Abstract: A controlling device having a plurality of user selectable operating modes, a user interface providing a plurality of function keys each operable to cause a transmission of at least one command to at least one of a plurality of appliances for commanding at least one operating function of the at least one of the plurality of appliances, and a light source for illuminating the user interface in multiple distinct colors. The light source is caused to illuminate the user interface in at least one of the multiple distinct colors as a function of a one of the plurality of operating modes in which the controlling device is currently placed.

Abstract: A sealed button assembly including a button cap, a push rod, a button retainer, and a bracket is described. The bracket can couple to the button retainer which itself can interlock with the button cap and push rod through a counterbore, the counterbore being defined in a sidewall of the housing of an electronic device.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrical load such as a light mounted in a remote location that includes multiple SPDT momentary switches for turning the remote light on and off from different remote locations and a load controller connected to each of the three-way switches and to the light through a light fixture. Each of the switches has an upper momentary switch that turns the light on and a pilot light to indicate whether the remote light is on or off and a lower momentary switch that turns the remote light off and the pilot light off. The load controller and the three-way switches are easily installed into an existing residential or commercial electrical wiring and lighting system or for new residential and commercial installations. The system can also be installed in a two wire system or three wire system.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus having a switch device capable of suppressing collision noise is disclosed. The switch device is equipped with a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, and a metal dome that serves as a movable contact movable in a direction to be contacted with or separated from the first fixed contact. In a configuration in which the metal dome is moved to provide an electrical contact or a separation between the metal dome and the first fixed contact, whereby the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are electrically connected therebetween, a conductive layer made of an anisotropic conductive sheet is provided between the first fixed contact and the metal dome.

Abstract: A functional EMI containment plug or assembly useful to block an opening or hole in an electronics cabinet or enclosure so as to provide EMI containment. Functionality is achieved by combining a membrane with a circuit board. The EMC assembly functions as a circuit board-based membrane keyboard, which includes tactile switches a user can press to actuate a circuit board function. The switches may be a dome switch that has collapsing action (e.g., amount of travel), and the thickness of the membrane layers placed on top of the front of the circuit board are matched to the chosen dome switch to allow a proper amount of travel. The layers of the membrane act as an EMI shield. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a metal foil layer and a conductive material layer, and the combination of foil and conductive layers of the membrane act to provide a shield for EMI.

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch according to the present invention includes a key top, a plunger, and a supporting fix member that forms a space between the key top and the plunger, and supports and fixes together the key top and the plunger. A plurality of the supporting fix members are provided, separated from each other, in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. With this configuration, the illuminated push-button switch having a wide illuminated region secured on a touch surface, and a keyboard can be provided.

Abstract: A direct-backlit keyboard is disclosed, the direct-backlit keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, a thin film circuit board, a base plate, a copper etched thin-film circuit board, and a plurality of light-emitting units. The plurality of keys are disposed on the thin film circuit board, the thin film circuit board being disposed on the base plate, the base plate being disposed on the copper etched thin-film circuit board, and the copper etched thin film circuit board being provided with the plurality of light-emitting units. Each light-emitting unit corresponds to each key so that the light emitted from each light-emitting unit can be transmitted to each corresponding key.

Abstract: A handheld medical device is configured to illuminate a test strip inserted therein and may include a housing having a port configured to receive a test strip. A circuit board may be mounted inside the housing. A measurement module may be mounted to the circuit board and may be cooperatively operable with the test strip inserted into the port to measure a sample of fluid residing on the test strip. The circuit board faces an opposing top surface of the test strip inserted into the port. A light source may be mounted on the circuit board and operable to emit light substantially perpendicular to the opposing top surface of the test strip inserted into the port. The light source may project the light along an optical axis substantially perpendicular to the opposing top surface of the test strip and illuminate an area surrounding a dosing end of the test strip.

