Wrist rest and system comprising the same

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a wrist rest is provided. The wrist rest includes a base structure, a plurality of light sources housed in the base structure and capable of emitting light, a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive light emitted from and emit light from the plurality of light sources, and a pad body fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in a manner that conceals the plurality of light sources and the light guide between the base structure and the pad body. The pad body is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light guide. Each light source is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emission colors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a wrist pad and a system. Prior Technology

[0002] Input devices such as keyboards, keypads, mice, game controllers, and joysticks are widely used to operate electronic devices such as desktop computers or laptops. These input devices are positioned at a certain height relative to the ground. Therefore, users may need to constantly raise their wrists to press keys or buttons on the input device. Users may experience wrist pain due to this uncomfortable wrist posture while using the input device.

[0003] In recent years, various types of wrist rests have been developed to prevent wrist injuries or fatigue. Wrist rests provide comfort and support for the wrists of users of input devices. For example, wrist rests can be detachably attached to the front edge of a keyboard or keypad, or placed near a mouse, game controller, or joystick. Wrist rests may include padding on which the user can rest their wrist when using the input device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, a wrist rest is provided. The wrist rest may include a base structure, a plurality of light sources housed within the base structure and capable of emitting light, a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive and emit light from the plurality of light sources, and a pad body fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in a manner that conceals the plurality of light sources and the light guide between the base structure and the pad body. The pad body may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the light guide. Each light source is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emission colors.

[0005] According to various embodiments, a system including a wrist rest and electronic devices is provided. The wrist rest may include a base structure, a plurality of light sources housed in the base structure and capable of emitting light, a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive and emit light from the plurality of light sources, and a pad body fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in a manner that conceals the plurality of light sources and the light guide between the base structure and the pad body. The pad body may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the light guide. The electronic devices may communicate with the wrist rest and may be operated to transmit wireless signals, including information about the emitted light pattern, to the wrist rest. Each light source may selectively produce a plurality of emitted colors.

[0006] Additional features of advantageous embodiments are provided in the supplementary request item. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0007] In the drawings, similar element symbols typically point to the same portion in different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are generally intended to illustrate the principles of the invention. The following description will depict various embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an exploded front view of the wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 shows an exploded rear view of the wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the circuit board and light guide of the wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of the wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an enlarged frontal perspective view of a wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a rear perspective view of a wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 shows another schematic diagram of a rear perspective view of a wrist pad according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the system according to various embodiments. Implementation

[0016] The embodiments described below in the context of the wrist pad are equally applicable to the system, and vice versa. Furthermore, it is understood that the embodiments described below can be combined; for example, a portion of one embodiment may be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

[0017] It is understood that any property described herein for a particular device will also apply to any device described herein. Furthermore, it is understood that for any device described herein, not all described components must be enclosed within the device; some (but not all) components may be enclosed.

[0018] It should be understood that the terms "on," "above," "top," "bottom," "below," "side," "back," "left," "right," "front," "lateral," etc., used in the following description are for convenience and to aid in understanding relative position or direction, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device, structure, or any part of any device or structure. Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural reference as well. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to include "and."

[0019] The term “coupling” (or “connection”) in this document may be understood as electrical or mechanical coupling, such as attachment or fixation, or simply contact without any fixation, and will be understood as providing direct or indirect coupling (i.e., coupling without direct contact).

[0020] To make the present invention easy to understand and practice, various embodiments will now be described by way of example rather than limitation and with reference to figures.

[0021] According to various embodiments, a wrist rest may be provided. The wrist rest may include a plurality of light sources capable of selectively generating a plurality of light emission colors. According to various embodiments, the wrist rest may be configured to provide comfort and support for the wrists of users using input devices such as keyboards, keypads, mice, game controllers, joysticks, etc. According to various embodiments, the wrist rest may also be referred to as a wrist cushion, wrist pad, wrist padding, or wrist support. Conventional wrist rests may simply provide cushioning for the wrist. In contrast, the wrist rests according to various embodiments further include light emission functionality provided by a plurality of light sources, which may be driven according to one or more light emission patterns.

[0022] In various embodiments, a plurality of light sources may be housed within the base structure and concealed by the pad body. Each light source may selectively produce a plurality of emission colors, and the pad body may diffuse the light generated from the plurality of light sources. Therefore, wrist rests according to various embodiments can alleviate the monotony of conventional wrist rests without altering their appearance, and provide users with a refined and enhanced user experience.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an exploded front view of a wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 2 shows an exploded rear view of a wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments.

