Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying a keypad on a touch screen are provided. The apparatus includes an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). The method includes arranging at least one keypad block including at least one area, determining at least one light-emitting area among the areas, and displaying the at least one keypad block by emitting light in the OLED corresponding to the at least one light-emitting area.

Abstract: An illumination display switching device includes a board, a push button-type switch mounted on the board, a light source mounted on the board, and a switch knob that is supported to a frame member to be slidable in an operation direction of the push button-type switch. The switch knob includes a display design part that is molded with a light-transmitting resin, a non-display design part except for the display design part that is molded with an opaque resin and a light guide member that is integrally molded with the light-transmitting resin of the display design part. The light guide member includes a base part and an arm part, and the base part is integrally molded with the display design part and the arm part extends from the base part and is connected to a switch part of the push button-type switch.

Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.

Abstract: A vehicle backlit assembly is provided and includes a support member and at least one backlit interactive member at least partially extending through an opening in the support member. An excitation source is operable to emit a primary emission for backlighting the at least one backlit interactive member. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to the at least one backlit interactive member and is formulated to convert the primary emission into a secondary emission. An opaque layer is coupled to the photoluminescent structure and defines an opening through which the secondary emission is transmitted.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard device includes plural keys, a membrane switch circuit module and plural light-emitting elements. The membrane switch circuit module is located under the plural keys. The plural light-emitting elements and plural light source wiring lines are disposed on the membrane switch circuit module. The plural light-emitting elements are connected with each other through the plural light source wiring lines. Since the plural light-emitting elements and the plural light source wiring lines are disposed on the membrane switch circuit module, it is not necessary to install a backlight module.

Abstract: A key plate includes a light-permeable covering plate having a plurality of first key openings and includes a key symbol display plate disposed on the light-permeable covering plate and having a plurality of second key openings and a plurality of light-permeable key symbol blocks. The light-permeable key symbol blocks are positioned proximate to the second key openings, respectively. The second key openings correspond in position to the first key openings, respectively. Further provided is an illuminated keyboard with the key plate. Accordingly, the key plate and the illuminated keyboard feature simplified structure, low manufacturing costs, and short manufacturing process, prevent users' fingers from hiding symbols displayed on the keys in bright and dark environments, prevent the symbols displayed on the keys from getting blurred or smeared after long contact with the users' fingers, and feature variable appearance of the key symbol display plate.

Abstract: A slim key includes a supporting plate, at least one key cap, at least one dome and a light-permeable circuit board. The supporting plate is disposed above the circuit board and has at least one frame part. Each frame part is formed with a light-permeable hole at a central portion thereof. The key pad is disposed on the top surface of the frame part correspondingly. The circuit board has at least one conductive circuit formed thereon under the dome correspondingly. The dome is correspondingly disposed between the frame part and the circuit board. According to one embodiment, the instant disclosure also provides an electronic device with the slim keypad structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light emitting knob based on a novel process that is capable of preventing a letter that is separated from a light blocking metal plate at a display window forming step and a surface treatment step from being separated from a resin layer irrespective of the shape or the type of the letter, which constitutes a light emitting display window, thereby considerably reducing a defect rate. The method includes a metal plate processing step, a display groove forming step, a resin layer coupling step, and a display window forming step.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a computing device includes a keyboard having a keycap. The keycap includes first passageways extending between first openings in a first surface of the keycap and first openings in a second surface of the keycap. The keycap includes second passageways extending between second openings in the first surface of the keycap and second openings in the second surface of the keycap. A first light source is positioned at a first location to allow light to pass through the keycap via the first passageways and inhibit light from passing through the keycap via the second passageways. A second light source is positioned at a second location to allow light to pass through the keycap via the second passageways and inhibit light from passing through the keycap via the first passageways.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has a vehicle seat with a seat base and a seat back. The vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to move one of the seat back and seat base along a path between a first position and a second position. A sensor has a generally planar surface defining a sensing area. A controller is in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving a sliding input on the sensing area, control the at least one actuator to move the one of the seat back and seat base along the path.

