CN102385441A - Self-adapted keyboard light steering gear - 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

The steering gear of self-adaptation board light

The cross reference of related application

The application is the partial continuous case of the Patent Application No. 12/757,734 submitted on April 9th, 2010 and the Patent Application No. 12/841,046 submitted on July 21st, 2010, and these patented claims are attached among this paper by reference.

Background technology

Computer peripheral is improved with expanded function constantly and the quality user experience is provided.An improved field is to provide Macintosh dish-type input function and the peripherals that shows the ability of output to the user.In many cases, this implements through the keyboard with the viewing area (region) that separates with key is provided.For example, in conventional keyboard layout, the rectangle LCD display can be positioned at function key or numeric keypad top.

Another method of combinatorial input and fan-out capability is on the touth-interactive display, to use dummy keyboard in peripherals.Each key is shown on the touth-interactive display device by the legend or the symbol of its function of indication.The dummy keyboard method has many benefits, comprises the ability of the demonstration that dynamically changes each key.But from pure input viewpoint, the interactive touch display usually is not too desirable.Particularly, touch display does not provide tactile feedback, and tactile feedback can provide and have more response and exhilarating typewriting experience.

Summary of the invention

Content of the present invention is provided so that introduce the selection of notion with reduced form, these notions will further describe in embodiment below.Content of the present invention is not intended to identify the key feature or the essential characteristic of theme required for protection, is not intended to be used to limit the scope of theme required for protection yet.And theme required for protection is not limited to solve any shortcoming that in any part of the present disclosure, writes down or the embodiment of all shortcomings.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a kind of input equipment comprises: display device, it is configured to optionally light modulated to produce variable display image.This input equipment also comprises and places the keyboard components on the display device and comprise one or more keys of depressing.Each key that can depress comprises keycap with light-transmissive window and light steering characteristic or the element between display device and keycap.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates exemplary computer system, and it comprises computer peripheral, and computer peripheral provides the ability of coming display of visually output through the key of keyboard components.

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

Fig. 3 illustrates the instance of the output display capabilities of the computer peripheral employing that can combine Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are the partial sections that can combine an embodiment of the key that the computer peripheral of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 adopts.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are bottom and the top perspective of the embodiment of two-piece type keycap, and it comprises central transparent member so that see through the image that key watches the display device below keyboard components to produce.

Fig. 8 diagram has the exemplary configuration of the keyboard components underlying structure of the tactile feedback structure that central authorities depart from.

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

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

The schematically illustrated light beam that is coupled to the key of keyboard components of Figure 12.

Figure 13 is schematically illustrated to be coupled to the light beam of display device of the key below of keyboard components.

The schematically illustrated light beam of Figure 14 with negative power (optical power).

The schematically illustrated light beam of Figure 15 with positive light coke.

The schematically illustrated light that is the repeat array form of microprism of Figure 16 turns to the part of layer.

Figure 17 is schematically illustrated to be coupled to the light beam of display device of the key below of keyboard components.

The schematically illustrated light beam that is coupled to the key of keyboard components of Figure 18.

Figure 19 illustrates the exploded view that comprises the exemplary key structure that turns to prism.

Figure 20 to Figure 22 is the partial section that comprises the key that turns to (turning) prism.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 has described exemplary computer system 20, and it comprises display monitor 22, member shell 24 (for example, comprising processor, hard disk drive etc.) and computer peripheral 26.Fig. 2 provides the additional views of computer peripheral 26 with the exemplary elements that can in its structure, use.As will in various instances, describe, computer peripheral 26 can be implemented as displayable output also is provided except that the keyboard type input function.Except that other, computer peripheral can comprise key, and key adopts the two-piece construction with transparent component and watches image so that see through key.Two-piece construction also can be used for alternatively hiding or reduces the visual impact with the part of the irrelevant peripherals of Presentation Function.

