The present application relates generally to an apparatus and method for a user input element in an electronic device.
Electronic devices are generally provided with various user input elements that enable users to interact with devices. User input elements such as keys, knobs, and buttons can have a considerable variety of shapes, markings, and surface finish options.
Electronic devices can be operated on a broad range of usage situations and lighting conditions. It is desirable that markings of user input elements are easily distinguishable in various conditions so that the user can identify the purpose or function assigned to a user input element.
Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a user input element body; a photochrome layer, the photochrome layer disposed on a surface of the user input element body; and an aperture through the photochrome layer, the aperture having a character shape.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: providing a user input element body; providing a photochrome layer, the photochrome layer disposed on a surface of the user input element body; and forming an aperture through the photochrome layer, the aperture having a character shape.
For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
a is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer on a top surface, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
b is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer on a back surface, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
a is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer, with illumination having a first illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
b is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer, with illumination having a second illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
a is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer and a color layer on a top surface, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
b is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer and a color layer on a back surface, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
a is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer and a color layer, with illumination having a first illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
b is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element comprising a photochrome layer and a color layer, with illumination having a second illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention;
An example embodiment of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to
a is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element 100 comprising a photochrome layer 105 on a top surface 110, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The top surface 110 is a surface which is configured to be exposed and accessible to a user and to receive a force exerted by a finger or other object.
The photochrome layer 105 is a layer comprising a photochromic material having photochromic characteristics. The photochromic material has an absorption spectrum which changes reversibly as a function of intensity of the illumination that the photochromic material is exposed to. The photochromic material has different color shades at different levels of illumination. The photochromic material has a first shade at a first level of illumination, and a second shade at a second level of illumination which is higher than the first level. In an embodiment, the first shade is a light shade, and the second shade is a dark shade. In an embodiment, the light shade is white. In an embodiment, the dark shade is black, or a dark shade of a color such as red, blue, or green. However, the first and second shades can be any colors without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the photochromic material is selected from spiropyran and spirooxazine. However, any suitable photochromic material may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
The user input element 100 comprises a user input element body 115. In an embodiment, the user input element body 115 comprises a translucent material that permits at least partial transmission of light through the user input element body 115. The translucent material may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The translucent material is polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the user input element body 115 is injection molded as one piece, but other structures and manufacturing methods are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises a backing layer 120 overlaying at least a portion of the top surface 110. The backing layer 120 may be facing and in contact with the user input element body 115. In an embodiment, the backing layer 120 comprises a dark shade, such as black. In an embodiment, the backing layer 120 is substantially opaque, allowing no transmission or only minimal transmission of light. The backing layer 120 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the backing layer 120 is disposed adjacent to the photochrome layer 105. In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 105 may be overlaying at least a portion of the backing layer 120 in such a way that the backing layer 120 is located between the photochrome layer 105 and the user input element body 115. The photochrome layer 105 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises a protective layer 125. The protective layer 125 is overlaying at least a portion of the photochrome layer 105. The protective layer may be facing and in contact with the photochrome layer 105. In an embodiment, the protective layer 125 comprises a durable plastic material, and it is configured to protect the photochrome layer 105 against impacts and wear. In an embodiment, the protective layer 125 is translucent in such a way that it permits at least partial transmission of light. The protective layer 125 may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The protective layer 125 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises an aperture 130 extending through the photochrome layer 105, and the backing layer 120, and exposing a portion of the user input element body 115. The aperture may extend through the protective layer 125.
b is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element 100 comprising a photochrome layer 105 on a back surface 117, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The back surface 117 is a surface generally opposite and facing away from a top surface 110. The top surface 110 is a surface which is configured to be exposed and accessible to a user and to receive a force exerted by a finger or other object.