[0024] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 can be detachably attached to the front edge of an input device such as a keyboard or keypad (from the user's perspective when using the wrist rest 100) or can be placed near an input device such as a mouse, game controller, or joystick.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may include a base structure 110. The base structure 110 may be a bottom shell, bottom outer shell, or bottom external structure of the wrist rest 100. As shown in Figure 2, the base structure 110 may include a bottom side 112 (also referred to as the "base plate") (from the user's perspective when using the wrist rest 100). The base structure 110 may include one or more sidewalls 111 extending upward from the bottom side 112 at one or more corresponding edges of the bottom side 112. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base structure 110 may include four sidewalls 111 extending upward from the bottom side 112 at four corresponding edges of the bottom side 112. The base structure 110 may be elongated. Therefore, the bottom side 112 of the base structure 110 may be an elongated plate-like shape.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the wrist rest 100 may further include a plurality of light sources 120. The plurality of light sources 120 may be housed within the base structure 110. The plurality of light sources 120 may emit light. According to various embodiments, each light source 120 may selectively produce a plurality of emission colors. Each light source 120 may be configured to produce multiple emission colors, for example, including red light, green light, blue light, or any combination thereof. Therefore, the wrist rest 100 according to various embodiments can provide the user with a refined and enhanced user experience by producing a variety of different emission colors.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 may be housed within the base structure 110. A plurality of light sources 120 may be mounted on the circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 may be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect a plurality of electronic components including the plurality of light sources 120. In some embodiments, the circuit board 130 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), such as an aluminum PCB.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a light guide 140. The light guide 140 may be housed within the base structure 110. As shown in Figure 1, the light guide 140 may be disposed above a plurality of light sources 120. The light guide 140 may be configured to receive and emit light emitted from the plurality of light sources 120. In some embodiments, the material composition of the light guide 140 may include, but is not limited to, optical grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a pad 150. The pad 150 is configured for a user to rest their wrist on. The pad 150 may be made of a material intended to provide comfort and support for the user's wrist. For example, the pad 150 may be made of a soft gel that is a semi-solid material. In another example embodiment, the pad 150 may be made of a rigid, translucent plastic. In some embodiments, the pad 150 may be made of a translucent material (e.g., a transparent soft gel) such that a portion of the light emitted from the light guide 140 can pass through the pad 150, while another portion of the light emitted from the light guide 140 is reflected by the pad 150. In some embodiments, the transmittance of the translucent material may be fine-tuned, for example, until the material has no hot spots and allows light to pass through in a diffused manner. For example, light-diffusing powder may be added to a transparent material to adjust the transmittance. While the pad 150 is preferably translucent, in alternative embodiments, the pad 150 may be transparent.

[0030] The pad 150 may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the light guide 140. The pad 150 may be disposed adjacent to the light guide 140. In some embodiments, the pad 150 may be disposed adjacent to the front surface 141 of the light guide 140. The pad 150 may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the front surface 141 of the light guide 140. The pad 150 may smooth the appearance of the light emitted from the light guide 140, such that the diffused light appears to be emitted at least substantially uniformly.

[0031] The pad 150 can be configured such that a plurality of light sources 120, circuit boards 130, and light guides 140 are concealed between the base structure 110 and the pad 150, positioned above the light guide 140. The pad 150 can be configured to be fixed to the base structure 110. Therefore, the lighting assembly including a plurality of light sources 120, circuit boards 130, and light guides 140 can be contained within the internal space of the wrist rest 100 defined by the pad 150 and the base structure 110, such that the lighting assembly can be enclosed within the wrist rest 100. Thus, the wrist rest 100 according to various embodiments can provide illumination to the user without altering the appearance of the wrist rest 100.

[0032] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a controller 121 (e.g., see Figure 8). The controller 121 may be housed in the base structure 110. In some embodiments, the controller 121 may be mounted on a circuit board 130 and connected to a plurality of light sources 120. In some other embodiments, the controller 121 may be disposed adjacent to the circuit board 130 and connected to the circuit board 130 and the plurality of light sources 120. The controller 121 may be operable to control each light source 120 to produce at least one predetermined emission color among a plurality of emission colors based on a predetermined emission pattern. In some embodiments, the controller 121 may be one or more LED drivers operable to control a plurality of light sources 120, such as LEDs. In other embodiments, the controller 121 may be a combination of an LED driver and a processor operable to control a plurality of light sources 120, such as LEDs.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the wrist rest 100 may further include a communication module 160. The communication module 160 may be housed within the base structure 110. In some embodiments, the communication module 160 may be mounted on a circuit board 130. For example, the communication module 160 may be mounted on the underside of the circuit board 130 (from the user's perspective when using the wrist rest 100). In some other embodiments, the communication module 160 may be disposed between and connected to the circuit board 130 and the base structure 110. As shown in Figure 1, the wrist rest 100 may further include an antenna 161. In some implementations, the communication module 160 may be combined with the antenna 161 for communication. For example, the communication module 160 may be a radio-frequency (RF) module. The communication module 160 may be operable to transmit and / or receive wireless signals between the wrist rest 100 and an external electronic device 300 (not shown in Figure 1, see, for example, Figure 8) via wireless communication (e.g., RF communication). The electronic device 300 may include at least one of the following: mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, head-mounted display, and smartwatch.

