One-way visibility keycaps

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to one-way visibility keycaps. The present invention provides keyboards and other electronic input devices having one or more keys having a glyph that is not visible to the human eye in a first state, such as when a display device attached to the underside of the key is not emitting light. When the display device emits light, the glyph is visible through the one or more keys. When viewed from above, the one-way visibility layer or structure obscures the visibility of the display device, but when the display device emits light, the light penetrates the one-way visibility layer, such as by passing through an array of microperforations in the key, and becomes visible to a bystander.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments described herein generally relate to keyboards and key mechanisms for electronic devices. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to keycaps having illuminable glyphs that are selectively visible or invisible to the human eye. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards for computing devices have many uses and are used in a wide range of places and times. The keyboard is one of the largest, most prominent, and most frequently used parts of a computer and, as such, plays a key role in the user's experience with the device. The keyboard significantly impacts the computer's appearance and aesthetics, the device's usability and accessibility, the user's perception of quality, and the tactile and auditory feedback provided to the user.

[0003] Keyboard keys often include legends or glyphs that identify the function of each key. In addition, to improve keyboard usability in low-light conditions, many keyboards provide backlighting that illuminates the keys or glyphs. In many cases, keycaps are designed to be thin and inexpensive, resulting in them being made of plastic and having a painted or top-coated glyph material. Painted or coated keycaps tend to have low durability due to repeated contact with fingers, especially when the user's hands are greasy or dirty, causing the glyphs to rub off or become unreadable over time. Additionally, because the keycaps are made of plastic, they tend to have a lower-quality feel and timbre than other materials.

[0004] Manufacturers and users of keyboard devices are constantly seeking improvements to these technologies to better meet the needs of manufacturers and users of computer products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a key mechanism comprising: a keycap comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an array of perforations extending through the top and bottom surfaces; a light array attached to the bottom surface of the keycap, wherein each individual light in the light array illuminates a single corresponding perforation in the array of perforations; a substrate positioned below the keycap and the light array; and a switch for detecting movement of the keycap relative to the substrate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the perforated array is arranged in a rectangular grid. The perforated array can be invisible to the human eye. The perforated array may include at least one perforation having a tapered diameter. The keycap may also include an at least partially transparent material that at least partially fills at least some of the perforations in the perforated array. The light array may be controllable to selectively display the first glyph or the second glyph through the perforated array. The keycap may include opaque sidewalls that prevent light from the light array from passing under the keycap.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a keyboard assembly comprising: a housing; a substrate positioned within the housing; and a set of key mechanisms positioned within the housing above the substrate, wherein each key mechanism in the set of key mechanisms comprises a keycap having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source positioned below the bottom surface and movable with the keycap, a switch for detecting movement of the keycap relative to the housing; and a controller in electrical communication with the light source of each key mechanism via the substrate. When the controller is in a first configuration, each top surface of each keycap of each key mechanism may have a uniform appearance, and when the controller is in a second configuration, each light source of each key mechanism may generate a glyph, wherein the glyph is visible through the top surface of the keycap.

[0008] In some embodiments, with the controller in the first configuration, the glyph is not visible at the top surface of the keycap of the key mechanism. At least the top surface of the keycap may include a material that is visually identical to the surface of the housing surrounding the keycap. The keycap may include an array of perforations that are invisible to the human eye. With the controller in the third configuration, each light source of each key mechanism may generate a second glyph, wherein the second glyph is visible through the top surface of the keycap. The keycap may include a set of openings that respectively correspond to a set of lighting devices of the light source at a ratio of 1:1. With the controller in the second configuration, light emitted from each light source may be configured to be visible only after passing through the top surface of the keycap.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electronic input device, comprising: a housing; a transparent keycap body having a bottom surface; a light display device attached to the transparent keycap body and positioned below the bottom surface of the transparent keycap body; a one-way visibility layer positioned above the light display device; a collapsible dome switch positioned between the housing and the light display device; and a power source connected to the light display device. The light display device may be configured to emit light in response to power provided to the light display device by the power source, with the light being visible through the one-way visibility layer and through the transparent keycap body, and the light display device may be visually obscured by the one-way visibility layer when the light display device is not emitting light.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one-way visibility layer includes an array of microperforations through which light can pass, or microperforations that are translucent. The one-way visibility layer may include a one-way mirror reflective portion. The one-way visibility layer may also be attached to the bottom surface of the transparent keycap body. The light display device may include an array of light sources arranged in a rectangular grid. The housing may include a surface surrounding the periphery of the transparent keycap body and having a visual appearance that matches the one-way visibility layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 2A A top view of a keyboard of a computing device is shown in a first state.

[0014] Figure 2B Shown in the second state Figure 2A view of a modern keyboard.

[0015] Figure 3A Shown Figure 2A A perspective view of the key mechanism of a keyboard.

[0016] Figure 3B Shown in the first state Figure 3A Schematic view of the key mechanism.

[0017] Figure 3C Shown in the second state Figure 3A Schematic view of the key mechanism.

[0018] Figure 3D Shown in the third state Figure 3A Schematic view of the key mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3A A side sectional view of the key mechanism.

[0020] Figure 4A Shown Figure 4 Detailed diagram of the key mechanism.

[0021] Figure 4B Shown Figure 4 Detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the key mechanism.

[0022] Figure 5 A perspective view of the key mechanism is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A side sectional view of the key mechanism.

[0024] Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of a key mechanism is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 A perspective view of the key mechanism is shown.

[0026] Figure 9A side cross-sectional view of the key mechanism is shown.

[0027] Figure 10 A computer system of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to keyboards for use with computing devices that have high durability, high visibility and user-friendliness, a comfortable and high-quality feel, and provide customizability and a unique aesthetic appearance. In one instance, a keyboard may include keycaps that have a uniform and neat appearance when the keyboard is inactive, such as when the keyboard is not in use or when the computing device to which the keyboard is connected is not in use. Thus, the keycaps may appear blank, devoid of any glyphs or symbols that would be visible to the human eye on an ordinary keyboard, even upon close inspection. In some embodiments, the keycaps may also have an appearance that matches or approximates the appearance of the keyboard housing in which the keyboard key mechanisms (including the keycaps) are positioned.

[0031] However, when the keyboard is activated, the glyphs for each keycap can appear on the key due to light emitted from below the top surface of the keycap through the keycap. The glyphs can appear to float due to the individual light sources or display devices positioned above or below each keycap. Thus, compared to traditional keyboards where light typically leaks between adjacent keycaps or is visible between or under the keycaps, all light output by the light source or display device can be directed through the tops of the keycaps to generate the glyphs.

[0032] In various embodiments, the glyphs may become visible when the keyboard is activated because the light source or display device of each key emits light through a perforation in the keycap surface (or a structure below the light-transmissive portion), which directs light from a light array / light-emitting device (e.g., microscopic light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) positioned below the perforation. Each light in the light array may include a single light source (e.g., a single LED) or a single set of pixel-like light sources (e.g., an RGB LED having a single set of unique red, green, and blue LEDs for a single light output point). These perforations may be microscopic perforations (i.e., microperforations) that are small enough not to be visible to the human eye when light is not shining on them from below, but light may be seen through the perforations when light passes through them from below, such as when the light is viewed along their longitudinal axis. Each light in the light array may correspond to a single perforation, such as a single LED (or a single set of RGB LEDs) aligned with a single perforation for each LED / perforation in the assembly.

