Movable Light Sheet Backlight for Keyboard Luminous Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Edge-type backlight modules in keyboards are limited to a single luminous visual effect, unable to illuminate individual keys, whereas direct-type modules offer varied effects but are costly.
Innovation Solution
A backlight control system with a fixed light sheet, movable light sheets, and a light guide module, where a processing unit controls first and second light-emitting units to project different light beams for various keys, enabling distinct visual effects in special scenario modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an edge-type backlight module is used, then the cost is reduced, but the ability to generate various luminous visual effects and illuminate individual keys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight module is divided into multiple independent light emitting units (first light emitting units and second light emitting units) that can be independently controlled. Each unit corresponds to specific key regions, allowing selective illumination of different keys while using a cost-effective edge-type backlight structure instead of expensive direct-type modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable light sheets that can be positioned dynamically to direct light to different key regions. The light emitting units are controlled to project light beams to different keys based on operational modes, enabling the static edge-type backlight to achieve dynamic illumination patterns similar to expensive direct-type modules.
2Device complexity
If an edge-type backlight module is used, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to illuminate single keys or generate combined luminous effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight module is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting units with different light colors, where each unit can be selectively activated to produce various luminous effects on different keys while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can illuminate individual keys, generate combined luminous effects, and adapt to different operational modes (numeric keyboard mode, shortcut key mode, Fn key mode, Caps lock mode, Number lock mode) using the same basic structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting units with different light colors are used, then various luminous visual effects are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light emitting units with different light colors are integrated into a single edge-type backlight module structure. The control system merges the control of these units through a unified processing unit that manages different operational modes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining diverse luminous effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The same light emitting units and control structure serve multiple functions across different operational modes (numeric keyboard, shortcut keys, Fn keys, Caps lock, Number lock), eliminating the need for separate control systems for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
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 key recognizability and functionality by allowing edge-type backlight modules to produce varied luminous effects, increasing user experience and product uniqueness without the high cost of direct-type modules.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide module includes a light guide plate, a reflective layer, a light-transmissible layer and plural reflective microstructures
Implementation Method 2
The light-transmissible layer is located over the light guide plate. The plural reflective microstructures are arranged between the light guide plate and the reflective layer
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight control system includes a keyboard device and a computing device. The keyboard device includes a fixed light sheet, at least one movable light sheet, a light guide module and a key module. The computing device includes a processing unit. The movable light sheet is detachably and electrically connected with the fixed circuit board. The fixed light sheet projects a first light beam to plural keys of the key module through the light guide module. In a special scenario mode, the processing unit drives the movable light sheet to project a second light beam to at least one special key of the key module.