Input device and software running state indication system

Abstract

The invention provides a software running state indicating system which comprises a computer device and an input device. The computer device is used for executing a program, and the program is used for obtaining the running state of software. The input device is connected with the computer device and comprises a light-emitting display area which is used for displaying the running state of software.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device and a software running status indication system, and more particularly to an input device that can indicate the running status of software executed by a computer device. Background Technology

[0002] Indicator lights on traditional input devices (such as keyboards or mice) can be used to display the status of the input device itself, such as its battery level or connection status. Existing input device indicator lights can also be used to display the operating mode of other devices connected to the computer (such as microphones or speakers), for example, microphone on / off or speaker on / off.

[0003] However, as industries worldwide develop rapidly, the workload they need to handle is increasing, and the content of work is becoming more diverse. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) helps industries handle increasingly complex projects more efficiently. AI can utilize machine learning and deep learning networks to mimic human intelligence in solving complex problems. AI can also process information on a large scale, including: digesting patterns, recognizing information, and further providing solutions. Professionals in various fields can use AI to solve problems efficiently in their respective areas, such as business analysis or medical diagnosis.

[0004] In view of the above, software engineers have developed many generative artificial intelligence software programs. However, generative artificial intelligence software provides more diverse and complex functions, while traditional input devices can only display the status of the input device itself and other devices, but cannot further support the display of the running status of the software. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved input device that allows users to clearly know the status of the computer device executing the software. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an improved input device and a software running status indication system.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0007] To achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives, or other objectives, the present invention provides a software running status indication system, comprising: a computer device and an input device. The computer device is used to execute a program, the program being used to obtain the running status of the software. The input device is connected to the computer device and includes a light-emitting display area for displaying the software running status.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the software running state includes at least one of the following stages: sleep stage, waiting for instruction stage, receiving instruction stage, processing instruction stage, or generating result stage.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the software is in a sleep phase, the light-emitting display area presents a basic light-emitting mode; when the software is in a waiting instruction phase, the light-emitting display area presents a first light-emitting mode; when the software is in a receiving instruction phase, the light-emitting display area presents a second light-emitting mode; when the software is in a calculation instruction phase, the light-emitting display area presents a third light-emitting mode; and when the software is in a result generation phase, the light-emitting display area presents a fourth light-emitting mode; wherein the basic light-emitting mode, the first light-emitting mode, the second light-emitting mode, the third light-emitting mode, and the fourth light-emitting mode are different from each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the software is in the instruction waiting stage, the program determines whether an instruction has been input to the software. If so, the software enters the instruction receiving stage.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, if not, the software maintains the waiting instruction stage, and the program further determines whether the waiting instruction stage has been idle for more than a first predetermined time. If so, the program causes the software to return to the sleep stage.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first predetermined time is 3 seconds.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the instruction receiving stage, the software further determines whether the instruction receiving stage has been idle for more than a second predetermined time. If so, the brightness of the light-emitting display area gradually decreases.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the program determines that the instruction receiving stage has been idle for more than a third predetermined time, the program causes the software to enter the instruction calculation stage.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined time is 0.2 seconds and the third predetermined time is 2 seconds.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the input device further includes a control module and a trigger instruction area; the computer device further includes an embedded controller.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control module detects that the trigger command area is actuated or triggered, the control module controls the computer device to execute a program via the embedded controller, and the program further opens the software.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control module detects that the trigger command area is actuated or triggered again, the control module controls the computer device via the embedded controller to shut down the software.

[0019] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the software running status indication system of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a block diagram of the software running status indication system of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination modes of the illuminated display area at different stages of software operation.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the switching between light emission modes of the input device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a simplified cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the input device, driver chip, and control module of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the keycap of the key assembly in the key module of the input device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the input device structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0029] 1, 1': Input device