Abstract: A push button switch has a button section having a push operation surface that is made of a light-transmitting material, and a light guide plate arranged in parallel with the push operation surface, a moving mechanism that causes the button section to move in parallel with a pushing direction, a detecting section that detects when the button section has moved in parallel with the pushing direction, a light source that emits light that enters the light guide plate via a lateral surface of the light guide plate, and a base positioned on a rear surface side of the button section, on which the moving mechanism is disposed. The moving mechanism holds the button section at an area other than an area corresponding to the push operation surface. The detecting section and the light source are positioned outside the area corresponding to the push operation surface.

Abstract: A control device is provided including: a switch having a body and a rotary control rod extending along an axis A, the control rod being made of a plastic material, a button made of molded plastic and including an axial recess having an axis A in which the control rod is received, and an anchoring ring made from a cut and bent metal sheet, the anchoring ring being arranged around the control rod. The anchoring ring includes: first resilient plates directed counter to the body and in an oblique manner in the direction of the axis A, with a burr which abuts the rod, and second resilient plates directed toward the body and which are oriented in an oblique manner in a direction away from the axis, the second plates being in abutment with the button.

Abstract: A keyboard system with changeable key displays includes a keyboard having multiple keys, each key having a transparent housing and a display panel disposed inside the transparent housing. The display panels are capable of displaying different indicia based on different control signals triggered by a user of the keyboard system. The keyboard system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) membrane connected to each display panel using one or more connectors, such as spring loaded pins, solid connectors, or flexible connectors. The PCB membrane receives data signals relevant to the indicia of the key displays and processes the data signals for display of the indicia by the display panels.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detection of proximity and/or touching including least one sensor supporting surface having a first flat face and a second flat face, a proximity and/or touching sensor which is connected to the first flat face and/or to the second flat face of the sensor supporting surface, a decoration supporting medium with a first support flat face and a second support flat face, a decoration layer which is connected to the first support flat face and/or to the second support flat face of the decoration supporting medium, and/or is an integral component of the decoration supporting medium. In this case, the sensor supporting surface and the decoration supporting medium are connected to one another such that a connection along their mutually facing flat face and support flat face is not formed, or is partially formed.

Abstract: A push-type switch includes a cap lid made of a light permeable material, a shielding board, a holding board, a movable seat, a display module disposed between the cap lid and the movable seat, a lighting element disposed in the movable seat, a conducting unit having a conducting element being flexible and a plurality of conducting terminals, and a housing. When the cap lid is being pushed downward, the movable seat moves concurrently to depress the conducting element, whereby the conducting element being deformed to electrically contact the conducting terminals so as to switch on and off the push-type switch, and the lighting element and the display module being capable of emitting light and displaying images respectively according to the state of switch and electrical signals transmitted from a printed circuit board to the lighting element and the display module.

Abstract: A dash switch module includes an operator interface device, a haptic feedback device associated with the operator interface device, and a visual feedback device associated with the operator interface device. The haptic feedback device provides a first haptic feedback if an operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device. The visual feedback device provides a first visual feedback if the operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a circuit board that has an arrangement surface and a rear surface opposite to the arrangement surface and that has a through hole. An insertion mounted circuit component, a connector and a surface mounted light emitting component that is provided for confirming an operation of the power supply device are assembled on the arrangement surface. A chassis holds the circuit board from the sides and the rear surface of the circuit board and has an opening to expose the connector. The surface mounted light emitting component is surface mounted on the rear surface of the circuit board. The through hole is provided near the surface mounted light emitting component so as to guide light emitted from the surface mounted light emitting component toward the opening of the chassis.

Abstract: A keyboard device with a luminous key is provided. The keyboard device includes at least one luminous key, a top-view light-emitting element, and a light shade. The top-view light-emitting element is used for emitting a light beam. The light shade is used for shading the light beam. Moreover, the light beam is transmissible through a light-outputting part of the light shade to illuminate the luminous key. The at least one luminous key includes at least one keycap and at least one elastic element. The elastic element and the light shade are integrally formed with each other. Since the total area of the bottom surfaces of the elastic element and the light shade is increased, the light shade can be securely fixed.