Abstract: Advertising accessories for bar guns are disclosed. An advertising accessory for a bar gun may include a frame and a front face extending from one side of the frame. A user interface void may be formed in the frame. The frame may be configured to mate with a user interface of a bar gun. A clip extending from the front face may engage a nozzle surface of the bar gun to couple the advertising accessory to the bar gun.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for detecting features of an object comprises means for controlling the operation of said sensor and a face for interaction with an operator provided with adjusting means for adjusting operating parameters of the sensor. The means for controlling is connected to the adjusting means to detect a setting of the operating parameters, and the adjusting means comprises a knob, which is rotatable around an axis for adjusting at least one predetermined parameter among operating parameters. The sensor comprises a multiturn encoder that is actuatable by the knob, and the means for controlling are connected to the multiturn encoder to obtain a rotation mode of said knob, for example a rotation direction and/or a rotation speed, so as to associate with said detected rotation mode a corresponding setting mode of the predetermined parameter, for example a setting with a first coarse sensitivity, or a second fine sensitivity.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel to display an image; a window covering the display panel, and including a display area through which the image is to be transmitted, and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the window including: a window base opposite the display panel; a printing layer below the window base; and a light-path changing layer between the window base and the printing layer, the light-path changing layer including: an optical structure; and a resin coating the optical structure; and an adhesive layer between the display panel and the window.

Abstract: To easily increase display quality of light even in a case of a long light guide body. Depth h1 of a first dot (106) is larger than depth h2 of a second dot (108) in the vicinity of a light source, and, as a location comes closer to an end on an opposite side to the light source, depth h1 of the first dot (106) is reduced, and depth h2 of the second dot (108) is increased. Therefore, it is possible to easily increase display quality of light even in a case of a long light guide body.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a base plate, key switches and a backlight module. The base plate has posts. The backlight module includes a masking plate, a light guiding plate, a light emitting unit, a reflective plate and an attaching layer. A plurality of upper through holes are formed on the masking plate. An upper attached area is defined by a periphery of each of the upper through holes. A plurality of penetrating holes are formed on the light guiding plate. A plurality of lower through holes are formed on the reflective plate. A lower attached area is defined by a periphery of each of the lower through holes. The attaching layer attaches the lower attached area with the upper attached area. The lower attached area is attached to the upper attached area via the corresponding penetrating hole, so as to block side walls of the corresponding penetrating hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination to illuminable portions of keys associated with a keyboard are described. A key includes a light guide positioned below a keycap. The light guide includes one or more sidewalls that exhibit high internal reflection. In many examples, light guide sidewalls are formed with one or more prisms.

Abstract: An input operation device according to the present disclosure includes first to third light-emitting sections, a first light guide body, and a second light guide body. A lower end of the first light guide body faces the first light-emitting section and the second light-emitting section. The first mark emits light on the first light guide body when light is incident on the first light guide body from the first light-emitting section, and the second mark emits light on the first light guide body when light is incident on the first light guide body from the second light-emitting section. The upper surface section of the second light guide body emits light when light is incident on the second light guide body from the third light-emitting section. At least one of the first light-emitting section, the second light-emitting section, and the third light-emitting section can change light emission luminance.

Abstract: A button assembly configured to be illuminated is provided. The button assembly includes a movable button having a viewing surface and a back side. The button has portions defining a window in the viewing surface. A flexible light conductor is disposed on the back side of the button. The flexible light conductor has an inlet end configured to receive light, and the flexible light conductor has a light-emitting portion disposed adjacent to the window. The flexible light conductor is configured to conduct light from the inlet end to the light-emitting portion. The light-emitting portion is configured to emit light so that the light is visible through the window.

Abstract: An optical switch keyboard includes a circuit board and plural keys. The circuit board includes plural light emitters and plural light receivers. Each key is aligned with the corresponding light emitter and the corresponding light receiver. Moreover, each key includes a triggering element, a first reflective element and a second reflective element. When the triggering element is triggered by the user, a sensing light emitted by the light emitter is reflected to the second reflective element by the first reflective element. The sensing light is further reflected to the light receiver by the second reflective element. Consequently, the circuit board generates a key switch signal.