[0034] In some embodiments, the communication module 160 may be operated to receive a wireless signal from the electronic device 300 including information about the emission pattern, and to provide the information about the emission pattern to the controller 121. The controller 121 may receive the information about the emission pattern from the communication module 160 and control each light source 120 to generate at least one predetermined emission color from a plurality of emission colors based on the emission pattern.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a communication device 170. The communication device 170 may be mounted within the base structure 110 (as will be described in further detail below and with reference to Figures 6 and 7). The communication device 170 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the electronic device 300. In some embodiments, the communication device 170 may be detachably coupled to a port of the electronic device 300. The communication device 170 may be operable to communicatively connect the communication module 160 to the electronic device 300 via a wireless network (e.g., a 2.4 GHz wireless communication network or a Bluetooth communication network). For example, the communication device 170 may be a USB adapter including a USB connector at one end, and the port of the electronic device 300 may be a USB port compatible with the USB connector. When the USB connector of the communication device 170 is inserted into the USB port of the electronic device 300, the communication device 170 provides wireless connectivity between the electronic device 300 and the wrist rest 100. The USB connector of the USB adapter and the USB port of the electronic device 300 may be, for example, a USB-A connector and a USB-A port, but are not limited thereto.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrist rest 100 may further include a battery 180. The battery 180 may be housed in the base structure 110. The battery 180 may be operable to power a plurality of light sources 120. In some embodiments, the circuit board 130 may include a cutout 131, and the battery 180 may be configured to be inserted into the cutout 131 to connect the battery 180 to the circuit board 130. For this purpose, the size of the cutout 131 may match the battery 180. The cutout 131 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery 180. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cutout 131 may have a rectangular shape, but it is not limited thereto. The base structure 110 may include a recess 114 corresponding to the shape of the battery 180, such that the battery 180 inserted into the cutout 131 can be housed in the recess 114 of the base structure 110. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some other embodiments, the battery 180 may be mounted on the circuit board 130. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some other embodiments, the battery 180 may be disposed between and connected to the circuit board 130 and the base structure 110. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a port 115. The battery 180 may be rechargeable, for example, charged via port 115. For this purpose, a power cord 200 may be inserted into port 115 (as will be described in further detail below and in Figures 4 and 5).

[0037] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the circuit board 130 and light guide 140 of the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wrist rest 100 may include a plurality of light sources 120. The plurality of light sources may be luminous. According to various embodiments, each light source 120 may be configured to produce light of various colors, such as red, green, blue, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources 120 may include red-green-blue light-emitting diodes (RGB LEDs). In some other embodiments, each light source 120 may include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED encapsulated in a single light source package. In some other embodiments, the plurality of light sources 120 may include a plurality of RGB LEDs and a plurality of light source packages.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wrist rest 100 may further include a circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 may be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect a plurality of electronic components including a plurality of light sources 120. The plurality of light sources 120 may be mounted on the circuit board 130. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources 120 may be disposed along two elongated edges of the circuit board 130. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 130 may include a plurality of protrusions 132 along the two elongated edges of the circuit board 130, and each light source 120 may be disposed on a respective protrusion 132 to capture light. As an example, the light source 120 may have at least two sidewalls, such as a left sidewall and a right sidewall opposite to the left sidewall (as viewed from the user's perspective when using the wrist rest 100), which facilitates the reflection of light back to the light guide 140. For example, the light source 120 may emit light toward a centerline parallel to the two elongated edges of the light guide 140. Although Figure 3 shows the light source 120 disposed on the protrusion 132 of the circuit board 130, it will be understood that the light source 120 may be disposed in any other manner. For example, a plurality of light sources 120 may be disposed in the central portion of the circuit board 130.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the wrist rest 100 may further include a light guide 140. The light guide 140 may have a front surface 141 and a rear surface opposite the front surface 141 (viewed from the user's perspective when using the wrist rest 100). In some embodiments, the light guide 140 may be configured such that the front surface 141 faces the pad body 150 and the rear surface faces the circuit board 130 having a plurality of light sources 120. Therefore, the rear surface can receive light emitted from the plurality of light sources 120 and the front surface 141 can release the received light. In some embodiments, the light guide 140 may be larger than the area of ​​the circuit board 130 in which the plurality of light sources 120 are mounted.

