EP1920311A2 - Caracteristiques de convivialite et d'eclairage pour structures a touches et claviers sur des dispositifs informatiques - Google Patents

Caracteristiques de convivialite et d'eclairage pour structures a touches et claviers sur des dispositifs informatiques

Info

Publication number
EP1920311A2
EP1920311A2 EP06824813A EP06824813A EP1920311A2 EP 1920311 A2 EP1920311 A2 EP 1920311A2 EP 06824813 A EP06824813 A EP 06824813A EP 06824813 A EP06824813 A EP 06824813A EP 1920311 A2 EP1920311 A2 EP 1920311A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keypad
key
light
light sources
key structures
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06824813A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Yurochko
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.)
Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Original Assignee
Palm 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
Priority claimed from US11/203,809 external-priority patent/US7275836B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/203,808 external-priority patent/US7294802B2/en
Application filed by Palm Inc filed Critical Palm Inc
Publication of EP1920311A2 publication Critical patent/EP1920311A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the invention relate to key structures and keypads for computing devices.
  • embodiments of the invention relate to lighting and usability features for key structures and keypads on computing devices.
  • Keypads are important aspects of computing devices. With regard to small form-factor keypads in particular, the keypads tend to establish the overall form-factor of a computing device. The keypad is often a very visible and highly used component of such computing devices.
  • FIG. IA is an exploded side view of an illuminated keypad for use with a computing device, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a keypad of FIG. IA in an assembled position, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1C is a close-up side view of a section of a keyboard shown by FIG. IA and IB, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2A is an exploded side view of an illuminated keypad for use with a computing device, under another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a keypad of FIG. 2 A in an assembled position, under another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2C is a close-up side view of a section of a keyboard shown by FIG. 2A and 2B, according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate different key structure designs, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D illustrate use of polarization material to distribute discrete light sources underlying a keypad of a computing device, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a lighting layer is configured to include a combination of panel lighting and discrete lighting.
  • FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate key structure designs for facilitating illumination, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a keypad with slits to facilitate key structure movement and minimize light leakage, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 A-8C illustrate use of a dampening layer inside a keypad stack, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • a key structure is provided for a computing device.
  • the key structure is formed from a milky material.
  • a keypad is provided for a computing device.
  • the keypad includes one or more lighting devices or mechanisms for illuminating a plurality of keys structures.
  • the plurality of key structures are formed from a milky material.
  • One or more embodiments described herein provide a keypad for a computing device.
  • a plurality of key structures comprise the keypad, and each of the key structures may be referenced by a top end that includes a surface for receiving user-contact and a bottom end that is opposite to the top end.
  • a plurality of discrete light sources may provided underneath the plurality of key structures, so that the plurality of light sources illuminate each of the key structures from the bottom end.
  • a keypad is any multi-key assembly.
  • a keyboard is an implementation of a keypad.
  • something is "milky" if it is with creamy body color that dominates the diffracted color.
  • a resin, key structure or other item is milky if it contains white colored resin, meaning resin having at least some visibly detectable white or off-white material.
  • a material is white if the material contains all the colors of the spectrum.
  • One or more embodiments described herein provide mechanisms for diffusing bright light provided within a housing of a computing device for purpose of illuminating the device's keypad or keyboard.
  • some light sources such as provided by white Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) emit light that is bright and discrete. The brightness of such lights make their use desirable. But, absent some intervening design for handling the discreteness and brightness of the emitted light, the use of such light sources can result in a keypad being unevenly lit from underneath. In such cases, shadows or cold spots may form on regions that are further away from light sources, while bright or hot spots form on region closes to light sources.
  • LEDs white Light Emitting Diodes
  • FIG. IA- 1C, FIG. 2A-2C, and FIG. 3 A and 3B illustrate alternative implementations in which diffusive material is used to diffuse emitted light from discrete light sources of a keypad for use with a computing device.
  • FIG. IA is an exploded side view of an illuminated stack 102 of a keypad 100 for use with a computing device, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. IB illustrates the keypad in an assembled position.
  • An example of a computing device on which the keyboard stack 102 may be implemented is a handheld computing device, such as a personal digital assistant, mobile manager device, or cellular/pocket phone.
  • a specific example of a computing device for use with an embodiment of the invention is a multi-functional cellular device, sometimes called a "smartphone" (e.g. TREO 650 manufactured by PALM, INC.).
