when pressing " ALT " key, can replace " File (the file) " menu that causes in the activating software application program if change the key that will be used to key entry letter " F ".Usually, be to be understood that: the key in this example can optionally be depressed to produce the input signal that is used for control computer of any kind.

Computer peripheral 26 can provide a variety of displayable outputs, experiences so that strengthen to calculate to experience with otherwise increasing to calculate.In some instances, computer peripheral causes on each key 28 or near the demonstration of the output of watching, with the indication key function.This can see in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein replaces on key cap surface, being coated with painting or the key of letter punch, uses display mechanism (for example being positioned at LCD (LCD) equipment under the key) to indicate the function of keys such as " Q ", " W ".This dynamic and programmable display capabilities is convenient to the potential use of the computer peripheral 26 of various different modes.For example; Above-described keyboard based on English alternately (alternately) mapping so that " QWERTY " alphabetically rather than traditional to be provided the letter of form; And the demonstration of each key can easily be changed then, distributes to react different keys.

Here the display capabilities of expection can be used to provide to the user of computing system 20 output of watching of any type, and is not limited to alphabet, letter, numeral, symbol or the like.As for the substituting of top example, can be with the mode display image that needn't on spatial sense, be associated with each key.Can for example in striding the keyboard area of a plurality of keys, present image.The image that is provided need not be associated with the input function of keyboard.Can be for example for the purpose of aesthetics provides image so that user experience is personalized, the output of other type is provided perhaps.In fact, the disclosure comprises the demonstration output that is used for any purpose.And, except on the key 28 or near the demonstration that provides, the zone 32 that can in other zone, for example be arranged in above the key 28 provides Presentation Function.Further, zone 32 or other part of computer peripheral 26 can also be provided with based on touching or the interactivity of posture except the input of the keyboard type that provided by key 28.For example, zone 32 can be implemented as through based on the technology of electric capacity, based on the interactive touch panel type display of technology or other method that is fit to of resistance.

Turn to Fig. 2 now, the keyboard components 42 that computer peripheral 26 can comprise display device 40 and be placed on the display device and couple with it.Can comprise the key that one or more can be depressed according to keyboard components of the present disclosure (for example keyboard components 42).Keyboard components 42 can at least partly be transparent, watches the image that is produced by display device to allow the user to see through keyboard components.In one embodiment, for example, each key 28 has the central, transparent part, and it allows user to see the image that is produced by the LCD panel or the other display equipment that are positioned at below the keyboard components 42.In some cases, all keys will be transparent basically.In other example, the periphery of key can be opaque, for example is used to cover the structure that makes progress and move down of being convenient to keycap.

Can utilize various types of display devices 40.Like the front brief description, one type appropriate display equipment is LCD equipment.In fact, will continually quote LCD equipment in the example of being discussed here, but this is nonrestrictive, and is to be understood that keyboard components can couple with various other type of displays.Usually, display device can be configured to optionally light modulated to produce changeable display image, and its each several part can see through different keys and appear.

Fig. 3 provides the display capabilities of computer peripheral 26 can how combine the other diagram of utilizing with each key 28.Particularly, as respectively shown in moment T0, T1, the T2 etc., can change the demonstration output that is associated with key 28, for example so that the input command that reflection produces through depressible keys.Yet, as before mention, the output of watching that provides by computer peripheral can adopt except with demonstration that each key and their input function be associated other form.

As the example among Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, keyboard components 42 will typically comprise a plurality of keys, and its utilization makes bond energy enough be depressed or otherwise moves to produce certain type mechanism of input signal.Although term " key " will mainly be used, this term is nonrestrictive, and is appreciated that and comprises and can be moved button and any other structure or mechanism so that input to be provided by the user.Fig. 4 shows the example structure of each key that can be utilized to realize keyboard components 42 to Figure 11.

Now particularly with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, they show the fragmentary cross-sectional view of a part of the keyboard components 42 of the embodiment that comprises each key 28.Key 28 comprises keycap 50, and it has the core 54 of peripheral part 52 and optical transmission window form.In some structure, peripheral part 52 and core 54 are formed different sheets separately, and therefore will be called as perimeter strap 52 and centre slice 54 sometimes.Many these identical structures can see in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 that they provide the bottom and the top perspective of keycap 50 respectively.