About the keypad function of example calculation peripheral devices, " input " and " output " in this manual continually will use a technical term.When combining keyboard key to use, term " input " will be often referred to the input signal that when activate key, is provided by peripherals." output " will be often referred to the demonstration that provides to key, for example the legend that is shown, icon or the symbol of indication key function.

As by " Q " on the key 28 (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), " W ", " E ", " R ", " T ", that kind shown in " Y " etc. will usually need computer peripheral 26 to be configured to provide conventional alphanumeric input capability.For the purpose of simplifying the description, many keys of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are illustrated unmarked, however, should be understood that for each key, will usually comprise label or demonstration.And, except " QWERTY " form of knowing or as it, substituting, the key 28 of keyboard can have various other inputs that are configured to provide.Key can be assigned with for example to be provided various language and alphabetic(al) function and/or activates the input command that other are used to control computing system 20.In some embodiments, the key function can for example dynamically change in response to the operating environment of the variation of the software of operation on computing system 20.For example, when pushing " ALT " key, not so (otherwise) key of being used for keying in letter " F " alternately causes the activation of software application File menu.Generally speaking, should be appreciated that the key in this instance can optionally be depressed the input signal that is used for any kind of control computer with generation.

Computer peripheral 26 can provide a variety of displayable outputs to strengthen with additionally increasing to calculate and experience.In some instance, computer peripheral cause on the key 28 of individuality or near the demonstration indication key function of visual output.This can find out in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein is coated with or is printed in substituting of key on the key cap surface as letter, and indication mechanism (for example, being positioned at LCD (LCD) equipment of key below) is used for functions such as " Q ", " W " of indication key.This dynamic and programmable display capabilities is convenient to maybe be with the multitude of different ways peripherals 26 that uses a computer.For example, keyboard based on English mentioned above is alternately provided letter by mapping with alphabet sequence rather than with " QWERTY " form of routine, and to be used for being shown in of each key be can be easy to change to reflect that different keys distributes.

The contemplated display capabilities of this paper can be used for the visual output of any kind being provided and being not limited to alphabet, letter, numeral, symbol etc. to the user of computing system 20.As substituting of above-mentioned instance, can be needn't come display image on spatial sense with the mode that individual key is associated.Image can for example be presented in the keyboard region of crossing over a plurality of keys.The portrait that is provided (imagery) need not to be associated with the input function of keyboard.For example can image be provided so that the personalized output type that other perhaps are provided of user experience from aesthetic purposes.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, Presentation Function can be provided in other zones, for example in the zone 32 that is arranged in above the key 28.In addition, except the keyboard type input that is provided by key 28, other parts of zone 32 or computer peripheral 26 can be provided with the interactivity based on touch or gesture.For example, zone 32 can be via based on the technology of electric capacity, be embodied as the interactive touch panel type display based on technology or other appropriate method of resistance.

Go to Fig. 2 at present, computer peripheral 26 can comprise display device 40 be placed on the display device and with the keyboard components 42 of display device coupling.The key that can one or morely depress according to keyboard components of the present disclosure (for example, keyboard components 42).Keyboard components 42 can be transparent at least in part, 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 central transparent part, and it allows the user to see the image that is produced by the LCD panel or the other display equipment that are positioned at keyboard components 42 belows.In some cases, all keys all will be transparent basically.In other instances, the periphery of key can be opaque, for example so that hide the structure that makes things convenient for keycap to move up and down.

Can adopt polytype display device 40.Illustrate briefly like preceding text, one type suitable display device is a LCD equipment.In fact, LCD equipment will mention in the instance that this paper discussed continually that however, this is nonrestrictive, and should be appreciated that keyboard components can be coupled with multiple other type of displays.Generally speaking, display device can be configured to that optionally light modulated is to produce variable display image, and the part of image can appear through different keys.

Fig. 3 provides and how can combine individual key 28 to adopt the further diagram of the display capabilities of computer peripheral 26.Especially, as respectively in time T ₀, T ₁, T ₂Deng shown in, the demonstration that is associated with key 28 output can change, for example with reflection through depressing the input command that this key produces.But, that kind as mentioned previously, the visual output that is provided by computer peripheral can take to be different from the form of the demonstration that is associated with individual key and their input function.