  • the keypad 100 has a small form-factor suitable for use with thumb or finger typing.
  • keypad 100 includes a plurality of key structures 110 that overlay a substrate 120 on which a plurality of light sources 122 are provided.
  • the substrate 120 may include electrical contact elements 130 that are actuatable through use of the corresponding key structures 110.
  • a carrier 112 may interconnect the plurality of key structures 110.
  • the carrier 112 and the plurality of key structures 110 form a monolithic component.
  • the carrier 112 and the plurality of key structures 110 may be separately formed elements.
  • each key structures 110 includes an actuation member 115 that extends from its bottom end 116.
  • the actuation members 115 are unitarily or integrally formed with the corresponding key structures 110.
  • carrier 112 and key structures 110 are separately formed and combined, and actuation members 115 are unitarily or integrally formed from the carrier 112.
  • the actuation members 115 have their own separate carrier and are separately formed from the key structures 110.
  • Each actuation member 115 may travel inward with compression or insertion of the corresponding key structure 110 to actuate a corresponding one of the electrical contact elements 130.
  • Actuation of anyone of the electrical contact elements 130 triggers a signal that is received and processed by a processor 150 of the computing device.
  • the signal generated from the triggering of any particular key is recognized by the processor 150 as having a value (e.g. alphabet or number value).
  • the electrical contact elements 130 may be provided on a printed circuit board 132, or electrically interconnected substrate (e.g. flex circuit and substrate).
  • the light sources 122 may be provided on a separate sheet 124 that overlays the printed circuit board 132.
  • light sources 122 are LEDs, although other types of light sources can be used.
  • the LEDs provide a benefit of providing bright light for their relative size.
  • the LEDs are disposed evenly between adjacent key structures 110 that form the column or subset of the overall keypad.
  • the distribution of LEDs or other discrete light sources may not be even.
  • 14 LEDs are used to illuminate 40 key structures.
  • some key structures 110 may overlay or be more proximate to individual light sources 122 than other key structures.
  • an illumination of a keyboard formed from the plurality of key structures 110 may carry uneven lighting. For example, some keys may be more lit than others, while individual key structures may have one region that is darker than another.
  • stack 102 includes components or elements to diffuse or distribute light emitted from light sources 122.
  • the light sources 120 may illuminate individual key structures 110 from their respective bottom end 116. The result is that illumination is provided from a top end 118 of each respective key structure 120.
  • the top end 118 of each individual key structure 110 may be the surface that receives user contact.
  • the top end 118 of each key structure 110 may also display markings, shading, colorization, and/or printed matter. As such, the top end 118 of each key structure 110 corresponds to the surface from which the desired illumination effect is to take place.
  • diffusive or light-distributive material is provided with or between the key structures 110 and the light sources 122. Such material may enable individual key structures 110 to be illuminated while at the same time diffusing light emitted from the individual light sources.
  • a keypad or desired regions thereof is illuminated substantially uniformly through diffusion of light from the discrete and bright light sources 122. Such a uniformly lit keypad may be well lit from underneath, without distracting hot or cold spots in the lighting.
  • an embodiment provides that individual key structures 110 of a keypad have the following characteristics: (i) partially transmissive to light so that light entering the bottom end 116 of the key structures is partially carried through that structure; (ii) diffusive or distributive of light, so that some light used to illuminate each key structure 110 is diffused within and/or underneath the key structure 110.
  • individual key structures are comprised of diffusive material to effect light from light sources 122.
  • Embodiments described herein use milky material to diffuse light that comes in contact with or enters each key structure. Milky material enables light to be diffused while at the same time enabling the light to be transmissive.
  • FIG. IB illustrates the keypad 100 with key structures 110 formed of milky material or resin overlaying light sources 122 in an operative position. The material of the key structures 110 diffuse and distribute the light emitted from the light sources 122.
  • FIG. 1C is a close-up side view of a set of key structures 110 shown in FIG. IA and IB.
  • a body 105 of each key structure may be formed from milky resin. Numerous alternatives to resin may be used, including for example, liquid, foam, or other matrix material.
  • the carrier 112 extends underneath the key structures 110.
  • Actuation members 120 extend from the bottom end 136 of each key structure 110 and can travel inward through deflection or movement of the corresponding key structure in order to actuate the electrical contact 130.
  • the electrical contacts are domes that are actuated when corresponding actuation members 120 travel inward and deflect the domes inward.
