# US 8,540,384 B2 · Low power low cost illuminated keyboards and keypads > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,540,384 B2 - Document ID: US8540384B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/022,314 - Filed: 2011-02-07 - Published: 2011-09-08 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 1998-08-26 - Applicants: Andrew J. Katrinecz, Jr.; David Clark Byrd - Inventors: Andrew J. Katrinecz, Jr.; David Clark Byrd - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8540384B2 ## CPC - H01H 13/70: having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard (mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B) - H01H 2219/018: Electroluminescent panel - H01H 2219/034: Coloured areas - H01H 2219/038: ambient light dependent - H01H 2219/052: Phosphorescence - 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) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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 wherein one or more key caps are tinted with one or more different colors to provide illuminated key caps that emit light of one or more different color tints. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the key caps of groups of keys are tinted with different colors to provide illuminated groups of keys that emit light of different colors. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 11 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 wherein one or more key caps are tinted with one or more different colors to provide illuminated key caps that emit light of one or more different color tints. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, wherein the key caps of groups of keys are tinted with different colors to provide illuminated groups of keys that emit light of different colors. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, further comprising an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) The phone pad of claim 11, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The phone pad of claim 18, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The phone pad of claim 18, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 21 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 wherein one or more key caps are tinted with one or more different colors to provide illuminated key caps that emit light of one or more different color tints. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, wherein the key caps of groups of keys are tinted with different colors to provide illuminated groups of keys that emit light of different colors. ### Claim 24 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 25 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 26 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 27 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, further comprising an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 28 (depends on 21) The data entry pad of claim 21, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The data entry pad of claim 28, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 30 (depends on 28) The data entry pad of claim 28, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 31 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 wherein one or more key caps are tinted with one or more different colors to provide illuminated key caps that emit light of one or more different color tints. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 33 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, wherein the key caps of groups of keys are tinted with different colors to provide illuminated groups of keys that emit light of different colors. ### Claim 34 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels. ### Claim 35 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 36 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 37 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, further comprising an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 38 (depends on 31) The data entry pad of claim 31, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 39 (depends on 38) The data entry pad of claim 38, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 40 (depends on 38) The data entry pad of claim 38, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 41 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, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels, and wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels; and an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The keyboard of claim 41, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 43 (depends on 41) The keyboard of claim 41, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 44 (depends on 41) The keyboard of claim 41, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) The keyboard of claim 44, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 46 (depends on 44) The keyboard of claim 44, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 47 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, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels, and wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels; and an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The phone pad of claim 47, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 49 (depends on 47) The phone pad of claim 47, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 50 (depends on 47) The phone pad of claim 47, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The phone pad of claim 50, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 52 (depends on 50) The phone pad of claim 50, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 53 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, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels, and wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels; and an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) The data entry pad of claim 53, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 55 (depends on 53) The data entry pad of claim 53, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 56 (depends on 53) The data entry pad of claim 53, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 57 (depends on 56) The data entry pad of claim 56, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 58 (depends on 56) The data entry pad of claim 56, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed. ### Claim 59 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, wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more electroluminescent plastic panels, and wherein the luminescent sheet comprises one or more tinted areas or regions to alter the underlying color of at least one of the one or more electroluminescent plastic panels; and an at least partially optically transmissive top plate which diffuses the light evenly with a surface and an area through which the key caps extend. ### Claim 60 (depends on 59) The data entry pad of claim 59, wherein the optically transmissive portion of at least one key cap defines the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive portion of the at least one key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 61 (depends on 59) The data entry pad of claim 59, wherein at least one key cap comprises a substantially opaque portion defining the symbol or function of the respective key; wherein the symbol or function of the respective key is made visible to the user of the apparatus by emitting light through the optically transmissive material of the key cap; and wherein the function that the symbol denotes comprises alphabetic, numeric, special character sets, special functions, Esc, Prnt Scrn, Forward, Backward, Play, Stop, simulated mouse buttons and/or cursor control functions. ### Claim 62 (depends on 59) The data entry pad of claim 59, further comprising an intensity control device configured to control the intensity of illumination from an off state to one or more levels of illumination. ### Claim 63 (depends on 62) The data entry pad of claim 62, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least a portion of the luminescent sheet when a key is pressed. ### Claim 64 (depends on 62) The data entry pad of claim 62, wherein the intensity control device turns on at least one of the one or more portions of the luminescent sheet to one or more levels of illumination or off when any specifically defined key or set of keys is pressed.