[0033] Using this structure, the keycaps of the keyboard can be made of materials not typically used for keycaps of traditional keyboards, such as metals including aluminum. Thus, the keycaps of the keyboard can have a top surface that matches the appearance of the keyboard housing surface surrounding the keycaps, which can also have a metal surface. This can contribute to the overall clean appearance of the keyboard when placed in its housing, and can further enhance the "floating" effect of the light glyphs by making the boundaries between the keycaps and their housing (e.g., including the webs extending between the keys) less prominent.

[0034] In some embodiments, the light source or display device may include an LED array, such as a display device using micro-LEDs or OLED pixels. The number of perforations in the keycap may correspond to the number of pixels of the display device, so that, for example, each individual pixel of the display device can provide light to a separate perforation. In this way, the display device / light source can be controlled to generate glyphs that can change or adjust between different shapes, letters, colors, symbols, animations, languages, and other features. For example, the controller of the keyboard can be used to control the display device to change between different keyboard layouts (e.g., QWERTY, QWERTZ, Colemak, etc.), different keyboard standards or languages ​​(e.g., ANSI, ISO, JIS, Korean, Chinese, etc.), and different symbols or customizable glyphs (e.g., emojis, icons, system controls such as power, volume, or brightness, application-specific function indicators, etc.). In some embodiments, the key display device can be controlled to display animations, videos, or other changing information over time on a key or a group of keys. Thus, these keycaps can enable users to interact with the keyboard in an engaging and pleasing way, while also having a soft, refined, and uniform appearance when not in use.

[0035] In addition, some keyboards of the present disclosure may include a transparent keycap body on which a one-way visibility layer is deposited or attached. When the display device or light source is activated, the one-way visibility layer may block the visibility of the display device or light source attached to the keycap below the layer by reflecting light at the outer surface while still allowing light to pass through the layer from the inside. The one-way visibility layer may include a one-way mirror or an opaque material layer having an array of microperforations that allow one-way visibility similar to the microperforations described above. In one embodiment, the keycap body may include transparent glass, and the visibility layer may include a coating applied to the bottom surface of the keycap body that is microperforated in a manner that aligns the perforations with the pixels of the display device attached below the coating layer. In another embodiment, the keycap body may include a layer having a metal physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating to produce a one-way mirror effect. The glass surface of the keycap can have a pleasant, cool, high-quality feel and can be designed to mimic the appearance of a housing surrounding the keycap, a display (such as the display screen of a laptop computer in which the keyboard is located), a trackpad, a touch screen, or other nearby components. Thus, glass keycaps can enable design features for computing devices that would otherwise be impossible.

[0036] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In addition, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising one of each listed option (e.g., only one first option, only one second option, only one third option), a plurality of a single listed option (e.g., two or more first options), two options simultaneously (e.g., one first option and one second option), or a combination thereof (e.g., two first options and one second option).

[0037] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a computing device 100 is shown having a display housing 102 attached to a keyboard housing 104. The display housing 102 can house a display screen 106, around which a bezel 108 extends. The keyboard housing 104 can house a keyboard 110 and a trackpad 112, which can be accessed through a top surface 114 of the keyboard housing 104.

[0038] Although the computing device 100 is Figure 1Although shown as a laptop computer, computing device 100 may include various different types of computing devices, such as notebook computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, servers, similar devices, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, keyboard housing 104 may be a peripheral input device capable of being connected to a computing device (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection), such as a standalone keyboard, a numeric input tablet, a trackpad, a mouse or other pointer input device, a graphics handwriting tablet, similar devices, and combinations thereof. Therefore, computing device 100 is shown merely as an exemplary device, and for convenience, various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated using this exemplary device.

[0039] Generally speaking, for a computing device 100 similar to a laptop computer, the processor, memory device, electronic storage device, portable power source or power connector, circuit board, keyboard and touchpad controller, and other related electronic components may be housed in the keyboard housing 104 and / or the display housing 102. Thus, the computing device 100 may include all of the electronics and components necessary to operate the keyboard 110, including keyboard switches connected to one or more keys of the keyboard 110 and a display device. See also Figure 10 .

[0040] Figure 2A A top view of the keyboard 110 positioned in the upper surface 114 of the keyboard housing 104 is shown. In this view, the keyboard 110 is inactive and its glyphs are visually hidden. The keyboard 110 includes a set of key mechanisms, with the keycaps 200 visible at the top of the keyboard 110. In some embodiments, a key web 202 can extend between the keycaps 200, forming a mesh-like frame around the perimeter of each keycap 200. The key web 202 can be part of the upper surface 114 of the keyboard housing 104, or can be a separate part that can be positioned between the keycaps 200 and can be attached to a structure within or as part of the keyboard housing 104.

[0041] The material used at the top surface of the keycap 200 can have a visually identical appearance to the material used for the key web 202 or the top surface 114 around the perimeter of the keyboard 110. In an exemplary case, the material can be aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum) or another metal. As used herein, components that have the "same appearance" or "match in appearance" are components that appear to share the same visual reflectivity, surface texture, color (e.g., hue, saturation, and brightness), and opacity / transparency / translucency to the human eye.

[0042] As used herein, the "human eye" is the naked eye of a typical human observer with normal vision, and is not enhanced or supplemented by a magnifying lens, microscope, camera, or other scope or equipment for discerning microscopically sized objects (such as the perforations in the keycap 200 described below). Generally speaking, at a normal viewing distance from the keyboard (e.g., about 350 mm to about 450 mm), the human eye cannot discern perforations in the surface that are about 0.3 mm across or less. At a viewing distance of about 200 mm to 250 mm, the human eye is generally unable to discern perforations that are less than about 75 microns wide.

[0043] However, a microscopic light source, even one viewed from a distance, can be visible through the microscopic perforations. Thus, a material (even a metal) can have a "one-way" visibility characteristic, wherein an array of perforations in the material can appear visually identical to a piece of material without perforations (e.g., having the same reflectivity and other visible properties) when not backlit, yet when light from a light source below passes through the perforations, the human eye can readily see the light.

[0044] When viewed with the naked human eye, the top surfaces of the keycaps 200 can have a consistent, uniform appearance compared to one another. In other words, the keycaps 200 can have an appearance composed of a single material and be free of any visible perforations, glyphs, engravings, additional printed material, or other similar indicators for a keyboard when they are not illuminated and the display device below the top surface is not emitting light through the perforations. See also Figures 3A to 3B .

[0045] Figure 2B The keyboard 110 is shown when a display device within the keycap 200 is illuminated to generate a glyph 204. The glyph 204 may include letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, lines, words, phrases, pictures, and other visual indicators for conveying information to a viewer, such as the function when the keycap 200 is pressed. In some cases, the glyph 204 may also include indicators of the status or operation of the computing device 100 as a whole, such as a caps lock indicator 206, volume, brightness, power or other computer function modifiers, a "busy" or "processing" indicator, similar indicators, and combinations thereof.

[0046] Figure 3A An orthographic view of the keycap 200 is shown positioned in the rigid web 202 and shown separated from the other keycaps and key mechanisms of the keyboard 110. This view shows that the top surface 300 of the keycap 200 may have a blank, empty, clean, uniform appearance to the human eye, while the display device below the top surface 300 is inactive. Figure 3B Shown with Figure 3AA similar view is shown, but for purposes of illustration in this disclosure, the array of perforations through top surface 300 is simplified and significantly enlarged. In other words, keycap 200 will appear to the human eye as if it were not illuminated. Figure 3A shown in, but provides Figure 3B To illustrate where micro-perforations may be formed in keycap 200, and how they may appear if they were visible to the human eye.