  • FIG. 2A-2C illustrate an alternative embodiment in which individual key structures 210 of a keypad 200 are formed from light-transmissive material, but a layer 208 of milky material is disposed between the bottom ends 216 of the key structures 210 and the light sources 222.
  • FIG. 2 A an exploded view of a stack 202 of the keypad 200 is shown with the key structures 210 overlaid over corresponding contact elements 230.
  • FIG. 2B the stack 202 is shown in the assembled configuration with the layer 208 disposed within the stack 202.
  • the milky layer 208 may be disposed just over the layer carrying the light sources 222.
  • the light sources 222 may be carried on a separate layer 224, and the actuation members 215 may translate into the milky layer 208 in order to electrically actuate a corresponding contact element 230 on a printed circuit board 232.
  • milky layer 208 may be formed of a thin silicon rubber material. The layer 208 may provide a cushion or dampening effect for the actuation members 215 translating into the corresponding contact elements 230, while at the same time forming a diffusion layer for light emitted from light sources 222.
  • a body 205 of the individual key structures 210 may be non-milky (e.g. clear or translucent). While the body 205 may be non-milky, surface ornamentations, paint, ink or printed material may be provided on a top surface 218 so as to be illuminated by the light from the light sources 222.
  • FIG. 3 A and 3B is a side view of an alternative key structure design in which a milky layer is thinly disposed, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • a top surface 318 of a key structure 310 is provided a paint layer 322.
  • the paint layer 322 may include, at least partially, a milky color. Additional surface ornamentations may be provided on the key structure in a manner that creates a desired illuminative effect.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a painted or formed layer underneath the carrier 312 that adjoins individual key structures 310.
  • FIG. 312 may depict a milky paint on a top surface (facing upward) of the carrier 312 with ink or other decorative material provided on either the top surface 318 or underneath the structure at a thickness of or near the carrier 312.
  • one or more embodiments of the invention contemplate distributing light from light sources.
  • a difference between diffusion of light and distribution of light sources is that light from a source is diffused when it is made less discrete and more spread out, while light from a discrete source is maintained relatively discrete but distributed to more places in discrete form.
  • FIG. 4A-4D illustrate use of polarization material to distribute discrete light sources underlying a keypad of a computing device. One result achieved by the embodiments shown is that light is distributed more evenly underneath a keyboard.
  • a single light source 420 is shown prior to application of a polarization material.
  • FIG. 4A a single light source 420 is shown prior to application of a polarization material.
  • the light source 420 is overlaid by a first polarization material 430.
  • the first polarization material 430 serves to create an apparent light 422 source adjacent to the original light source 420.
  • the apparent light source 422 is not a real light source, but a filtered reflection created by the application of the first polarization material 430.
  • the orientation of the first polarization material 420 uses a filter that creates the apparent light source 422 in a particular direction with respect to the original light source 420.
  • the light source 420 and the first polarization material 430 are applied a second polarization material 440.
  • the second polarization material 440 overlays the first polarization material 430.
  • the second polarization material 440 uses a filter that creates a second set of apparent light sources 450, 452 in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction that first polarization material creates the apparent light source 422.
  • the first polarization material 420 may use a horizontal filter that distributes the original light source 420 in one of the horizontal directions.
  • the second polarization material 450 may use a vertical filter that distributes the original light source 420 and the apparent light source 422 created by the first polarization material vertically.
  • one of the second set of apparent light sources 450 is reflected off the original light source 420, while the other apparent light source 452 is reflected off the apparent light source 422 created by the first polarization layer.
  • application of the first polarization material 420 and the second polarization material 440 quadruples the original light source 420, in that the original light source is provided three apparent light sources 422, 450, and 452.
  • FIG. 4D illustrates disposition of the first polarization material 420 and the second polarization material 450 in a stack 402 of a keypad 400.
  • the first polarization material 420 and the second polarization material 450 are positioned within the stack 402 between the light sources 422 and an underside of the individual key structures 410.
  • each polarization material is provided a gap distance 456 from a light source (actual or apparent) that is to be distributed.
  • the suitable gap distance 456 is millimeters.
  • the degree of shift between the apparent and actual light sources may vary.
  • polarization materials may be used to provide a slight shift so that the apparent and actual light sources overlap substantially or slightly.