Abstract: A light-emitting keyboard includes a keycap, a frame and a solid-state lighting source. The keycap has a light-entrance portion formed on the periphery thereof, and a touch surface for pressing by user. The keycap is made of light-guiding material and defines a light-guiding path from the light entrance portion to the touch surface. The frame is arranged adjacent to the keycap and surrounds the periphery of the keycap. The frame is made of light-guiding material and forms at least one light-outputting surface. The at least one light-outputting surface is contiguous to the light-entrance portion. The solid-state lighting source is fixed to the frame and emits light from the light-outputting surface into the light-entrance portion by the light-guiding path, and exits from the touch surface of the keycap. The instant disclosure also provides an illuminating structure of the keyboard, and a keycap thereof.

Abstract: A backlight keyboard structure includes a light guide plate, a base plate and a keyboard frame. The keyboard frame comprising a fixing portion. The base plate is adjacent to one side of the light guide plate and disposed between the keyboard frame and the light guide plate. The base plate has a through hole corresponding to the fixing portion. The base plate has an indentation portion surrounding the through hole and disposed between the light guide plate and the through hole for shielding.

Abstract: A switch structure with display and playback functions includes a base, a circuit board, a holder, a display screen, and a cover. The circuit board is received in the base and has an electrical connection region. A supporting member and a flexible flat cable are provided below the holder. An elastic supporting element in the supporting member corresponds in position to the electrical connection region and is provided with an electrical connector. The display screen is provided on the holder and is electrically connected to the circuit board by the flexible flat cable. The cover covers the holder and the display screen. When the cover is pressed downward, thereby compressing the elastic supporting element, the electrical connector is contacted with, and closes the circuit of, the electrical connection region to connect the display screen to the circuit board. The switch structure features a small internal space and small thickness.

Abstract: A knob structure and an electronic device thereof are disclosed. The knob structure is assembled with a case of the electronic device and includes a plurality of pressing portions, an elastic component, and a fixing component. At least one pressing portion has a pressing rib used for pressing a switch module. The elastic component includes a main body and a plurality of elastic ribs. The plurality of elastic rib is disposed on the main body to support the pressing portion. When the pressing portion is pressed along a supporting direction, the elastic rib is capable of providing an elastic force. The fixing component includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to at least one of the plurality of pressing portions and the second end is extended along a direction different from the supporting direction and fixed to the case.

Abstract: The number of operation keys is normally on the order of 12 to 20, corresponding to numeral keys and specialized keys, even for a portable telephone device capable of sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the Internet. In order to input Japanese language characters, including kanji, and specialized characters as data, a complex operation is necessary for switching the input mode. With the present invention, display devices are formed in operation keys for inputting information to electronic devices such as portable information terminals, typically portable telephone devices, and information terminals, typically personal computer or stationary telephone devices. A user is able to recognize the operation keys by characters, symbols, and numerals displayed in the operation keys by the display devices. The user is able to recognize the operation keys even in a dark location in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A control panel assembly includes a control panel; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED); and an LED bracket to accommodate the plurality of LEDs, the LED bracket including a plurality of light guide holes, each of the plurality of light guide holes being configured to guide light from one of the plurality of LEDs. Each of the plurality of light guide holes includes a first portion to accommodate one of the plurality of LEDs; and a second portion to guide light emitted from the LED accommodated in the first portion, a cross-sectional area of the first portion decreases toward the second portion.

Abstract: A light emitting key is disclosed. A through hole is made through piezoresistive layer; a light source is arranged under the bottom of the light emitting key. When the light source is turned on, light beams shall emit out of the top substrate. The light emitting effect of the key facilitates it to be used in a dark area such as an aircraft flying in the night sky.