[0047] The key web 202 may include a set of openings 302 through which the keycaps 200 and their associated key mechanisms may extend. The openings 302 may extend through a top surface 304 of the key web 202 and may be large enough to allow the keycaps 200 to travel vertically relative to the key web 202 without contacting the inner edges of the openings 302. In some embodiments, the key web 202 may be omitted, wherein a group of keys 200 of the keyboard 110 may be positioned within a single large opening. In this case, the group of keys may be positioned adjacent to each other with the edges of the keycaps separated by gaps, and the gaps may be empty rather than filled with Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B The manner shown in FIG is partially filled with the key web 202.

[0048] Furthermore, in some examples, the keycap 200, at least the top surface 300, or at least the top surface 300 and the side surfaces 306 can comprise a material composition that provides high durability and structural integrity even when a large number of microperforations 308 penetrate the top surface 300. In one exemplary embodiment, the keycap 200 can at least partially comprise a metal portion that extends across the top surface 300 and through which the microperforations 308 are formed. The metal portion can advantageously be formed using aluminum or other durable materials that are easily machined, and wherein the microperforations 308 can be formed using standard industrial processes such as laser cutting. The metal top surface 300 also tends to advantageously have a high-quality feel, be scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, cool to the touch due to a high heat transfer coefficient, and be highly rigid, even at low thicknesses.

[0049] Aluminum is also a material commonly used in housings for keyboards and other electronic devices (e.g., 104), so the keycap 200 can have a visual appearance that matches the surrounding housing surface 114 and / or web 202, thereby imparting a consistent visual appearance to the top surface of the housing and the keys themselves. When anodized aluminum is used for the housing 104, the anodization of the keycap 200 (due to their identical material composition) can ensure that the housing 104 and the keycap 200 have the same color, hardness, and other properties resulting from the anodizing process.

[0050] Additionally, when the glyph 204 is visible, the uniformity of the appearance of the keycap 200 and its surrounding housing structure can help create an effect in which the glyph 204 appears to "float" above the housing 104 or appears to exist independently of the keycap 200. Figure 3A As shown, the matching appearance of the keycap 200 and the housing can allow the keycap 200 to blend into the housing and create the appearance of a blank keycap with no visible legend.

[0051] The microperforations 308 can be formed into an array having a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the top surface 300 of the keycap through which they extend. For example, a square keycap 200 having a square top surface 300 can have an array of substantially square microperforations 308, wherein each microperforation of the array is equally spaced from its adjacent microperforations, and wherein the number of rows of microperforations equals the number of columns. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 600 microperforations can be part of the array in a single keycap 200, so that approximately 25 rows of microperforations and 25 columns of microperforations arranged in a grid can extend across the top surface 300. This number of microperforations and square configuration can be used in square keycaps 200, and for non-square keycaps, such as the shift key or space bar, the array of microperforations can be the same or modified to extend across those keys having a larger width or height than other square keys. For example, by having a width approximately five times the width of a single square key 200, Figure 2A The number of columns on the key 310 in FIG. 2 can be approximately five times higher than the number of columns in a typical square keycap 200 .

[0052] The number of microperforations in the array of a single key can be determined based on the vertical thickness of the keycap 200 through which the microperforations 308 are formed. A harder and stronger keycap 200 material composition (e.g., metal) can support a higher density of microperforations at a given thickness, and a more flexible or brittle key material composition (e.g., plastic) can require a lower density of microperforations at the same thickness to avoid manufacturing defects and low durability (e.g., cracking of the top surface 300 between perforations). With a greater thickness, the structural integrity of the keycap 200 can support a higher density array of microperforations 308. However, a low thickness can advantageously correspond to better light transmittance, and therefore better clarity, sharpness, viewing angles, and readability of fonts. In an exemplary embodiment having an aluminum keycap 200, the vertical thickness of the keycap can be approximately 300 microns, and the diameter of each microperforation 308 can be approximately 30 microns. See also Figure 4 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B and their related description elsewhere in this paper.

[0053] In some embodiments, the array of microperforations can extend substantially from edge to edge across the top surface 300, with the microperforations 308 evenly spaced from edge to edge or from one side 306 to the opposite side 306. In this way, glyphs created using the microperforations 308 can cover substantially the entire width or length of the top surface 300. Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the array of microperforations 308 is located within a central region 312 that is offset from the outer top edge of the top surface 300 by a peripheral region 314 that surrounds the central region 312 and forms a non-microperforated (i.e., solid) area of ​​the keycap 200. Because there are no microperforations in the peripheral region 314, this region provides additional structural stability against bending or cracking of the keycap 200, and thus the introduction of the peripheral region 314 can advantageously increase the density of the number of microperforations per inch in the central region 312. Additionally, the peripheral region 314 can be useful in embodiments where a display device or light source beneath the keycap 200 does not extend edge-to-edge beneath the top surface 300, so that the central region 312 can effectively cover and correspond to only a portion of the light output of the display device or light source group.

[0054] Although Figure 3B The microperforations 308 are shown arranged in a square grid-like array, but other embodiments may use different arrangements of the microperforations, even in a square keycap. For example, the microperforations 308 may be arranged to fill a circular pattern, a rectangular pattern, a diamond pattern, a logo or icon shape (e.g., the outline of a power button or volume indicator (i.e., a speaker symbol)), or a pattern that mimics the size and shape of one or more glyphs (e.g., an "A" shape or the shapes of multiple letters, symbols, or words (e.g., "SHIFT"). Therefore, the square array shown in the figures is for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the manner in which the microperforations 308 can be arranged.

[0055] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B Another view of the keycap 200 in which the microperforations 308 are partially illuminated from below using a display device or by a light source below the top surface 300. In this example, a subset of the array of microperforations is illuminated to produce a visible "A" shape 316. Figure 3B Compared to the configuration shown, Figure 3CThe configuration shown can have a glyph 316 that is visible to the human eye because light is emitted through a subset of microperforations corresponding to the shape of the glyph 316. In some embodiments, the display device or light source can be configured in such a way that light emitted from one pixel or light source of the display device or light source can be embedded through a single corresponding microperforation 308 at a one-to-one ratio, and each pixel or light source can be prevented from emitting light through adjacent microperforations in a manner that would cause the glyph 316 to appear blurry around the edges. Additionally, in some embodiments, light from the display device or light source can be prevented from traversing the side surface 306 laterally or downwardly underneath the keycap 200, thereby preventing light from leaking through the opening 302 around the side surface 306 or between adjacent side surfaces 306 of adjacent keycaps 200.

[0056] Figure 3D It is shown that it can be applied to the above Figures 1 to 3C An alternative view of features of an embodiment of the embodiment described in . In this embodiment, the keycap 200 is configured to change the pattern of light emitted from the display device or light source to display a different glyph 318. In this embodiment, the second glyph 318 has a "W" shape instead of the "A" shape of glyph 316. The change in glyph can be caused by the display device or light source emitting light from a second set of pixels or light sources corresponding to the positions of the microperforations that form the "W" shape instead of the "A" shape. Figure 3C and Figure 3D , a square array of microperforations 308 is used to generate both glyphs 316 , 318 .

[0057] In some embodiments, only the perforations required to form one glyph 316 (the "A" shape) are included in the keycap 200. For another example, the only perforations provided are those required to form glyph 316 in one state of display illumination and to form a second glyph 318 in another state of display illumination. Thus, the number and location of microperforations 308 can be limited to those required for only certain specific letters, symbols, shapes, etc., and any additional microperforations can be omitted.

