Abstract: The description relates to laminated input devices, such as keyboards. One example can include a laminated light-distribution assembly and a key assembly adhered in light receiving relation to the laminated light-distribution assembly as a laminated input device having a neutral axis in the light-distribution assembly.

Abstract: The description relates to devices. One example device can involve a mesh structure with a density profile varying from a first end of the mesh structure to a second end of the mesh structure.

Abstract: Described herein is a display module for an electronic device having a thermal management structure integrated on a backside of the display module. Also described herein are techniques for manufacturing a display module with an integrated thermal management structure. By integrating the thermal management structure on the backside of the display module, the display module itself becomes a passive thermal management solution for an electronic device. Accordingly, the thermal management structure described herein can be considered a part of the display component stack.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, micro light guides are constructed that include a wall and one or more features extending from or protruding into one or more surfaces of the wall. The microstructure light guide is defined by a mold and formed as a single article with uniform internal stresses. In at least some embodiments, the mold that defines the microstructure light guide employs pixelated mold portions that enable selective temperature adjustment of discrete regions of the mold portions to form the microstructure light guide.

Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices. One example can include a sandwich structured composite housing. The example can also include a set of electronic components positioned over the sandwich structured composite housing. The set of electronic components can have a profile against the sandwich structured composite housing. The sandwich structured composite housing can have a corresponding negative profile.

Abstract: Examples of structurally supportive backlight systems and devices incorporating such backlight systems are disclosed. One disclosed example provides a backlight system comprising a reflector, a light guide comprising a glass sheet, the glass sheet being adhered to the reflector with adhesive light extracting features, and a light source positioned to direct light into the light guide.

Abstract: Described herein is a display module for an electronic device having a thermal management structure integrated on a backside of the display module. Also described herein are techniques for manufacturing a display module with an integrated thermal management structure. By integrating the thermal management structure on the backside of the display module, the display module itself becomes a passive thermal management solution for an electronic device. Accordingly, the thermal management structure described herein can be considered a part of the display component stack.

Abstract: Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.

Abstract: Ring button devices and systems are disclosed herein. In one example, an electronic stylus is provided. The stylus includes a shaft, a circuit positioned within the shaft, a ring button positioned around an axis of the shaft, and a ring button sensor positioned within the shaft and connected to the circuit. The ring button is configured to contact the ring button sensor to activate a function of the stylus or a function of an electronic device in communication with the stylus.

Abstract: Examples of structurally supportive backlight systems and devices incorporating such backlight systems are disclosed. One disclosed example provides a backlight system comprising a reflector, a light guide comprising a glass sheet, the glass sheet being adhered to the reflector with adhesive light extracting features, and a light source positioned to direct light into the light guide.

Abstract: Ring button devices and systems are disclosed herein. In one example, an electronic stylus is provided. The stylus includes a shaft, a circuit positioned within the shaft, a ring button positioned around an axis of the shaft, and a ring button sensor positioned within the shaft and connected to the circuit. The ring button is configured to contact the ring button sensor to activate a function of the stylus or a function of an electronic device in communication with the stylus.

Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices. One example can include a sandwich structured composite housing. The example can also include a set of electronic components positioned over the sandwich structured composite housing. The set of electronic components can have a profile against the sandwich structured composite housing. The sandwich structured composite housing can have a corresponding negative profile.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, micro light guides are constructed that include a wall and one or more features extending from or protruding into one or more surfaces of the wall. The microstructure light guide is defined by a mold and formed as a single article with uniform internal stresses. In at least some embodiments, the mold that defines the microstructure light guide employs pixelated mold portions that enable selective temperature adjustment of discrete regions of the mold portions to form the microstructure light guide.

Abstract: Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.

Abstract: Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.

Abstract: Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.

Abstract: Embodiments related to making an optic comprising a cladding are disclosed. One example embodiment comprises forming a wedge-shaped light guide having opposing first and second faces and comprising a material having a first refractive index. The embodiment further comprises applying a cladding layer to the first face, and, applying an interface layer to the cladding layer. In this embodiment, the cladding layer has a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, and the interface layer has a third refractive index matched to the first refractive index.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein related to the use of photoluminescent material to improve the presentation of images being displayed by a user interface device. For example, one embodiment provides a user interface device including a cuplet microstructure sheet that includes a plurality of cuplets. Each cuplet forms a light input opening and a light output opening. The light output opening has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the light input opening. The user interface device further includes a photoluminescent material that at least partially fills one or more cuplets of the plurality of cuplets. The user interface device further includes a light source configured to generate light that is directed to one or more selected cuplets of the plurality of cuplets.

Abstract: A method having a socket for coupling signals between an electrical component and a circuit board or equivalent has a mechanism that, when activated, attaches the electrical component to the socket so that it is not possible to remove the electrical component without damaging it. The mechanism may include a clamshell lid with a one-time locking mechanism, a pin contact mechanism that, after initial locking, will detach the pins of the electrical component if further disturbed, or a moat around the base of the electrical component for disposing an epoxy fastener. The moat may include a heating element to cure the epoxy or other glue. The socket may include an electrical component that allows detection of tampering with the socket.

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).