Scissor construction 60 (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) is placed between the keycap 50 and underlying structure 62 (Fig. 4) of keyboard components 42.Scissor construction is configured to make that keycap 50 can be with respect to underlying structure 62 upwards and move down.Particularly, scissor construction 60 is configured to during moving, keycap 50 remained alignment, and guarantee this move be limited to towards and move away from the vertical linearity of underlying structure, and distortionless, tilt or the like.For example, usually preferably: during keycap moved, it is parallel with underlying structure 62 that the top of keycap keeps.

Scissor construction 60 can comprise two parts 63 and 64 of relative to each other rotating around pivot via fulcrum 66.Each part comprises a pair of relative web joint (web), and a pair of bar extends between this web joint.Particularly, scissors part 63 comprises web joint 72.Bar 74 is from the first end extension of web joint 72; Bar 76 is from the second end extension of web joint 72.Said bar extends to relative similar web joint structure, and this web joint structure is owing to being covered by keycap 50 and in Fig. 5, can not seeing.Another scissors part 64 comprises similar structure: web joint 82, bar 84 and 86 and in Fig. 5 concealed relative web joint structure.

Scissor construction 60 can be disposed variedly, and is formed by various material.In certain embodiments, one-piece construction can be plastics.In other example, possibly expect to form some perhaps all member by metal.Particularly, the plastics web joint of mold forming (over-molded) is crossed in some embodiment utilizations around the metal connecting link.When factor that for example hardness and rigidity especially are concerned about under the situation of large size (large format) key (for example " shift " key of keyboard or " spacebar " key), the use of this Metallic rod possibly be favourable.

Will be understood that: when key by when underlying structure 62 is depressed downwards, the each several part of scissor construction 60 relative to each other rotates around pivot.The action of rotating around pivot causes the integral body of scissor construction to reduce, and causes the slight increase of the effective length aspect of scissor construction.In order to adapt to this length variations, scissor construction can couple with the structure of adjoining to allow some modes that laterally move.Particularly; With reference to the example of Fig. 4, the each several part of scissor construction 60 and keycap 50 engages with underlying structure 62 as follows: A) bar 74 is entrapped in a pair of safety door hook (snap hook) 90 that provides on the downside of keycap 50 (shown in Fig. 6 but not shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).This engages the bar rotation that allows as will during depressible keys, take place, but keeps the lateral attitude of bar with respect to keycap.B) the downside adjacency of bar 86 and keycap 50, but be allowed to during depressible keys, slide a little in the horizontal, to adapt to effective elongation of the scissor construction that during caving in, takes place.C) bar 84 is kept by a pair of safety door hook (not shown) on underlying structure 62, and bar 76 and underlying structure adjacency, but be allowed to laterally slide with respect to underlying structure.Be similar to bar 74 and 86, this arranges scissor construction is kept in position usually, allows simultaneously to change in the effective length that during the pivot rotary manipulation, takes place of scissor construction.

With reference to Fig. 5, will understand: scissor construction can be placed to the periphery of each key, thereby does not make the central area of key interrupted and can be used for showing purpose the biglyyest.Particularly, when when keycap 50 is watched as the crow flies in the top of key, the web joint of scissors and bar all are positioned under the perimeter strap 52 of periphery, keycap of key.Thus, when under keyboard components, utilizing LCD or other display device, the scissor construction of circumferential arrangement allows to watch more most demonstration, and the obstruction that does not see through key when (that is, seeing through clear central sheet 54).