[0041] In some embodiments, the circuit board 130 may be painted a certain color, such as white, to act as a reflector to prevent light from shining onto the base structure 110. Alternatively or additionally, although not shown in FIG3, the wrist rest 100 may optionally include a reflector disposed between the light guide 140 and the circuit board 130 to prevent light from shining onto the base structure 110.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic front perspective view of the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 5 shows a schematic enlarged front perspective view of the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, according to various embodiments, the pad 150 can be disposed above the light guide 140 in a manner that conceals a plurality of light sources 120, circuit boards 130, and light guides 140 between the base structure 110 and the pad 150. The pad 150 can be fixed to the base structure 110. For example, the pad 150 can be fixedly attached to the base structure 110 using adhesives or glues. Therefore, the pad 150 can be attached to the base structure 110 and can cover the base structure 110 in a manner that surrounds the internal space of the wrist rest 100.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a port 115. The port 115 may be located on one of the sidewalls 111 of the base structure 110 (e.g., on one of the two shorter sidewalls of the base structure 110). Although Figures 4 and 5 show the port 115 located on one of the sidewalls 111 of the base structure 110, it will be understood that the port 115 may be located on any other sidewall of the base structure 110 (e.g., on one of the two longer sidewalls of the base structure 110). The port 115 may be configured to allow a power cord 200 to be inserted therein to receive power from an external power source (e.g., electronic device 300). For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the port 115 may be a USB-C port, compatible with a USB-C connector (also known as a "24-pin USB connector"). Although Figures 4 and 5 show port 115 as a USB-C port, it is understood that port 115 could be any other type of port, such as any other type of USB port.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the power cord 200 may include two connectors, such as a first connector 210 and a second connector 220. In some embodiments, the first connector 210 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the wrist rest 100, and the second connector 220 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the electronic device 300. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connector 210 of the power cord 200 may be a USB-C connector and can be inserted into port 115 of the wrist rest 100. The second connector 220 of the power cord 200 may be a USB-A connector and can be inserted into the USB-A port of the electronic device 300. Although Figures 4 and 5 show the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 as a USB-C connector and a USB-A connector, respectively, it is understood that the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 may be any other type of connector, such as any other type of USB connector.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the outer cover 230 may be provided with a power cord 200. The outer cover 230 may be configured to removably cover the second connector 220. Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, another outer cover (hereinafter referred to as the "second outer cover") may be provided with a power cord 200. The second outer cover may be configured to removably cover the first connector 210.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a light source 116. For example, the light source 116 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to emit white light or a red-green-blue light-emitting diode (RGB LED) configured to emit multiple colors of light. When the communication module 160 of the wrist rest 100 communicates with the electronic device 300 via a wireless network using the communication device 170, the light source 116 may be illuminated to indicate pairing. The light source 116 may be disposed on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, for example, on the same side wall as the mounting port 115. For example, the light source 116 may be disposed adjacent to the port 115. Although Figures 4 and 5 show the light source 116 disposed on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, it is understood that the light source 116 may be disposed on any other side wall 111 of the base structure 110.

[0048] Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include another light source (hereinafter referred to as the "second light source"). For example, the second light source may be an LED configured to emit white light or an RGB LED configured to emit multiple colors of light. When power is supplied to the battery 180 through the power cord 200 of the insertion port 115, the second light source can be illuminated to indicate power supply. The second light source may be disposed on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, for example, on the same side wall of the insertion port 115. For example, the second light source may be disposed adjacent to port 115.

[0049] In some other embodiments, the light source 116 can be operated to use different emission colors and / or different emission patterns to indicate pairing and power supply. For example, when the communication module 160 of the wrist pad 100 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 300, the light source 116 can be operated to produce a first emission color, and to produce a second emission color when power is supplied to the battery 180. As another example, when the communication module 160 of the wrist pad 100 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 300, the light source 116 can be operated to produce a flash, and to produce a steady light when power is supplied to the battery 180.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base structure of the wrist rest 100 may further include at least one switch 117. The switch 117 can be operated to receive input from a user to control a plurality of light sources 120. In some embodiments, the switch 117 may include a plurality of switches, such as a first switch 117a and a second switch 117b. The first switch 117a and the second switch 117b may be disposed on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110. For example, the first switch 117a and the second switch 117b may be disposed on the same side wall where a port 115 is provided. For example, the first switch 117a and the second switch 117b may be disposed adjacent to a port 115. Although Figures 4 and 5 show the first switch 117a and the second switch 117b disposed on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, it will be understood that the first switch 117a and the second switch 117b may be disposed on any other side wall 111 of the base structure 110.

[0051] The first switch 117a can be operated to selectively turn on and off a plurality of light sources 120. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first switch 117a can be a toggle switch, which can be actuated by a knob or lever to select whether to turn on or off power. Although Figures 4 and 5 show the first switch 117a as a toggle switch, it is understood that the first switch 117a can be any other type of switch.

[0052] The second switch 117b can be operated to trigger switching between a plurality of light emission patterns to control a plurality of light sources 120 to each produce at least one predetermined light emission color based on one of the plurality of light emission patterns selected by switching. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second switch 117b can be a push-button switch. As an example, when a user presses the second switch 117b, the light emission pattern can be changed to another lighting light emission pattern, and each light source 120 can produce at least one predetermined light emission color based on the changed light emission pattern. Although Figures 4 and 5 show the second switch 117b as a push-button switch, it is understood that the second switch 117b can be any other type of switch.