  • polarization material may be used, depending on design implementation. It should be noted that while use of polarization material described with FIG. 4A-4D provides for reflecting actual and apparent light sources as discrete sources, other embodiments may provide for using polarization material that diffuses and shifts and distributes light from one actual or apparent light source to another region. [048] COMBINATION LIGHTING LAYER
  • discrete light sources such as LEDs provide the benefit of brightness, which in turn provide better visibility and aesthetics of a key structure to a user.
  • discrete light sources also provide shading, or hot/cold spots, unless the light emitted from such sources is treated in some manner.
  • An alternative to LEDs and other forms of discrete light sources is a light source that emits light uniformly and evenly across a region that encompasses an entire keypad, or at least portions of the keypad on which lighting is desired. This type of lighting may be referred to as a lighting panel.
  • a specific example of this kind of light source is an electroluminescent (EL) panel.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a lighting layer is configured to include a combination of panel lighting and discrete lighting.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a keypad assembly comprising a key structure layer 510, a lighting layer 520 and a electrical contact layer 530.
  • a keypad assembly comprising a key structure layer 510, a lighting layer 520 and a electrical contact layer 530.
  • a carrier 512 or web may interconnect the key structures 514 of the key structure layer 510, although other implementations may provide for some or all of the key structures to be separated or in strips.
  • Actuation members may extend from a bottom surface (not shown) of each key structure 514 for purpose of enabling contact elements distributed over a substrate to be actuatable with insertion of the corresponding key structures. Additional materials may be added to the assembly, including materials for effecting usability of key structures and/or actuation members.
  • the key structures 514 may be arranged to provide one or more colored keys, keys with surface ornamentations and darkened appearances, and keys formed from different types of material.
  • a shaded or colorized set of key structures 514 designated by a region 515, for purpose of indicating keys that have both numeric and alphabet values.
  • Another implementation provides for the keypad to include specialized keys 518 that are colored are formed from more opaque material, such as application keys (for quick launching applications) or navigation keys (set for navigation by default).
  • lighting layer 520 may white LEDs 522 that form discrete light sources distributed on an substrate 525 containing an EL panel 526.
  • the LEDs are positioned strategically to conserve energy while lighting key structures that require the most light.
  • the key structures that require the most light are the application keys 518, as they are colorized (e.g. red, green and blue).
  • FIG. 5 provides LEDs 522 in alignment to backlight the application buttons 518.
  • another embodiment may provide for using LEDs 522 to illuminate key structures in region 515.
  • Other key structures 520 that are not colorized or otherwise darkened may be illuminated by the EL panel 526.
  • key structures illuminated by either light source may include milky material or layers, or have features of other embodiments described in this application.
  • the substrate 525 holding the EL panel 526 may be a flex circuit (see FIG. 5B), which in turn is connected the electrical contact layer 530.
  • EL panel 526 is tacked on to the flex circuit 525 to preserve electrical connectivity.
  • Individual LEDs 522 are soldered onto the flex circuit 525.
  • Elements of the electrical contact layer 530 may include individual snap dome contact switches that actuate when collapsed by actuation members such as described elsewhere in this application. [053] KEY STRUCTURE/ACTUATION MEMBER SHAPING
  • actuation members are elongated elements that travel in response to deflection or inward movement of corresponding key structures.
  • the actuation members are used to convert key presses into switching events for electrical switches that underlie key structures.
  • actuation members are cylindrical or even rectangular and extend downward from a bottom surface of a key structure.
  • actuation members In the context of lighting, the edged nature of actuation members are not conducive. The edges of actuation members reflect or divert light from the light sources, while better illumination results would result if such light was absorbed into the key structures and illuminated.
  • FIG. 6 A is an enlarged view of a key structure 610 having a unitarily formed actuation member 620 that is shaped to receive and be transmissive to light, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • the key structure 610 may include a key body 612 on which an exterior surface 622 is formed.
  • the exterior surface 622 may be the surface from which an illumination effect is desired.
  • Both the actuation member 620 and the key body 605 may be formed from translucent or milky material, so as to be able to receive light and to at least be partially transmissive to light.
  • discrete light sources 630 may be positioned adjacent to the actuation member 620.
  • the actuation member 620 may align over a contact element 640 provided on a substrate 644.