Abstract: A touch panel may include a substrate including a sensing area and a connecting area, a circuit pattern integrally formed on the substrate, and a driving chip on the connecting area of the substrate. The circuit pattern may include a sensing circuit pattern in the sensing area and a connecting circuit pattern in the connecting area. A width of the sensing area measured may be greater than a width of the connection area and the circuit pattern may extend from the sensing area to the connecting area. Moreover, the substrate may be a flexible substrate having a flexible characteristic.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard with an optical switch is provided. The illuminated keyboard includes a circuit board and plural keys. The circuit board includes plural light-emitting elements. Each light-emitting element is aligned with the corresponding key. The key includes a keycap, a housing, a triggering post, a light guide element and a light guide frame. The keycap is located over the housing. The triggering post, the light guide element and the light guide frame are disposed within the housing. Moreover, the light guide frame is arranged around the triggering post. After a light beam emitted by the light-emitting element is introduced into the housing, the light beam is guided to the light guide frame by the light guide element, and the light beam is scattered to a region around the triggering post and outputted from the keycap.

Abstract: A control panel designed to be placed in a vertical plane, the control panel comprising the layered assembly of a flat base, of an elastomer sheet mounted against the base, the sheet being provided with openings and optionally with domes, and of a decorative fascia. The control panel is in addition provided with a means for protection against liquids made in one piece with the sheet, the protection means comprising elements projecting from the main surface of the sheet, the said elements being so arranged that when the control panel is in the substantially vertical plane and the liquid penetrates between the sheet and the decorative fascia, the liquid is guided along a determined course and re-emerges from the panel having avoided critical zones leading in particular to detectors.

Abstract: An electronic key having the following features. The electronic key has a key housing and a switch housing in the key housing. The switch housing has an inherently rigid frame having at least one first breakout, and a flexibly deformable membrane which is arranged on the frame in order to close the at least one breakout and to forward a force having effect from the outside on the membrane in the region of the breakout to an electrical switch element arranged within the frame. An electronic key having the required amount of stiffness is thus created, in which sensitive electronic components located therein are also protected from environmental influences. If the deformable membrane is not only used for button-related functions, but also for forming an ejection section for an emergency key or as a rattle protection for the emergency key, a multifunctional switch housing can thus be created simply.

Abstract: A key structure includes, from top to bottom in sequence: at least one key main body, made of light transmissible material; a key frame, adapted to mount the key main body; an elastic supporting portion, allowing the key main bodies to move back and forth vertically; at least one bump, formed on one side of the elastic supporting portion; a detection module, sensing the action of the key main body and allowing the bump to be in touch therewith selectively; and a display screen, configured on one side of the detection module. A user can see the bottom display screen through the key main body directly, and the elastic supporting portion drives the bumps to move downward to touch the detection module after the user presses the key main body down. Whereby, the applicable range of the present invention is increased by changing the contents of the display screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a smart card based mobile pull station are provided. For example, a smart card can include control circuitry and an activation mechanism. In some methods, the smart card can receive user input to activate the activation mechanism of the smart card, and upon activation of the activation mechanism, the control circuitry of the smart card can transmit an emergency signal. In some methods, a wireless device can receive the emergency signal from the smart card, the wireless device can transmit the emergency signal to a remote device, and the remote device can identify a location of the smart card based on a location of the wireless device.

Abstract: Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth.

