Key with enhanced display effect

Abstract

The utility model provides a key with an enhanced display effect. The key with the enhanced display effect comprises a transparent key cap; and a display element disposed below the transparent keycap, wherein the transparent keycap is spaced apart from the display element by a predetermined distance. In addition, the key includes a light transmissive element disposed over the display element, the light transmissive element being spaced apart from the transparent keycap. According to the key, a virtual image of a real image floats to a certain height inside the key by utilizing an optical refraction effect generated by the light-transmitting element, so that better visual experience is brought to a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to keyboards, and more particularly to keys of keyboards. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of computer technology, computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice have also seen significant development. Keyboards are one of the most frequently used peripherals by computer users. As users' aesthetic standards for computer peripherals gradually increase, keyboards with display effects have emerged on the market. These keyboards can display dynamic or static images beneath the keys through transparent keycaps, providing users with greater convenience and a better user experience.

[0003] An existing key structure with a display effect uses a fiber optic array to provide the display effect. This key includes a transparent keycap and a display element disposed beneath the keycap. A fiber optic array is disposed above the display element. The fiber optic array transmits the image displayed on the display element upward. The user can see the image displayed on the fiber optic array through the transparent keycap. However, a disadvantage of this key structure is that the fiber optic array is expensive. Furthermore, when the user tilts the key to observe the key, the full image displayed by the fiber optic array cannot be seen due to obstruction by the key structure. Furthermore, the image display quality is relatively low and lacks clarity.

[0004] Therefore, a new key design is needed in the field of keyboards to reduce the manufacturing cost of keyboards and improve the user's visual experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a key with enhanced display effect in view of the shortcomings of the prior art. The key has low manufacturing cost and can improve the visual experience of the user when observing the key at a large angle.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical issues, the present invention proposes a key with an enhanced display effect. The key with an enhanced display effect comprises: a transparent keycap; a display element disposed below the transparent keycap, wherein the transparent keycap and the display element are separated by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the key comprises a light-transmitting element disposed above the display element, wherein the light-transmitting element is separated from the transparent keycap.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the refractive index of the light-transmitting element is 1.5-4.0.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the material of the light-transmitting element is glass, crystal or transparent resin.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the key includes an optical deflection component arranged on the lower surface of the transparent keycap.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflecting component is an optical deflecting film.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflection angle of the optical deflection film is at least 20°.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an optical microstructure is provided on the lower surface of the keycap, and the optical microstructure is used to deflect light.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflection angle of the optical microstructure is at least 20°.

[0014] The present invention also provides another key with an enhanced display effect. The key comprises: a transparent keycap; a display element disposed beneath the transparent keycap, wherein the transparent keycap and the display element are separated by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the key comprises an optical deflection member disposed on the lower surface of the transparent keycap, wherein the optical deflection member is separated from the display element.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflecting component is an optical deflecting film.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflection angle of the optical deflection film is at least 20°.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflecting film is made of polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflection component includes an optical microstructure provided on the lower surface of the transparent keycap for deflecting light.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical deflection angle of the optical microstructure is at least 20°.

[0020] The embodiments of this utility model offer significant advantages over existing technologies. Specifically, the key utilizes optical refraction generated by a light-transmitting element and / or an optical deflecting film to cause the virtual image of the real image to rise to a certain height within the key, providing the user with a better visual experience. In particular, when the user observes the key from a large angle, the rising virtual image reduces the portion of the displayed image obscured by the key structure. Furthermore, the use of a light-transmitting element and / or an optical deflecting film reduces the manufacturing cost of the key while providing better image display quality compared to solutions using fiber arrays. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a key according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a key according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a key according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a key according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The difference between the display effects of a traditional key and the key according to the present invention is schematically shown, wherein Figure 5A Shows the display effect of traditional buttons. Figure 5B The figure shows the display effect of the button according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Representative applications of the methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are provided solely to add context and aid in understanding the described embodiments. It will therefore be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, well-known processing steps are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are also possible, and the following examples should not be considered limiting.