[0058] In some embodiments, the keyboard 110 may include a keycap 200 having glyphs 316, 318 that are capable of changing from at least a first configuration or appearance to a second configuration or appearance. The first configuration and / or the second configuration may display static glyphs having a single shape, size, color, brightness, font, and other appearance characteristics. The static glyphs may change at least one of these appearance characteristics when the display device or light source changes the glyphs between the first configuration and the second configuration. For another example, the first configuration and / or the second configuration may display glyphs that move or otherwise change over time, such as an animation, a series of looping or changing glyphs, a video, a color change sequence, a size change sequence, similar changes over time, and combinations thereof. See also Figure 11 .

[0059] Furthermore, this glyph customizability may extend to other features of the glyphs, in addition to the overall shape or symbol of the glyphs 316, 318 being presented. The keyboard 110 as a whole may change its glyphs, such as by changing from one keyboard layout (e.g., QWERTY) to another keyboard layout (e.g., Colemak) in response to a user changing the settings of a controller of the keyboard and associated key display device. This may advantageously enable the keyboard 110 to be adapted to provide the keyboard with a plurality of different language settings, typing layouts, and other keyboard functions based on user preferences or programming commands, which are controlled by the keyboard's controller or formulated in response to a set of programming instructions executed by a processor (e.g., a processor of the computing device 100). In this way, a single keyboard device may be constructed and shipped to a plurality of different computer input device markets, including markets where keyboard layouts or language settings may differ from one another.

[0060] Furthermore, the variable nature of glyphs 316, 318 can be used to provide user experiences that would be unavailable or impossible using a standard conventional keyboard. For example, in some embodiments, keyboard 110 may have glyphs (e.g., 316) as a standard setting, such as a language setting for typical typing activities (e.g., an English keyboard), and the layout and / or glyphs of keyboard 110 can be modified (e.g., to 318) to provide a keyboard of symbols, images, animations, or shapes that would not be available on a conventional keyboard, such as a keyboard of emoji shapes and pictures, animated GIFs, a simulated setting of piano keys, or letters from ancient languages ​​that are typically only available on uncommon keyboards.

[0061] In one exemplary embodiment, the set of keycaps 200 can be used collectively as a display device, wherein each keycap 200 is configured to display a portion of a larger image or video that is presented across the plurality of keycaps 200. For example, an area of ​​the keyboard 110 can be used to display a circle, wherein each keycap in a set of keycaps displays a different portion of the circumference, and the keycaps within the circumference can be used to display the color of the circle. As another example, the keycaps 200 can be used collectively to display a video (e.g., a flashing or color-changing sequence), a text string (e.g., a welcome or warning message), or other data (e.g., a computing device's battery charge status or display brightness level, user-defined text, etc.) to an observer.

[0062] Additionally, in some cases, the glyphs can be modified or customized by the user to correspond to user preferences, such as custom keyboard layouts. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can reprogram the "Caps Lock" key to function as the "Ctrl" key, or can replace the "Command" key's functionality with the "Alt" key's functionality, and both of these changes can be accompanied by appropriate changes to the glyphs to reflect the new functionality of the "Caps Lock" and "Command" keys.

[0063] Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of a keycap 200 is shown, illustrating features of the keyboard 110 supporting the keycap 200. The keycap 200 can be positioned on top of a display device 400, which is supported by a key stabilizer 402. The key stabilizer 402 can be mounted to a membrane layer 404 or a circuit board / substrate layer 406 supported by the housing 104. The keycap 200 can have a width that is less than the width of the opening 302 in the key web 202, so that when a force is applied to its top surface 300, pressing it downward, the keycap 200 can translate vertically and independently of the key web 202. In some embodiments, the key web 202 can be mounted to the housing 104 or the substrate layer 406.

[0064] The collapsible dome 408 is positioned between the display device 400 and the membrane 404 and may include a resilient material configured to bias the keycap 200 and the display device 400 upward. The collapsible dome 408 may be configured to apply a biasing force to the keycap 200 to cause the keycap 200 to rise back down after the user releases pressure on the keycap 200. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the collapsible dome 408 can be a switch that, when collapsed, can generate an electrical signal indicating that the keycap 200 has been pressed. For example, the collapsible dome 408 can include a conductive portion that is configured to form an electrical connection at the membrane 404 when the dome 408 has collapsed into contact with the membrane 404. In some examples, the membrane layer 404 can include multiple layers, such as multiple conductive layers that collapse into contact with each other when the collapsible dome 408 collapses. In addition, those who benefit from this disclosure will understand how other switches and related keycap position detection devices used in the art can be applied to the key mechanism of the keycap 200 described herein.

[0065] When a downward force is applied eccentrically to the top surface 300, the key stabilizer 402 can provide support for the keycap 200 and the display 400 in a manner that helps prevent the keycap 200 from rotating. Thus, the key stabilizer 402 can help the keycap 200 remain parallel to the underlying layers 404, 406 as it translates vertically in use. The key stabilizer 402 can include a scissor mechanism having two intersecting hinged portions that are pivotally or flexibly connected to the display 400 or keycap 200 at the top end of the stabilizer 402 and pivotally or flexibly connected to the substrate 406 or housing 104 at the bottom end of the stabilizer 402. Downward pressure on the keycap 200 can cause the scissor mechanism hinged portions to rotate about the pivot connection axes 410, 412, 414, and 416 (and possibly other axes). Rotation about one of these pivot axes can cause movement of the hinged portion of the stabilizer 402, which prevents the keycap 200 from rotating about the pivot axis. For example, a downward force applied to the top surface 300 above axis 412 can cause the stabilizer 402 to rotate about axis 412 and axis 414, and rotation of the arm of the stabilizer 402 can pull the other intersecting arm of the stabilizer 402 downward, causing rotation about axis 410 and axis 416. The key stabilizer 402 can include a central opening that receives the collapsible dome 408, so that the arm of the stabilizer 402 can move about the dome 408 without causing the dome to collapse due to contact with the stabilizer 402.

[0066] The keycap 200 can be attached to and positioned on top of a display device 400 or a set of light sources that includes an array of light sources (e.g., pixels) corresponding to some or all of the microperforations 308 extending through the keycap 200. Figure 4 As shown, the display device 400 may have a width that extends across the central region 312, and its light source may extend across substantially the entire width of the central region 312. The display device 400 may have an electrical connection to the substrate 406 via a flexible connector 418 that extends from one side of the bottom surface of the display device 400 to the substrate 406 below. The flexible connector 418 may include conductors, wiring, etc. to allow power and control signals to be provided to the display device 400 for powering and controlling the light sources in the display device 400. As the keycap 200 moves downward, the flexible connector 418 may bend, flex, and / or compress to accommodate the movement of the keycap while maintaining electrical communication with the substrate 406. The flexible connector 418 may advantageously extend from an edge or bottom surface near the outer perimeter of the display device 400 in a manner that avoids mechanical interference with the movement of the stabilizer 402 or the collapsible dome 408, thereby improving the durability and lifespan of the flexible connector 418.

[0067] The keycap 200 may also include sidewalls 306 that extend laterally around the display 400 and prevent any stray laterally projected light from the display 400 from escaping the sides of the keycap 200 and being viewed by the user. The sidewalls 306 may also protect and cover the sides of the display 400 to improve aesthetics (e.g., to match the appearance of the key web 202) and prevent contaminants from intruding or damaging the display 400. The inner surface of the sidewalls 306 may include one or more ridges or protrusions 420 configured to provide support to the display 400 and help retain the display 400 within the keycap 200. The ridges or protrusions 420 may form a cradle-like surface that reinforces the display 400 from below and strengthens the adhesive or other attachment device used to hold the display 400 securely in place against the bottom surface of the keycap 200.