  • the actuation member 620 includes a bottom surface 618 that is separated a distance h from the substrate. While FIG. 6A illustrates a separation distance h is about or less than a height of the light sources, the vertical position of the light sources on the substrate may vary. For example, the light sources may be embedded or flush with substrate 644. [057] According to an embodiment, a shape of actuation member 620 is conical, with exterior surface of the actuation member extending to or near the boundary of the key body 605. In the example provided, the key body is symmetrical and round, creating the cone shape. In other implementations, the key body 605 may be non-round (e.g. square or rectangular) or irregular in shape (trapezoidal).
  • the exterior surface of the actuation member 620 may conform to the shape or irregularity of the key body.
  • a square key body may result in a pyramid shaped actuation member 620, while an irregular shaped key body 605 may result in an uneven conical or tapered actuation member 620.
  • the angled surface 621 forming the tapered section 625 is substantially linear and edged when joining the bottom end.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates an alternative in which an angled surface 641 forming a tapered section 645 is rounded into the bottom end 618. Embodiments such as shown by FIG.
  • FIG. 6A-6C illustrate actuation members that are shaped to better receive light from discrete light sources that are typically placed adjacent to the actuation members, rather than directly underneath.
  • FIG. 6A-6C Embodiments such as shown by FIG. 6A illustrate that tapering the actuation member in whole (or at least in part) is conducive to reducing reflection from LEDs and other light sources that may disposed adjacent and below the actuation members.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative key structure 670 in which one or more open regions 650 are formed into the key body 665.
  • the key body 665 may correspond to the portion of the key structure 670 that is provided over a line C-C (corresponding to the housing line on a computing device).
  • resin or matrix material (including possibly milky material) is removed from the key structure to form the open regions 650.
  • the formation of open regions 650 means that more light from light sources 668 may enter the boundary of the key structure 670.
  • An actuation member 680 may extend from the key body 605 to form the shape shown.
  • One implementation provides that the actuation member 680 may be curved or irregular to accommodate the openings 650. The result is brighter and better illuminative effect on exterior surface 612 of the key structure 670, as there is less thickness for light to pass through in illuminating the key structure.
  • Embodiments shown with FIG. 6A-6B may incorporate key structure designs described with other embodiments and implementations in any combination.
  • an interior of the key structure 665 may be formed from milky resin or other matrix material.
  • a paint layer may be provided somewhere on or within the key structure to diffuse light that enters the key structure.
  • the key structure may included the open regions 650, the actuation member 680 may be tapered, or include a tapered section, rounded or un-rounded, and otherwise be shaped to receive light rather than reflect light.
  • CARRIER SLITS CARRIER SLITS
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of a key structure layer, such as may be provided by any of the embodiments described above.
  • the key structure layer 710 may include a plurality of key structures 715, provided in a QWERTY arrangement.
  • a carrier 712 may provide a web that joins the structures.
  • the carrier 712 may carry tension from the number of key structures 715 carried on it. The tension may provide unwanted resistance and guidance to the user when deflecting or pushing key structures inward. To lessen the tension, a slit pattern may be formed on the carrier 712. [063] In FIG.
  • the position of a single light source 722 is shown underneath the carrier 712.
  • the light source 722 may be provided between four key structures 715.
  • One problem that may arise in forming slits into the carrier 712 is that the presence of the light source may cause light leakage through those slits. Light leakage is distracting and unaesthetic, thus preferably avoided.
  • one embodiment shapes and forms light slits 735 on the carrier 712 to minimize the light leakage. This requires consideration of the position of the light source 722.
  • One implementation provides that slits are provided about each key stroke in "L" or adjoining linear segments to form corners about individual key structures, where the corners are distal to the light source for that key stroke.
  • the resulting shape may correspond to an upside down "T".
  • the key structures 715 labeled as "A” and “B” are provide corner slits 735 which serve to hinge each of those key structures on carrier 712 the non-slit side of the respective key structures.
  • the position of the slits 735 is sufficiently distal to avoid light leakage.
  • slits 735 are formed adjacent to a corner of a key structure most distal to an underlying light source.
  • the pattern of the light sources 720 underlying the key structure layer 710 may be determinative of the slit pattern and its position.
  • Alternative embodiments may use strips or sections to form the key structure layer of a keyboard stack. Sectioning an otherwise monolithic keyboard into segments reduces the amount of tension that surrounds individual keys as a result of the weight and presence of other key structures formed on a common carrier. For example, in a QWERTY keyboard, each row of key structures may be provided on a separate strip, and the stripped sections may be combined in assembly to form the keyboard. Alternatively, multiple key structures may be formed on "L" or "C" shaped sections, which are then intertwined at assembly to form the monolithic keyboard. While sectioning keyboards for assembly can reduce tension on the carrier and thus enhance usability, the gaps caused by the sectioning also produce light leakage. As such, a balance between the number of sections and the amount of tolerable light leakage may be struck, based on the particular implementation. [066] DAMPENING LAYER
  • One or more embodiments may implement a dampening layer in connection with use of actuation members traveling into contact members.
