CN1291060A - Lighting method and device for data input device - Google Patents

Lighting method and device for data input device Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1291060A
CN1291060A CN00129742A CN00129742A CN1291060A CN 1291060 A CN1291060 A CN 1291060A CN 00129742 A CN00129742 A CN 00129742A CN 00129742 A CN00129742 A CN 00129742A CN 1291060 A CN1291060 A CN 1291060A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
button
fin
portable electronic
electronic communications
communications device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN00129742A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
桑Y·奥
内森M·康奈尔
卡伦C·拉森
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Motorola Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Motorola Inc filed Critical Motorola Inc
Publication of CN1291060A publication Critical patent/CN1291060A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/22Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00Legends
    • H01H2219/002Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/018Electroluminescent panel
    • H01H2219/02Electroluminescent panel programmable
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00Actuators
    • H01H2221/07Actuators transparent
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00Applications
    • H01H2231/022Telephone handset

Abstract

The invention improves accuracy of lighting at each button and to give a tactile feedback. The data input device provides a back light illumination to the buttons by an EL panel installed in the device. A button is a part of plural numbers of buttons formed as one body in an elastic key pad. Each button corresponds to specific functions respectively. The EL panel under the key pad illuminates selectively and corresponds to each button directly. Dome-shaped switchs which can be moved by buttons, are located under the EL panel, and give tactile feedback. EL panel tabs which correspond to the position of buttons, are formed in the EL panel by utilizing gaps. At the time the dome-shaped switch are moved by the buttons, the tabs can move vertically by virtue of existence of gaps.

