GB2526107A

GB2526107A - A computing device input keyboard

Info

Publication number: GB2526107A
Application number: GB1408502.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-14
Filing date: 2014-05-14
Publication date: 2015-11-18
Also published as: GB201408502D0

Abstract

A computing device input keyboard comprises plural moveable keys 2 and a key pressure input mechanism and a layer 17 which is visible in use. The keyboard comprises at least one light source such as light emitting diodes 11 illuminating the edges of layer 17 and transmitting light through it. A portion of the layer periphery is arranged to illuminate through a section 3 of the keyboard periphery, that can include a frosted clear acrylic insert 9. Light can spread through the layer which can be transparent or translucent and be surface treated to direct light. The keyboard can also have wireless connectivity, an ambient light sensor, a rechargeable battery, a USB port, and a stand to elevate its rear. The illuminated section can be used to illuminate a desk space in front of the keyboard.

Description

A COMPUTING DEVICE INPUT KEYBOARD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a computing device input keyboard, in particular a keyboard for low light; more particularly but not exclusively a wireless keyboard with at least one onboard light source.

Background

Increasing proliferation of electronic devices has led to a greater number of computing devices being in use in a modern user's life.

However computing devices suffer from faults, including low light levels being deleterious to eyesight and interactive ability. Typing on a keyboard in low light can be difficult and bad for the eyes.

Furthermore, newer computing devices such as tablets require input devices such as keyboards to be wirelessly or wired connected remotely from their screens. The screens provide lighting, but the keyboard when used may be situated elsewhere, in a less lit position.

Still further, the user may wish to interact with other items in his or her vicinity, for example when copying from a book, eating or making handwritten notes.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: European patent application EP 2 323 151 (CHEN et al) discloses a key assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising: a backing plate having a top surface which defines at least one recess; a key subassembly located above the top surface of the backing plate, including: a flexible member formed of a light transmissive material; a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) received within the recess of the backing plate; a light source connected to the PCB; and a light diffuser positioned opposite the light source having a light incident surface the light diffuser having at least one light emitting surface, wherein the light diffuser is configured to receive light from the light source when activated and direct the light towards the flexible member to illuminate the flexible member.

Granted United States patent US 8 071 900 (HSU et al) discloses a keyboard comprising: a light pervious base plate having a top surface; a plurality of input keys disposed on the light pervious base plate with bottom sides of the input keys facing the top surface of the light pervious base plate; and at least one light source encapsulated in the light pervious base plate and optically coupled to the light pervious panel.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 361 213 (SMITH) discloses an illuminating computer keyboard has a keyboard base, transparent or translucent keys that are backlit and able to illuminate. Preferably, this keyboard will allow either all the keys to be illuminated or only a number of selected individual keys to be illuminated. The enable key allows the keys to be illuminated. The set/reset key allows the illuminated keys to be set as illuminated, and to reset the keys as unilluminated.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a computing device input keyboard comprising a plurality of moveable keys and a key pressure input mechanism, in which the keyboard further comprises a layer which is arranged to be visible in use, and in which the keyboard comprises at least one light source arranged to transmit said light source through the layer; characterised in that a portion of the layer's periphery is arranged to illuminate through a section of the keyboard periphery.

Preferably only one light source is required, spreading through the layer and out the portion.

Advantageously therefore the light source is transmitted through the layer and out the portion, and subsequently through the section of the keyboard. In this way a single layer or sheet of light transmissive material may be utilised so as to minimise costs and simplify manufacture.

In some embodiments the light source and layer may be combined, for example in an electroluminescent (EL) sheet.

Preferably the keyboard is enabled with wireless connectivity or intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM), shortwave radio or infrared.

In this way the keyboard is enabled to interface with a computing device having inbuilt wireless connectivity and/or a dongle or additional part installable into or onto the device. For example in preferred embodiments the keyboard interfaces with a universal serial bus (USB) dongle or adaptor, installed into a USB port on the device in use with accompanying firm-or software.

Preferably the section is situated at a lowermost periphery of the keyboard, namely the edge closer to a user during use.

Advantageously therefore at least one light source is arranged to illuminate a desk or table space in front of the keyboard, or between the user and keyboard. In this way the user can arrange the keyboard and/or light source to illuminate books or other item in front of the keyboard. Acomputing device may be arranged to have a screen illuminating behind the keyboard, and wherein the user's eyes face reduced strain In other embodiments the section may be situated elsewhere on the keyboard, for example to rear of the keyboard, or side edges.