Abstract: An electrical switch device has a contact system and a movable actuator for switching the contact system. The contact system resiliently preloads a sliding contact against a first fixed contact in a first switch position and against a second fixed contact in a second switch position. In case of pressurization, the actuator moves the sliding contact mainly linearly from the first switch position to the second switch position. In the first switch position, the actuator adjoins to a snap-action element having a stable position and actuates the latter from its stable position to an instable position when switching over to the second switch position, wherein the snap-action element returns to the stable position upon completion of pressurization by means of the actuator.

Abstract: Techniques and devices provide backlighting for keys of a keyboard or keypad.

Abstract: A button device has a circuit board, a tact switch having a pressed surface, a light source, and a resilient button capable of sliding relative to the circuit board. The resilient button includes a pressed portion having a projection surface and a light guide column connected to the pressed portion and directing light toward the projection surface. The light guide column includes a light receiving surface facing the light source with a certain distance apart and a touchable portion apart from the pressed surface with a certain distance used for touching the tact switch.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of key tops having areas where light is transmitted; a gear link part provided below the key top and configured to vertically move the key top, a housing part provided below the key top, the housing part being configured to hold the gear link part; a rubber actuator configured to provide a reaction force based on vertical motion of the key top; a membrane sheet provided below the rubber actuator and having a contact, the contact being configured to open and close based on the vertical motion of the key top; a support panel provided below the membrane sheet, the support panel being configured to fix the gear link part with the housing part; a light guide plate provided below the support panel; and a light emitting diode configured to emit the light to a side surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A push-button switch (1) is arranged such that, once a user presses an operation button (8), a switch body (20) performs an operation, and light from an LED (21) passes through a transmission plate (70) and then illuminates the operation button (8). A structure (700) is provided on a lower surface (70b) of the transmission plate (70) to refract the light from the LED (21) so that the refracted light is reflected within the transmission plate (70) and then guided to an upper circumferential wall (71) of the transmission plate (70).

Abstract: A luminescent keyswitch module includes a base plate, a keyswitch, a light guide plate, a light source, a diffusion structure, and a reflector. The keyswitch is disposed on the base plate. The light guide plate, disposed under the base plate, has an accommodating space communicated with a through hole of the base plate. The light source passes through the through hole, is accommodated in the accommodating space, and emits light having a first divergence angle. The diffusion structure is accommodated in the accommodating space and located between the light source and the light guide plate. The light passes through the diffusion structure. The light leaving the second light exit surface has a second divergence angle larger than the first divergence angle. The reflector is disposed under the light guide plate, so as to reflect the light to pass through the light guide plate and the base plate to the keyswitch.

Abstract: An illuminated glass keycap having a glyph diffuser layer that may diffuse light through a glyph window opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the glyph window may be transparent. The keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the keycap, around the perimeter of the keycap, and/or through the background layer.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch array is proposed which provides an illuminatable operating surface and manages with only few light sources without requiring any separate optical waveguide structures. The pushbutton switch array has a frame which is covered by a transparent film and includes recesses which have actuating elements accommodated therein for displacement. The actuating elements are configured to have light-guiding and light-coupling structures. A shared light source is, or only few shared light sources are, optically coupled to the light-coupling structures of the actuating elements which, for their part, are optically coupled to each other by adjoining light-coupling structures. The light-guiding structures guide the light coupled into the actuating elements to the actuating surface adjacent to the film. The actuating elements may be provided with symbols on their actuating surface adjoining the film, the symbols being visible through the film.

Abstract: According to one general aspect of the invention, a keyboard of a computing device includes a keycap and a light source. The keycap is configured to actuate a switch of the computing device. The keycap includes a metal material and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the keycap is configured to be viewed by a user while operating the computing device and defines one or more openings in the keycap. The one or more openings in the upper surface is patterned in the shape of a single alphanumeric character. The lower surface of the keycap defines one or more openings in the keycap. The keycap defines one or more passageways extending from the one or more openings defined by the upper surface of the keycap through the keycap to the one or more openings defined by the lower surface of the keycap.

