Input Device Backlighting With Multi-Layered Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual keyboards on mobile computing devices are ill-suited for intensive data entry and consume screen real estate, making them frustrating for tasks like text input and document composition, and traditional supplemental input devices are unwieldy in mobile scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a light guide for backlighting, a sensor assembly for detecting object proximity, and a connection portion for communication with a computing device, featuring a multi-layered outer layer with varying light transmission resistance to reduce light bleeding and support different language configurations without reconfiguration, integrated into a cover that can be removably connected to mobile computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual keyboard is used on mobile computing devices, then screen real estate is consumed and intensive data entry becomes difficult, but providing a physical keyboard would add bulk and reduce mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is separated from the main computing device body, allowing the keyboard functionality to be provided in a detachable cover that can be attached only when needed for data entry tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is integrated into a cover that wraps around the device, utilizing the lateral/protective dimension rather than adding bulk to the main body, thus providing keyboard functionality without increasing the core device volume
2Illumination intensity
If backlighting is added to illuminate the keyboard in low-light conditions, then visibility is improved, but light bleeding may occur and the sleek appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer incorporates localized openings at specific key positions that allow light to pass through only where needed for illumination, while the surrounding areas maintain light-blocking properties to prevent bleeding and preserve appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer functions as a composite structure combining light-transmissive openings with light-blocking material, creating a multi-functional layer that simultaneously provides targeted illumination and prevents unwanted light leakage
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
Enhances usability in low-light conditions by providing clear input indication without consuming screen space, supports various input configurations, and maintains a sleek appearance while reducing light transmission through strategic layering, thus addressing the limitations of virtual keyboards and traditional input devices in mobile settings.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide configured to transmit light
Implementation Method 2
a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs
Data Source
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AI summary
Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.