Computer input device with interactively illuminating keys

Abstract

An interactively illuminating computer input device for a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment the device is a keyboard. The keyboard has a bi-directional communication link between the keyboard and the computer. The keyboard also has one or more keys, each capable of illumination. The keyboard also has a keyboard controller, operably coupled to the bi-directional communication link and the keys. The keyboard controller detects depression of a key on the keyboard by the user of the computer. The keyboard controller also controls the illumination of a key on the keyboard by the computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to illuminate the key. In a further embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to dim the key. In yet a further embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to illuminate the key if the key is dim, and to dim the key if the key is illuminated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.