Description

The means of illumination of data input device and device
The present invention relates to the illumination of the data load button in the data input device.The present invention is specifically related to utilize certain material to throw light on, and this material allows to provide illumination to it in by data load button starting switch.
The illumination of data load button allows user's identification visually in low light photograph or zero illumination condition to be arranged in the appropriate button of a plurality of buttons.The array of buttons that is arranged together in groups is commonly called keyboard, and the button in the keyboard provides and has been used to start the switch on the printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) so that the device of corresponding electric signal is provided, thereby by the user mechanical movement is converted to the signal of telecommunication.At the button top is the visible unique identification mark corresponding to specific function or numeral of user.Each button can illuminate or provide background illumination from behind, to allow the button under User Recognition low light photograph or zero illumination condition.Identification mark normally is positioned at the center of button, and is translucent, to allow providing illumination by background light.
Be used to provide a kind of usual method of background illumination to be to use the light-emitting diode (LED) of at least one corresponding button on the close keyboard that is positioned on the PCB.LED trnaslucent materials identification mark on button by button when being activated provides coloured background illumination.A LED can provide illumination to a plurality of adjacent translucent button.In order to improve the consistency of throwing light between each button, can use a plurality of LED.But this can increase the cost of product and make complexity.
Thin plate light-emitting device such as electroluminescence (EL) plate also can be used for providing background illumination to the data load button.Though the circuit that the EL plate has covered PCB in fact and wherein comprised can throw light on selectively corresponding to the zone of each data load button in the keyboard.Because each button has kept its oneself light source, so this provides improved illumination profile between button, has consequently improved readability and ease for use.But, between PCB and data load button, the EL plate is set and has caused extra thickness, and may need change the existing parts that comprise the data input module, increased plant bulk potentially.The increase of this cell size conflicts with having formed directly for the trend of wishing to reduce product size as many data input devices of portable electron device.What merit attention in addition a bit is, the increase of thickness may be when data load button starting switch have successfully started the feedback of certain function so that expression to be provided to the user, and overslaugh data load button extends downwards fully.
A kind of method use EL plate has been eliminated the increase of thickness basically and has been allowed the performance user feedback simultaneously, and it provides a plurality of holes corresponding to each data load button in the EL plate, engages to allow actuator switch direct and on the PCB.But because removed the just following EL material of data load button now, the illumination profile between the button is consistent inadequately, thereby has reduced ease for use.
Therefore need to improve said method and device, with provide flexibly, the lighting device of cost efficient, and allow switch activated in the restricted area of the portable hand-held communicator of wishing constantly to reduce size such as the user.
Fig. 1 is the circuit block diagram in conjunction with radio communication device of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is the operational flowchart of data input device of the radio communication device of Fig. 1, has shown the startup according to electroluminescence illumination device of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is the exploded view according to the data input unit of the radio communication device of Fig. 1 of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is according to the profile of the data input unit of Fig. 3 of the present invention, comprises PCB, cima switching layer, electroluminescence layer, keyboard, and housing.
Fig. 5 is the top view of the electroluminescence layer of Fig. 4, shows according to fin of the present invention.
The invention provides a kind of new method and device that is used for the button on the illumination data input unit, make at minimum ambient lighting or do not have fully can easily from a plurality of buttons, identify certain button under the situation of illumination, and provide tactile feedback to the user simultaneously.In a preferred embodiment, tactile feedback is used in combination with the unique audible sound that sends simultaneously when pressing the button.This unique audible sound with when stirring the assonance of hearing usually when each button has the push-button telephone of an alternative sounds.The combination of this dual mode can notify user button successfully to be pressed and finished required function.The present invention has significantly improved the button illumination that realizes by background illumination, and does not change feedback characteristics.Tactile feedback and unique audible sound provide the complete checking that realizes required result to the user.
Referring to Fig. 1, shown block diagram in conjunction with the radio communication device such as cellular radio of the present invention.In this preferred embodiment, to combine such as the frame generator ASIC101 of the CMOS ASIC that can buy from motorola inc with such as the microprocessor 103 of the 68HC11 microprocessor that can buy from motorola inc, and produce and be used for the required communication protocol of operating at cellular system.Microprocessor 103 uses the memory 104 that comprises RAM105, EEPROM107 and ROM109, wherein microprocessor 103 and memory 104 preferably are integrated in the encapsulation 111, carry out necessary step to produce other function of agreement and execution radio communication device, for example write to display 113, receive information from keyboard 115, utilize electroluminescent thin layers lighting device (EL plate) 116 that the illumination of keyboard and display is provided according to the present invention, or control frequency synthesizer 125.ASIC 101 handles from microphone 117 with to the audio frequency by voicefrequency circuit 119 conversion of loud speaker 121.
Transceiver is handled radiofrequency signal.Specifically, transmitter 123 uses the carrier frequency that is produced by frequency synthesizer 125 by antenna 129 emissions.By the information input receiver 127 that the antenna 129 of communicator receives, receiver 127 uses carrier frequency from frequency synthesizer 125 to symbol demodulation.Communicator comprises message receiver and storage device 131 alternatively, and message receiver and storage device 131 comprise digital signal processing device.For example, message receiver and storage device can be digital answering machine or paging receiver.
In the present embodiment, microprocessor 103 is used to control user interface.Usually, the user interface of communicator comprises data input unit and the display 113 that is used for providing to the user information.The data input unit of radio communication device 100 comprises keyboard 115 and EL plate 116.Microprocessor 103 control EL plates 116, EL plate 116 are lamellae lighting devices of the EL plate bought such as the Durel company from Chandler Arizona.EL plate 116 provides improved illumination to keyboard 115 and display 113 under microprocessor requires, usually comprise following situation at least: when radio communication device is started shooting, when starting lighting switch, during button on pressing lower keyboard, or when at first starting incoming call.