Abstract: Systems and methods (1400) for packaging an electronic component (108, 110) in an electronic device (100). The methods involve: circumscribing the electronic component with a multi-purpose component (120, 122) at least partially formed of a transparent material and a compressible material. A water tight seal is created by the multi-purpose component between the electronic component and a housing (102) of the electronic device. The multi-purpose component provides an indicator for indicating a location of the electronic component on the electronic device to a user thereof in dark or semi-dark environments. The indicator is provided by emitting light from the multi-purpose component. The multi-purpose component also communicates status information of the electronic device to the user by emitting light therefrom. Various types of status information can be communicated to the user by emitting different colored light from the multi-purpose component, respectively.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one pictogram inside a vehicle passenger compartment. The device includes a light source suitable for emitting light in response to a control signal, and an opaque covering layer having a through opening defining the pictogram. A photosensitive layer extends facing or in the opening. When the light source is deactivated, the photosensitive layer is opaque and has the same color as the covering layer. When the light source is activated, the photosensitive layer reacts so as to render the pictogram defined by the opening of the covering layer visible for an occupant of the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A light-emitting touch button can include a first printed circuit board (PCB), a second PCB, and a pin coupling the first PCB to the second PCB. The first PCB can include first electronics to detect a touch event on a touch surface. The second PCB can include second electronics to control light emission. The pin can communicate the detected touch event from the first electronics to the second electronics. The touch button can also include a housing including one or more walls defining one or more light-emitting regions. One or more light sources can be disposed within the one or more light-emitting regions. The second electronics can control light emitted from the one or more light sources based at least in part on the detected touch event. The one or more walls can collimate the light emitted from the one or more light sources to the touch surface.

Abstract: A touch pad device includes: an operating unit which includes an operation surface on which an operating body performs a proximity operation, and an illumination portion disposed in the operation surface; a first substrate which has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being aligned with the operation surface and provided with a detection unit that detects the proximity operation; and a support member configured to integrally support the operating unit and the first substrate, in which the first substrate is provided so as not to overlap the illumination portion, a light source disposed in the vicinity of the illumination portion and outputs light toward the support member side is provided, and a reflective portion configured to reflect the light output from the light source toward the illumination portion is provided at a position that opposes the light source of the support member.

Abstract: A window button assembly is connected to an enclosure of an electronic device. The window button assembly can include a button plank and a switch component positioned underneath the button plank such that sufficient deflection of the button plank activates the switch component. A component may be included in the window button assembly. The component can be in communication with the switch component, and activation of the switch component can initiate an action by the component.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a button module and a control board. The button module includes a button cap having a space, a follower movably disposed in the space, and an elastic member. A movable cavity is defined by a portion of the follower located in the space and an inner surface of the button cap. The elastic member is disposed in the movable cavity, and two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the inner surface of the button cap and the follower. An amount of compression of the elastic member is varied in response to the size of the movable cavity. When the button cap is in an unpressed state, the elastic member has a first amount of compression and generates a restoring force; when the button cap is in a pressed state, the follower abuts against a switch unit of the control board correspondingly.

Abstract: A user interface for an appliance is provided for displaying information about multiple operating states of a feature of the appliance within an area for selecting the operative state of the feature. More particularly, a portion of the user interface may be configured both to display a feature's current state and to allow a user to change the state of the feature in the same physical location. A cooktop appliance with features for displaying a selected size, heating element, and/or power density of a cooking zone of the cooktop appliance co-located within an area for selecting the size, heating element, and/or power density of the cooking zone also is provided.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a light guide layer, a light source, a reflecting layer, a circuit layer, a key fixing plate, mechanical keys, and microstructures. The light guide layer has a first surface, a second surface, and a light incident surface. The light source generates a light beam to the light guide layer through the light incident surface. The reflecting layer is disposed beside the first surface of the light guide layer. The circuit layer formed on the second surface of the light guide layer has multiple switches. The key fixing plate is fixed to the second surface of the light guide layer. The mechanical keys are connected to the key fixing plate, corresponding to the switches, and are pressed to trigger the corresponding switches. The microstructures disposed on the light guide layer surround the switches, and guide the light beam from the light guide layer to the mechanical keys.