Abstract: A method for producing a keycap of a keyboard of a portable electronic device that includes removing material from the backside of a body of the keycap to form a cavity in a shape associated with a character, filling the cavity with fill material, and removing material from the front side of the body to expose the fill material on the front surface of the keycap.

Abstract: A light curing device (10) for dental purposes which is provided with a housing (12), at least one control element for controlling the operation of the light curing device and an actuating member (26) which is mounted moveably relative to the housing for the actuation of the control element. The light curing device is provided with at least two control elements (44, 46) spaced apart from each other which are electrically connected in parallel. Furthermore, at least one of the control elements (44, 46) can be actuated by actuation of the actuating member (26).

Abstract: An input mechanism device and a method for providing an edge-to-edge input mechanism are provided. The device includes a lens at a surface facing an engager of the input mechanism; a finishing layer opposite the surface, applied on the lens; an adhesive layer on the finishing layer; a sub-retainer, the sub-retainer and the adhesive layer being bonded with each other via adhesive properties associated with the adhesive layer; and a button retainer to engage with the sub-retainer in response to the engager of the input mechanism applying pressure on the lens.

Abstract: An illumination display switching device includes a board, a push button-type switch mounted on the board, a light source mounted on the board, and a switch knob that is supported to a frame member to be slidable in an operation direction of the push button-type switch. The switch knob includes a display design part that is molded with a light-transmitting resin, a non-display design part except for the display design part that is molded with an opaque resin and a light guide member that is integrally molded with the light-transmitting resin of the display design part. The light guide member includes a base part and an arm part, and the base part is integrally molded with the display design part and the arm part extends from the base part and is connected to a switch part of the push button-type switch.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source, a light shielding sheet, a light reflecting sheet and a light shielding member. The light guide plate has a hole formed thereon and the hole has a side wall. The light source is disposed neighboring to the light guide plate and used for emitting light into the light guide plate. The light shielding sheet is disposed on the light guide plate. The light reflecting sheet is disposed below the light guide plate. The light shielding member is disposed in the hole and covers the side wall of the hole, so as to block the light guided by the light guide plate from being emitted out of the hole.

Abstract: An interface, apparatus, circuit and method for interfacing with an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, are disclosed. The interface includes a key pad with a number of keys, each operable for providing a unique input to the electronic device, and a actuator for selectively actuating one or more of the keys. A controller, coupled to the key pad, scans the keys according to a mode of operation of the electronic device. A mode selector, operable with the controller, selects a first or second operating mode. In the first, useful for instance in performing telephonic functions, each key provides its unique input discretely. In the second mode, useful for instance for providing a game related function, certain of the keys are selectively chorded to function for providing their respective inputs together, effectively simultaneously, according to a manipulation of the actuator by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating a keycap on a keyboard are described. One system comprises a first light source positioned below the keycap on the keyboard and arranged to illuminate a portion of a bottom of the keycap. The system also comprises a second light source, adjacent the first light source, positioned below the keycap and arranged to illuminate a portion of the bottom of the keycap. One method of illuminating a keycap on a keyboard comprises activating a first light source, wherein the first light source and a second light source are positioned below the keycap on the keyboard, and activating the second light source responsive to the first light source operating outside a predetermined threshold parameter.

Abstract: A light guide is provided for illuminating innumerable constructions, but which is ideally suited for illuminating the keys of a keyboard. The light guide includes a translucent planar plate having a top, a bottom and sides. Further, the light guide includes one or more cavities which project upwardly into the translucent plate from its bottom surface. The cavities are hollow or filled with a translucent material so that the translucent plate and the one or more cavities form translucent interfaces where the cavities interface with the plate. The light guide also includes a reflector which covers the plate bottom and cavity openings.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a light-emitting element, a membrane wiring board, plural keys, and a light guide plate module. The plural keys are used for correspondingly triggering the plural membrane switches. The light-emitting element is used for providing the light beam to the luminous keyboard. The light guide plate module includes a first reflective layer, a second reflective layer, and a light-guiding layer between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The light-guiding layer includes plural light-outputting regions and a spacing region. The plural light-outputting regions are aligned with the plural keys, respectively. The spacing region is arranged around the plural light-outputting regions. Moreover, plural light-guiding dots are located at the plural light-outputting regions, and at least one light diffusion structure is located at the spacing region.