[0068] Figure 4A A detailed view of the keycap 200 and the display device 400 at a microscopic level is schematically shown, illustrating a side cross-section of the micro-perforations 308 and their positioning above the display device 400 . Figure 4 and 4A The number and size of the perforations and light sources shown in are not drawn to scale and are shown schematically to aid in understanding the apparatus of the present disclosure. Display device 400 shows an array of light sources 422, wherein each light source 422 is positioned at the bottom opening of each microperforation 308. Thus, each light source 422 can individually emit light upward through the microperforation 308 to which it is aligned, thereby illuminating a single microperforation at a time. This configuration allows for fine control over the appearance of keycap 200 by enabling precise illumination of selected microperforations in the array of microperforations based on control of the illumination of each light source 422. In addition, as Figure 4A As shown, the light sources 422 may have their tips substantially adjacent to or positioned directly below each microperforation 308 in a manner that prevents light emitted from the light sources 422 from scattering into adjacent microperforations 308, thereby preventing blurred or otherwise unclear edges of glyphs produced by the display device 400.

[0069] The light source 422 may include a semiconductor light source or other solid-state lighting device. For example, some suitable light sources include, but are not necessarily limited to, light emitting diodes (e.g., LEDs or micro-LEDs) (e.g., single-color and / or multi-color), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), electroluminescent (EL) strips, similar devices, and combinations thereof. A given light source 422 may be configured to generate one or more colors, intensities, patterns, etc. of light in any desired spectral range (e.g., visible, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.), as required for a given target application or end use. Other suitable light engine types, configurations, and emission spectra for a given light source 422 will depend on the given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 4A The light source 422 in FIG is shown as a set of pixels emitting red-green-blue (RGB), wherein one of the color channels is capable of emitting its color into one microperforation 308, so that each microperforation 308 can have red, green, and blue light emitted therethrough, wherein each microperforation has various levels of brightness. Thus, the display device 400 can be controlled to emit a wide range of hues, saturations, and brightnesses from the light source 422. In some embodiments, the display device 400 can include a light source 422 having a binary luminous property (e.g., only on or off) or emitting only one or two colors (e.g., white, blue, red, blue, and red, etc.). The width of each light source 422 can be less than or approximately equal to the width of the microperforation 308 closest to the light source 422. In this way, light from the light source 422 can be effectively emitted through the microperforation 308, rather than being absorbed or otherwise wasted under the keycap 200, thereby improving the brightness and color accuracy of the display device 400.

[0071] The display device 400 may include an onboard display controller 424 in electrical communication with some or all of the light sources 422 in the display device 400. Figure 4A Schematically shown in FIG 4 is a display controller 424 in electrical communication with a portion of the light source 422. The display controller 424 can control the output characteristics of the light source 422 to which it is connected by controlling the supply of power to each light emitting portion of the light source 422, so that the selected color attribute is emitted from the light source 422, and the appropriate light source 422 is able to create a font for the keycap 200. The display controller 424 can be an output device adapter 1020 (see FIG 4 ). Figure 10 ) or an adapter connected to the output device.

[0072] Figure 4AAlso shown is how microperforations (e.g., exemplary microperforations 426) can have a tapered diameter and a truncated conical profile. This shape can be formed by using laser engraving techniques and similar irradiation ablation operations to produce microperforations 426. Therefore, microperforations 426 can have a larger width W1 at their top outer end and, by contrast, a smaller width W2 at their lower inner end. The height H (i.e., depth) of microperforations 426 can extend through the entire thickness of keycap 200 between top surface 300 and the surface facing the top of display device 400. In some embodiments, outer width W1 can be less than or equal to approximately 75 microns, and inner width W2 can be equal to approximately 30 microns. Height H can be determined based on the material properties of keycap 200, wherein height H can correspond to the minimum thickness of keycap 200, which maintains the durability, bending strength, and other physical properties required for keycap 200 to maintain its structure and appearance in long-term use. In one exemplary embodiment, the micro perforations 426 may have a width W1 of about 90 microns, a width W2 of about 30 microns, and a height H of about 300 microns, and be of an aluminum keycap material. The dimensions shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0073] Minimizing the height H of the microperforations 308 can improve the perceived maximum brightness, clarity, viewing angle, and sharpness of the glyphs because the amount of material that covers and interferes with the light source 422 is minimized. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the distance D between the centers of adjacent microperforations 308 can be in the range of about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm, or in one embodiment, about 0.2 mm, thereby also helping to maintain the structural properties of the keycap 200 and the imperceptibility of the microperforations 308, while also keeping the perforation array dense enough to make it difficult or impossible for the human eye to discern individual backlit perforations.

[0074] The microperforations 308 may have sloped sidewalls 428 that taper vertically downward from an outer width W1 to an inner width W2. In some embodiments, these sidewalls may be designed to have improved reflectivity compared to the top surface 300 or other surfaces of the keycap 200. For example, a coating or reflective treatment may be added to the sloped sidewalls to improve the efficiency of the light source 422 and maximize the amount of light escaping from each perforation. As another example, the surface of the sloped sidewalls may be laser treated to improve their surface finish, thereby increasing their reflectivity. Compared to embodiments with less reflective sloped sidewalls, highly reflective sloped sidewalls may also improve the viewing angle of the glyphs, making them visible from lower angles relative to a vertical axis extending through each perforation. When a coating or other reflective additive is applied to the microperforations, the microperforations may initially be formed to have a width greater than the typical widths W1, W2, so that the final size of each perforation width W1, W2 (after the coating or other covering is applied) ultimately reaches the appropriate specifications for light transmission (as described above).

[0075] Similarly, in some embodiments, the keycap 200 can be anodized. The anodized layer can add a thickness of approximately 10 microns to the surface of the keycap 200 to which it is added. Thus, the keycap 200 can be designed to have microperforations 308 whose width is approximately 20 microns greater than widths W1 and W2, so that the added thickness of the anodized layer (on each side of the microperforations) does not cause the perforations to become too narrow to perform their intended function. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the keycap 200 can be anodized before the microperforations 308 are added. In this example, the microperforations 308 can be formed with their final dimensions because no additional material will be coated or otherwise added to the sloped sidewalls. In other words, the microperforations can be laser cut to their intended final tolerances, rather than being enlarged to accommodate the coating or anodized layer.

[0076] Figure 4B A side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment is shown in which the keycap 200-A has its array of microperforations 308 at least partially filled with a filling material 430. In this embodiment, the filling material 430 is an ultraviolet (UV) glue that is configured to be applied as a liquid to the empty microperforations 308 and then cured (polymerized) in situ by UV light exposure. The filling material 430 may alternatively include other liquid adhesives, dielectrics, resins, etc., as will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the benefits of the present disclosure. The filling material 430 can be transparent to allow maximum light emission through the microperforations 308. In some embodiments, the filling material 430 can be translucent / partially opaque to help diffuse light and improve the viewing angle range of the illuminated glyphs. Therefore, the filling material 430 can be referred to as a diffusing material or light diffuser positioned within the array of microperforations.

[0077] The filling material 430 may have a top surface that is recessed below the top surface 300 of the keycap 200 due to surface tension or due to formation of a meniscus at the top surface of the filling material 430. The meniscus may be concave, such as Figure 4B The top surface of the filler material 430 can be close to the top surface 300 of the keycap 200 to help minimize the visibility of the microperforations 308 and ensure maximum reinforcement of the keycap 200.

