# US 2022/0037101 A1 · Information handling system keyboard embedded micro led backlight

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- Number: US 2022/0037101 A1
- Document ID: US20220037101A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/940,599
- Filed: 2020-07-28
- Published: 2022-02-03
- Earliest claimed: 2020-07-28
- Assignees: Dell Products L.P.
- Applicants: Dell Products L.P.
- Inventors: Brandon J. Brocklesby; Jason S. Morrison; Priyank J. Gajiwala
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220037101A1

## CPC

- H01H 13/83: characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
- G06F 1/1616: {with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position}
- G06F 1/1662: {Details related to the integrated keyboard}
- G06F 3/0202: {Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device}
- H01H 13/703: characterised by spacers between contact carrying layers
- H01H 13/704: characterised by the layers, e.g. by their material or structure (H01H13/703 takes precedence)
- H01H 13/705: characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
- H01H 2219/014: LED
- H01H 2219/036: Light emitting elements
- H01H 2219/056: Diffuser; Uneven surface
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

## Abstract

Information handling system keyboard illumination is provided with micro LEDs disposed below keyboard keys to direct illumination at each key individually. The micro LEDs may be integrated at a bottom surface of a support plate below a keyboard membrane, on top of the support plate within an opening of the membrane or in a spacer layer of the membrane between circuit layers. A diffuser disposed between the micro LED helps to diffuse illumination directed at the key for a more even icon illumination. The diffuser may be integrated with the membrane at an upper circuit layer or over a structure disposed over the micro LED.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An information handling system comprising:
a housing;
a processor disposed in the housing and operable to execute instructions that process information;
a memory disposed in the housing and interfaced with the processor, the memory operable to store the instructions and information;
an embedded controller disposed in the housing and interfaced with the processor, the embedded controller operable to accept inputs from input devices and communicate the inputs to the processor; and
a keyboard interfaced with the embedded controller, the keyboard having plural keys, each key accepting an input by a press at a membrane for communication to the embedded controller, the keyboard further having plural light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed below the plural keys, each LED directed up towards one of the keys.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:
a diffusion layer integrated in the membrane having a diffusive material;
wherein the diffusion layer aligns a diffusive material between each of the LEDs and the associated one of the plural keys.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:
a support plate disposed below the membrane, the support plate having plural openings;
wherein the LEDs are disposed below the support plate, each LED aligned with one of the plural openings to illuminate towards the one of the plural keys.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The information handling system of claim 1 wherein:
the membrane comprises upper and lower circuit layers separate by a spacer layer; and
the plural LEDs integrate in the spacer layer.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The information handling system of claim 4 wherein the upper circuit layer comprises a diffusion material aligned with each of the plural LEDs.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:
a support plate disposed below the membrane, the plural LEDs disposed on the support plate;
wherein the membrane has plural openings, each LED aligned with one of the plural openings to illuminate towards the one of the plural keys.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The information handling system of claim 6 further comprising a structure coupled to support plate at each membrane opening and aligned to direct LED illumination at the one of the plural keys.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The information handling system of claim 7 further comprising a diffuser coupled to the structure to diffuse light illuminating from the LED.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The information handling system of claim 6 wherein the LED is disposed off center in the membrane opening, the membrane blocking transmission of illumination in a predetermined direction.

### Claim 10

A method for illumination of keyboard keys, the method comprising:
disposing plural LEDs in a keyboard having plural keys, each LED aligned under an associated key of the plural keys to illuminate the associated key;
generating illumination from the plural LEDs; and
managing the illumination of the LEDs to direct the illumination at the associated key of the plural keys of each LED.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10 wherein the managing the illumination further comprises:
integrating each LED in a membrane of the keyboard between upper and lower circuit layers; and
integrating a diffuser in the upper circuit layer aligned with each LED.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10 wherein the managing illumination further comprises:
coupling each LED under a support plate below a membrane of the keyboard; and
illuminating from each LED through an opening formed in the support plate and through the membrane towards the associated key.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The method of claim 12 further comprising:
integrating a diffuser in the membrane at each LED; and
diffusing the illumination passing through the membrane towards the associated key.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10 wherein the managing illumination further comprises:
forming an opening in a membrane of the keyboard at each associated key;
coupling each LED to a support plate disposed below the membrane; and
coupling a structure proximate each LED to direct the illumination towards the associated key.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling a diffuser to the structure between the LED and the associated key.

### Claim 16 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10 wherein the managing illumination further comprises:
forming an opening in a membrane of the keyboard at each associated key;
coupling each LED to a support plate disposed below the membrane; and
coupling scissors at each opening to block illumination in a predetermined direction.

### Claim 17

A keyboard comprising:
a support plate;
a membrane disposed on the support plate, the membrane having an upper and lower circuit layer configured to detect a key touch;
plural keys disposed over the membrane and operable to accept an end user touch to translate the touch as an input at the membrane;
an LED disposed under each key; and
a diffuser disposed at each LED to diffuse illumination towards the key.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The keyboard of claim 17 wherein:
each LED integrates in the membrane between the upper and lower circuit layers; and
the diffuser integrates in the upper circuit layer.

### Claim 19 (depends on 17)

The keyboard of claim 17 wherein:
the support plate has plural openings, each LED coupled to a lower surface of the support plate at one of the openings; and
the diffuser integrates in the membrane.

### Claim 20 (depends on 17)

The keyboard of claim 17 further comprising:
a structure coupled to the support plate through an opening of the membrane at each key;
wherein the diffuser couples to the structure over the LED.