[0027] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The symbol " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item)" or other similar expressions in the text refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can represent a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting; therefore, other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 FIG1 shows an exploded perspective view of a key according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the key 10 includes a transparent keycap 100, a silicone plate 200 disposed below the transparent keycap 100, a membrane switch 400 disposed below the silicone plate 200, and a display element 300 disposed below the membrane switch 400. In one embodiment, the silicone plate 200 includes a keyhole 210 to accommodate the key shaft and other structures of the key 10. Figure 1 As shown, the silicone plate 200 includes a side wall 220 disposed around the key hole 210. In one embodiment, the side wall 220 is used to support the key cap 100 and utilize the elasticity of its material to provide a restoring force for pressing the key 10. For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 The key shaft and other structures are not shown. It should be understood that Figure 1 The button 10 and its components shown are for illustrative purposes only. Depending on the application scenario, the button 10 of the present invention may also include other components. It should be understood that Figure 1 The structure of the silicone plate 200 and the membrane switch 400 of the key 10 may be different depending on the application scenario. Figure 1 The structure shown. For example, in another embodiment, the membrane switch 400 of the button 10 can be combined with a Hall effect sensor located below the display element 300, or any other structure constituting the display button 10. In another embodiment, the silicone plate 200 of the button 10 can be implemented using magnetic elements, and such a button 10 does not require a membrane switch 400. The present invention does not limit the structural form of the silicone plate 200 and the membrane switch 400. Therefore, for the present invention, the silicone plate 200 and the membrane switch 400 are not necessary components of the button 10. It should be understood that Figure 1What is shown is only a partial structure of a single key. A keyboard constructed using keys 10 may include multiple keys 10. In such a keyboard, the silicone plate 200 may form a single integral structure. In one embodiment, the transparent keycap 100 is spaced apart from the display element 300 below by a predetermined distance, such as 1.5-3 mm, to provide space for pressing the transparent keycap 100 to achieve key operation. It should be noted that the transparent keycap 100 described herein includes a translucent or fully transparent keycap. In one embodiment, the display element 300 may be an LCD display panel for displaying images, such as dynamic images or static images. The image may be used to customize the function of the key 10, or to display the animation effect after the key 10 is input. The user can see the image displayed by the display element 300 through the transparent keycap 100.

[0030] Figure 2 FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a key 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The component sizes and light angles are exaggerated, and the silicone plate 200 and membrane switch 400 are omitted. Figure 2 The schematic diagram shown can be applied to Figure 1 The key structure shown in FIG. The same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components. Figure 2 As shown, the transparent keycap 100 of the key 10 is separated from the display element 300 below by a predetermined distance, providing a key travel space for pressing the keycap 100. The light-transmitting element 310 is arranged above the display element 300. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting element 310 is adhered to the upper surface of the display element 300. In another embodiment not shown, the light-transmitting element 310 can also be arranged above the display element 300, separated from the display element 300 by a certain distance, for example, 0.5-1.0 mm. Figure 2As shown, the light-transmitting element 310 is spaced apart from the transparent keycap 100. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting element 310 has a refractive index greater than that of air. For example, the light-transmitting element 310 can comprise high-refractive-index glass or crystal, with a refractive index of 1.5-4.0. Alternatively, the light-transmitting element 310 can comprise a high-refractive-index transparent resin, with a refractive index of 1.6-2.0. The refractive effect of the light-transmitting element 310 allows the user to see the image displayed on the display element 300 when viewing the key at an angle, with the image appearing to float above the display element 300. Specifically, light L1 emitted from the real image 320 displayed on the display element 300 is refracted by the light-transmitting element 310 and then passes through the transparent keycap 100 into the user's eye 50. Due to the refractive effect of the light-transmitting element 310, when the user views the key 10 at an angle, a virtual image 330 of the real image 320 is formed at a certain height h1 above the real image 320. Therefore, from an oblique perspective, the real image 320 appears to be floating within the key 10. It should be noted that in combination Figure 2 For clarity and simplified illustration, the refraction path of light ray L1 during its transmission within the translucent element 310 and the transparent keycap 100 is not shown. It should also be noted that due to the relatively small thickness of the transparent keycap 100 itself, the refraction effect generated by the transparent keycap 100 itself is omitted from this description. The oblique viewing angle referred to herein is the angle α formed between the user's eye 50's line of sight and the normal to the key 10. According to embodiments of the present invention, this floating effect of the virtual image 330 provides the user with a better visual experience. Because the display element 300 is located below the key 100 and the key 10 structure has a certain height, the real image 320 is displayed at a lower position. In particular, when the user observes the key 10 from a relatively large oblique viewing angle, the viewing angle is affected by the key 10 structure. Without the refraction effect provided by the translucent element 310, the portion of the image 320 closest to the user would likely be obscured by the key 10 structure, preventing the user from viewing the entire image 320. The refractive effect provided by the light-transmitting element 310 causes the virtual image 330 to float to a certain height, allowing the user to more completely see the real image 320, or in other words, to see a larger area of ​​the real image 320. As mentioned above, the light-transmitting element 310 can be made of high-refractive-index glass or crystal, or high-refractive-index transparent resin. Since high-refractive-index glass or crystal is relatively expensive, using transparent resin can further reduce manufacturing costs compared to high-refractive-index glass or crystal.

