Keycap with Microscopic Passageways for Multi-Character Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keycaps in computing devices often become overloaded with multiple character markings, making them difficult to read, especially in compact devices like laptop keyboards, due to small markings and the need to display different character sets.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of keycaps with microscopic passageways and openings that allow specific colored light to pass through, using separate light sources for different character sets, enabling clear display of multiple characters on a single keycap through angled laser etching and backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple character markings are placed on a single keycap, then the keycap can support multiple character sets, but the markings become small and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap is divided into multiple passageways, each corresponding to a specific character. Each passageway is selectively illuminated by corresponding light sources to display different characters. This segmentation allows multiple characters to be displayed on a single keycap without overlapping, maintaining readability while supporting multiple character sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap system dynamically switches between displaying different characters by controlling which light sources are activated. The illumination state of each passageway can be changed on demand, allowing the keycap to adaptively display the required character based on the active character set, thereby maintaining large, readable markings while supporting multiple character sets.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different characters, then character sets can be differentiated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are integrated into a unified illumination system beneath the keycap. The light sources share common structural elements and control mechanisms, allowing them to be managed as a single system. This merging approach enables character differentiation through selective illumination while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap structure itself serves as an intermediary that organizes and directs light from multiple sources. The passageways and material properties of the keycap mediate between the light sources and the visible characters, simplifying the control of multiple light sources by using the keycap's physical structure to manage light distribution.
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 allows for the clear and legible display of multiple characters on a single keycap, improving usability in compact devices by using light to differentiate between character sets, enhancing readability and reducing clutter.
Implementation Method 1
The first light source and the plurality of first and second microscopic passageways may be arranged to allow light from the first light source to pass through the wall via the plurality of first microscopic passageways and inhibit light from the first light source from passing through the wall via the plurality of second microscopic passageways
Implementation Method 2
The second light source and the plurality of first and second microscopic passageways may be arranged to allow light from the second light source to pass through the wall via the plurality of second microscopic passageways and inhibit light from the second light source from passing through the wall via the plurality of first microscopic passageways
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a computing device includes a keyboard having a keycap. The keycap includes first passageways extending between first openings in a first surface of the keycap and first openings in a second surface of the keycap. The keycap includes second passageways extending between second openings in the first surface of the keycap and second openings in the second surface of the keycap. A first light source is positioned at a first location to allow light to pass through the keycap via the first passageways and inhibit light from passing through the keycap via the second passageways. A second light source is positioned at a second location to allow light to pass through the keycap via the second passageways and inhibit light from passing through the keycap via the first passageways.