US 5,867,149 AGranted

Switch key image display and operator/circuit interface

AssigneeIntertactile Technologies Corporation

InventorDenny Jaeger

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Abstract

Keys or buttons for operating switches contain flat panel displays for displaying changeable images that convey information pertaining to operation of the switches. Labels at the face of the keys can change instantly and automatically when the functions of the switches change during different modes of operation of an electronic system. The display including driver integrated circuit chips is contained within a transparent key cap and has a bezel free construction enabling display of images that may extend to the edges of the face of the display. The invention provides for durable moisture sealing at the edges of a display which contains very thin internal edge seals and, in one form, provides similar sealing at a passage through the active image area of the display through which a switch button or other control may extend. A single set of such keys may be used to control diverse different types of electronic devices. Labels displayed by the set of keys change when the operator switches from control of one such device to control of another.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A switch key which displays changeable images pertaining to use of the key comprising:

an electrically controlled flat panel display having front and back surfaces and having an image display area formed by an optically active layer at which images are generated and in which said optically active layer including said image display area extends substantially to at least one edge of the flat panel display, and
a key cap having a transparent face overlaying said front surface of said flat panel display and having a skirt region which extends along said edge of said flat panel display and which is bonded to said edge of said flat panel display by moisture impervious bonding material which contacts said skirt region and said edge of said flat panel display, said key cap and bonding material forming a continuous unbroken seal along said edge of said flat panel display,
wherein said key cap has a recess behind said face thereof which is bounded by said skirt region of said key cap, said flat panel display being disposed within said recess in parallel relationship with said face of said key cap and wherein said optically active area of said flat panel display including said image display area is substantially coextensive with said front surface of said flat panel display.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.