Stowable Keyboard With Translucent Backplate Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multi-display computing devices are dissatisfied with software-based keyboards, which provide an unsatisfactory typing experience compared to physical keyboards, and existing solutions often require separate physical keyboards that are costly and prone to loss or misplacement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a stowable physical keyboard with the computing device, utilizing a soft hinge for deployment and stowage, and leveraging display illumination to reduce keyboard component complexity and cost, with sensor-based key detection to eliminate traditional wiring and backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a software-based keyboard is used on multi-display computing devices, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the typing experience becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is nested within the computing device by stowing it in a recess formed in the housing. The keyboard can be deployed from and returned to this recess, allowing it to be integrated into the device structure rather than being a separate accessory. This nesting approach reduces the need for external components while maintaining typing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display screen and the backlight source for the keyboard. When the keyboard is deployed, the display illuminates the keyboard keys, eliminating the need for a separate backlight system. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining keyboard usability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate physical keyboard accessory is provided, then the typing experience is improved, but the risk of loss or misplacement increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is merged with the computing device as an integrated component rather than a separate accessory. The keyboard is coupled to the device housing and can be stowed within it, ensuring that the keyboard remains attached to the device and cannot be lost or misplaced. This integration maintains typing quality while improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional keyboard wiring and backlighting components are included, then the keyboard functionality is complete, but the keyboard complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical wiring and separate backlighting components are replaced with a sensor-based detection system. The sensors detect key presses and transmit signals to the processor, eliminating the need for physical wiring. The display itself serves as the backlight source, replacing dedicated LED backlighting components. This substitution significantly reduces keyboard complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display serves dual purposes: as the visual output screen and as the illumination source for the keyboard. This eliminates the need for separate backlighting components, reducing overall keyboard complexity while maintaining visibility and functionality in various lighting conditions.
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
Provides a gratifying typing experience while reducing the complexity and cost of the keyboard, allowing for efficient stowage and deployment, and maintaining functionality without the need for separate accessories.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging display illumination to reduce keyboard component complexity and cost
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed for physical keyboards with multi-display computing devices. An example keyboard includes a plurality of keys and a translucent backplate having a first side and a second side. The example keyboard also includes a coating between the first side of the backplate and the plurality of keys, the coating to pass light to illuminate the plurality of keys, and the coating to obscure the plurality keys when viewed from the second side of the backplate.