[0053] Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some other embodiments, a single switch 117 may be provided to selectively turn on, off, and change the light emission pattern. For example, the single switch 117 may be a three-way toggle switch or a four-way toggle switch.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wrist rest 100 may further include memory (not shown) operable to permanently or temporarily store information about the light emission pattern. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a button 118 operable to reset the memory and / or reinitialize the wrist rest 100 from an unknown state. The button 118 may be located in a hole, allowing a user to press the button 118 by inserting a sharp and thin tool such as a needle or clip. In some embodiments, when the user presses the button 118, information about the communication connection mode (e.g., RF and / or Bluetooth connection) set by the user can be deleted from the memory, and the communication connection mode can be reset to a default mode (also known as "factory reset"). In the event of a communication connection problem, the user can press the button 118 to reset the communication connection mode to the default mode. In some embodiments, when the user presses the button 118, the memory can be reset and information about the light emission pattern can be deleted from the memory. For example, button 118 may be located on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, such as the same side wall on which switch 117 is located. Although Figures 4 and 5 show button 118 located on one of the side walls 111 of the base structure 110, it is understood that button 118 may be located on any other side wall 111 of the base structure 110.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a schematic rear perspective view of the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 7 shows another schematic rear perspective view of the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a slot 113a to accommodate the communication device 170. In some embodiments, the slot 113a may be located on the bottom side 112 of the base structure 110. The base structure 110 may further include a removable door 113b configured to cover the slot 113a. Although not shown in Figures 6 and 7, in some other embodiments, the slot 113a may be located in one of the sidewalls 111 of the base structure 110 to accommodate the communication device 170, and the base structure 110 may further include a removable door 113b configured to cover the slot 113a located in the sidewall 111.

[0057] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base structure 110 of the wrist rest 100 may further include a plurality of pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f. Pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f may be attached to the bottom side 112 of the base structure 110 using adhesives or glues. Pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f may prevent the wrist rest 100 from sliding on the surface by increasing the friction between the wrist rest 100 and the surface. For example, pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f may be made of rubber or silicone. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, as an example, six pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f can be provided. Although Figures 6 and 7 show six pads 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, and 119f attached to the bottom side 112 of the base structure 110, it is understood that the number of pads can vary, for example, based on the size of the wrist rest 100.

[0058] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a system 1000 including a wrist pad 100 and an electronic device 300 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the wrist pad 100 may be configured and / or may include some or all of the features of the wrist pad 100 described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 7, according to one or more (e.g., all) of the embodiments described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 7. Therefore, all features, variations, modifications, and variants applicable to the wrist pad 100 of Figures 1 to 7 are applicable to the wrist pad 100 of Figure 8. According to various embodiments, the wrist pad 100 of Figure 8 may include the following additional functions and / or limitations. According to various embodiments, the system 1000 is used to control the wrist pad 100 to produce a plurality of luminous colors, for example, based on a predetermined luminous pattern.

[0059] As described above, the wrist pad 100 may include a plurality of light sources 120, a communication module 160, and a battery 180. The wrist pad 100 may further include a controller 121. The wrist pad 100 may further include a communication device 170. The electronic device 300 may include at least one of a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, head-mounted display, and smartwatch.

[0060] The communication device 170 of the wrist rest 100 can be detachably coupled to the electronic device 300. In some embodiments, the communication device 170 can be detachably coupled to a port of the electronic device 300. The communication device 170 can be operated to communicatively connect the communication module 160 to the electronic device 300 via a wireless network.

[0061] The communication module 160 of the wrist rest 100 can be operated to receive wireless signals, including information about the light emission pattern, from the electronic device 300 via a wireless network. The communication module 160 can then provide the information about the light emission pattern to the controller 121.

[0062] The controller 121 can receive information about the emission pattern from the communication module 160. The controller then controls each light source 120 to produce at least one predetermined emission color from a plurality of emission colors based on the emission pattern. For example, the controller 121 can be one or more LED drivers.

[0063] Battery 180 can be operated to power a plurality of light sources 120. For example, battery 180 can power the plurality of light sources 120 via controller 121 (e.g., LED driver). Battery 180 can also be operated to power communication module 160.

[0064] As described above, although not shown in FIG8, the wrist pad 100 may further include switches 117, such as a first switch 117a and a second switch 117b.

[0065] The first switch 117a can be operated to selectively turn on and off a plurality of light sources 120. For example, when a user flips the first switch 117a to turn on the wrist rest 100, the battery 180 can power the plurality of light sources 120 and the communication module 160. The controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can then control each light source 120 to generate at least one predetermined emission color based on a predetermined emission pattern (hereinafter referred to as the "first emission pattern") as a preset emission pattern. The first emission pattern can be a dynamic emission pattern, wherein the color of at least some (e.g., all) of the light sources 120 can (e.g., continuously) change over time. For example, the controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can control each light source 120 to change its emission color over time according to the first emission pattern. Therefore, each light source 120 can (e.g., continuously) change its emission color according to the first emission pattern within a predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period can be, for example, a predetermined number of seconds, a predetermined number of minutes, or a predetermined number of hours. In some other embodiments, the predetermined time period can be an infinite period until the first switch 117a or the second switch 117b of the wrist pad 100 receives further input from the user. When the user flips the first switch 117a to turn off the wrist pad 100, the battery 180 can stop supplying power to the plurality of light sources 120 and the communication module 160.