Abstract: A planar light source including a light guide plate (LGP) and a light source device is provided. The LGP includes a plate portion and at least one prism portion. The plate portion has a light incident surface, a reflective surface, a bottom surface, and a light exiting surface. The prism portion is disposed on the bottom surface of the plate portion, and has a first plane and a second plane. An included angle between the first plane and the bottom surface is smaller than an included angle between the second plane and the bottom surface, and a shortest distance between the first plane and the light incident surface is smaller than a shortest distance between the second plane and the light incident surface. The light source device is disposed adjacent to the light incident surface. The disclosure provides planar light source with good light uniformity.

Abstract: A door having a front face with a transparent portion and a decorative insert set behind. The decorative insert presents a thematic scene as desired by the user that may be easily changed. The door further enhances the display of the decorative insert by providing selectively controlled illumination and an accompanying audio presentation related to the insert's theme.

Abstract: A light emitter includes a planar supporting surface, a light source positioned on the spreader region, and an encapsulant positioned on the spreader region to surround the light source. Except where constrained by adhesion to the planar supporting surface, the encapsulant is capable of expanding and contracting in response to a change in temperature so that forces caused by differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the different components is minimized. One or more reflective elements can be positioned proximate to the light source to increase the light emitting efficiency of the light emitter. The reflective elements can include a reflective layer on the spreader region and/or a reflective layer on a portion of the encapsulant.

Abstract: Aircraft landing gear assemblies and aircraft are provided. A landing gear assembly includes a main post and a light element cluster. The main post has a non-rotating portion and a rotatable steering portion. The light element cluster is associated with the non-rotating portion and includes at least two independently illuminating sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Hall Principle-based LED lit mechanical keyboard switch comprising a keymodule, permanent magnet, housing, LED lamp, Hall switch, elastic strip, top cover and spring; the keymodule consists of a plunger and a slider, the plunger has a key on top and a first locating pole at bottom; the slider has magnet mounting slot on its side wall; a second locating pole is provided at the bottom center inside the housing, the second locating pole is provided with a guide hole at its center, and a LED lamp mounting hole is provided on one side in the housing; Hall switch mounting hole and plunger slideway are provided on the neighboring side next to the side of the housing on which LED lamp mounting hole is provided.

Abstract: The present invention presents a mobile electronic device comprising dynamic hardware controls and a method for controlling dynamic hardware controls. The mobile electronic device comprises a pressure sensing film arranged to detect a pressure applied on at least one portion of at least one side of the mobile electronic device and electroactive polymer film with a conductive coating arranged overlaying the pressure sensing film. The electroactive polymer film comprises at least one deformable segment that may be deformed temporarily by the application of a voltage over the at least one deformable segment in the electroactive polymer film, the mobile electronic device further comprises a control unit arranged to control the dynamic hardware controls.

Abstract: A light-emitting element may include at least one coding element. The coding element may have at least two switching states and an operating mode of the light-emitting element may be set on the basis of a switching state of the coding element.

Abstract: An inspection device is provided including a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light receiving element arranged so as to face the light emitting element and configured to receive the light, where one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is used as a to-be-inspected element, and the other one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is used as an inspection element that inspects the to-be-inspected element, a housing configured to accommodate the inspection element, and a lid configured to be detachable from the housing. In the inspection device, one of the housing and the lid is provided with an arrangement unit to which the to-be-inspected element is set in a detachable manner, and the lid includes a contact unit that electrically contacts the to-be-inspected element by touching and detaching from the to-be-inspected element.

Abstract: An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background.

Abstract: An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background.