[0030] 2: Computer devices

[0031] 10A: Trigger Command Area

[0032] 10B: Illuminated display area

[0033] 11: Backlight Module

[0034] 12: Button Module

[0035] 111: Circuit board

[0036] 112, 112': Light guide layer

[0037] 113: Reflective layer

[0038] 114: Shielding layer

[0039] 121: Button assembly

[0040] 122: Switching assembly

[0041] 1211: Keycaps

[0042] 1212: Connector

[0043] 1213: Elastic reset component

[0044] 1214: Support layer

[0045] 1011: Translucent Area

[0046] 1012: Opaque area

[0047] 1111: First light-emitting element

[0048] 1112: Second light-emitting element

[0049] 1141: Light-transmitting section

[0050] 1142: Shading part

[0051] 1121: First opening

[0052] 1122: Second opening

[0053] 1123: Light-blocking structure

[0054] 1221: Switch

[0055] 11111: Light-emitting unit

[0056] L1: First Ray

[0057] L2: Second Ray

[0058] M: Control module

[0059] EC: Embedded Controller

[0060] OS: Operating System

[0061] AP: Program

[0062] SW: Software

[0063] DB: Database

[0064] C: Driver chip

[0065] SV: Server

[0066] CB: Control Panel

[0067] SS: Sleep stage

[0068] WS: Waiting for Instruction Phase

[0069] RS: Command Receiving Stage

[0070] OS: Instruction Stage

[0071] PS: Result Generation Stage Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the software SW running status indication system of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a block diagram of the software SW running status indication system of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the light emission modes of the software SW at various operating stages for the light emission display area 10B. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the switching between light emission modes of the input device 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a simplified cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the input device 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the input device 1, the driver chip C, and the control module M of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the keycap 1211 of the key assembly 121 in the key module 12 of the input device 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the input device 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Please see Figure 1 The software SW running status indication system of the present invention includes an input device 1 and a computer device 2. The input device 1 is connected to the computer device 2 via, for example, a wired or wireless means, enabling the computer device 2 to receive or transmit signals back to the input device 1. The computer device 2 has a program AP, and the computer device 2 executes the program AP, which is used to turn the software SW on or off and to obtain the running status of the software SW and transmit it back to the input device 1. The input device 1 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a keyboard; the computer device 2 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a laptop computer or a desktop computer; the program AP may be, but is not limited to, for example, an application program; the software SW may be, but is not limited to, for example, generative artificial intelligence software (e.g., generative artificial intelligence software). Or Open of ).

[0074] Please refer to further information. Figure 2A , Figure 2AThis is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the software SW running status indication system architecture disclosed in this invention. The input device 1 includes a control module M, which is coupled to at least one first light-emitting element 1111 and at least one second light-emitting element 1112 of the backlight module 11 and a switch assembly 122 of the button module 12. The switch assembly 122 includes a trigger instruction area 10A and a plurality of switches 1221. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the control module M is further coupled to at least one first light-emitting element 1111 and at least one second light-emitting element 1112 via a driver chip C; the control module M is a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0075] Computer device 2 includes an embedded controller EC, an operating system OS, and application programs AP. It should be noted that computer device 2 also includes hardware components such as a central processing unit, memory, and a display, which can store and execute the operating system OS, application software, and hardware drivers, and display the data based on the execution of the operating system OS, application software, and drivers.

[0076] When the trigger instruction area 10A in the input device 1 is activated or triggered, the operating system OS of the computer device 2 is controlled to execute the program AP. The following is a detailed description of the implementation method of controlling the operating system OS to execute the program AP via the trigger instruction area 10A.

[0077] Input device 1 is coupled to embedded controller EC, which is coupled to operating system OS. Control module M controls input device 1 based on internally stored firmware; on the other hand, embedded controller EC also has internally stored firmware to control input device 1; and the driver for input device 1 is pre-installed in operating system OS so that it can be executed by operating system OS to support the operation of input device 1.

[0078] Based on firmware control, the control module M scans the switch components 122 in the input device 1. When any switch 1221 is triggered or actuated (e.g., pressed and released), the control module M generates a corresponding make code and break code, which are then transmitted to the embedded controller EC. The embedded controller EC receives the make code and break code, responds with the make code, and generates an internal code to be transmitted to the operating system OS. The operating system OS parses the received internal code to determine the operation of the input device 1 and performs subsequent actions.

[0079] The control module M and the embedded controller EC work together to determine the type and function of the input device 1 and store pre-planned firmware. When the trigger command area 10A of the input device 1 is activated or triggered, the control module M responds to the activation of the trigger command area 10A by generating a corresponding make code. After receiving the make code, the embedded controller EC responds to the aforementioned make code by generating a usage code and transmitting the usage code to the operating system OS to convey the information that the trigger command area 10A has been activated. When the operating system (OS) receives the usage code, it further executes the program AP. In this embodiment, the program AP further requests the server SV via the Internet. The server SV responds to the request and then starts the software SW on the server SV. After the software SW is started, the program AP further compares the operating information of the software SW with the pre-built database DB to obtain the operating status of the software SW. The operating status of the software SW is then transmitted back to the control module M via the embedded controller EC. The control module M further controls the current flowing through at least one first light-emitting element 1111 and the PWM signal according to the stage of the software SW's operating status, so that the at least one first light-emitting element 1111 presents different light-emitting modes according to the different stages of the software SW's operating status. Among them, when the trigger command area 10A is actuated or triggered again, the program AP requests the server SV again via the Internet. The server SV responds to the request and shuts down the software SW.