As in the instance of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, keyboard components 42 will typically comprise a plurality of keys, and it adopts certain type mechanism (mechanism), and this mechanism makes bond energy enough be depressed or additionally is moved to produce input signal.Although mainly use a technical term " key ", this term is also nonrestrictive, and should be appreciated that it comprises button and can move other structures or the mechanism that input is provided by the user.Fig. 4 to Figure 11 illustrates the exemplary construction of the individual key that can be used for implementing keyboard components 42.

Existing particularly referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, accompanying drawing illustrates the partial section of a part of the keyboard components 42 of the embodiment that comprises individual key 28.Key 28 comprises keycap 50, and it has the middle body 54 of peripheral part 52 and light-transmissive window form.In some structure, peripheral part 52 forms independent different parts with middle body 54, and will therefore be called as peripheral part 52 and center piece 54 sometimes.Many in these same structures can see in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 that Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 provide the bottom perspective view and the top perspective of keycap 50 respectively.

Cut between the keycap 50 and underlying structure 62 (Fig. 4) that shape structure 60 (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) places keyboard components 42.Cut the shape structure and be configured to make that keycap 50 can be with respect to underlying structure 62 upwards and move down.Especially, cut shape structure 60 and be configured to during moving, to keep keycap 50 to aim at and guarantee to move to be confined to and move towards underlying structure with away from the vertical linearity of underlying structure, and can not be distorted, inclination and similar situation.For example, usually preferably during keycap moves the keycap top keep parallel with underlying structure 62.

Cut shape structure 60 and can comprise two parts 63 and 64, part 63 and 64 is pivoted relative to each other via pivoting point 66.Each part comprises a pair of relative web (web), and a pair of bar extends between web.Particularly, cut shape part 63 and comprise web 72.Bar 74 extends from first end of web 72; Bar 76 extends from second end of web 72.Bar extends to relative similar web structure, and it can not be seen in Fig. 5 owing to hiding of keycap 50.Another is cut shape part 64 and comprises similar structures: web 82, bar 84 and 86 and the relative web structure in Fig. 5, hidden.

Cutting shape structure 60 can have various configurations and formed by multiple different materials.In certain embodiments, total can be plastics.In other instances, can expect by metal form in these parts some or all.Especially, some embodiment adopts the plastics web, and it is around metal connecting link Overmolded (over-molded).When rigidity and rigidity particular importance, for example under the situation of big form key (for example, " (shift) performs " key of keyboard or " space (spacebar) " key), the use of this Metallic rod can be favourable.

The each several part of cutting shape structure 60 when should be appreciated that the downward depressible keys of the basad structure of present dynasty 62 is pivoted relative to each other.Pivotal action causes cutting the overall decline of shape structure, and produces the small increase of cutting shape structure effective length.In order to adapt to this length variations, cutting the shape structure can be to allow the structure coupling of some mode that laterally moves and adjacency.Particularly referring to the instance of Fig. 4, the each several part of cutting shape structure 60 engages with keycap 50 and underlying structure 62 as follows: A) bar 74 snaps in a pair of elastic hook (snap hook) 90 be located on keycap 50 downsides (shown in Fig. 6 but not shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).The bar that this joint allows during depressible keys, to take place rotates, but keeps the lateral attitude of bar with respect to keycap.B) bar 86 abuts the downside of keycap 50, but is allowed to during depressible keys, a little laterally slide, to adapt to the effective prolongation of cutting the shape structure that during staying (collapse), takes place.C) bar 84 is kept by a pair of elastic hook (not shown) on the underlying structure 62, and bar 76 abuts underlying structure but is allowed to and laterally slides with respect to underlying structure simultaneously.Be similar to bar 74 and 86, this layout keeps cutting the shape structure and in position allows simultaneously substantially to change cutting the effective length that takes place during the shape structure pivot action.