The photochrome layer 105 is a layer comprising a photochromic material having photochromic characteristics. The photochromic material has an absorption spectrum which changes reversibly as a function of intensity of the illumination that the photochromic material is exposed to. The photochromic material has different color shades at different levels of illumination. The photochromic material has a first shade at a first level of illumination, and a second shade at a second level of illumination which is higher than the first level. In an embodiment, the first shade is a light shade, and the second shade is a dark shade. In an embodiment, the light shade is white. In an embodiment, the dark shade is black, or a dark shade of a color such as red, blue, or green. However, the first and second shades can be any colors without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the photochromic material is selected from spiropyran and spirooxazine. However, any suitable photochromic material may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
The user input element 100 comprises a user input element body 115. In an embodiment, the user input element body 115 comprises a translucent material that permits at least partial transmission of light through the user input element body 115. The translucent material may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The translucent material is polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the user input element body 115 is injection molded as one piece, but other structures and manufacturing methods are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 105 is overlaying at least a portion of the back surface 117. The photochrome layer 105 may be facing and in contact with the user input element body 115. The photochrome layer 105 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises a backing layer 120 overlaying at least a portion of the photochrome layer 105. The backing layer may be facing and in contact with the photochrome layer 105. In an embodiment, the backing layer 120 comprises a dark shade, such as black. In an embodiment, the backing layer 120 is substantially opaque, allowing no transmission or only minimal transmission of light. The backing layer 120 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises a protective layer 125. The protective layer 125 is overlaying at least a portion of the backing layer 105. The protective layer 125 may be facing and in contact with the backing layer 120. In an embodiment, the protective layer 125 comprises a durable plastic material, and it is configured to protect the backing layer 105 against impacts and wear. In an embodiment, the protective layer 125 is translucent in such a way that it permits at least partial transmission of light. The protective layer 125 may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The protective layer 125 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 100 comprises an aperture 130 extending through the backing layer 120, and the photochrome layer 105, exposing a portion of the user input element body 115. The aperture may extend through the protective layer 125.
a is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element 200 comprising a photochrome layer 205, with illumination having a first illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The first illumination level may be a low illumination level. The user input element 200 may be the user input element 100 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 200 comprises a character shaped aperture 230, which may be the aperture 130 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 200 is configured for installation in a device comprising a backlight arrangement. In an embodiment, the backlight arrangement is configured to emit white light. However, any color or a combination of colors can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the user input element 200 is configured to be installed in the device in such a way that at least part of the light emitted by the backlight arrangement is directed through the user input element body 115 of
b is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element 200 comprising a photochrome layer 205, with illumination having a second illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The second illumination level may be a high illumination level. The user input element 200 may be the user input element 100 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 200 comprises a character shaped aperture 230, which may be the aperture 130 of
In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 205 is configured to form a color contrast with the user input element body 115 of
a is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element 300 comprising a photochrome layer 305 and a color layer 327 on a top surface 310, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The top surface 310 is a surface which is configured to be exposed and accessible to a user and to receive a force exerted by a finger or other object. The photochrome layer 305 may be similar to the photochrome layer 105 of
In an embodiment, the color layer 327 is a layer comprising a light color such as white. However, any suitable color is possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the color of the color layer 327 is selected in such a way that at a first illumination level the photochrome layer 305 has a shade resembling the color of the color layer 327, and at a second illumination level the photochrome layer 305 has a shade differing from the color of the color layer 327. In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 305 and the color layer 327 are substantially not distinguishable from each other at the first illumination level. In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 305 and the color layer 327 are easily distinguishable from each other at the second illumination level.
In an embodiment, the color layer 327 is overlaying the backing layer 320. The color layer 327 may be facing and in contact with the backing layer 320 and the photochrome layer 305 in such a way that the color layer 327 is located between the backing layer 320 and the photochrome layer 305. The color layer 327 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 100.
