Input Device Outer Layer Backlighting Light Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight techniques for mobile computing devices suffer from light leakage and the 'pinhole effect' when used with fabric outer layers, which can compromise the tactile response and visual clarity of input device interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light guide system with a textured outer surface and a smooth inner surface, where the textured surface is exposed to reduce light transmission and the smooth surface is positioned closer to the light guide to enhance resistance against unwanted light leakage, while allowing light to pass through specific portions for backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fabric outer layer is used to improve tactile response and aesthetic appearance, then the tactile feedback and visual appearance are improved, but light leakage and pinhole effect occur compromising visual clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer is segmented into multiple fabric layers with different properties. The first fabric layer has a textured outer surface for tactile feedback, while the second fabric layer has a smooth inner surface that reduces light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer combines multiple fabric layers with different characteristics into a composite structure. The textured layer provides tactile response while the smooth layer provides optical control, creating a composite material that achieves both tactile feedback and light leakage reduction simultaneously.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional backlight techniques are used with fabric layers, then backlighting is provided, but pinhole effect occurs where light passes through holes in the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer is divided into multiple fabric layers where the second layer specifically addresses the pinhole effect by having a smooth surface that blocks light passage through fabric holes, while the first layer maintains backlighting functionality with its textured surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the outer layer structure have different qualities optimized for specific functions. The smooth inner surface portion is optimized for light blocking to prevent pinhole effect, while the textured outer surface portion is optimized for tactile feedback and aesthetic appearance.
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 configuration effectively reduces and eliminates the 'pinhole effect, providing improved tactile feedback and visual clarity for input devices, enabling their use in various lighting conditions without compromising the universal light guide functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide configured to transmit light
Implementation Method 2
The outer layer has one or more portions configured to permit transmission of light from the light guide to act as a backlight, the outer layer having a textured outer surface and a smooth inner surface that is disposed proximal to the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Input device outer layer and 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 disposed proximal to the light guide such that the light guide is positioned between the outer layer and the sensor assembly. The outer layer has one or more portions configured to permit transmission of light from the light guide to act as a backlight, the outer layer having a textured outer surface and a smooth inner surface that is disposed proximal to the light guide.