Referring to Fig. 5, should be appreciated that and cut the periphery that the shape structure can place each key, make that thus the central area of key is not blocked (obstructed) and farthest can be used for showing purpose.Especially, when when keycap 50 is directly watched in the key top, web and the bar of cutting the shape structure all are positioned at the key periphery, in the below of periphery (perimeter) part 52 of keycap.Therefore, when LCD or other display equipment were used in the keyboard components below, the shape structure of cutting of peripheral configuration allowed to see through this key and unobstructedly (that is, sees through transparent center piece 54) and watch the more most of of demonstration.

Continue Fig. 4 to Fig. 7, but other structures and mechanism are adopted in the driving of associative key.In this example, with keycap 50 when underlying structure 62 is depressed (Fig. 4), plunger or sheet (tab-like) projection 100 will be depressed the haptic configuration that is associated with key, for example tactile feedback vault (dome) 102 (Fig. 4).When key from idle (rest) position when it is fully depressed state and moves, the tactile feedback vault will finally stay and in key action or sensation, cause palpable variation.Except making feedback vault stays, depressing of key causes electric incident to take place, and it produces input signal or the order that is associated with this key.In an example, on underlying structure 62, use three-layer structure, wherein conductor 110 and 112 was opened by insulation course in 114 minutes.These layers jointly form switching mechanism.Especially, depress and the staying of tactile feedback vault of key causes conductor 110 and 112 to contact with each other through the hole 114a in the insulation course 114, thereby sets up the electrical connection that produces input signal.

No matter generate signal cutter system really, use haptic configuration that palpable tactile feedback is provided, its confirm user's health move (that is, pushing this key) sent in fact the required input signal to attached computing machine.Only propose several possible examples, haptic configuration can be embodied as tactile feedback vault or other rubber like vault constructions that is formed by metal or silicones.The selection of the haptic configuration of particular type can be through about the balance of the problem paid close attention in key sensation, keyboard thickness, display performance, the manufacturing, fixing, reliability etc. with consider to instruct.As will be described in more detail below, in certain embodiments, can improve display performance through having thinner keyboard components.The tactile feedback vault that is made of metal usually can be used for reducing keyboard components thickness (with respect to the vault of other types), but in some cases, from the viewpoint of tactile sensation, these vaults do not cater to the need so.On the contrary, rubberlike sense of touch vault can provide required keyboard action or sensation, but is cost to increase thickness, and this may have influence on display performance.

Fig. 8 is illustrated on the underlying structure 62 or the exemplary arrangement of the haptic configuration relevant with underlying structure 62.Particularly, accompanying drawing illustrates corresponding to a part that for example comprises from the underlying structure 62 in the district of nine square form keys of the middle body of keyboard shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3.In order to clearly demonstrate, itself is not shown in the drawing key.Hole 62a in hatched district's indication underlying structure 62.These holes transparent middle body (for example, in the central transparent member 54 shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 7) common and keycap is aimed at, and watches following display device so that see through keyboard components.The haptic configuration (for example, tactile feedback vault 102) that accompanying drawing also illustrates each key departs from the central display part of key, so that do not interfere Presentation Function.In fact, be similar to combine that Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 discussed cut the shape structural arrangements, haptic configuration is positioned at the periphery of key so that farthest the middle body of key is used for demonstration.Except the 62a of hole or as the substituting of hole 62a, underlying structure 62 can be made up to promote display capabilities by transparent material.And underlying structure can comprise rigid member or broad area (expanse) with maintenance and/or support bond structure, and comprises independent flexible portion, and it comprises provides above-mentioned electric switch and internuncial insulation course and conductive layer.