[0066] The second switch 117b can be operated to trigger switching between a plurality of light emission patterns to control a plurality of light sources 120 to each produce at least one predetermined light emission color based on one of the plurality of light emission patterns selected through the switching.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plurality of light emission patterns may include a first light emission pattern and a second light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern. For example, when a user presses the second switch 117b when each light source 120 (e.g., continuously) changes its emission color according to the first light emission pattern, the controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can control each light source 120 to change its emission color over time according to the second light emission pattern. Subsequently, when the user presses the second switch 117b when each light source 120 (e.g., continuously) changes its emission color according to the second light emission pattern, the controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can control each light source 120 to change its emission color over time according to the first light emission pattern.

[0068] While the above example describes two predetermined light emission patterns, it is understood that the number of predetermined light emission patterns can be more than two. In some other embodiments, the number of predetermined light emission patterns can be one. For example, when a user presses the second switch 117b while each light source 120 (e.g., continuously) changes its emission color according to the first light emission pattern, the controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can control each light source 120 to restart generating and changing its emission color according to the first light emission pattern.

[0069] In some embodiments, when the second switch 117b is triggered to switch from a first light emission pattern to a second light emission pattern, the communication module 160 of the wrist pad 100 can be operated to transmit a switching signal to the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 can be operated to transmit a signal including information about the second light emission pattern to the communication module 160 of the wrist pad 100. The communication module 160 can then control each light source 120 to change its emission color according to the second light emission pattern. In other embodiments, the wrist pad 100 may further include a memory (not shown) that can be operated to permanently or temporarily store information about a plurality of light emission patterns. When the second switch 117b is triggered to switch from a first light emission pattern to a second light emission pattern, the controller 121 (e.g., an LED driver) can be operated to control each light source 120 to change its emission color according to the second light emission pattern stored in the memory.

[0070] In some embodiments, the electronic device 300 may be operated to update the light emission pattern. The electronic device 300 may provide information about the updated light emission pattern to the wrist pad 100. For example, the light emission pattern may include, but is not limited to, multiple LED matrix patterns, a sonicator pattern, and an emoji pattern.

[0071] Users can connect the wrist pad 100 to the electronic device 300 and create or modify one or more light patterns for the wrist pad 100. In this way, users can personalize the light patterns. Users can download the light patterns from the server to the electronic device 300. Therefore, the wrist pad 100 according to various embodiments provides an affordable option for creating and implementing light patterns.

[0072] In some embodiments, a keyboard connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via the same motherboard) to the wrist rest 100 can be synchronized with the light emission pattern. For example, according to various embodiments, the keyboard and wrist rest 100 can simultaneously generate light conforming to the light emission pattern.

[0073] In some embodiments, the wrist rest 100, according to various embodiments, may not have an internal battery. The wrist rest 100 may draw power from an external device (e.g., a keyboard) via an electrical connector (e.g., spring pins). For example, the keyboard may power the wrist rest 100 via one or more spring pins and optionally synchronize with an illuminated light pattern.

[0074] The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

[0075] Example 1 is a wrist rest, comprising: a base structure, a plurality of light sources housed in the base structure and capable of emitting light, a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive light emitted from the plurality of light sources and to emit light, and a pad fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in such a way that the plurality of light sources and the light guide are hidden between the base structure and the pad body, wherein the pad body is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light guide, and wherein each light source is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emitting colors.

[0076] In Example 2, the object of Example 1 may further include a pad made of a translucent soft gel.

[0077] In Example 3, the object of Example 1 or Example 2 may further include: a controller operable to control each light source so as to produce at least one predetermined emission color among a plurality of emission colors based on a predetermined emission pattern.

[0078] In Example 4, the object of Example 3 may further include: a communication module operable to receive wireless signals including information about the emitted light pattern and to provide such information to the controller.

[0079] In Example 5, the object of Example 4 may further include: a communication device configured to be detachably coupled to an external electronic device, and operable to communicatively connect the communication module and the electronic device via a network.

[0080] In Example 6, the object of Example 5 may further include a base structure that further includes a groove disposed on the bottom side of the base structure for accommodating a communication device.

[0081] In Example 7, the object of Example 6 may further include a base structure that further includes a removable door leaf configured to cover the slot.

[0082] In Example 8, any of the objects in Examples 1 to 7 may further include a plurality of light sources comprising a plurality of red-green-blue light emitting diodes (RGB LEDs).

[0083] In Example 9, the object of Example 8 may further include: a circuit board housed in a base structure, wherein RGB LEDs are mounted on the circuit board.

[0084] In Example 10, the object of Example 9 may further include: a battery housed in a base structure and operable to power a plurality of light sources.

[0085] In Example 11, the object of Example 10 may further include a circuit board with a cutout, and a battery configured to be inserted into the cutout to connect the battery to the circuit board.

[0086] In Example 12, any of the objects in Examples 1 to 11 may further include: a port disposed on the side wall of the base structure, configured to allow a power cord to be inserted therein to receive power from an external power source.

[0087] In Example 13, any of the objects in Examples 1 to 12 may further include: at least one switch operable to receive input from a user to control a plurality of light sources.

[0088] In Example 14, the object of Example 13 may further include a switch including a first switch that can be operated to turn on and off a plurality of light sources.

