Low power low cost illuminated keyboards and keypads
OwnerAndrew J. Katrinecz, JR., David Clark Byrdinventors
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Abstract
Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.
Claims15
1-20. (canceled)
A keyboard for a portable computer comprising:
- one or more illuminated components, wherein the illuminated components comprise one or more key cap components, the key cap components comprising an optically transmissive material;
- a luminescent sheet underlying the one or more illuminated components to provide an intensity of illumination to the illuminated components that is visible to a user of the apparatus;
- and
- an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination.
A phone pad comprising:
- one or more illuminated components, wherein the illuminated components comprise one or more key cap components, the key cap components comprising an optically transmissive material;
- a luminescent sheet underlying the one or more illuminated components to provide an intensity of illumination to the illuminated components that is visible to a user of the apparatus;
- and
- an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination.
A data entry pad for a personal digital assistant comprising:
- one or more illuminated components, wherein the illuminated components comprise one or more key cap components, the key cap components comprising an optically transmissive material;
- a luminescent sheet underlying the one or more illuminated components to provide an intensity of illumination to the illuminated components that is visible to a user of the apparatus;
- and
- an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination.
A data entry pad for a remote control comprising:
- one or more illuminated components, wherein the illuminated components comprise one or more key cap components, the key cap components comprising an optically transmissive material;
- a luminescent sheet underlying the one or more illuminated components to provide an intensity of illumination to the illuminated components that is visible to a user of the apparatus;
- and
- an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.