As substituting of the layout of being described, haptic configuration can be provided in other positions that do not hinder through the keycap display image.For example, haptic configuration can be located at the top edge or the lateral edges place of underlying structure mesopore, and is relative with feather edge.And haptic configuration makes that cutting the shape assembly through driving compresses them below can being positioned at and cutting the shape assembly.No matter customized configuration, the position that the central authorities that usually need haptic configuration are departed from is because it has minimized or eliminated and has interfered the possibility that sees through the key Presentation Function.

As run through and discussed in full, about watching the image that produces by display device 40 (Fig. 2), various considerations can appear.During these are considered some considered with following true relevant: in exemplary configurations, figure image source (that is, display device 40) is positioned at keyboard components 42 belows.Therefore the user " sees through " keyboard components and watches attentively and see image.On the other hand, some part of keyboard components maybe be because a variety of causes be transparent, but and such " not showing " part of desired configuration keyboard make their do not detract Presentation Functions or hinder Presentation Function in addition.

In some cases, can expect to realize a kind of display device, wherein, the plane of delineation is below key, in the surface of display device.This forms contrast with following method: this method relates to the plane of delineation is projected the position on the distance key top, display device surface.Referring to Fig. 9, this illustrates the rough schematic view of the key 28 that places on the display device 40.Keycap has certain thickness (for example, between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters) with relevant structure, and therefore has the possibility through " tunnel " effect of each key central authorities, and wherein the user watches the image that is associated with key to see attentively through rectangular tube.The approximate visual angle of given 35 degree to 45 degree, the thickness of key causes the considerable part of the plane of delineation to be covered, and is as depicted in the figures.Can come to remedy to a certain extent this effect through using the turning film in the middle body of key, adopt and/or the visible viewing area of the display device of prism below increasing.

Can come to alleviate to a certain extent coverage through using the turning film and/or the prism that in the middle body of key, adopt to showing.Especially, can expect in certain embodiments to combine keycap to adopt steering component.To usually be desirably near the key top, for example near the upper surface of keycap 50, adopt steering component.Light from following display device will reflect towards the user at the point near the key top then.Since the refraction occur in the key top near, the side wall portion of key will be covered demonstration still less.Fig. 9 indicates the possible position that adopts turning film or prism.When adopting, turning film portion section (section) or layer can with the keycap common molded or can be via bonding agent, be clasped (snap-fitting), ultra-sonic welded or any other appropriate combination method and be attached to keycap.As the replenishing or substituting of turning film, the steering component prism that turns to capable of using is realized.As with turning film together, can realize turning to prism to make refraction point near the key top.

Shown in preceding text, the key that typically adopts computer peripheral is made that the middle body of each keycap is transparent, allow the user to see through keycap and see image from display device.That kind as discussed previously, usually desired configuration supported mechanical member (for example, cutting the shape structure) makes them be positioned at the periphery of key so that do not stop the image of watching through the middle body of key.And; From aesthetics and other reasons, in some cases, the periphery of keycap will be made into opaquely (for example to cut the shape structure to hide; Cleaner and tidier aesthetic appearance being provided and/or preventing that vision from shifting, vision shifts may be with notice from image transfer that display device provided).

A kind of method that provides opacity to allow light/image to penetrate central authorities simultaneously at periphery place is that keycap is formed single transparent member and is coated with the periphery of keycap then.But be coated with comparatively difficulty of operation accurately, particularly like this when in a large amount of productions with widget are provided with, carrying out.And, be time expand and the independent step that increases manufacturing cost but be coated with operation.Therefore, in some cases, will advantageously form the two-piece type keycap, wherein middle body and peripheral part are independent (separate).The instance of such two-piece type keycap structure all is provided about the above-mentioned instance that Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 discussed.

Can realize discrete item (separate-piece) structure of keycap 50 in many ways.In certain embodiments, center piece 54 and the molded individually or other formation of peripheral part 52, and in the single combined step, be attached to each other then.Can via be clasped, bonding agent (for example, contact adhesive), ultra-sonic welded or any other suitable associated methods realize attached.Perhaps, these two parts can form independent different parts, but form with common molded technology, molded one of them part earlier wherein, and then on first or above molded second.