[0078] In some embodiments, the inclusion of filler material 430 can increase the structural rigidity of keycap 200-A at microperforations 308, thereby increasing its durability and allowing keycap 200-A to be thinner (e.g., thinner than a conventional keycap). Figure 4A). Filler material 430 may also act as a barrier to debris, liquids, dust, finger oils, and other potential contaminants that could block light from light source 422 by blocking or filling microperforations 308. Thus, the appearance of the array of microperforations 308 may function more consistently over extended periods of time and even after exposure to contaminants because such contaminants cannot penetrate the microperforations.

[0079] Figure 5 is an orthographic view of keycap 500 positioned in rigid web 502 and shown separated from the other keycaps and key mechanism of a keyboard (eg, 110). Features of keycap 500 may be incorporated into other embodiments shown elsewhere herein. Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of a keycap 500 and associated parts is shown. The keycap 500 includes an upper body 504 having an opaque layer 506 attached to a bottom surface 508 of the upper body 504. A display device 510 is attached to the keycap below the opaque layer 506 and is configured with a plurality of light sources 512 oriented vertically upward through an array of microperforations 514 in the opaque layer 506 and through the upper body 504. The bottom of the display device 510 may be mounted to a key stabilizer 516 having a pivot arm, wing, or similar structure, such as in combination with a key. Figure 4 Similar to Figure 4 , membrane 518 and substrate 520 may also be positioned below keycap 500. Dome 522 may also be positioned with Figure 4 The embodiments of are configured similarly.

[0080] In some examples, the flexible connector 524 can extend from a central region of the display device 510 and connect to the substrate 520 through the dome 522. In this example, the flexible connector 524 can extend through the dome 522, or can extend downward from the display device 510 from a location adjacent to and laterally positioned with the dome 522. Positioning the flexible connector 524 through or near the dome 522 at the central portion of the display device 510 can help avoid contact between the flexible connector 524 and the key stabilizer 516, thereby demonstrating durability and reliability of the flexible connector 524. Alternatively, the flexible connector 524 can extend from a peripheral region of the display device 510 to be in electrical communication with the substrate 520, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in the implementation scheme of .

[0081] like Figure 5As shown, the opaque layer 506 is visible through the top surface 526 of the upper body 504. The upper body 504 can include a substantially transparent material, such as glass, transparent ceramic, transparent polymer, crystal, similar materials, and combinations thereof. The top surface 526 of the upper body 504 can be a contact surface for engaging a user instrument (e.g., a finger) when depressing the keycap 500, and can transfer the force of the instrument to the parts and mechanisms below it.

[0082] The opaque layer 506 may comprise a material applied to or formed on the bottom surface 508. When viewed from above and through its top surface 528, the opaque layer 506 may appear opaque, obscuring the appearance of the underlying display device 510. The opaque layer 506 may comprise a layer of paint, a metallic coating, a metal or plastic sheet or plate, or similar opaque material on the bottom surface 508, and the array of microperforations 514 may be formed through such opaque material. In some examples, the upper body 504 may advantageously comprise a material that is more scratch-resistant than the opaque layer 506, such as having a hardness greater than that of the material of the opaque layer. The upper body portion 504 may protect the material of the opaque layer 506, which would otherwise be more susceptible to scratches, contamination, and other types of wear and damage to which the opaque layer 506 would be susceptible without the protective upper body portion 504. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper body 504 may include a glass material and the opaque layer 506 may include a paint, polymer, or resin material applied to the glass material, wherein because the glass material acts as a shield or buffer between the top surface of the keycap and the top surface of the opaque layer 506, the paint, polymer, or resin material is protected from being scratched by the glass material and from being exposed to surface friction, scratches, or chemical damage or contamination.

[0083] In some embodiments, the opaque layer 506 can comprise a sheet of the same material as that used in the rigid web 502 or other base portion surrounding the keyboard, thereby giving the keycap 500 the appearance of the same hue, saturation, brightness, texture, and other appearance characteristics as the top surface surrounding the keycap 500. In some embodiments, the keyboard base or housing can comprise a transparent material having an appearance similar to the upper body 504, covering an underlying layer similar to the opaque layer 506. For example, the base surrounding the keycap 500 can have a top layer of glass and a secondary layer of paint or metal just below the top layer of glass. In some embodiments, the keyboard base can comprise the same material as the opaque layer 506, so that the opaque layer 506 can match the appearance characteristics of the base, and the upper body 504 can overlay the opaque layer 506, giving the appearance of a transparent or translucent structure floating above or above the base and opaque layer 506.

[0084] In some embodiments, the opaque layer 506 can include attachment structures for coupling the display device 510 and / or the stabilizer 516 to the opaque layer 506. For example, the opaque layer 506 can include a bracket that extends around or through the display device 510 to connect to the stabilizer 516 or a feature (e.g., similar to the protrusion 420 and its related embodiments described above) to secure the display device 510 to the opaque layer 506.

[0085] The array of microperforations 514 can be formed in or cut through the opaque layer 506 in a manner similar to other manufacturing methods described herein (e.g., laser cutting / ablation). The microperforations 514 can have properties similar to the other microperforations described above, such as being invisible to the human eye, being arranged in a grid or square array, extending completely through the opaque layer 506, and the like. Thus, even if the opaque layer 506 is perforated with tens, hundreds, or thousands of microperforations 514, it can still have a uniform, non-perforated appearance across the upper body 504. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as when the opaque layer 506 is a coating, paint, film, PVD layer, or similar sub-millimeter thickness structure, the thickness of the opaque layer 506 can be less than that in embodiments where the top of the keycap (e.g., 200) includes a structural metal body, such that the opaque layer 506 can have a minimized thickness and the microperforations 514 can also have a minimized depth. Thus, light from the display device 510 can more easily and more completely pass through the opaque layer 506 , thereby improving the visibility, readability, viewing angle, visible edge definition, and related attributes of glyphs produced by the display device 510 .

[0086] Display device 510 may include similar properties to display device 400, wherein an array of light sources 512 is arranged to align with and provide light to an equal number of microperforations 514 through opaque layer 506. Thus, display device 510 is visible through and above opaque layer 506. Figure 6 The light sources 512 in the display device 510 are shown schematically in FIG. 5 to indicate that they are configured to direct light upward (ie, in the direction of the upward pointing arrow).

[0087] Figure 7An embodiment is shown having an intermediate layer 700 that includes at least a partially reflective or specular reflective surface. The intermediate layer 700 can reflect light 702 incident from above the intermediate layer 700 (i.e., through the upper body 504), while also allowing light 704 from a light source of a display device 510 positioned directly below the intermediate layer 700 to pass through the intermediate layer 700 directly or refracted. The reflection of light 702 at the top surface 706 of the intermediate layer 700 (or, in some embodiments, at the bottom surface 708) can be specular reflection. For example, the intermediate layer 700 can include a PVD layer or other specular reflective film without microperforations. The light 704 that passes through the intermediate layer 700 can clearly and accurately display the fonts generated by the display device 510 without passing through the microperforations. This configuration can be referred to as a one-way reflection or one-way mirror configuration. Alternatively, the reflection of light 702 at the intermediate layer 700 can be diffuse or non-specular, and the glyphs produced by light 704 from the display device 510 can appear partially blurred or diffuse, but still readable by the user. In this example, the configuration can be referred to as a diffuse or non-specular one-way reflective layer. The structure and features of the intermediate layer 700 can be implemented in other embodiments shown and described herein, such as in an opaque layer 506 having at least a partially reflective or specular top or side surface.