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a key according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The dimensions of the components and the light angles are exaggerated, and the silicone plate 200 and the membrane switch 400 are omitted. Figure 2The difference between the shown embodiments is that Figure 3 The key 10 shown also includes an optical deflection component 110 disposed on the lower surface of the transparent keycap 100. The optical deflection component described herein refers to a transparent component with an optical microstructure on its surface. This optical deflection component can achieve optical deflection at a certain angle. In some embodiments, the deflection angle of the optical deflection component 110 is at least 20°. For example, in one embodiment, the deflection angle of the optical deflection component 110 is 20°-25°. In another embodiment, the deflection angle of the optical deflection component 110 is 20°-45°. The present invention does not limit the upper limit of the deflection angle of the optical deflection component 110. In some embodiments, the optical deflection component 110 can be an optical deflection film. In some embodiments, the optical deflection film can include a substrate hot-pressed therewith. Then, the optical deflection film together with the substrate is disposed on the lower surface of the transparent keycap 100, for example, adhered to the lower surface of the transparent keycap 100, as the optical deflection component 110. In some embodiments, the optical deflection film can include polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the thickness of the optical deflection film is 0.125-0.2 mm. In another embodiment (not shown), the optical deflection component 110 can be integrally formed with the keycap 100. For example, the lower surface of the keycap 100 can be engraved with an optical microstructure, which can constitute the optical deflection component 110. The optical microstructure is used to deflect light, thereby achieving the optical deflection effect of the optical deflection component 110.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the transparent keycap 100 is separated from the display element 300 below by a predetermined distance, providing a key travel space for pressing the keycap 100. The light-transmitting element 310 is arranged above the display element 300, for example, attached to the upper surface of the display element 300. The optical deflection component 110 is arranged on the lower surface of the transparent keycap 100, and is separated from the light-transmitting element 310 below and the display element 300. The light L2 emitted by the real image 320 displayed by the display element 300 is refracted once by the light-transmitting element 310, deflected again by the optical deflection component 110, and then passes through the transparent keycap 100 into the user's eye 50. It should be noted that in combination with Figure 3 For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the refraction path of the light L2 during its transmission through the light-transmitting element 310, the optical deflecting component 110, and the transparent keycap 100 is not shown. Due to the refraction effect of the light-transmitting element 310 and the optical deflecting component 110, when the user tilts the key 10 to observe the key, the virtual image 330 of the real image 320 is formed at a certain height h2 above the real image 320. Due to the double refraction of the light-transmitting element 310 and the optical deflecting component 110, the virtual image 330 of the real image 320 is formed at a certain height h2 above the real image 320. Figure 2The image shown is floating at a height h1. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the image floating height h2 is larger. Figure 3 This floating effect of virtual image 330 further provides the user with a better visual experience. In particular, when the user observes key 10 from a relatively oblique angle, the double refraction by light-transmitting element 310 and optical deflecting component 110 further prevents the structure of key 10 from obstructing the view of real image 320. The user can more fully see real image 320 displayed by display element 300 from a relatively wide angle.