[0080] Please refer to further information. Figure 2B , Figure 2B This is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the software SW running status indication system architecture disclosed in this invention. This embodiment is largely the same as the previous embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated. The only difference is that in this embodiment, the software SW is not on the server SV, but on the user end, that is, on the computer device 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the program AP does not need to make requests to the server SV through the Internet, and all execution is done on the user end.

[0081] In addition to the trigger command area 10A, the input device 1 has an illuminated display area 10B. Figure 4 At least one light-emitting element 1111's light-emitting mode will indicate the operating stage of the software SW to the user through the light-emitting display area 10B. Please refer to further details. Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the illumination modes presented by the software SW during each operational phase of the illuminated display area 10B. The software SW's operational phases mainly include at least one of the following: Sleep phase (SS), Waiting for instructions phase (WS), Receiving instructions phase (RS), Calculating instructions phase (OS), or Generating results phase (PS). Each phase is described in detail below.

[0082] The sleep stage SS means that the computer device 2 is not executing the program AP, so the software SW has not been started. At this time, the light-emitting display area 10B will present the basic light-emitting mode.

[0083] When computer device 2 executes program AP to start software SW, program AP detects that software SW has entered the instruction waiting stage WS, that is, the stage of waiting for user input. At this time, the light-emitting display area 10B will present the first light-emitting mode.

[0084] When the program AP detects that the user starts to input commands into the software SW (e.g., voice input via microphone, text input via keyboard), the software SW enters the command receiving stage RS, and the illuminated display area 10B will display a second illumination mode.

[0085] When the user stops inputting commands into the software SW and the software SW generates results, the program AP detects that the software SW has entered the operation command stage OS, and the luminous display area 10B will display the third luminous mode.

[0086] Once the software SW starts producing results, the program AP detects that the software SW has entered the result generation stage PS, and the luminous display area 10B presents the fourth luminous mode.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic light-emitting mode, the first light-emitting mode, the second light-emitting mode, the third light-emitting mode, and the fourth light-emitting mode are all different light-emitting modes. The basic light-emitting mode may be, but is not limited to, for example: the light-emitting display area 10B displays white light; the first light-emitting mode may be, but is not limited to, for example: the light-emitting display area 10B displays colored light; the second light-emitting mode may be, but is not limited to, for example: the light-emitting display area 10B displays a color-flowing light effect; the third light-emitting mode may be, but is not limited to, for example: the light-emitting display area 10B displays a color-breathing light effect; and the fourth light-emitting mode may be, but is not limited to, for example: the light-emitting display area 10B displays a color-rotating light effect.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the program AP detects that the software SW has been idle for more than a first predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds), the program AP directly shuts down the software SW, and the luminous display area 10B reverts to displaying the basic luminous mode. For example, when the program AP detects that the software SW is in the instruction waiting stage, the program AP will determine whether the software SW has received an input instruction. If not, the software SW remains in the instruction waiting stage. When the program AP further detects that the software SW has been in the instruction waiting stage for more than 3 seconds, the program AP directly shuts down the software SW, and the luminous display area 10B reverts to displaying the basic luminous mode; or when the program AP detects that the software SW has been idle for more than 3 seconds after the result generation stage PS, that is, after the result is produced, the program AP directly shuts down the software SW, and the luminous display area 10B reverts to displaying the basic luminous mode.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the software SW is in the instruction receiving stage RS, the program AP will detect the user's input instruction status. When the user pauses input instruction for more than a second predetermined time (e.g., 0.2 seconds), the program AP will further control the first light-emitting element 1111 through the embedded controller EC and the control module M, so that the input device 1 reminds the user through the light-emitting display area 10B, for example, the brightness of the light-emitting display area 10B changes gradually (e.g., gradually reducing the brightness by 25%). When the program AP detects that the user pauses input instruction for more than a third predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds), the program AP will further cause the software SW to directly enter the operation instruction stage OS, and the light-emitting display area 10B will display the third light-emitting mode.