The present invention is attached to the EL plate, makes it possible to realize improved background illumination and kept tactile feedback, and need not to change existing design.The EL plate that comprises tack coat can have only 0.25mm thin.This thin layer characteristic makes this technology can be easy to be assembled into hand-held as the present invention and wears in the portable electron device.The ability that comprises space and the unique figure of formation in the EL material, the collaborative ability that optionally illuminates suitable part (specifically illuminating the just following part of translucent button) has advantageously reduced the variation of illumination intensity between the button.Simultaneously, the space optionally is set holds keyboard button, thereby tactile feedback is provided in the EL material, to form fin.
The preferred embodiment also comprises the audible sound that is started by cima switch 136, and unique sound that this audible sound has is corresponding to the specific function of being handled by microprocessor 103.The user can be by pressing the button 150 request specific functions in the lower keyboard 148.Press the button 150 and can start cima switch 136, tactile feedback is provided, and send signal to microprocessor 103 by starting switch circuit 132.Unique audible sound that microprocessor 103 starts corresponding to the button of pressing 150.This audible sound and tactile feedback are collaborative to provide additional feedback to the user, and the two all provides when pressing cima switch 136.
Fig. 2 has shown the operational flowchart in conjunction with the data input device such as portable communication appts of the present invention.EL plate 142 can start under following several situations, but is not limited to this: when the start of this device 168, and when pressing lighting switch 172, during button on pressing lower keyboard 174, or when at first starting incoming call 170.After above-mentioned any one event generation, determine then whether the EL plate has illuminated 176,180.If the EL plate does not illuminate, then start EL plate 178,182.Under the situation that keyboard button is pressed 174, EL plate 142 is illuminated and sends audible sound, and the two all provides feedback to the user, with the enough startup cimas of pushing of ACK button 105 switch 136.
Fig. 3 represents the exploded view of the data input unit of radio communication device 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.PCB130 includes some circuit that is exclusively used in keyboard 115 and display 113.In the preferred embodiment, display is fixed to PCB130 with prefabricated plastic pallet 140.The positive top of PCB130 is the cima switching layer of buying such as the Lucas control system company from Loveland Colorado 134.Cima switching layer 134 is made of mylar and is attached on the PCB130 by adhering part.The a plurality of cima switches that are arranged to array are accurately corresponding to a plurality of button positions on the keypad layer 148.Each cima switch 136 has electric conducting material towards PCB one side, and aims at the switching circuit 132 on the PCB 130, makes that it can contact with switching circuit 132 when pressing cima switch 136, and Closing Switch also forms electrical connection.
The keypad layer 148 of the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of buttons that match with an extending keyboard of integral body, and each button is to upper process and hollow, and wherein hollow space comprises translucent 152 and from translucent 152 prodger 158 that forms.Translucent makes the uniquely tagged on light is transmitted into button from EL plate fin 144 the user side.The prodger 158 of sheet 152 is extended to EL plate fin 144 and cima switch 136, makes sheet 152 provide actuator devices to switch 136.The user side of button comprises opaque and translucent portion, the uniquely tagged that has been combined to form each button of the two.
Fig. 4 has shown the profile of the data input device of preferred embodiment, comprises PCB, cima switching layer 134, EL plate 142, keyboard array 148 and housing 154.Button 150 comprises translucent 152, from the translucent 152 outstanding parts 158 and the uniquely tagged at each button top.Sheet 152 and prodger 158 have formed the actuator part with EL plate fin 144 vicinities.When pressing the button 150, EL plate fin 144 is also pressed downwards.The size in the space in the EL plate 142 of EL plate fin and formation EL plate fin 144 should be enough big, makes that when button 150 is pressed to PCB130 the major part of EL plate 142 can its motion of overslaugh.Because EL plate fin is sitting at below the sheet 152 with prodger 158, the background illumination of button 150 is directly, has significantly improved the illumination consistency between the button.The size of EL plate fin 144 depends on the size of button 150.The surface area of EL plate fin 144 should be enough big, so that sufficient illumination to be provided to button 150, but remains on again in the diameter range of button 150 simultaneously.EL plate fin 144 comprises the segmental arc 162 that is formed by the space in the EL plate 142 160.This space has physically formed fin, makes it to move in vertical direction.
Fig. 5 shows the EL plate 142 of preferred embodiment, has wherein formed EL plate fin 144, makes that fin keeps being attached to EL plate 142 with minimum range, and this minimum range preferably is no less than half of diameter of EL plate fin.EL plate fin 144 keeps being attached to EL plate 142 by the minimum range at fin attachment point 164 places.EL plate fin 144 is physically formed by the space in the EL plate 142 160.Space 160 is formed by segmental arc 162, makes the outside of segmental arc 162 surround cima switch 136 and bigger than the diameter of button 150.The size of segmental arc is measured 166 expressions by segmental arc.EL plate fin 144 has covered cima switch 136 in fact.This part of EL plate 142 is to provide the light of direct lighting device to produce part to the translucent button 150 that is positioned at directly over the EL plate fin 144.Expedite moving when allowing button to be pressed, the external diameter of segmental arc 162 must be greater than button 150.It is following and haptic user feedback is provided that this makes button 150 reduce to the plane of EL plate 142.
This method and device can be specifically designed to utilization and come lighting consumer's data load button according to the thin layer illuminating material that user's needs form.The use of current thin plate lighting device has improved the ability that tactile feedback is provided to the user, but does not improve illumination patterns to greatest extent.The present invention has further improved illumination patterns, and providing of tactile feedback has been provided simultaneously.The fin that forms in the thin plate lighting device makes button mobile unrestricted when starting the cima switch.
The invention provides the device of the cost efficient that arrives required effect, wherein, kept the user feedback of button simultaneously directly to the translucent button background illumination.The present invention has significantly improved the conventional equipment in this area, changes because it revises any design that does not need existing product.
Though described specific embodiment of the present invention, should understand that the present invention is not limited thereto, because those skilled in the art can carry out various modifications.Unrestricted hand-held or non-hand-hold electronic device for needing the illumination of data load button can have multiple application.