Continue Fig. 4 to Fig. 7, startup that can associative key utilizes other structure and mechanism.In this example, when keycap 50 towards underlying structure 62 (Fig. 4) when depressing, plunger (plunger) or scutellate (tab-like) protrusion 100 will be depressed haptic configuration, such as tactile feedback cover 102 (Fig. 4), it is associated with key.When key from rest position (rest position) when its state that is fully depressed moves, the tactile feedback cover will finally cave in and cause key action or the sensation palpable change.Except making feedback cover caves in, depressing of key causes occurring electrical events, and it produces the input signal that is associated with key or orders.In one example, on underlying structure 62, use three-layer structure, wherein conductor 110 and 112 was opened by insulation course in 114 minutes.The common switching mechanism that forms of these layers.Particularly, key depress and caving in of tactile feedback cover causes conductor 110 to contact through the hole 114a in the insulation course 114 each other with 112, thereby set up to produce being electrically connected of input signal.

Regardless of generating signal cutter system really, use haptic configuration that tangibly, tactile feedback all is provided, it confirms that user's physics moves (that is, pressing key) in fact sent expectation to attached computing machine input signal.Haptic configuration can be implemented as the tactile feedback cover that is formed by metal or silicone, and perhaps other elastomeric cover structure is only lifted several kinds of possible examples here.The selection of the haptic configuration of particular type can be through relevant for the compromise of the factor of the care of key sensation, keyboard thickness, display performance, manufacturing, robustness, reliability or the like with consider to inform.As will be below in greater detail, can strengthen display performance through having thinner keyboard components in a particular embodiment.The tactile feedback cover that is made of metal can be utilized to reduce keyboard components thickness (with respect to the cover of other type) usually, yet these covers are not more expected from the position of tactile sensation in some cases.On the contrary, elastomeric sense of touch cover can provide the sensation or the action of the expectation of keyboard, but increases to cost with the thickness that possibly influence display performance.

Fig. 8 shows on underlying structure 62 or the exemplary arrangement of the haptic configuration relevant with underlying structure 62.Particularly, the figure shows the part of underlying structure 62, it is corresponding to comprising for example from the zone of Fig. 1 to nine square form keys of the core of the keyboard shown in Fig. 3.For illustrated clear, not shown key self.Hole 62a in the hatched area indication underlying structure 62.Aliging with the clear central part (for example Fig. 4 is to the central, transparent sheet 54 shown in Fig. 7) of keycap usually in these holes, watches following display device so that see through keyboard components.Also shown is the haptic configuration (for example the tactile feedback cover 102) that is used for each key and squint, so that do not disturb Presentation Function from the display part, center of key.In fact, be similar to the scissor construction configuration that combines Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 to discuss, haptic configuration is positioned at the perimeter of key, maximizes so that be used in the use of core of the key of demonstration.Except the 62a of hole, perhaps replace hole 62a, can construct underlying structure 62 by transparent material, so that display capabilities.And underlying structure can comprise rigid disk or launch keeping and/or to support bond structure and the flexible portion that separates that comprises insulation and conductive layer that said insulation and conductive layer provide above-mentioned electric switch and connectivity.

As for the substituting of the layout of being described, can in other positions that the image that does not hinder through keycap shows, haptic configuration be provided.For example, can haptic configuration be provided at the top and the lateral edges place in the hole in the underlying structure relative with bottom margin.In addition, haptic configuration can be positioned at below the scissors assembly, so that they are compressed by the startup of scissors assembly.Regardless of concrete configuration, the position of the off-centring of haptic configuration all will normally be expected, because it has minimized or eliminated the possibility of disturbing the Presentation Function that sees through key.

As discussed in the whole text, about watching the image that produces by display device 40 (Fig. 2), can produce various Considerations.In these Considerations some relate to the following fact: in typical the layout, figure image source (that is, display device 40) be positioned at keyboard components 42 below.Therefore the user " sees through " keyboard components and watches, to see image.On the other hand, the some parts of keyboard components possibly not be transparent for various reasons, and this " non-demonstration " part of possibility desired configuration keyboard, so that they can not weaken Presentation Function or otherwise not hinder Presentation Function.