Figure 10 and Figure 11 are exploded views, and it provides the other instance of the keycap 50 that adopts two-piece construction, and center piece 54 is independent parts with peripheral part 52 in this two-piece construction.Two instances all illustrate the use of optional light beam 120, and light beam 120 can be arranged in the light-transmissive window below of keycap and the central viewing areas of the key above the display device.In some is provided with, use light beam to alleviate tunnel effect mentioned above from the perception that following display device promotes through creating the plane of delineation.Except light beam or as the substituting of light beam, can adopt prism that light is turned to towards the user from display device, so that increase the effective dimensions (that is, reducing by the demonstration due to the user perspective) of visual display through antagonism.With prism in combination or separately in prism, turning film 122 can be used for resisting the visual angle effect.

In the instance of Figure 10, center piece 54, peripheral part 52, turning film 122 and light beam 120 are the discrete items that combine.In Figure 11, assembly is similar with structure, and the common molded structure that uses peripheral part 52, center piece 54 and turning film 122 is shown except the embodiment that is described.

As among Figure 10 and Figure 11 with shown in the illustrational mode, light beam can be coupled to keycap.In such embodiment, when depressing keycap, light beam is along with keycap moves.Light beam can be coupled to keycap in any suitable manner.As limiting examples, light beam can snap fit onto keycap; Light beam can be coupled to keycap via the bonding agent of ultraviolet-curing; Perhaps, light beam can be coupled to keycap via contact adhesive.

In other embodiments, light beam can be coupled to another fixed sturcture of display device and/or keycap below.In such embodiment, when depressing keycap, light beam is along with keycap moves.Light beam can be coupled to display device with any suitable method.As limiting examples, light beam can be via the bonding agent of ultraviolet-curing or contact adhesive and is coupled to display device.Install in (base-mounted) layout in such substrate, each light beam can be one of a plurality of light beams, and the common formation of a plurality of light beams is coupled to the common part of display device.In other words, for each key, single can be manufactured into and comprise different light beams.In certain embodiments, but each light beam dijection is molded into opaque substrate (baseplate).

The schematically illustrated wherein light beam 130 of Figure 12 is coupled to the example arrangement of keycap 132.The schematically illustrated wherein light beam 134 of Figure 13 is coupled to the example arrangement of display device 136.In two accompanying drawings, 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 light beam height; And h is the apparent image distance (apparent image distance) below keycap.In the equation 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 with the apparent image distance of keycap.For single order, image distance is identical.For three rank and rank afterwards,, there is less slightly obvious distortion for the light beam that is coupled to display device rather than keycap.But this difference maybe be very little and can not be picked out by the observer.

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

Like this, what possibility was useful is to use the highest feasible light beam (that is, increasing p).Make light beam by given size (size), so that when depressing keycap, occupy the overall distance between keycap and the display device basically.In other words, make light beam, make when depressing keycap, only have very little clearance between light beam and the display device (Figure 12) or between light beam and the keycap (Figure 13) by given size.Generally speaking, this clearance should enough guarantee that to adapt to manufacturing tolerance keycap is depressed without barrier greatly.As limiting examples, when depressing keycap fully, minimum air void can be between 0.1 millimeter and 1 millimeter.

And what possibility was useful is to construct light beam by having the highest feasible refractive index materials.Generally speaking, the refractive index that light beam is higher will cause the bigger minimizing of tunnel effect mentioned above.Can be according to light beam of the present disclosure by having relative higher refractive index materials structure.In certain embodiments, light beam can have refractive index between 1.4 and 1.7 (for example, for the refractive index of acrylic plastics about 1.492 or for the refractive index of polycarbonate about 1.586).

In certain embodiments, light beam can have the focal power that allows the light beam amplification or dwindle the part of the image of being created by display device.Under the situation of amplifying, the less relatively part of display device can be used for forming the image of each key, and scalable this part of light beam.In this way, use less relatively pixel to form the image on each key.Under the situation of dwindling, the relatively large part of display device can be used for forming the image of each key, and light beam can dwindle this part.In this way, use more relatively pixel to form the more high-definition picture on each key.