In an embodiment, the user input element 300 comprises a protective layer 325. The protective layer 325 is overlaying at least a portion of the photochrome layer 305. The protective layer 325 may be facing and in contact with the photochrome layer 305. In an embodiment, the protective layer 325 comprises a durable plastic material, and it is configured to protect the photochrome layer 305 against impacts and wear. In an embodiment, the protective layer 325 is translucent in such a way that it permits at least partial transmission of light. The protective layer 325 may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The protective layer 325 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 300.
In an embodiment, the user input element 300 comprises a first aperture 330 which may be similar to the aperture 130 of
b is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a user input element 300 comprising a photochrome layer 305 and a color layer 327 on a back surface 317, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The back surface 317 is a surface generally opposite and facing away from a top surface 310. The top surface 310 is a surface which is configured to be exposed and accessible to a user and to receive a force exerted by a finger or other object. The photochrome layer 305 may be similar to the photochrome layer 105 of
In an embodiment, the color layer 327 is a layer comprising a light color such as white. However, any suitable color is possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the color of the color layer 327 is selected in such a way that at a first illumination level the photochrome layer 305 has a shade resembling the color of the color layer 327, and at a second illumination level the photochrome layer 305 has a shade differing from the color of the color layer 327. In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 305 and the color layer are substantially not distinguishable from each other at the first illumination level. In an embodiment, the photochrome layer 305 and the color layer 327 are easily distinguishable from each other at the second illumination level.
In an embodiment, the color layer 327 is overlaying the photo chrome layer 305. The color layer 327 may be facing and in contact with the backing layer 320 and the photochrome layer 305 in such a way that the color layer 327 is located between the backing layer 320 and the photochrome layer 305. The color layer 327 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 300.
In an embodiment, the user input element 300 comprises a protective layer 325. The protective layer 325 is overlaying at least a portion of the backing layer 320. The protective layer 325 may be facing and in contact with the backing layer 320. In an embodiment, the protective layer 325 comprises a durable plastic material, and it is configured to protect the backing layer 320 against impacts and wear. In an embodiment, the protective layer 325 is translucent in such a way that it permits at least partial transmission of light. The protective layer 325 may be translucent for visible light, and it may be translucent for other parts of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. The protective layer 325 may extend to one or more other surfaces of the user input element 300.
In an embodiment, the user input element 300 comprises a first aperture 330 which may be similar to the aperture 130 of
a is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element 400 comprising a photochrome layer 405 and a color layer 427, with illumination having a first illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The first illumination level may be a low illumination level. The user input element 400 may be the user input element 300 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 400 is configured for installation in a device comprising a backlight arrangement. In an embodiment, the backlight arrangement is configured to emit white light. However, any color or a combination of colors can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an embodiment, the user input element 400 is configured to be installed in the device in such a way that at least part of the light emitted by the backlight arrangement is directed through the user input element body 315 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 400 comprises a second character shaped aperture 435, which may be the second aperture 335 of
b is a diagram illustrating a top view of a user input element 400 comprising a photochrome layer 405 and a color layer 427, with illumination having a second illumination level, according to an example embodiment of the invention. The second illumination level may be a high illumination level. The user input element 400 may be the user input element 300 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 400 comprises a first character shaper aperture 430, which may be similar to the first aperture 330 of
In an embodiment, the user input element 400 comprises a second character shaped aperture 435, which may be the second aperture 335 of
Referring to
At 620, an aperture 130 of
In an embodiment, the method comprises disposing the protective layer 125 of
In an embodiment, the method comprises forming the first aperture 330 of
At 720, the second aperture 335 of
In an embodiment, the method comprises disposing the protective layer 325 of
Referring both to
Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a user input element is provided, the user input element having one or more symbols or shapes on a top or back surface. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the symbols or shapes are easily distinguishable under a broad range of illumination levels. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a user input element is provided, the user input element having one or more symbols or shapes is provided, the symbols or shapes being substantially not distinguishable at a first illumination level, and distinguishable at a second illumination level. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a cheap and durable user input element suitable for mass manufacturing is provided.
If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined.
Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.
It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.