In some cases, possibly expect to realize a kind of display device, wherein the plane of delineation is below the surface of display device, key.This forms contrast with following method, and this method comprises the plane of delineation is projected the position on the top of a certain distance above the surface of display device, key.With reference to Fig. 9, the figure shows the rough schematic view of the key of on display device 40, placing 28.Keycap and dependency structure have thickness (for example 2 to 10 millimeters), and therefore have the possibility of " tunnel " effect at the center that sees through each key, and wherein the user watches through rectangular tube, to see the image that is associated with key.The viewing angle of given about 35 to 45 degree, the thickness of key cause sizable part of the plane of delineation to be hidden (obscure), and be indicated as in the drawings.Can be through using the visual display area of the turning film in the core of key, utilize and/or the prism display device below increasing, thus this effect corrected to a certain extent.

Can come to alleviate to a certain extent hiding of demonstration through using the turning film and/or the prism that in the core of key, utilize.Particularly, will expect to combine keycap to utilize steering component in certain embodiments.Usually will expect that this steering component is near the top of key, for example be utilized near the upper surface of keycap 50.Light ray from following display device will be reflected by near the user at the some place the top at key then.Because this refraction occurs near the top of key, so the sidewall sections of key will be hidden less demonstration.Fig. 9 indication is used to utilize the possible position of turning film or prism.When being utilized, turning film part or layer can with the moulding of keycap common mode, perhaps can engage with keycap via bonding agent, snap, ultrasonic soldering or any other suitable joint method.Except turning film, perhaps replace turning film, steering component can utilize and turn to prism to realize.The same with turning film, turn to prism to be implemented, so that refraction point is near the top of key.

Indicated like the front, the key of computer peripheral will be typically by utilization like this, so that the core of each keycap is transparent, sees the image from display device thereby allow the user to see through keycap.Like what discussed before, will expect that usually so mechanical part (for example scissor construction) is supported in configuration, so that said parts are positioned at the periphery of key, do not watch image so that do not stop the core that sees through key.In addition; From aesthstic and other reason, in some cases, will process the peripheral part of keycap opaque; So that cover scissor construction (for example, maybe the visual attention that focus is removed from the image that is provided by display device being disperseed) cleaner and tidier aesthetic appearance to be provided and/or to prevent.

At periphery a kind of mode opaque, that allow light/image to penetrate the center simultaneously being provided is that keycap is formed single slide, then to all edge colorings (painting) of keycap.Yet accurate shading operations possibly be difficult, and especially true when in large-scale production is provided with, primary structural component being carried out.And shading operations is the step of separating that possibly increase manufacturing time and cost.Therefore, in some cases, two keycaps that formation core and peripheral part separate will be favourable.The example of this two keycaps structure all is provided to the above-described example of Fig. 7 discussion to Fig. 4.

The separating sheet structure that is used for keycap 50 can accomplished in various ways.In certain embodiments, centre slice 54 is molded with perimeter strap 52, perhaps otherwise separately forms, and in the integrating step of separating, appends to together each other then.Attached can the realization via snap, bonding agent (for example contact adhesive), ultrasonic soldering or any other suitable joint method.Alternately, said two can form different sheets separately, but in the common mode forming process, wherein a slice at first is molded, and second is molded on first then, perhaps on first, is molded.

Figure 10 and Figure 11 provide the exploded view of the other example of keycap 50, and it is two structures of sheet separately that this keycap utilizes centre slice 54 and perimeter strap 52.Two examples all illustrate uses optional light beam 120, and it can be arranged under the optical transmission window of keycap and the center viewing areas of the key on the display device.In some is provided with, use light beam to feel to reduce above-described tunnel effect with respect to what following vision facilities had improved through producing the plane of delineation.Except light beam, perhaps replace light beam, can utilize prism that light is turned to the user from display device, so that increase the effective dimensions (that is, reducing by the demonstration that the user's viewing angle produces) of the demonstration that can watch through antagonism.Perhaps separate with prism with the prism combination, turning film 122 can be utilized to resist the viewing angle effect.

In the example of Figure 10, centre slice 54, perimeter strap 52, turning film 122 and light beam 120 are the sheets that separate that are bonded together.Similar among assembly and structure and Figure 11, except the embodiment that is described illustrates the structure of the common mode moulding that is used for centre slice 54 and turning film 122.