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a key according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The embodiment shown is different from Figure 3 The embodiment shown is that Figure 4 The embodiment shown only includes the optical deflection component 110 disposed on the lower surface of the transparent keycap 100, but does not include the light-transmitting element 310 disposed above the display element 300. Figure 4 As shown, the transparent keycap 100 is separated from the display element 300 below by a predetermined distance, providing a key travel space for pressing the keycap 100. In some embodiments, the optical deflection component 110 includes an optical deflection film. The optical deflection component 110 is disposed on the lower surface of the keycap 100, and is separated from the display element 300 below by a predetermined distance. The light L3 emitted by the real image 320 displayed by the display element 300 is refracted by the optical deflection component 110, and then passes through the transparent keycap 100 and enters the user's eye 50. Due to the refractive effect of the optical deflection component 110, when the user observes the key 10 at an angle, a virtual image 330 of the real image 320 is formed at a certain height h3 above the real image 320. Compared to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, because light is refracted solely by the optical deflecting component 110, the image's floating height h3 is relatively small. The high-refractive-index glass, crystal, or resin used in the translucent element 310 is relatively thick. Providing only the optical deflecting component 110, without the translucent element 310, can reduce the impact of the key's optical components on the structural design. For example, in a relatively thin keyboard, the key travel space is small, meaning the spacing between the transparent keycap 100 and the underlying display element 300 is small. Using an optical deflecting component 110, such as an optical deflecting film, avoids the need for a thick translucent element 310 and still achieves the enhanced display effect of the present invention. As previously mentioned, the deflection angle of the optical deflecting component 110 is at least 20°. For example, in one embodiment, the deflection angle of the optical deflecting component 110 is between 20° and 25°. In another embodiment, the deflection angle of the optical deflecting component 110 is between 20° and 45°. The present invention does not impose an upper limit on the deflection angle of the optical deflecting component 110.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 The transparent keycap 100 shown can form an integrated structure with the optical deflection component 110. For example, an optical microstructure can be engraved on the bottom surface of the transparent keycap 100, and the optical microstructure can serve as the optical deflection component 110. The optical microstructure is used to deflect light, so that the transparent keycap 100 itself has an optical deflection effect. In one embodiment, the deflection angle of the optical microstructure is at least 20°.

[0035] Figures 5A-5B The difference between the display effects of a traditional key and the key according to the present invention is schematically shown, wherein Figure 5A Shows the display effect of traditional buttons. Figure 5B The display effect of the button 10 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The results of observation at a viewing angle of 45° are shown. Figure 5A As shown in the figure, the smiley face image displayed by the display element is sunken at the bottom of the key. Figure 5A In the traditional button shown, the smiley face image is not fully displayed. Figure 5B The display result of the key 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, for example Figure 5B The above reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 or Figure 4 The key 10 of the embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned light-transmitting element 310 and / or optical deflecting component 110. The virtual image of the smiling face displayed by the display element 300 is elevated a certain distance, eliminating image obstruction caused by the structure of the key 10 and allowing the smiling face image displayed by the display element 300 to be fully presented. Therefore, when observing the key from a wider viewing angle, the key according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide users with a better visual effect.

[0036] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific terminology to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are not intended to be exclusive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

Claims

1. A key with enhanced display effect, comprising: Transparent keycaps; A display element is provided below the transparent keycap, wherein the transparent keycap is spaced apart from the display element by a predetermined distance, wherein: The key includes a light-transmitting element disposed above the display element, and the light-transmitting element is spaced apart from the transparent keycap.

2. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 1, wherein: The refractive index of the light-transmitting element is 1.5-4.

0.

3. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 2, wherein: The material of the light-transmitting element is glass, crystal, or transparent resin.

4. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 1, wherein: The key includes an optical deflection component arranged on the lower surface of the key cap.

5. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 4, wherein: The optical deflecting component is an optical deflecting film.

6. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 5, wherein: The optical deflection angle of the optical deflection film is at least 20°.

7. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 5, wherein: The optical deflecting film is made of polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate.

8. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 1, wherein: An optical microstructure is provided on the lower surface of the transparent keycap, and the optical microstructure is used to deflect light.

9. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 8, wherein: The optical deflection angle of the optical microstructure is at least 20°.

10. A key with enhanced display effect, comprising: Transparent keycaps; a display element disposed below the transparent keycap, wherein the transparent keycap is spaced apart from the display element by a predetermined distance, It is characterized in that The key includes an optical deflection component disposed on a lower surface of the transparent keycap, and the optical deflection component is spaced apart from the display element.

11. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 10, wherein: The optical deflecting component is an optical deflecting film.

12. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 11, wherein: The optical deflection angle of the optical deflection film is at least 20°.

13. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 11, wherein: The optical deflecting film is made of polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate.

14. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 10, wherein: The optical deflection component includes an optical microstructure arranged on the lower surface of the transparent keycap, and is used for deflecting light.

15. The key with enhanced display effect according to claim 14, wherein: The optical deflection angle of the optical microstructure is at least 20°.

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