Abstract: A user interface, methods and article of manufacture each for selecting an audio cue presented in three-dimensional (3D) space are disclosed. The audio cues are audibly perceivable in a space about a user, where each of the audio cues may be perceived by the user as a directional sound at a distinct location from other audio cues in the space. Selection of a specific audio cue is made based on one or more user gestures. A portable electronic device may be configured to present the audio cues perceived by a user and detect certain user gestures to select audio cues. The audio cue selection can be used to control operation of the portable device and/or other associated devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device having at least one front panel, at least one button panel arranged behind the front panel, and at least one switch responsive to a user's touch of a switchable area on a front side of the front panel in front of said switch. The switch includes at least one light source element arranged at a rear side of the button panel illuminating the rear side of the front panel, and at least one reflector element arranged behind the button panel and the light source element to reflect the light to the rear side of the button panel. The button panel includes at least one cut out that corresponds with the switchable area of the switch or more switchable areas of neighbored switches, so that the light can pass through the cut-out and the front panel to be out of the control device.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle having a body controller includes a vehicle interior-facing surface. The door locking system includes a latch mechanism configured to alternately attain a first state that locks and a second state that unlocks operation of the latch mechanism. The door locking system also includes a control switch on the interior-facing surface for generating a signal to alternatively select one of the first and second latch mechanism states. The door locking system additionally includes an indicator light integrally mounted on the control switch and configured to provide a visual signal indicative of the selected latch mechanism state. The controller is configured to receive the signal from the control switch, command the latch mechanism to attain one of the first and second states in response to the signal, and trigger the indicator light when the latch mechanism has attained one of the first and second states.

Abstract: A switch unit has a display part that displays an image in at least one input area, a substrate provided above the display part, the substrate having a contact, and at least one substrate opening configured to allow the image in the at least one input area to be viewed from above, an operating button case that covers the substrate, having at least one button case opening, at least one operating button that has translucency, and that is freely pressed down through the at least one button case opening of the operating button case and causes conduction of the contact by being pressed down, light sources mounted on the substrate, that illuminate an area surrounding the at least one operating button, and a light transmissive water-proof sheet made of an elastic member.

Abstract: An illumination display switching device includes a switch knob slidable with respect to a push button-type switch. The switch knob includes a display operation part including a display design and a non-display design, a lock arm that is vertically hung from a central portion of the display operation part and connected to the push button-type switch, a light guide member that is vertically hung from the display operation part positioned near the light source, and an interconnection light guide member that interconnects the light guide member, a base of the lock arm and the display design. The display design is illuminated from a backside by emission light of the light source through the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member. The lock arm, the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member are integrally molded with the display design by the light-transmitting resin.

Abstract: A system for porting a speaker through a keyboard module and a backlight module is provided. The system includes an enclosure, the enclosure configured to mount the keyboard module, the backlight module, and the speaker thereto, wherein the speaker is disposed under a portion of the keyboard module and the backlight module. The system also includes a port path for porting the speaker through the keyboard module and the backlight module, the port path extending from the speaker to an outer surface of the keyboard module, wherein a first portion of the port path includes a passage in the enclosure, the passage disposed adjacent to an edge of the keyboard module and the backlight module, and wherein a second portion of the port path includes a periphery of a key of the keyboard module.

Abstract: A button is mounted to a housing of an electronic device, the button includes a pressing body and a sealed body. The pressing body is mounted to the housing. The sealed body is coupled to the pressing body, the sealed body defines a slot around an external peripheral wall and forms two opposite elastic walls, the two elastic walls resist to the pressing body and the housing, respectively. An electronic device and a button arrangement employing the button are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pushbutton and an electrical switch can be linked to one another so that movement of the pushbutton, for example by a user depressing the pushbutton, can control the switch. The switch can be in a closed position prior to being depressed and in an open position afterwards, or vice versa. A photodetector can be located on the switch side of the pushbutton. The pushbutton can be formed of a material that transmits light so that light can pass through the pushbutton for receipt by the photodetector. The pushbutton can additionally or alternatively be formed with an opening that is sized to receive an object inserted by a user. Insertion of the object can manipulate a second electrical switch, which may control flow of electricity from a battery, for example.