[0090] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the switching between light-emitting modes of the input device 1 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger command area 10A and the light-emitting display area 10B of the input device 1 are integrated into one of the button components 121 of the button module 12 of the input device 1. That is, the button component 121 is used by the user to press to enable the computer device 2 to execute the program AP to open or close the software SW. The button component 121 also informs the user of the running stage of the software SW by displaying different light-emitting modes.

[0091] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 When the software SW is not activated, the key assembly 121 functions like other keypads or function keys in the input device 1 (e.g., C and V keys), displaying the corresponding basic backlight mode, such as white light. When the user activates the software SW using the key assembly 121, the key assembly 121 displays the corresponding first backlight mode, such as having multiple color light effects.

[0092] The following provides a detailed description of the structure of the input device 1 of the present invention. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the input device 1 of the present invention. The input device 1 of the present invention includes a backlight module 11 and a button module 12, wherein the backlight module 11 is disposed below the button module 12.

[0093] The backlight module 11 is used to make the input device 1 emit light. The backlight module 11 includes at least one circuit board 111 and a light guide layer 112. The at least one circuit board 111 is attached to the underside of the light guide layer 112.

[0094] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 At least one circuit board 111 has at least one first light-emitting element 1111, at least one second light-emitting element 1112, and a driver chip C (Integrated Circuit, IC). Electrical connections (not shown) are provided between the first light-emitting element 1111 and the driver chip C, and between the second light-emitting element 1112 and the driver chip C, allowing the driver chip C to independently control the current flowing through the first light-emitting element 1111 and the second light-emitting element 1112, as well as the PWM signal (Pulse-width modulation). The driver chip C can be connected to the control module M via signal connection terminals or other lines (not shown). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control module M and the driver chip C are integrated into the same control board CB, but this is not a limitation.

[0095] At least one first light-emitting element 1111 is located approximately directly below at least one button assembly 121. The at least one first light-emitting element 1111 emits a first light ray L1 toward the at least one button assembly 121. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one first light-emitting element 1111 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a linear light-emitting element. The at least one first light-emitting element 1111 includes a plurality of light-emitting units 11111, which can be mixed by a specific brightness ratio to output a first light ray L1 of a specific hue. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one first light-emitting element 1111 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a multi-color LED (RGB-LED).

[0096] At least one second light-emitting element 1112 emits a second ray L2 toward the light guide layer 112. The direction of the second ray L2 is perpendicular to the direction of the first ray L1, and the second ray L2 is transmitted within the input device 1 via the light guide layer 112. The at least one second light-emitting element 1112 is disposed away from the at least one button assembly 121, that is, the at least one second light-emitting element 1112 is not disposed below the at least one button assembly 121. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second light-emitting element 1112 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a side-emitting element. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second light-emitting element 1112 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a monochrome LED (e.g., a white LED).

[0097] The driver chip C is used to control the current and PWM signal flowing through at least one first light-emitting element 1111, so that the first light-emitting element 1111 switches between various light-emitting modes. The light-emitting modes can be, but are not limited to, such as: static color, dynamic flowing, rotating, breathing, flashing, etc.

[0098] The light guide layer 112 is used to transmit light within the input device 1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of the light guide layer 112 may be, but is not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), for example. The light guide layer 112 includes at least one first opening 1121 and at least one second opening 1122. The first opening 1121 is used to accommodate a first light-emitting element 1111, and therefore the first opening 1121 is also located approximately directly below at least one button assembly 121. The number of first openings 1121 is set relative to the number of first light-emitting elements 1111. The second opening 1122 is used to accommodate a second light-emitting element 1112. The second opening 1122 is located further away from the button 12 than the first opening 1121, that is, the second opening 1122 is not located below at least one button assembly 121.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backlight module 11 further includes a reflective layer 113 and a shielding layer 114. The reflective layer 113 is used to reflect light transmitted in the light guide layer 112. The reflective layer 113 is disposed between the circuit board 111 and the light guide layer 112. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reflective layer 113 may be, but is not limited to, for example, attached to the lower surface of the light guide layer 112 by adhesive, or formed on the lower surface of the light guide layer 112 by coating. The shielding layer 114 is disposed on the upper surface of the light guide layer 112. The shielding layer 114 has a light-transmitting portion 1141 and a light-shielding portion 1142. The light-transmitting portion 1141 is located between the light-shielding portions 1142. More specifically, the light-transmitting portion 1141 and the light-shielding portion 1142 are formed in an alternating manner in the shielding layer 114. The light-transmitting portion 1141 is disposed above the first light-emitting element 1111, and the light-transmitting portion 1141 is used to allow the first light L1 to pass through the shielding layer 114. The light-shielding portion 1142 is used to shield the light transmitted in the light guide layer 112 to prevent light leakage during transmission.

