Abstract: A display and input system configured to receive tactile user input and provide dynamic display output is provided. The system includes a display device and a plurality of input locations situated over the display device. Each of the input locations is at least partially see-through to permit viewing of imagery generated by the display device, where each of the input locations includes an optical element spaced from an operative surface of the display device and configured to adjust viewer perception of image light emanating from the display device through input location. The display and input system may also be implemented to include mechanically-depressible keys providing keyboard-type input functionality.

Abstract: A keyboard kit that is selectively configurable by an end user to provide differing key arrangements is provided. The keyboard kit includes a plurality of differently-configured keyboard modules and an underlying display device. Each of the plurality of differently-configured keyboard modules may be at least partially see-through and include mechanically-depressible keys, the underlying display device and plurality of differently-configured keyboard modules being configured such that, upon securing of a selected one of the plurality of differently-configured keyboard modules to the underlying display device, the selected one of the plurality of differently-configured keyboard modules covers at least a portion of an operative surface of the underlying display device and enables through-key user viewing of dynamic keyboard imagery from the underlying display device.

Abstract: A keyboard with viewable output display capability is provided. The keyboard includes a display device and a plurality of keys situated over the display device, each of the plurality of keys being mechanically depressible so that the key is reciprocally movable toward and away from the display device, and each of the plurality of keys being further configured to permit image light from the display device to pass through the key. The keyboard further includes an electrical trace network underneath the plurality of keys and formed at least in part from a transparent conductive material to permit image light from the display device to pass through the electrical trace network, the electrical trace network being operable, for each of the plurality of keys, to produce an electrical signal associated with the key in response to depression of the key toward the display device.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computing device and a method of manufacturing a keyboard key are provided. One disclosed keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each key having a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap. Each key further includes a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void in the key cap. The cushion being may be configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.

Abstract: Embodiments of battery holders with dual-contact assemblies are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a battery holder with a substrate and a spring dual-contact assembly, wherein the spring dual-contact assembly comprises a positive contact configured to contact a positive terminal of a battery positioned in the battery holder with the positive terminal oriented toward the spring dual-contact assembly and a negative contact configured to contact a negative terminal of a battery positioned in the battery holder with the negative terminal oriented toward the spring dual-contact assembly. The positive and negative contacts are coupled to an insulator configured to hold the positive contact and negative contact in a fixed relation to one another. Further, one or more cantilever wire springs hold the negative contact, positive contact and insulator in a resiliently displaceable relationship to the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a computer peripheral in which a display device produces images which may be viewed through a keyboard assembly that is disposed over the display device. Each the key of the keyboard assembly includes a keycap and a mechanical understructure that is configured to guide reciprocating movement of the keycap toward and away from the display device. The mechanical understructure is disposed away from a central portion of the keycap, to permit images produced by the display device to be viewed through the central portion of the keycap.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a computer peripheral having a keyboard assembly situated over a display device that produces images which are viewable through the keyboard assembly. The keyboard assembly has a plurality of keys, each of which includes a keycap and a mechanical understructure that is at least partially transparent. The mechanical understructure is disposed between the keycap and the display device to guide reciprocating movement of the keycap toward and away from the display device. In some embodiments, the mechanical understructure may have a non-oblique planar configuration, in which a majority of its surface area is composed of planar surfaces that are parallel or perpendicular to the underlying display device.

Abstract: A computer peripheral is provided. The computer peripheral includes a display device and a keyboard assembly disposed over the display device. The keyboard assembly is configured to permit viewing of images produced by the display device through the keyboard assembly. The keyboard assembly includes a plurality of keys. Each of the plurality of keys is selectively physically depressible to cause production of an input signal. Each of the plurality of keys includes a keycap having a perimeter piece and a central piece. The central piece is transparent so as to permit passage of light from the display device through the central piece to a user of the keyboard assembly.

Abstract: An input device includes a display device configured to selectively modulate light to produce a changeable display image. The input device also includes a keyboard assembly disposed over the display device and including one or more depressible keys. Each depressible key includes a keycap having a light transmissive window and a light-turning feature or element between the display device and the keycap.

Abstract: An input device includes a display device configured to selectively modulate light to produce a changeable display image. The input device also includes a keyboard assembly disposed over the display device and including one or more depressible keys. Each depressible key includes a keycap having a light transmissive window; a light pillar between the keycap and the display device; and a light-turning layer between the light pillar and the keycap.