In variant embodiments the section may comprise a larger or smaller length of the periphery.

In some embodiments the section may comprise substantially or wholly the entire periphery, wherein the light source is released or directed to all sides of the keyboard, providing an entire illumination source around the keyboard in use.

In some embodiments the section may be displaceable or moveable about the periphery. Parts on the keyboard may be displaceable in order to amend situation or function of the section.

For example in some embodiments at least one shield or screen may be displaceable to amend function of the section, such as a translucent or coloured screen that may be displaced over the section, or an opaque shield may be displaceable or dislocated from the keyboard to allow expansion of the section.

For example in some embodiments the keyboard's base, where the keyboard contacts the table or desk or other subordinate surface, may include a displaceable screen.

Preferably the light source is available or variable in a plurality of colours. Such variation may be in use, and may be controlled by the user.

For example in some embodiments the keyboard may comprise a colour change actuation button or control. The colour change actuation button or control may be arranged to actuate or control the light source. Said control may allow a variety of different colour choices, and/or a range of lighting effects, for example sequential colour changes, flashing or dimming.

The control in some embodiments may preferably comprise a dial allowing a scale of light source brightness levels of for example the light source. In this way the user is enabled to adjust the light level of the keyboard according to environmental factors or characteristics of the surroundings.

Said control may be incorporated into the keys, software or firmware, or comprise a separate local control in order that the light source can be activated independent of functioning of the device, comprising a light source for illumination of the user's desk or area at all times.

In some further embodiments the keyboard may include a light sensor, photocell or photoresistor, for example, to change resistance when light shines on it; to determine the intensity of light. In this way the keyboard may be equipped to activate or deactivate the light source, or amend brightness thereof.

Preferably the layer comprises a sheet of transparent or translucent light refractive material, arranged such that light source transmitted thereinto will diffuse through the layer effectively, projecting the light source out of it. Preferably the layer is constructed of a planar sheet of clear rigid plastics, and is provided with surface treatment such as incision or frosting, or is perforated or cut strategically to allow light trapped in the layer to exit in preferred or guided ways. For example the periphery not required to illuminate may be painted in opaque or covered in reflective material.

In some further embodiments the layer comprises a plurality of light transmissive fibres, arranged to transmit from the light source to the section in particular, and in some embodiments through the keys. In some embodiments the keyboard may comprise plural layers and/or plural light sources. For example the section may be lit by a separate light source and/or layer to the keys.

Preferably the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED5).

Preferably these LEDs are arranged about the periphery of the layer, wherein advantageously the layer is intermediate and/or continuous from side to side of the keyboard below the keys.

In other embodiments the light source may be situated primarily centrally, for example to comprise a centrally situated set of LED5.

Preferably the keyboard includes a stand. The stand may be arranged to elevate a portion, for example a rear part, of the keyboard, improving typing attitude for the user leading to minimal repetitive strain injuries. Preferably the section is arranged in accordance with the stand so as to illuminate at an angle commensurate with the attitude of the keyboard.

For example in some embodiments the keyboard may be amended in attitude according to user preference by adjustment of the stand. The section or direction of light exiting therefrom may adjust accordingly.

In some embodiments the section may include a part below the keyboard. An additional section may be provided in the base, and/or an additional light source or layer. In conjunction with the stand this may enable illumination to be dispersed below the keyboard and around the keyboard.

The section may consequently act as a focussed illumination part, in contrast with more ambient illumination provided around and through the base.

For example the section may comprise a lens.

Preferably the keyboard includes a rechargeable battery, for example lithium-ion, which is left in place semi-permanently in the keyboard.

Preferably the keyboard includes at least one USB port.

In yet further embodiments the section may comprise a substantial quantity of the keyboard.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the keyboard; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view from in front of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 5 shows a view from behind of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the keyboard 1 comprises a plurality of keys 2, and a section 3, at the front of the keyboard 10, in an otherwise opaque periphery 4.

This periphery 4 is aluminium a continuous to include a stand 5 for elevating the keys 2 to the rear of the keyboard, 20.

The stand 5 is fixed and provided by an aluminium band.

