Display Bottom Edge LED Illumination for Keyboard Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer display systems with bottom edge illumination for key-based input devices, such as keyboards, face issues with uneven lighting and battery drain due to the use of multiple individual lamps, which also produce glare and require complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A frame with a row of lamps, including LEDs or liquid crystals, is positioned along the bottom edge of the display, projecting light downwardly at an oblique angle to illuminate the input device, with a translucent diffuser element to diffuse the light and reduce glare, and a light redirecting member to optimize light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If individual lamps are placed on the keyboard under each key, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual lamps are merged into a single continuous light source positioned at the bottom edge of the display. This single light source replaces what would otherwise require many separate lamps, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage across the keyboard area.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting approach transitions from a two-dimensional array of individual lamps placed on the keyboard surface to a one-dimensional linear arrangement along the bottom edge of the display. This dimensional change reduces the number of light sources needed while still achieving broad coverage through strategic positioning and light distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If individual lamps are placed under each key, then illumination coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple energy-consuming individual lamps are consolidated into a single light source, reducing the total energy consumption of the illumination system. This single light source at the bottom edge replaces many separate lamps that would each consume battery power, thereby reducing overall battery drain while maintaining adequate illumination coverage.
3Illumination intensity
If individual lamps are placed under each key, then illumination coverage is improved, but harmful factors increase due to glare and uneven lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effects of direct light exposure are extracted and removed from the system by repositioning the light source to the bottom edge of the display, away from the keyboard keys. This positioning prevents light from shining directly up through individual keys, eliminating the glare and uneven lighting problems that would result from placing lamps under each key.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides efficient and uniform lighting for key-based input devices, reducing battery drain and glare while ensuring effective illumination, enhancing user experience in low-light environments.
Implementation Method 1
the lamps include light emitted diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
A translucent diffuser element may be juxtaposed with the bottom edge to diffuse light from the lamps prior to the light impinging on the input device
Data Source
AI summary
A computer display includes a row of lamps such as LEDs arranged along the bottom edge of the display to project light forwardly and downwardly from the display to the typical location at which a keyboard is positioned to provide balanced, non-glaring illumination of the keyboard.