Abstract: A computer peripheral is provided. The computer peripheral includes a display device and a keyboard assembly. The keyboard assembly is disposed over the display device. The keyboard assembly is configured to permit viewing of images produced by the display device through the keyboard assembly. Further, the keyboard assembly includes a base structure and a plurality of keys. Each of the plurality of keys is selectively physically depressible relative to the base structure to cause production of an input signal. Further, each of the plurality of keys is movably coupled with respect to the base structure via a hinge at one edge of the key. Further still, each of the plurality of keys includes a transparent portion to permit viewing of the images produced by the display device through the key.

Abstract: A light collector is provided to converge light from a light source down to a range of acceptance angles of an illumination optic, and to couple the converged light into the illumination optic, where the range of acceptance angles of the illumination optic is less than a range of emission angles of the light source.

Abstract: Mechanical architecture for providing maximum viewing area on key button tops of keys for a user input device. The viewing area is for the display of information on the key buttons, and also includes tactile feedback similar to standard laptop keyboards, all using low cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding. The architecture optimizes an aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button. The architecture relocates in at least one embodiment the tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., dome assembly) out from underneath the key button to the perimeter or side of the key switch assembly. The architecture finds particular application to input devices such as keyboards, game pods, data entry device, etc., that operate in combination with an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens).

Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically coupling a battery with a battery-powered device. The connector includes a first dual-contact assembly and a second dual-contact assembly. Each of the dual-contact assemblies includes a positive contact for contacting a positive PP3 terminal of a PP3 battery, and a negative contact for contacting a negative PP3 terminal of the PP3 battery. Each dual-contact assembly is configured so that, when the dual-contact assembly is physically engaged with either of the PP3 battery terminals, one of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly electrically engages the PP3 battery terminal, while the other of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly is electrically insulated from the PP3 battery terminal. Accordingly, the PP3 battery may be installed in either of two valid connection states relative to the connector, in which appropriate electrical connectivity is provided via the connector to a device to be powered by the PP3 battery.

Abstract: A battery receptacle system is provided to accept various types or sizes of batteries in different orientations. The battery receptacle system includes a first radial notch for positioning a first positive terminal of a first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a first position, and a second radial notch for positioning a second positive terminal of a second battery of a different size and/or type than the first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a second position, different from the first position. The second radial notch is configured to prevent the first positive terminal of the first battery from electrically connecting with the first positive contact at the second position.

Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically coupling a battery with a battery-powered device. The connector includes a first dual-contact assembly and a second dual-contact assembly. Each of the dual-contact assemblies includes a positive contact for contacting a positive PP3 terminal of a PP3 battery, and a negative contact for contacting a negative PP3 terminal of the PP3 battery. Each dual-contact assembly is configured so that, when the dual-contact assembly is physically engaged with either of the PP3 battery terminals, one of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly electrically engages the PP3 battery terminal, while the other of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly is electrically insulated from the PP3 battery terminal. Accordingly, the PP3 battery may be installed in either of two valid connection states relative to the connector, in which appropriate electrical connectivity is provided via the connector to a device to be powered by the PP3 battery.

Abstract: A light collector is provided to converge light from a light source down to a range of acceptance angles of an illumination optic, and to couple the converged light into the illumination optic, where the range of acceptance angles of the illumination optic is less than a range of emission angles of the light source.

Abstract: A light collector is provided to converge light from a light source down to a range of acceptance angles of an illumination optic, and to couple the converged light into the illumination optic, where the range of acceptance angles of the illumination optic is less than a range of emission angles of the light source.

Abstract: The convenient recharging of a charge storage device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a portable device accessory with a charge storage device holding mechanism and a recharging circuit. The system also comprises a portable device with an interface at which the portable device and the portable device accessory are connectable. A charge storage device-switching mechanism is disposed within the portable device accessory or the portable device. The charge storage device-switching mechanism is actuatable to switch a first charge storage device in the portable device with a second charge storage device in the charge storage device holding mechanism of the portable device accessory by mechanically connecting and/or disconnecting the portable device from the portable device accessory.

Abstract: A battery receptacle system is provided to accept various types or sizes of batteries in different orientations. The battery receptacle system includes a first radial notch for positioning a first positive terminal of a first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a first position, and a second radial notch for positioning a second positive terminal of a second battery of a different size and/or type than the first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a second position, different from the first position. The second radial notch is configured to prevent the first positive terminal of the first battery from electrically connecting with the first positive contact at the second position.