  • Embodiments described in this section may be implemented independently of other embodiments provided with this application.
  • a dampening layer such as described with FIG. 8A-8C, may be used with a keyboard that includes no lighting element.
  • a keyboard stack having features described in this section may also implement lighting features of other embodiments described elsewhere in this application.
  • FIG. 8A illustrates a keyboard stack assembled to include a dampening layer, under an embodiment of the invention.
  • the keyboard stack 802 may include a plurality of key structures layer 810 with actuation members 820 extending downward from individual key structures 812.
  • the dampening layer 850 may correspond to a layer of deformable or flexible material.
  • a dampening layer 850 may be overlaid on top of electrical contacts 830 distributed over a substrate 840 having a plurality of electrical contacts 830 that are actuatable by actuation members 820.
  • One effect achieved by the dampening layer 850 is that it cushions and protects the electrical contacts 830 from jarring forces to the housing of the computing device, or from forceful movements of the actuation members use and shock of the housing that contains the keyboard assembly 800.
  • the dampening layer 850 is provided over the electrical contacts 930 of the substrate 840.
  • one embodiment provides for discrete light sources, such as LEDs, to be provided on the substrate 840 and overlaid by the dampening layer 850.
  • the dampening layer 850 may be milky, or alternatively translucent, to enable the light sources 845 to backlight the key structures 812.
  • An overall thickness t of the dampening layer may be thin, of the order of less than one millimeter. In one embodiment, the thickness t of the dampening layer is less than 0.5 millimeter. In one specific implementation, the thickness t of the dampening layer is about (within 90%) of 0.25 millimeters.
  • a suitable material for the dampening layer is silicon rubber.
  • the lighting sources 845 may correspond to light pipes or white LEDs.
  • FIG. 8B illustrates a key structure 812 without use of the dampening layer. In such a design, the actuation member has length L.
  • FIG. 8C shows a comparison of the dampening layer 850 overlaid onto the electrical contact 830.
  • the actuation member 820 to be reduced in length L by the thickness t of the dampening layer. Insertion or deflection of key structure 812 causes actuation member 820 to travel and actuate the contact element 830.
  • the electrical contact element 830 is a snap dome, and the dampening layer 850 dampens the impact of the actuation member 820 (which may be formed from hard plastic) with the electrical contact element 830.
  • the dampening layer 850 may reduce the noise and tactile response of the snap dome contact element, thus eliminating or reducing "clicking".

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un clavier pour un dispositif informatique. Le clavier décrit dans cette invention comprend un ou plusieurs dispositifs d'éclairage ou mécanismes permettant d'éclairer plusieurs structures à touches. Dans un mode de réalisation, les multiples structures à touches sont formées à partir d'un matériau laiteux.
EP06824813A 2005-08-13 2006-08-14 Caracteristiques de convivialite et d'eclairage pour structures a touches et claviers sur des dispositifs informatiques Withdrawn EP1920311A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/203,809 US7275836B2 (en) 2005-08-13 2005-08-13 Lighting and usability features for key structures and keypads on computing devices
US11/203,808 US7294802B2 (en) 2005-08-13 2005-08-13 Lighting and usability features for key structures and keypads on computing devices
PCT/US2006/031663 WO2007030280A2 (fr) 2005-08-13 2006-08-14 Caracteristiques de convivialite et d'eclairage pour structures a touches et claviers sur des dispositifs informatiques

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DE3235752A1 (de) * 1982-09-27 1984-03-29 Siemens Ag Mehrfunktionstaste
US5266949A (en) * 1990-03-29 1993-11-30 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Lighted electronic keyboard
EP0876673A1 (fr) * 1996-07-03 1998-11-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Clavier comportant des touches multifonctions et appareil utilisant un tel clavier
JPH10145476A (ja) * 1996-11-08 1998-05-29 Casio Comput Co Ltd 表示部及び操作部付き電子機器
JP2002367467A (ja) * 2001-06-05 2002-12-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 照光式キーボード装置

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