Abstract: A button for providing visual-haptic information includes a visual-haptic variable button that adaptively provides various types of visual-haptic information according to input of information to an electronic apparatus. The visual-haptic variable button includes a visual information output part that adaptively changes various types of button icons according to manipulation and touch of the visual-haptic variable button for the input of information, thereby outputting visual information, and a haptic information output part that adaptively changes various types of sense of button manipulation and sense of button touch according to the manipulation and touch of the visual-haptic variable button, thereby outputting haptic information. At least one visual-haptic variable button is provided in the electronic apparatus for the input of information.

Abstract: A multi-illuminated pushbutton, including a substrate having a switch and a button cap. A lighting board may be affixed to the substrate, the lighting board having a first light source, a second light source, and a through channel disposed between the first light source and the second light source. The button cap can have a first window for transmission of light from the first light source, a second window for transmission of light from the second light source, and a button base disposed through the channel of the lighting board and in operable relation with the switch. The button base can be shaped to prevent substantially all light emitted from the first light source from transmission through the second window and prevents substantially all light emitted from the second light source from transmission through the first window.

Abstract: An operation key including an image transmissive part configured to transmit an image of display information located behind the image transmissive part, where an inclined surface is formed in at least a part of a rear surface of the image transmissive part, and the inclined surface is inclined onto a front surface side of the image transmissive part toward a far side from a side near an operator.

Abstract: A locally illuminated keycap is located in a keyboard. The keyboard includes a lighting unit to project light to the keycap. The keycap includes at least one top edge to form an opaque press surface, at least one bottom edge located below the press surface to form a light incident surface to receive light, and at least one transparent light emitting surface connecting to the top edge and bottom edge to emit light. The press surface and light emitting surface form an inclined angle between them greater than 90 degrees. The press surface, light incident surface and light emitting surface jointly form a light retaining zone. Light generated by the lighting unit projects to the light incident surface and enters the light retaining zone, and is masked by the opaque press surface to emit locally through the transparent light emitting surface.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus for a portable communication device in which a plurality of pressurizing protrusions are integrated with a plurality of dome switches is provided. To this end, the keypad apparatus includes a keypad comprising a plurality of key buttons, a front frame provided on a top surface of the keypad, a light path provided on a bottom surface of the keypad, and a plurality of dome switches provided on a bottom surface of the light path, such that a respective plurality of pressurizing protrusions are integrated with the plurality of dome switches on top surfaces of the plurality of dome switches.

Abstract: A key plate includes a light-permeable covering plate having a plurality of first key openings and includes a key symbol display plate disposed on the light-permeable covering plate and having a plurality of second key openings and a plurality of light-permeable key symbol blocks. The light-permeable key symbol blocks are positioned proximate to the second key openings, respectively. The second key openings correspond in position to the first key openings, respectively. Further provided is an illuminated keyboard with the key plate. Accordingly, the key plate and the illuminated keyboard feature simplified structure, low manufacturing costs, and short manufacturing process, prevent users' fingers from hiding symbols displayed on the keys in bright and dark environments, prevent the symbols displayed on the keys from getting blurred or smeared after long contact with the users' fingers, and feature variable appearance of the key symbol display plate.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a light-emitting element, a membrane circuit member, a key base plate, and plural keys. The membrane circuit member includes an upper wiring board and a lower wiring board. A first circuit pattern is formed on the lower wiring board. A second circuit pattern is formed on the upper wiring board. The first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern collectively define plural membrane switches. The lower wiring board further includes plural film layers for increasing the light-guiding efficacy of the lower wiring board. Moreover, the plural keys are connected to the key base plate. The key base plate is arranged between the plural keys and the membrane circuit member.