[0089] In Example 15, the object in Example 13 or 14 may further include a switch including a second switch that can be operated to trigger switching between a plurality of emission patterns to control each light source to generate at least one predetermined emission color based on one of the plurality of emission patterns selected through the switching.

[0090] Example 16 describes a system including a wrist rest and electronic devices. The wrist rest includes: a base structure; a plurality of light sources housed in the base structure and capable of emitting light; a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive and emit light from the plurality of light sources; and a pad fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in a manner that conceals the plurality of light sources and the light guide between the base structure and the pad body, wherein the pad body is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light guide. The electronic devices can communicate with the wrist rest and can be operated to transmit wireless signals, including information about the emitted light pattern, to the wrist rest. Each light source is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emitted colors.

[0091] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 may further include a pad made of a translucent soft gel.

[0092] In Example 18, the object of Example 16 or Example 17 may further include a wrist pad that further includes a controller operable to control each light source so as to generate at least one predetermined light emission color among a plurality of light emission colors based on the light emission pattern received from the electronic device.

[0093] In Example 19, the object of Example 18 may further include a wrist pad that further includes a communication module operable to receive signals including information about the light emission pattern and to provide that information to a controller.

[0094] In Example 20, the object of Example 19 may further include a wrist pad that further includes a communication device configured to be detachably coupled to an electronic device and operable to communicatively connect the communication module to the electronic device via a network.

[0095] In Example 21, the object of Example 20 may further include a base structure that further includes a groove disposed on the bottom side of the base structure for accommodating a communication device.

[0096] In Example 22, the object of Example 21 may further include a base structure that further includes a removable door leaf configured to cover the slot.

[0097] In Example 23, any of the objects in Examples 16 to 22 may further include a plurality of light sources comprising a plurality of red-green-blue light emitting diodes (RGB LEDs).

[0098] In Example 24, the object of Example 23 may further include a wrist rest that further includes a circuit board housed in a base structure, wherein RGB LEDs are mounted on the circuit board.

[0099] In Example 25, the object of Example 24 may further include, for example, a wrist rest that further includes a battery housed in a base structure and operable to power a plurality of light sources.

[0100] In Example 26, the object of Example 25 may further include a circuit board with a cutout, and a battery configured to be inserted into the cutout to connect the battery to the circuit board.

[0101] In Example 27, any of the objects in Examples 16 to 26 may further include a wrist rest that further includes a port disposed on the side wall of the base structure, configured to allow a power cord to be inserted therein to receive power from an external power source or from an electronic device.

[0102] In Example 28, any of the objects in Examples 16 to 27 may further include a wrist pad that further includes at least one switch operable to receive input from a user to control a plurality of light sources.

[0103] In Example 29, the object of Example 28 may further include a switch including a first switch that can be operated to turn on and off a plurality of light sources.

[0104] In Example 30, the object of Example 28 or 29 may further include a switch including a second switch that can be operated to trigger switching between a plurality of emission patterns to control each light source to generate at least one predetermined emission color based on one of the plurality of emission patterns selected by switching.

[0105] In Example 31, the object of Example 30 may further include, when the second switch is triggered to switch to a different light emission pattern, the wrist pad can be operated to transmit a switching signal to the electronic device, and the electronic device can be operated to transmit a signal including information about the light emission pattern to the wrist pad.

[0106] In Example 32, the object of Example 30 may further include a wrist pad that further includes a memory, and when the second switch is triggered to switch to different light emission patterns, the controller may be operated to control each light source to generate at least one predetermined light emission color based on the information about the light emission pattern stored in the memory.

[0107] In Example 33, any of the objects in Examples 16 to 32 may further include an electronic device operable to update the light emission pattern and provide information to the wrist pad about the updated light emission pattern.

[0108] In Example 34, any of the objects in Examples 16 to 33 may further include electronic devices including at least one of the following: mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, head-mounted display, and smartwatch.

[0109] While embodiments of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are hereby included. It should be understood that common numbers used in the related illustrations refer to components used for similar or identical purposes. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term “some” means one or more. Combinations, such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof", include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in this invention, which are known or hereafter known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. Terms such as “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” and “device” cannot replace the term “means.” Therefore, unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase “means in order to…,” any element in the claims should not be construed as an additional function of the means.

[0110] 100: Wrist pad 110: Base Structure 111: Sidewall 112: Bottom side 113a: slot 113b: Door leaf 114: Groove 115: Port 116: Light source 117: Switch 117a: First switch 117b: Second switch 118: Button 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f: Pads 120: Light source 121: Controller 130: Circuit board 131: Incision 132: Protrusion 140: Optical Guide 141: Front surface 150: Cushion 160: Communication Module 161: Antenna 170: Communication devices 180: Battery 200: Power cord 210: First Connector 220: Second connector 230: Outer cover 300: Electronic devices 1000: System

Claims

1. A wrist rest comprising: Base structure; A plurality of light sources, which are housed in the base structure and are capable of emitting light; A light guide, disposed above a plurality of said light sources and configured to receive and emit light emitted from the plurality of said light sources, wherein each said light source is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emission colors, wherein the plurality of said light sources include a plurality of red-green-blue light-emitting diodes (RGB LEDs); and a pad, fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in such a way that the plurality of said light sources and the light guide are concealed between the base structure and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light guide; a circuit board, the circuit board being housed in the base structure, wherein the RGB LEDs are mounted on the circuit board; and a battery, the battery being housed in the base structure and operable to power the plurality of said light sources; wherein the circuit board includes a cutout, and the battery is configured to be inserted into the cutout to connect the battery to the circuit board.