[0100] A button module 12 is disposed above the backlight module 11. The button module 12 includes at least one button assembly 121 and a switch assembly 122. The at least one button assembly 121 is disposed above the switch assembly 122. The at least one button assembly 121 includes a keycap 1211, a connector 1212, a resilient reset member 1213, and a support layer 1214. The keycap 1211 is used for pressing by a user. The connector 1212 movably connects the keycap 1211 and the support layer 1214. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector 1212 may be, but is not limited to, a scissor-type linkage, for example. One end of the elastic reset member 1213 is connected to or abuts against the bottom surface of the keycap 1211. The elastic reset member 1213 provides a restoring force to the keycap 1211, allowing it to return to its original height after being pressed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic reset member 1213 may be, but is not limited to, a rubber dome or a metal dome. The support layer 1214 provides support for the key assembly 121. Therefore, the support layer 1214 is made of a rigid material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of the support layer 1214 may be, but is not limited to, metal or plastic. The support layer 1214 is pivotally connected to the connector 1212 via a hook structure (not shown) on its upper surface.

[0101] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the keycap 1211 of at least one key assembly 121 in the key module 12 of the input device 1 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a light-emitting display area 10B is disposed on the top surface of the keycap 1211. The light-emitting display area 10B includes at least one light-transmitting area 1011 and at least one opaque area 1012. The at least one light-transmitting area 1011 is located between the at least one opaque area 1012. Specifically, the at least one light-transmitting area 1011 and the at least one opaque area 1012 are alternately arranged in the light-emitting display area 10B. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keycap 1211 body is made of a transparent or translucent material, that is, it has the characteristic of light transmission under visible light irradiation. The light-transmitting area 1011 and the opaque area 1012 can be formed in ways that are not limited to, for example: the transparent body surface of the keycap 1211 is coated or sprayed with a light-shielding material, and then a portion of the light-shielding material is removed by laser engraving or etching. The removed portion forms a pattern, text, symbol, or number or a combination thereof. The portion where the light-shielding material is removed is defined as the light-transmitting area 1011, and the portion where the light-shielding material is not removed is defined as the opaque area 1012. Light (e.g., a first light ray L1 or a second light ray L2) will be emitted through the light-transmitting area 1011, while the opaque area 1012 will block the light from passing through.

[0102] A switch assembly 122 is located between the button assembly 121 and the backlight module 11. The switch assembly 122 is disposed on the upper surface of the support layer 1214. The switch assembly 122 can be, but is not limited to, a multilayer thin-film circuit (Membrane). A trigger command area 10A is disposed on the switch assembly 122. The trigger command area 10A is used to be triggered to enable or disable the software SW of the computer device 2. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trigger command area 10A is disposed directly below at least one button assembly 121. When the user presses the keycap 1211 of at least one button assembly 121, the elastic reset member 1213 will further press the trigger command area 10A to cause the computer device 2 to execute the program AP and enable or disable the software SW.

[0103] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8This is another embodiment of the input device 1'. The structure of this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated. The only difference is that in this embodiment, the light guide layer 112' further includes a light-blocking structure 1123. The light-blocking structure 1123 is disposed between the first light-emitting element 1111 and the second light-emitting element 1112. The light-blocking structure 1123 is used to block the second light L2 generated by the second light-emitting element 1112. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light source displayed in the light-emitting display area 10B all comes from the first light L1 generated by the first light-emitting element 1111, while the second light L2 emitted by the second light-emitting element 1112 is used to provide light to other keypads or function keys of the input device 1. In this embodiment, the light-blocking structure 1123 can be, but is not limited to, for example, a slotted structure.

[0104] In summary, the advantage of this invention is that the input device 1 can display the running stage of the software SW by switching the light emission mode, making it clear to the user at a glance.

[0105] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Any simple equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the invention are still within the scope of this patent. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in the invention. In addition, the abstract and headings are merely for assisting in patent document searches and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. A software running status indication system, comprising: A computer device for executing a program that obtains the running status of software; as well as An input device connected to the computer device, the input device including a light-emitting display area for displaying the software's running status.