As through by way of example shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11, light beam can couple with keycap.In these embodiment, when keycap was depressed, light beam moved with keycap.Light beam can couple with keycap in any suitable manner.As nonrestrictive example, light beam can with the keycap snap; Light beam can couple via ultraviolet curing adhesive (ultraviolet curable adhesive) and keycap; Perhaps light beam can couple via contact adhesive and keycap.

In other embodiments, light beam can couple by the another kind of fixed sturcture below display device and/or keycap.In this embodiment, when keycap was depressed, light beam was along with keycap moves.Light beam can couple with display device in any suitable manner.As nonrestrictive example, light beam can be via ultraviolet curing adhesive or contact adhesive and is coupled with display device.In the layout that this substrate is installed, each light beam can be to constitute one of a plurality of light beams of shared that couple with display device jointly.In other words, can make single to comprise the different light beam that is used for each key.In certain embodiments, each light beam can be molded into opaque base plate by secondary (two-shot).

Figure 12 schematically shows the exemplary arrangement that light beam 130 is couple to keycap 132.Figure 13 schematically shows the exemplary arrangement that light beam 134 is couple to display device 136.In these two figure, kcp is the plane of keycap; Ddp is the plane of display device; G is the distance between kcp and the ddp; P is the height of light beam; H is the image sighting distance below the keycap.In the formula below, n is the refractive index of light beam.

For the layout shown in Figure 12:

h?=?[(g?–?p)?tan(θ)?+?p?tan(asin(sin(θ)/n))]/?tan(θ);

Perhaps for single order:

h?=?g?-?p(n?-?1)/n。

For the layout shown in Figure 13:

h?=?[p?tan(θ)?+?(g?-?p)?tan(asin(sin(θ)?n))]/?tan(asin(sin(θ)?n));

Perhaps for single order:

h?=?g?-?p(n?-?1)/n。

Like this, basic identical in two kinds of configurations apart from the image sighting distance of keycap.For single order, image distance is identical.For three rank and high-order more, the light beam for coupling with display device rather than keycap will have smaller apparent distortion.Yet this difference is very little probably, and for the beholder, can not distinguish.

In any configuration, increase along with the refractive index (n) of light beam and/or along with the height (p) of light beam increases and reduces apart from the image sighting distance of keycap.

Like this, it possibly be useful using the highest feasible light beam (that is, increasing p).The size that light beam can be set is to occupy the overall distance between keycap and the display device basically when keycap is depressed.In other words, the size of light beam can be set so,, only have very little air gap between light beam and the display device (Figure 12) or between light beam and the keycap (Figure 13) so that when keycap is depressed.Usually, this air gap should be enough greatly adapting to the manufacturing tolerance limit, thereby guarantee that keycap can be depressed, and do not hinder.As nonrestrictive example, when keycap was fully depressed, minimum air gap can be 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter.

In addition, to construct light beam possibly be useful by having the highest feasible refractive index materials.Usually, more the light beam of high index of refraction will cause bigger the reducing of above-described tunnel effect.Can be according to light beam of the present disclosure by having high relatively refractive index materials structure.In certain embodiments, light beam can have 1.4 to 1.7 refractive index (for example for the refractive index of the about .1492 of acrylic plastics, perhaps for the refractive index of polycarbonate about 1.586).

In certain embodiments, light beam can have luminous power, amplifies (magnify) or removes amplification (de-magnify) part by the image of display device generation with the permission light beam.Under the situation of amplifying, can use the less relatively part of display device to be formed for the image of each key, and light beam can amplify this part.In this way, use less relatively pixel on each key, to form image.Under the situation of remove amplifying, can use the relatively large part of display device to be formed for the image of each key, and light beam can be removed and amplify to this part.In this way, use many relatively pixels to come on each key, to form more high-resolution image.

As schematically illustrated with reference to Figure 14, light beam 140 can comprise one or more concave surface (for example concave surface 142), and it is configured to the part of changeable display image is removed amplification.As schematically illustrated with reference to Figure 15, light beam 144 can comprise one or more convex surface (for example convex surface 146), and it is configured to amplify the part of changeable display image.In illustrated embodiment, only the end face of light beam by moulding to be used for luminous power.Yet, be to be understood that: the bottom surface can be extraly or alternatively moulding to be used for luminous power.