2. The wrist pad as described in claim 1, wherein, The pad is made of a translucent soft gel.

3. The wrist pad as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a controller operable to control each of the light sources to produce at least one predetermined emission color among a plurality of emission colors based on a predetermined emission pattern.

4. The wrist rest as described in claim 3, further comprising a communication module operable to receive a wireless signal containing information about the light emission pattern and to provide the information to the controller.

5. The wrist rest as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a communication device configured to be detachably coupled to an external electronic device and operable to communicatively connect the communication module to the electronic device via a network.

6. The wrist pad as described in claim 5, wherein, The base structure further includes a groove disposed on the bottom side of the base structure for accommodating the communication device.

7. The wrist pad as described in claim 6, wherein, The base structure further includes a removable door leaf configured to cover the slot.

8. The wrist rest as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a port disposed on a side wall of the base structure and configured such that a power cord can be inserted into the port to receive power from an external power source.

9. The wrist rest as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one switch operable to receive input from a user to control a plurality of the light sources.

10. The wrist rest as described in claim 9, wherein, The switch includes a first switch that can be operated to turn on and off a plurality of the light sources.

11. The wrist rest as described in claim 9, wherein, The switch includes a second switch that can be operated to trigger switching between a plurality of light emission patterns to control each of the light sources to produce at least one predetermined light emission color based on one of the plurality of light emission patterns selected by the switching.

12. A system comprising a wrist pad, comprising: A wrist rest includes: a base structure; a plurality of light sources housed in the base structure and capable of emitting light; a light guide disposed above the plurality of light sources and configured to receive light emitted from the plurality of light sources and to emit light, wherein each of the light sources is capable of selectively producing a plurality of emission colors, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a plurality of red-green-blue light-emitting diodes (RGB LEDs); and a pad fixed to the base structure and disposed above the light guide in such a way that the plurality of light sources and the light guide are hidden between the base structure and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light guide; and an electronic device capable of communicating with the wrist rest and operable to transmit a wireless signal including information about the emission pattern to the wrist rest; a circuit board housed in the base structure, wherein the RGB LEDs are mounted on the circuit board; and a battery housed in the base structure and operable to power the plurality of light sources. The circuit board includes a cutout, and the battery is configured to be inserted into the cutout to connect the battery to the circuit board.

13. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The pad is made of a translucent soft gel.

14. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The wrist pad further includes a controller operable to control each of the light sources to generate at least one predetermined emission color from a plurality of emission colors based on the emission pattern according to the signal received from the electronic device.

15. The system as described in claim 14, wherein, The wrist pad further includes a communication module operable to receive the signal containing information about the light emission pattern and to provide the information to the controller.

16. The system as described in claim 15, wherein, The wrist rest further includes a communication device configured to be detachably coupled to the electronic device and operable to communicatively connect the communication module to the electronic device via a network.

17. The system as described in claim 16, wherein, The base structure further includes a groove disposed on the bottom side of the base structure for accommodating the communication device.

18. The system as described in claim 17, wherein, The base structure further includes a removable door leaf configured to cover the slot.

19. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The wrist rest further includes a port disposed on the side wall of the base structure and configured to allow a power cord to be inserted into the port to receive power from an external power source or from the electronic device.

20. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The wrist rest further includes at least one switch that can be operated to receive input from the user to control a plurality of the light sources.

21. The system as described in claim 20, wherein, The switch includes a first switch that can be operated to turn on and off a plurality of the light sources.

22. The system as described in claim 20, wherein, The switch includes a second switch that can be operated to trigger a switching between a plurality of the light emission patterns to control each of the light sources to produce at least one predetermined light emission color based on one of the plurality of light emission patterns selected by the switching.

23. The system as described in claim 22, wherein, When the second switch is triggered to switch to different light emission patterns, the wrist pad can be operated to transmit a switching signal to the electronic device, and the electronic device can be operated to transmit a signal containing information about the light emission pattern to the wrist pad.

24. The system as described in claim 22, wherein, The wrist rest further includes a memory, and when the second switch is triggered to switch to different light emission patterns, the controller can be operated to control each of the light sources so as to generate at least one predetermined light emission color based on information about the light emission pattern stored in the memory.

25. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The electronic device can be operated to update the light emission pattern and provide the wrist pad with information about the updated light emission pattern.

26. The system as described in claim 12, wherein, The electronic device includes at least one of the following: mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, head-mounted display, and smartwatch.

Images