Like what schematically show referring to Figure 14, light beam 140 can comprise one or more concave surfaces (for example, concave surface 142), and it is configured to dwindle the part of variable display image.Like what schematically show referring to Figure 15, light beam 144 can comprise one or more convex surfaces (for example, convex surface 146), and it is configured to amplify the part of variable display image.In the illustrated embodiment, for focal power, the end face of the light beam that only is shaped.But, should be appreciated that for focal power, can be additionally or the bottom surface that alternatively is shaped.

As referring to what Figure 10 and Figure 11 introduced, in certain embodiments, the light that each key also can be included between light beam and the keycap turns to layer.The schematically illustrated this light of Figure 16 turns to the guide wire of alternative shape of layer.In the illustrated embodiment, light turns to layer 150 to comprise the repeat array of microprism.Each microprism has the input face (for example, input face 152) that receives input light.Turn in the layer along with light advances to light, pass light and turn to layer and turn to layer to come out from light, light direction turns to.

Angle and/or the light that light turns to degree can receive the input face of microprism turns to the refractive index control of layer.In certain embodiments, light turns to layer to be configured to make light to turn to about 20 degree, thereby light more directly is directed at the user who uses this input equipment.In other embodiments, light turns to layer can be configured to the difference amount light turned to.Generally speaking, the reflection loss that can cause increasing of higher steering angle and/or the ghost image of increase.

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

The schematically illustrated wherein light of Figure 17 turns to layer 160 to be coupled to the embodiment of keycap 162.In this embodiment, light beam 164 is coupled to display device 166 and when depressing keycap, does not move with keycap 162.Keycap 162 turns to layer 160 depressing position that is in shown in broken lines with light.

The schematically illustrated wherein light of Figure 18 turns to layer 170 to be coupled to the embodiment of keycap 172.In this embodiment, light beam 174 also is coupled to keycap 172 and when depressing keycap, moves with keycap 172.Keycap 172, light turn to layer 170 and light beam 174 depressing positions that are in shown in broken lines.In this embodiment, turn to the little clearance between layer 170 and the light beam 174 to guarantee around microprism, to have optical index difference at light, thereby realize the optical inversion effect.

In certain embodiments, each key can comprise and be used to mechanism that light is turned to that it does not comprise a plurality of microprisms.As an instance, each key can comprise that the single light of prism form that turns to turns to layer.Like this turn to prism to be embodied as to have light beam or do not have light beam.

Figure 19 to Figure 22 illustrates the limiting examples that comprises the key of depressing that turns to prism according to of the present disclosure.Compare with the repeat array of microprism depicted in figure 16, the prism that turns to of Figure 19 to Figure 22 is striden the overall distance of light-transmissive window, passes through light-transmissive window from the image of following display device.Such layout can reduce parasitic light and image ghost image.Such layout is also thick than comparable microprism repeat array.

As an example, Figure 19 is the exploded view that the keycap 180 that adopts two-piece construction is shown, and wherein center piece 182 is independent parts with peripheral part 184.Keycap 180 also comprises and turns to prism 186, the central viewing areas of the key above its light-transmissive window below that can be arranged in keycap and the display device.Can use to turn to prism 186 that light is turned to towards the user from display device, so that increase the effective dimensions (that is, reducing by the demonstration due to the user perspective) of visual display through antagonism.

In the instance of Figure 19-21, center piece 182, peripheral part 184 and turn to prism 186 and 186 ' be the separate part that combines.Assembly is similar with structure in Figure 22, uses monoblock type (integral) prism 188 except the embodiment that is described illustrates, wherein center piece with turn to the prism common mode to be made as single.In other embodiments, the monoblock type prism also can be integrated into peripheral part the part of combined structure.