Like what introduce with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11, in certain embodiments, each key can also comprise that the light between light beam and the keycap turns to layer.Figure 16 schematically shows the zoomed-in view that this light turns to the part of layer.In illustrated embodiment, light turns to layer 150 to comprise the array of the microprism of repetition.Each microprism has the input facet (for example importing facet 152) that receives input light.Along with light propagate to get into, passes and leave light and turn to layer, direction of light is turned to.

The number of degrees that light is turned to can turn to the refractive index control of layer by the faceted angle of the input of microprism and/or by light.In certain embodiments, light turns to layer to be configured to light is turned to about 20 degree, is using the user of input equipment thereby light more directly led.In other embodiments, light turns to layer can be configured to light is turned to different amounts.Usually, the higher steering angle reflection loss that can cause increasing and/or the afterimage of increase.

Light turns to layer can be coupled to keycap or light beam.Light beam can turn to layer to separate with light, and/or have with arbitrary configuration in light turn to the different refractive index of layer, thereby allow the refraction when getting into light and turn to layer of input light.

Figure 17 schematically shows the embodiment that light turns to layer 160 and keycap 162 to couple.In this embodiment, light beam 164 is couple to display device 166, and when keycap 162 is depressed not along with keycap 162 moves.Keycap 162 turns to layer 160 shown in broken lines in the position that is depressed with light.

Figure 18 schematically shows light and turns to layer 170 to be couple to the embodiment of keycap 172.In this embodiment, light beam 174 also is couple to keycap 172, and when keycap is depressed along with keycap 172 moves.Keycap 172, light turn to the layer 170 and light beam 174 shown in broken lines in the position that is depressed.In this embodiment, light turns to the small air gap between layer 170 and the keycap 172 to guarantee around microprism, to exist optical index poor, thereby makes it possible to take place the optical inversion effect.

Be to be understood that: configuration described herein and/or mode are exemplary in itself, and these certain embodiments or example be not taken on the meaning of restriction and consider, because many modification are possible.Particular routine described herein or method can be represented one or more in the processing policy of any amount.Like this, illustrative exercises can with illustrative order, with other order, concurrently, or the mode that is omitted under certain conditions and carrying out.Equally, can change the order of above-described process.

Theme of the present disclosure comprise all of various process disclosed herein, system and configuration and other characteristics, function, action and/or characteristic novel with non-obvious combination and son combination, with and arbitrarily and all equivalents.

Claims (15)

1. input equipment comprises:

Be configured to the optionally display device (40) of light modulated to produce changeable display image; And

Be placed on the said display device and comprise the keyboard components (42) of one or more key that can depress (28), each key that can depress comprises:

Keycap (50) with optical transmission window;

Light beam (120) between said keycap and the said display device; And

Light between said light beam and the said keycap turns to layer (150).

2. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam and said light turn to layer to separate.

3. input equipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein is provided with the size of said light beam, when said keycap is depressed, to occupy the overall distance between said keycap and the said display device basically.

4. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam has luminous power.

5. input equipment as claimed in claim 4, wherein said light beam comprises one or more convex surface, it is configured to amplify the part of changeable display image.

6. input equipment as claimed in claim 4, wherein said light beam comprises one or more concave surface, it is configured to the part of changeable display image is removed amplification.

7. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam is couple to said keycap, and under the situation that keycap is depressed along with keycap moves.

8. input equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein said light beam and said keycap snap.

9. input equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein said light beam is couple to said keycap via ultraviolet curing adhesive.

10. input equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein said light beam is couple to said keycap via contact adhesive.

11. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam is couple to said display device, and under the situation that keycap is depressed not along with keycap moves.

One of a plurality of light beams of shared that 12. input equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein said light beam are common formation and said display device to couple.

13. input equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein said light beam is couple to said display device via ultraviolet curing adhesive.

14. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam is a printing opacity, and it has the refractive index between 1.4 to 1.7.

15. input equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light turn to layer to comprise the array of the microprism of repetition.

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