The keys are held in place by the cover 6, formed of rigid synthetic plastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The periphery 4 is rounded around the coverS and includes a light diffuser 7 rounded at the rear of the keyboard 20 to illuminate to the rear in a diffused and dispersed soft manner. The diffuser 7 comprises frosted or translucent material.

Keys 2 are laser cut aluminium to allow the light to shine through each letter.

The cover 6 is manufactured from satin finish polypropylene and can be available in a range of colours.

The keyboard replaces a standard computer keyboard with a wireless, rechargeable keyboard that has illuminated keys and reading light that lights up the desk so the user can still read in a dark or dimly lit room.

A P03 13 (printed circuit board) supports all the LEDs 11, rechargeable battery (not shown), USB pods 16 and keys 2, mounted directly onto it to reduce the wire and fixings needed. A key resistance or pressure mechanism 18 is laid on top of the layer and comprises clear material to allow passage of illumination.

The power inlet 15 recharges the internal battery, and USB pods 16 allow access for USB devices on the user's desk. A large internal rechargeable battery provides power for long periods of time between recharging.

The layer 17 comprises a clear acrylic sheet that is illuminated from the edges and lights up the keys 2. In some preferred embodiments the layer 17 comprises frosting or other surface treatment or perforation to enable light to exit the layer.

The keys 2 comprise opaque and transparent or translucent material ideally, in order that characters printed thereon may be illuminated. In addition or the alternative the keys 2 may be seated in transparent or translucent material in order that the keys 2 have a periphery that is illuminated, so as to provide a grid of illumination on the keyboard.

A miniature strip of LED5 11 illuminate the keys by shining into the layer that is positioned below the keys. The layer may be flexible locally or globally, so as to allow deformation for key presses. In other embodiments the PCB may be transparent and/or key control mesh.

A frosted clear acrylic insert 9 sits into the front of the aluminium periphery 5 to form the section 3.

The keyboard has a lower casing 8 manufactured from satin finish polypropylene and can be available in a range of colours. A hatch 14 allows access to the battery (not shown).

Snap fit catches 12 of both the cover 4 and lower casing 8 into the periphery 5.

Because of the light sensor (not shown), when the keyboard is in a well lit room, all light sources automatically switch off to save battery life.

The light source colour can easily be adjusted from white all the way though the colour spectrum and user can control the colours of both the keys 2 and also the reading light on the front by going into the computer settings.

Once the light in the room drops too low the keys 2 will illuminate showing both the characters and also the edge of each key so the user will have a good understanding of the keyboard layout. In some embodiments therefore the sensor has different effects on different sections of illumination.

The section 3 is useful for illuminating a book, allowing the user to copy text from the book straight onto the electronic device.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A computing device input keyboard comprising a plurality of moveable keys and a key pressure input mechanism, in which the keyboard further comprises a layer which is arranged to be visible in use, and in which the keyboard comprises at least one light source arranged to transmit said light source through the layer; characterised in that a portion of the layer's periphery is arranged to illuminate through a section of the keyboard periphery.
2. A keyboard according to claim 1 comprising only one light source, in which the light emitted from the light source spreads through the layer and out the portion.
3. A keyboard according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the keyboard is enabled with wireless connectivity.
4. A keyboard according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the section is situated at a lowermost periphery ofthe keyboard edge, in which the lowermost periphery is arranged to be located closer to a user during use.
5. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the section comprises substantially or wholly the entire periphery.
6. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the layer comprises a sheet of transparent or translucent light refractive material, arranged such that light source transmitted thereinto is arranged to diffuse through the layer effectively, projecting the light source out of it.
7. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged about the periphery.
8. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the layer comprises surface treatment to direct light.
9. A keyboard according to any preceding claim comprising at least one ambient light sensor.
10. A keyboard according to any preceding claim, further including a rechargeable battery.
11. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the keyboard includes at least one USB port.
12. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one light source has a plurality of colours.
13. A keyboard according to any preceding claim wherein the keyboard includes a stand arranged in use to elevate at least part of the keyboard
14. A keyboard according to claiml3, in which said part comprises the rear part of the keyboard.
15. A keyboard according to claim 13 wherein the section is arranged in accordance with the stand so as to illuminate at an angle commensurate with the attitude of the keyboard.
16. A keyboard substantially as described herein, with reference to the figures.