OLED Keyboard Backlighting Thickness and Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard backlight systems in information handling systems are inefficient in low-light conditions due to energy consumption and thickness issues, particularly when using light guides, and lack effective color variation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) directly under the keys or within a light guide, allowing for energy-efficient backlighting and color variation by using multiple layers or reflectors to direct light to individual keys, reducing the need for extensive light guides and minimizing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guides are used to provide keyboard backlighting, then the keyboard can be illuminated in low-light conditions, but the system consumes excessive energy and increases thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the keyboard backlighting system into individual LED units positioned under each key or key group, replacing the single light guide approach. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each lighting zone, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the light guide component from the system by directly positioning LEDs under the keys. This removal of the intermediate light guide structure reduces both energy loss and keyboard thickness while achieving the desired backlighting effect.
2Illumination intensity
If light guides are used to provide keyboard backlighting, then the keyboard can be illuminated in low-light conditions, but the keyboard thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light guide structure from the keyboard assembly by directly mounting LEDs under the key switches. This extraction eliminates the additional thickness that light guides would add to the keyboard profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a top-down light guide illumination approach to a bottom-up direct LED illumination approach. By changing the spatial dimension of light source placement, the system achieves effective backlighting without the thickness penalty of light guides.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional backlight systems are used, then the keyboard can be illuminated, but color variation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlighting system into individual controllable LED units, enabling independent color control for different key zones or individual keys. This segmentation provides the versatility for color variation and customization that traditional single-color light guide systems cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-color LED technology that allows each lighting unit to produce multiple colors, providing universal color variation capability across the entire keyboard. This enables a single system to fulfill multiple lighting functions and aesthetic preferences.
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 provides efficient, energy-saving backlighting with color options for keyboards, enhancing usability in low-light conditions while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) directly under the keys or within a light guide
Implementation Method 2
using multiple layers or reflectors to direct light to individual keys
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed systems provide keyboard backlighting from organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) placed under the keys. A keyboard stack optionally includes a light guide or reflector. A single OLED can illuminate multiple keys through a light guide. OLEDs used for backlighting may be arranged in a strip to illuminate more than one key. OLEDs can be deposited directly to the light guide or reflector, and can include a seal to promote air stability.