Apparatus and method of backlighting through a cover on the apparatus

Abstract

A keyboard apparatus includes a key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.