2. The software running status indication system as described in claim 1, wherein, The software's operational status includes at least one of the following stages: The first sleep stage; Phase 1: Waiting for instructions; The first stage is receiving instructions; One operation instruction stage; or The first stage is the generation of results.

3. The software running status indication system as described in claim 2, wherein, When the software is in the sleep stage, the illuminated display area presents a basic illumination mode; when the software is in the waiting instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a first illumination mode; when the software is in the receiving instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a second illumination mode; when the software is in the calculation instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a third illumination mode; when the software is in the result generation stage, the illuminated display area presents a fourth illumination mode; wherein, the basic illumination mode, the first illumination mode, the second illumination mode, the third illumination mode, and the fourth illumination mode are illumination modes that are different from each other.

4. The software running status indication system as described in claim 2, wherein, When the software is in the waiting instruction stage, the program determines whether an instruction has been input. If so, the software enters the receiving instruction stage.

5. The software running status indication system as described in claim 4, wherein, If not, the software maintains the waiting instruction phase. The program further determines whether the waiting instruction phase has been idle for more than a first predetermined time. If so, the program causes the software to return to the sleep phase.

6. The software running status indication system as described in claim 5, wherein, The first scheduled time is 3 seconds.

7. The software running status indication system as described in claim 2, wherein, During the instruction receiving phase, the software further determines whether the instruction receiving phase has been idle for more than a second predetermined time. If so, the brightness of the light-emitting display area gradually decreases.

8. The software running status indication system as described in claim 7, wherein, When the program determines that the instruction receiving stage has been idle for more than a third predetermined time, the program causes the software to enter the instruction processing stage.

9. The software running status indication system as described in claim 8, wherein, The second scheduled time is 0.2 seconds, and the third scheduled time is 2 seconds.

10. The software running status indication system as described in claim 1, wherein, The input device further includes a control module and a trigger command area; the computer device further includes an embedded controller.

11. The software running status indication system as described in claim 10, wherein, When the control module detects that the trigger command area is activated or triggered, the control module controls the computer device to execute the program via the embedded controller, and the program further opens the software.

12. The software running status indication system as described in claim 11, wherein, When the control module detects that the trigger command area is actuated or triggered again, the control module controls the computer device via the embedded controller to shut down the software.

13. An input device connected to a computer device for executing a program for obtaining the running status of software, the input device including a light-emitting display area for displaying the running status of the software.

14. The input device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The software's operational status includes at least one of the following stages: The first sleep stage; Phase 1: Waiting for instructions; The first stage is receiving instructions; One operation instruction stage; or The first stage is the generation of results.

15. The input device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The input device further includes a button module, which includes at least one button component, which includes a keycap, and the illuminated display area is disposed on the keycap.

16. The input device as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The button module further includes a switch component having a trigger instruction area located below the at least one button component. When the trigger instruction area is actuated or triggered, the computer device executes the program and starts the software, causing the software to enter the waiting instruction stage from the sleep stage.

17. The input device as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The input device further includes a backlight module disposed below the button module. The backlight module includes a circuit board having at least one first light-emitting element that emits a first light towards the light-emitting display area.

18. The input device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The first light-emitting element is disposed below the light-emitting display area.

19. The input device as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The first light-emitting element is a vertical light-emitting element.

20. The input device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The backlight module further includes a light guide layer, and the circuit board is attached below the light guide layer. The light guide layer further includes at least one first opening for accommodating the at least one first light-emitting element.

21. The input device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The circuit board further includes at least one second light-emitting element, which emits a second light ray toward the light guide layer. The second light ray is transmitted through the light guide layer and its direction is perpendicular to the direction of the first light ray.

22. The input device as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The light guide layer further includes at least one second opening for accommodating the at least one second light-emitting element.

23. The input device as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The light guide layer further includes a light-blocking structure disposed between the at least one first light-emitting element and the at least one second light-emitting element.

24. The input device as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The at least one second light-emitting element is a side-emitting element.

25. The input device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, When the software is in the sleep stage, the illuminated display area presents a basic illumination mode; when the software is in the waiting instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a first illumination mode; when the software is in the receiving instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a second illumination mode; when the software is in the calculation instruction stage, the illuminated display area presents a third illumination mode; when the software is in the result generation stage, the illuminated display area presents a fourth illumination mode; wherein, the basic illumination mode, the first illumination mode, the second illumination mode, the third illumination mode, and the fourth illumination mode are illumination modes that are different from each other.

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