Claims (10)

1. portable electronic communications device with data input unit comprises:
A) at least one is used to receive the button of user's input;
B) actuator of described at least one button of connection;
C) be positioned near described at least one button and be connected to the cima switch of described actuator, be used to respond moving of described actuator user's input is converted to the signal of telecommunication; With
D) wherein be formed with the lamellae lighting device of fin, wherein said fin is between described actuator and described cima switch.
2. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, wherein said plate lighting device comprises that the space is to form described fin.
3. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 2, wherein said space is formed by a segmental arc.
4. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 3, the shape of wherein said segmental arc definition fin, make fin cover described cima switch, it is the coupling part of one half width at least that fin has one, and described coupling part is fixed to the illuminatian plate device with fin.
5. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, wherein said fin by one have be at least fin a half width distance be fixed to the plate lighting device.
6. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, the geometry of wherein said fin is identical with the described geometry of described at least one button.
7. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, wherein said plate lighting device is made by electroluminescent material.
8. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, have voicefrequency circuit, be used for when starting described at least one button, producing the user feedback sound that to listen.
9. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, wherein when pressing described at least one button, described cima switch provides haptic user feedback to the user.
10. according to the portable electronic communications device of claim 1, the light that wherein said actuator is sent by described fin to described at least one button emission is with the uniquely tagged on the lighting button.
CN00129742A 1999-09-30 2000-09-30 Lighting method and device for data input device Pending CN1291060A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US40949599A 1999-09-30 1999-09-30
US09/409,495 1999-09-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN1291060A true CN1291060A (en) 2001-04-11

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CN00129742A Pending CN1291060A (en) 1999-09-30 2000-09-30 Lighting method and device for data input device

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JP (1) JP2001148213A (en)
KR (1) KR100385664B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1291060A (en)
AR (1) AR025932A1 (en)
BR (1) BR0004544A (en)
DE (1) DE10049219B4 (en)
FR (1) FR2799329A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2354738B (en)
MX (1) MXPA00009452A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7242392B2 (en) 2003-01-24 2007-07-10 Hansung Elcomtec Co., Ltd. Keypad with EL united in keypad rubber and method for fabricating the same
US8014835B2 (en) 2002-05-07 2011-09-06 Nec Corporation Portable telephone set
CN101350666B (en) * 2002-10-24 2012-07-04 株式会社中川研究所 Illumination light communication device

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US7511701B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2009-03-31 Vertu Limited Casing having light guide with legends
JP2004517447A (en) 2000-12-29 2004-06-10 ベルツ リミテッド Case
GB2371018B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-04-06 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd A Casing
GB2371265B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-08-10 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd A casing
US7006349B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2006-02-28 Vertu Limited Casing
GB2371266B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-08-10 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd A casing
JP2003101630A (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-04-04 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Radio communication device
KR100404102B1 (en) * 2001-09-04 2003-11-03 엘지전자 주식회사 Devise of keypad back lighting for mobile pone
US7070349B2 (en) * 2004-06-18 2006-07-04 Motorola, Inc. Thin keyboard and components for electronics devices and methods
GB0424245D0 (en) 2004-11-02 2004-12-01 Mcgavigan John Ltd Switch panel
KR100700143B1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-03-28 엘지전자 주식회사 Device and method for displaying key selection in touch keypad
JP5022132B2 (en) * 2007-07-30 2012-09-12 京セラ株式会社 Electronics
FR2923921B1 (en) 2007-11-20 2009-12-18 Dav TOUCH-SURFACE CONTROL MODULE, ESPECIALLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
US8280459B2 (en) 2008-03-25 2012-10-02 Motorola Mobility, Inc. Integral housing and user interface

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US4321441A (en) * 1980-02-04 1982-03-23 Xerox Corporation Keyswitch arrangement
US4320268A (en) * 1980-02-19 1982-03-16 General Electric Company Illuminated keyboard for electronic devices and the like

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8014835B2 (en) 2002-05-07 2011-09-06 Nec Corporation Portable telephone set
CN101350666B (en) * 2002-10-24 2012-07-04 株式会社中川研究所 Illumination light communication device
US7242392B2 (en) 2003-01-24 2007-07-10 Hansung Elcomtec Co., Ltd. Keypad with EL united in keypad rubber and method for fabricating the same

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Publication number Publication date
DE10049219A1 (en) 2001-05-10
GB0023841D0 (en) 2000-11-08
AR025932A1 (en) 2002-12-18
JP2001148213A (en) 2001-05-29
MXPA00009452A (en) 2004-07-16
BR0004544A (en) 2001-07-03
KR100385664B1 (en) 2003-05-28
GB2354738B (en) 2001-11-21
KR20010050762A (en) 2001-06-15
FR2799329A1 (en) 2001-04-06
GB2354738A (en) 2001-04-04
DE10049219B4 (en) 2005-09-15

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