Transparent Keycap Display Structure for Dynamic Key Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards lack user-definable text or patterns on keycaps and luminous effects, which are fixed at the factory and cannot be adjusted according to user requirements, limiting visual customization and identification.
Innovation Solution
A key structure with a display panel, a transparent keycap, and a scissors assembly, where the display panel projects images through the transparent keycap, and the scissors assembly provides support to expose the display surface, allowing for user-defined text or patterns and maintaining a stable pressing sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If text or pattern is printed on the keycap before the product leaves the factory, then the key provides a specific input function and allows the user to identify the input function, but the text or pattern cannot be defined by the user himself and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical printing method on keycaps with an electronic display panel that can dynamically show different text or patterns. The display panel is integrated into the key structure, allowing electronic customization of key labels without physical modifications, thus enabling user-defined content while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the key label dynamic by using a display panel that can change its content based on user requirements. Instead of a static printed label, the display panel can dynamically display different text or patterns, allowing the key's identification function to adapt to various input commands and user preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard is equipped with additional macro keys to allow the user to switch the input commands, then the user can define input commands, but the images on the keys cannot be changed accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the display panel on each key dynamically displays the current input command or function assigned to that key. When users configure macro keys or change input commands, the display panel automatically updates to reflect the new assignment, providing real-time visual feedback that prevents information loss and helps users identify the current function of each key.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel serves multiple functions: it displays text or patterns for key identification, shows the current input command or macro function, and provides visual feedback during configuration. This multi-functional component allows the keyboard to maintain accurate key identification while supporting flexible input command definitions.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent keycap is used to allow image projection, then the display image can be projected out of the key structure, but the keycap cannot provide sufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent keycap material that balances optical transparency for image projection with sufficient mechanical strength for structural support. The keycap is designed as a composite structure that integrates the transparent cover with internal support elements, allowing it to simultaneously achieve good light transmission for display visibility and adequate strength for key pressing and overall support.
4Reliability
If the scissors assembly is disposed between the display panel and the transparent keycap, then the display surface is exposed and the image is not affected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key structure into distinct functional layers: the display panel layer, the scissors assembly layer, and the transparent keycap layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the display panel generates the image, the scissors assembly provides mechanical support and exposure, and the transparent keycap allows light transmission - while maintaining overall structural integrity and image stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure with display panel, including a display panel, a transparent keycap, and a scissors assembly, is provided. The transparent keycap is disposed above the display panel. An image generated by the display panel is projected out of the key structure through the transparent keycap. The scissors assembly is disposed between the display panel and the transparent keycap and exposes a display surface of the display panel.