[0088] In various embodiments, intermediate layer 700 can be formed to have or do not have a group of microperforations. Therefore, compared with other completely opaque materials used in opaque layer (e.g., 200, 506) as described herein, the material of intermediate layer 700 can at least partially transmit light (e.g., 704). Using at least one-way light-transmitting intermediate layer 700 can simplify manufacturing and can give keycap unique appearance at the bottom of upper body 504. The outward appearance of keycap can change when activating display device 510 and when it generates visible glyphs by intermediate layer 700. The outward appearance of intermediate layer 700 can be configured to match the appearance characteristics of the upper surface of the shell around key or keyboard. Therefore, the existence of display device 510 can be hidden and invisible until light source 512 is activated, and each keycap can have a unified outward appearance, which does not have any symbol or glyph before display device 510 is activated.

[0089] Embodiments using a partially transparent or specular reflective interlayer 700 can be advantageously used with displays 510 having a high density of light sources (i.e., higher pixel resolution) within a given keycap area. When the interlayer 700 need not include an array of microperforations, the number of light sources and their positioning can be arranged at the highest possible density for the display 510, without regard to whether the number of microperforations in the layer above the display 510 will match the number of light sources. Additionally, when the upper body 504 is used with a layer (e.g., 506 or 700) formed on its bottom surface, embodiments such as embodiments having microperforations extending through the entire keycap to the display through its top surface can be advantageously used with the display 510. Figure 4 The number of microperforations added to the layer on the bottom surface can be higher density in a given area than in the embodiment shown. This difference in characteristics is possible because the layer formed below the upper body 504 does not need to operate as a structural part of the keycap, while a keycap having microperforations through its thickness, such as Figure 4 The keycap of the embodiment can support a limited number of micro-perforations before the structure becomes too weak to be used as a keycap structure.

[0090] Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which a keycap 800 is assembled within a key web 802 having an upper body 804 having a top surface 806 and side surfaces 808, 810. The structure and features of the keycap 800 can be implemented in other embodiments shown and described herein (and vice versa). The upper body 804 can be at least partially light transmissive, and at least one of the top surface 806 and the side surfaces 808, 810 can have one-way reflective or partially transmissive properties. These surfaces can be referred to as one-way visibility layers, where when light is shone on one side of the layer (e.g., the top surface), the device below the layer (e.g., the display device 510) is not visible, but when light is shone through the opposite side of the layer (e.g., through the bottom surface, such as when light is emitted by the display device), the device below the layer is visible. The various structures disclosed herein may be referred to as one-way visibility layers, such as a keycap having an array of microperforations, a keycap having an array of microperforations in an intermediate layer or bottom layer or coating below an upper body, or a keycap having a one-way reflective layer or structure positioned on its surface.

[0091] and Figure 7Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the keycap 800 can have at least one outer surface having a specular reflective appearance and material similar to that of the intermediate layer 700, especially when the display device below is not emitting light. When one or more outer surfaces of the upper body 804 have such properties, the keycap 800 can have a completely specular or reflective appearance and can conceal the transparent nature of the display device and the interior or lower portion of the upper body 804. Therefore, the keycap 800 can include transparent or translucent materials within its outer surface so that the transparent properties of the keycap 800 are concealed by the reflective outer surface properties. When light is emitted from below the upper body 804, such as from a display device that is in contact with the bottom surface or positioned adjacent to the upper body 804 and can move with the upper body 804, the light can pass through the spectral reflective surface of the upper body 804, so that the light from the display device can be seen through the top surface of the keycap 800.

[0092] For example, Figure 9 As shown in the schematic side cross-sectional view of , keycap 900 may have a top surface 902 with a one-way specular reflective coating 904 (or other deposited or applied layer) on the top and / or side of a transparent body 906. Thus, keycap 900 is an exemplary embodiment of keycap 800. The structure and features of keycap 900 can be implemented in keycap 800 and in other embodiments shown and described herein. Thus, substantially all incident light 908 from the top or side of keycap 900 is reflected from top surface 902 or the side surface at coating 904. However, light 910 from a display device 510 (e.g., a glyph or other displayed image, as discussed in detail above) below transparent body 906 can pass through body 906 and through coating 904, making it visible above keycap 900. Thus, the presence of display device 510 and the transparency of body 906 can be obscured by coating 904. This can give the keycap 900 a uniform appearance at the top and side surfaces, and can also match the appearance of the mirrored reflective surface surrounding the keycap 900. Figure 7 Same as the implementation plan, Figure 9 The display device 510 in can have light sources whose positioning and density are not limited by or correspond to the plurality of microperforations in the keycap 900, thereby allowing the display device light to be potentially clearer and brighter when viewed through the keycap 900.

[0093] Figure 10 A block diagram of a computer system 1000 for use with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In various embodiments, the computer system 1000 may include Figure 10 Various sets and subsets of components are shown. Thus, Figure 10The various components shown can be included in various combinations and subsets based on the operations and functions performed by the system 1000 in different embodiments. For example, the computer system 1000 can be a combination of the above Figure 1 The present invention also provides a portion of the computing device 100 described herein, or other keyboards, key mechanisms, and display devices described herein. It should be noted that when describing or reciting herein, unless otherwise specifically stated herein, the use of articles such as "a" or "an" is not to be construed as limiting to only one, but is intended to mean one or more.

[0094] Computer system 1000 may include a central processing unit (CPU) or processor 1002 connected via bus 1004 for electrical communication to computer memory devices 1006, power supply 1008, electronic storage devices 1010, network interface 1012, input device adapter 1016, and output device adapter 1020. For example, one or more of these components may be connected to each other via a substrate supporting bus 1004 (e.g., a printed circuit board or other substrate such as substrates 406 and 520) and other electrical connectors that provide electrical communication between the components. Bus 1004 may include a communication mechanism for transferring information between the components of system 1000.

[0095] The processor 1002 may be a microprocessor or similar device configured to receive and execute an instruction set 1024 stored by the memory 1006. The memory 1006 may be referred to as main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic electronic storage device for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 1002. The memory 1006 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executed by the processor 1002. The storage device 1010 may include a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device coupled to the bus 1004 for storing static or long-term (i.e., non-dynamic) information and instructions for the processor 1002. For example, the storage device 1010 may include a magnetic or optical disk (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)), solid-state memory (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)), or the like. The power supply 1008 may include a power source capable of providing power to the processor 1002 and other components connected to the bus 1004, such as a connection to a utility grid or a battery system.

[0096] Instructions 1024 may include information for performing processes and methods using components of system 1000. Such processes and methods may include, for example, methods described elsewhere herein, including, for example, in conjunction with Figure 11 The method described.

[0097] The network interface 1012 may include an adapter for connecting the system 1000 to external devices via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the network interface 1012 may provide a connection to a computer network 1026, such as a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a standalone device capable of wirelessly communicating with the network interface 1012, other external devices or network locations, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the network interface 1012 is a wireless networking adapter that is configured to connect to another device having interface capabilities using the same protocol via WI-FI(R), Bluetooth(R), BLE, Bluetooth mesh, or a related wireless communication protocol. In some embodiments, a network device or a group of network devices in the network 1026 may be considered part of the system 1000. In some cases, a network device may be considered connected to the system 1000, but not part of it.

[0098] The input device adapter 1016 can be configured to provide the system 1000 with connections to various input devices, such as, for example, a keyboard 1014 and various switches (e.g., collapsible domes or mechanical switches) or key mechanisms that receive input via a user pressing the keyboard. The keyboard 1014 or another input device (e.g., buttons or switches) can be used to provide user input, such as input regarding settings of the system 1000. The input device adapter 1016 and / or the keyboard 1014 can include a keyboard controller that is configured to receive electrical signals from the switches or sensors of the keyboard and provide these signals to the processor 1002 for processing, interpretation, and action.

