Inverted Lenticular Lens Keyboard Key for Angle-Independent Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards are limited in displaying multiple images on individual keys, as they rely on imprinted characters which can be space-constrained and dependent on viewing angle, reducing legibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inverted lenticular lens beneath a transparent finger surface on each key, allowing light to project multiple spatially coincident images independent of viewing angle, enabling dynamic character set display based on user selection or system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If imprinted characters are used on keyboard keys, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the display of multiple images is limited and viewing angle dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical imprinting system with an optical projection system. Instead of physically imprinting multiple characters on the key surface, the invention uses a transparent finger surface combined with an inverted lenticular lens to project multiple images optically, enabling multiple character sets without increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted lenticular lens acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the transparent finger surface. It receives light from below and projects multiple spatially coincident images onto the finger surface, enabling angle-independent display while maintaining simple key structure
2Device complexity
If imprinted characters are used on keyboard keys, then the key structure is simple, but legibility and functionality are reduced due to space constraints and viewing angle dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imprinted characters on the key surface to three-dimensional optical projection. By using an inverted lenticular lens positioned beneath the transparent finger surface, the system projects images from a different spatial dimension (from below through the transparent surface), enabling larger, more legible characters without increasing key footprint
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of imprinting characters directly on the top surface of the key, the invention inverts the approach by placing the imaging element (inverted lenticular lens) on the bottom surface and projecting images upward through the transparent finger surface. This inversion enables multiple images to be displayed without viewing angle dependence
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
Enables efficient and flexible display of multiple character sets on a keyboard, improving user interaction and information handling capabilities by presenting images that are viewable regardless of angle, enhancing the versatility and functionality of information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
Light incident on the lens at a first angle of incidence may project the first image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key and light incident on the lens at a second angle of incidence may project the second image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key
Data Source
AI summary
A key for an information handling system, the key including a finger surface configured for interaction with a user's finger and an inverted lenticular lens positioned beneath the finger surface. The finger surface may be substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of visible light. The inverted lenticular lens may include a first image and a second image. Light incident on the lens at a first angle of incidence may project the first image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key and light incident on the lens at a second angle of incidence may project the second image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key.