Generally speaking, turn to prism to be coupled to keycap or integrated with any suitable method with keycap.As limiting examples, turn to prism can snap fit onto keycap; Turn to prism to be coupled to keycap via the bonding agent of ultraviolet-curing; Turn to prism to be coupled to keycap via contact adhesive; Perhaps, turn to prism can be integrated into key on the other hand.

Use Figure 20 as an example, turn to prism 186 can comprise single light receiving surface 190, it can be essentially the plane.Light receiving surface 190 is oriented to receive light from following display device (such as LCD).The repeat array that is different from microprism, light receiving surface are continual and continuous basically.

Turn to prism 186 also to comprise light gasing surface 192.Light receiving surface 190 is crooked with respect to light gasing surface 192.Can and/or can be used for turning to the space of prism to select crooked amount based on the light of the desired amount that will turn to.Generally speaking, steeper skew angle can be that cost provides more light to turn to occupy more spaces.In certain embodiments, can use the angle of skew of about 10 degree to 20 degree.Because light receiving surface is angled with respect to light gasing surface, light receiving surface has the area bigger than light gasing surface.

Except angle of skew, the angle that light turns to can receive the refractive index control that turns to prism.Turn to prism can have refractive index between 1.4 and 1.7 (for example, for the refractive index of acrylic plastics about 1.492 or for the refractive index of polycarbonate about 1.586).In certain embodiments, turn to prism to be configured to make light to turn to about 20 degree, thereby light more directly is directed at the user who uses this input equipment.In other embodiments, turn to prism can be configured to light turned to the difference amount.

As shown in Figure 20, turn to prism to be shaped as and occupy less relatively space, thereby leeway is provided for depressing than long key relatively.As shown in Figure 21, except that component prism 196, turn to prism alternately to comprise light beam part 194.Light beam part 194 can reduce tunnel effect mentioned above from the perception that following display device promotes through creating the plane of delineation.

Should be appreciated that configuration as herein described and/or scheme are exemplary in itself, and do not think that these specific embodiments or instance have limited significance, because many modification are possible.Concrete routine as herein described or method can be represented the one or more strategies in any multiple processing policy.Like this, illustrated exercises can be with order illustrated, other orders, carry out or be omitted in some cases concurrently.Equally, can change the order of said process.

Theme of the present disclosure comprise various process disclosed herein, system and be configured to and all of other characteristics, function, action and/or character are novel and non-obvious combination and son combination with and any and all equivalents.

Claims (12)

1. an input equipment (26) comprising:

Display device (40), it is configured to optionally light modulated to produce variable display image; And

Keyboard components (42), it is placed on the said display device and comprises one or more keys of depressing (28), and each key that can depress comprises:

Keycap (50), it has light-transmissive window; And

Light turns to layer (150), and it is between said display device and said keycap.

2. it is prism that input equipment according to claim 1, wherein said light turn to layer.

3. input equipment according to claim 2, wherein said prism comprises single light receiving surface.

4. input equipment according to claim 3, the light receiving surface of wherein said prism are the plane basically.

5. input equipment according to claim 4, the light receiving surface of wherein said prism is crooked with respect to the light gasing surface of said prism.

6. input equipment according to claim 5, the light receiving surface of wherein said prism is spent to 20 degree with respect to the light gasing surface of said prism crooked 10.

7. input equipment according to claim 2, the light receiving surface of wherein said prism have the area bigger than the light receiving surface of said keycap.

8. input equipment according to claim 2 is if wherein said prism-coupled is to said keycap and depress keycap then move with said keycap.

9. input equipment according to claim 8, wherein said prism snaps fit onto said keycap.

10. input equipment according to claim 8, wherein said prism is coupled to said keycap via the bonding agent of ultraviolet-curing.

11. input equipment according to claim 8, wherein said prism is coupled to said keycap via contact adhesive.

12. input equipment according to claim 2, wherein said prism is with the refractive index transmitted light between 1.4 and 1.7.

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