[0099] The output device adapter 1020 can be configured to provide the system 1000 with the ability to output information to the user, such as by providing visual output using one or more monitor display devices 1032 or key display devices 1034. Other output devices may also be used. The processor 1002 may be configured to control the output device adapter 1020 to provide information to the user via the output device connected to the adapter 1020. For example, the monitor display device 1032 may be controlled to output a user interface, application window, and similar information, and the key display device 1034 may be controlled to display a glyph, image, symbol, shape, or no output, as described in detail elsewhere herein. Individual key display devices 1034 may be controlled, such as by adjusting or changing the information presented by a key, or the key display device 1034 as a whole may be controlled, such as by adjusting or changing the layout or symbology of multiple keys of a keyboard, thereby displaying an animation that appears to move from one key display device to another, or using multiple keys to form a composite display to display an image, shape, animation, etc.

[0100] Figure 111000 ). At block 1102, a controller may receive a first input. The controller may include, for example, the processor 1002 or a keyboard controller via the input device adapter 1016 or the network interface 1012. The first input may include user input (e.g., a user providing a command), computer-generated input (e.g., input resulting from the operation of the algorithm or instructions 1024), or an operation or movement of the computer system 1000 (e.g., turning on the power supply 1008, attaching the input device 1036 to the computer system 1000, or moving the computer system 1000).

[0101] At block 1104, the controller may set at least one key display device of the keyboard (e.g., 1034) to a first state. The first state may be an off state, in which the key display device does not provide light and is therefore not visible to the human eye (e.g., Figure 3A In another embodiment, the first state can be an on state, wherein the key display device provides light having a first glyph shape / size / number, symbol, animation, or visual appearance (e.g., hue, saturation, brightness, etc.).

[0102] At block 1106, the controller may receive a second input. The second input may include user input (e.g., a user providing a command), computer-generated input (e.g., input generated by the operation of the algorithm or instructions 1024), or an operation or movement of the computer system 1000 (e.g., turning on the power supply 1008, attaching the input device 1036 to the computer system 1000, or moving the computer system 1000). The second input may be different from the first input, such as provided in a different manner (e.g., via a different key, button, program function, or the like) or provided at a different time or location than the first input. In response to receiving the second input, the controller may set the key display device to a second state, as shown in block 1108. The key display device in the second state may be illuminated or may provide a different glyph than the key display device in the first state.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the key display device in the first state of block 1104 may be invisible to the human eye (e.g., in the manner described above), and the key display device in the second state of block 1108 may be visible due to light emitted through microperforations or through a spectral reflective material covering the key display device (e.g., in the manner described above). Thus, the disclosed method can implement various visibility modes for display devices within keyboard keys. Additionally, in the case where the key display device is already turned on in the first state, the key display device information can be changed from one set of symbols or shapes to another set of symbols or shapes.

[0104] To the extent applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data obtained from various sources can be used to improve the delivery of inspirational content or any other content that may be of interest to users. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0105] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data within the present technology can be used to benefit users. For example, this personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content of particular interest to the user. Thus, the use of such personal information data enables users to exercise planned control over the content delivered. Furthermore, this disclosure contemplates other uses of personal information data that benefit users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's overall health or serve as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0106] This disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information will adhere to established privacy policies and / or practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information collected from users should be used for the entity's legitimate and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold beyond those legitimate uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be conducted with the user's informed consent. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to safeguard and secure access to such personal information and ensure that others with access to the personal information adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Furthermore, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be tailored to the specific type of personal information collected and / or accessed and to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdictional considerations. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

[0107] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates providing hardware elements and / or software elements to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to an advertising delivery service, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" to participate in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration for the service. In another example, a user may choose not to provide emotion-related data to a targeted content delivery service. In another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is retained, or to completely prohibit the development of underlying emotional conditions. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0108] Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and / or other methods, where appropriate.

[0109] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not be unable to function properly due to the absence of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0110] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A key mechanism, comprising: a keycap comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an array of perforations extending through the top and bottom surfaces and sidewalls defining a protrusion; a light array attached to the bottom surface of the keycap and comprising lights arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern, wherein each individual light in the light array is configured to illuminate a single corresponding perforation in the array of perforations; and The light array is positioned on a display device supported by the protrusion; a substrate positioned below the keycap and the light array; and A switch is used to detect movement of the keycap relative to the substrate.

2. The key mechanism of claim 1, wherein the perforated array is arranged in a rectangular grid.

3. The key mechanism of claim 1, wherein the perforated array is invisible to the human eye. The key mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the array of perforations comprises perforations having tapered diameters. 5 . The key mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the keycap further comprises an at least partially transparent material, the at least partially transparent material at least partially filling the perforations of the perforation array.

6. The key mechanism of claim 1, wherein the light array is controllable to selectively display the first glyph or the second glyph through the perforated array.

7. The key mechanism of claim 1, wherein the key cap includes opaque sidewalls that prevent light from the light array from passing under the key cap.

8. A keyboard assembly comprising: shell; a substrate positioned in the housing; A set of key mechanisms, the set of key mechanisms being positioned in the housing above the substrate, each key mechanism in the set of key mechanisms comprising: a keycap having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a plurality of microperforations extend through the keycap from the top surface to the bottom surface; a light source attached to and below the bottom surface and movable with the keycap, wherein a plurality of lamps from the light source are positioned relative to the plurality of microperforations such that each microperforation of the plurality of microperforations is isolated from receiving light from an adjacent lamp of the plurality of lamps; a switch for detecting movement of the keycap relative to the housing; and a controller in electrical communication with the light source of each key mechanism via the substrate; wherein when the controller is in the first configuration, each top surface of each keycap of each key mechanism has a uniform appearance; and Wherein, when the controller is in the second configuration, each light source of each key mechanism generates a glyph, and the glyph is visible through the top surface of the keycap.

9. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein with the controller in the first configuration, no glyphs are visible at the top surfaces of the keycaps of the set of key mechanisms.

10. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein at least the top surface of the keycap comprises a material that is visually the same as a surface of the housing surrounding the keycap.

11. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein the keycap includes an array of perforations that are invisible to the human eye.

12. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein with the controller in a third configuration, each light source of each key mechanism generates a second glyph that is visible through the top surface of the keycap.

13. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein the keycap includes a set of openings corresponding to a set of illumination devices of the light source in a 1:1 ratio.

14. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein with the controller in the second configuration, light emitted from each light source is visible only after passing through the top surface of the keycap.

15. An electronic input device comprising: shell; a transparent keycap body having a bottom surface, a sidewall extending below the bottom surface, and a bracket protruding inwardly relative to the sidewall; a light display device attached to the transparent keycap body and positioned below the bottom surface of the transparent keycap body and on the bracket; a one-way visibility layer positioned above the light display device; a collapsible dome switch positioned between the housing and the light display device; and a power supply connected to the optical display device; wherein the light display device is configured to emit light in response to power provided to the light display device by the power supply, and the light is visible through the one-way visibility layer and through the transparent keycap body; and Wherein, when the light display device does not emit light, the light display device is visually blocked by the one-way visibility layer.

16. The electronic input device of claim 15, wherein the one-way visibility layer comprises an array of light-transmissive microperforations.

17. The electronic input device of claim 15, wherein the one-way visibility layer comprises a one-way specular reflective portion.

18. The electronic input device of claim 15, wherein the one-way visibility layer is attached to the bottom surface.

19. The electronic input device of claim 15, wherein the light display device comprises an array of light sources arranged in a rectangular grid.

20. The electronic input device of claim 15, wherein the housing includes a surface surrounding a perimeter of the transparent keycap body and having a visual appearance that matches the one-way visibility layer.

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