Patent Application
20130002727
The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns.
With increasing development of science and technology, various touch-sensitive input devices are introduced into the market. The touch-sensitive input device may be operated in two different input modes. In addition, the touch-sensitive input device has an illumination module. In a case that the illumination module is enabled, a preset pattern of the touch-sensitive input device is visible, and thus the touch-sensitive input device is operated in a first input mode. Whereas, in a case that the illumination module is disabled, the preset pattern is invisible, and thus the touch-sensitive input device is operated in a second input mode. That is, the user may realize the current input mode of the touch-sensitive input device by judging whether the preset pattern is visible or not. For example, if the illumination module is disabled, the overall outward appearance of the touch-sensitive input device looks black, and the input mode is a preset mouse cursor control mode. Under this circumstance, the user may perform a mouse-moving action or a clicking action by operating the overall black touch-sensitive input device. Whereas, if the illumination module is enabled, the touch-sensitive input device is shown as a luminous keyboard, and the input mode is a preset keyboard control mode. Under this circumstance, the user may input characters and symbols via the touch-sensitive input device according to the visible luminous pattern. For avoiding the user's confusion, the luminous touch-sensitive input device should be specially designed to make the preset pattern invisible when the illumination module is disabled and make the preset pattern visible when illumination module is enabled.
In a case that the illumination module 12 of the luminous input device 1 is disabled, the weak ambient light beams from the surroundings may be directed into the luminous input device 1. Since the luminous patterns 131 have the light-shading percentage of about 98%, only 2% of the ambient light beams can be transmitted through the luminous patterns 131. Since the ambient light beams are too weak, the luminous patterns 131 of the Mylar plate 13 fail to be recognized by naked eyes. In other words, the luminous patterns 131 are invisible. Whereas, when the illumination module 12 of the luminous input device 1 is enabled, a great number of first light beams are directed into the luminous input device 1. Although only 2% of the light beams from the illumination module 12 can be transmitted through the Mylar plate 13, the light intensity is sufficient to be recognized by the human's eyes. Under this circumstance, the luminous patterns 131 are visible, and thus the user can recognize the touched position corresponding to the luminous patterns 131 of the luminous input device 1. The configurations and functions of the conventional touch-sensitive input device have been illustrated as above.
With increasing development of science and technology, the functions of the touch-sensitive input device become more diverse. Nowadays, an input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns is introduced into the market.
The first illumination module 22 comprises a first light-emitting element 221 and a first light-guiding plate 222. The first light-emitting element 221 is used for emitting first light beams (not shown). The first light-guiding plate 222 is located beside the first light-emitting element 221 for guiding the first light beams to the input interface 21. In addition, the first light-guiding plate 222 has a plurality of first luminous patterns 2221. The first luminous patterns 2221 are disposed on a bottom surface 2222 of the first light-guiding plate 222. That is, when the first light beams are emitted by the first light-emitting element 221, the first luminous patterns 2221 of the first light-guiding plate 222 are illuminated to be visible. Moreover, the first luminous patterns 2221 are collectively defined as an alphanumeric keyboard interface for inputting letters and numbers.
The second illumination module 23 comprises a second light-emitting element 231 and a second light-guiding plate 232. The second light-emitting element 231 is used for emitting second light beams (not shown). The second light-guiding plate 232 is located beside the second light-emitting element 231 for guiding the second light beams to the input interface 21. In addition, the second light-guiding plate 232 has a plurality of second luminous patterns 2321. The second luminous patterns 2321 are disposed on a bottom surface 2322 of the second light-guiding plate 232. That is, when the second light beams are emitted by the second light-emitting element 231, the second luminous patterns 2321 of the second light-guiding plate 232 are illuminated to be visible. Moreover, the second luminous patterns 2321 are collectively defined as a Chinese keyboard interface for inputting Chinese characters. In addition, the light-emitting element 221 and the light-emitting element 231 are light emitting diodes.
Please refer to
The light-shading plate 25 is arranged between the first light-guiding plate 222 and the second light-guiding plate 232 for shading the first light beams that are emitted by the first light-emitting element 221. Since the first light beams are not directed to the second light-guiding plate 232, the second luminous patterns 2321 of the second illumination module 23 on the second light-guiding plate 232 are not influenced by the first light beams. Similarly, the second light beams from the second light-emitting element 231 are also shaded by the light-shading plate 25. Since the first light beams are not directed to the first light-guiding plate 222, the first luminous patterns 2221 of the first illumination module 22 on the first light-guiding plate 222 are not influenced by the second light beams.
In a case that the first illumination module 22 and the second illumination module 23 of the input device 2 are disabled, the weak ambient light beams from the surroundings may be directed into the luminous input device 2. Since the light-shading layer 261 has the preset light-shading percentage of about 98%, only 2% of the ambient light beams can be transmitted through the light-shading layer 261. Since the ambient light beams are too weak, the ambient light beams fail to be recognized by naked eyes. Consequently, the first luminous patterns 2221 and the second luminous patterns 2321 on the first light-guiding plate 222 and the second light-guiding plate 232 are invisible. That is, these luminous patterns are not viewed by the user. Whereas, when the first illumination module 22 of the input device 2 is enabled, a great number of first light beams are directed into the input device 2. Although only 2% of the light beams from the first illumination module 22 can be transmitted through the light-shading layer 261, the light intensity is sufficient to be recognized by the human's eyes. Under this circumstance, the first luminous patterns 2221 are visible, and thus the user can recognize the touched position corresponding to the first luminous patterns 2221 of the input device 2. The operations of enabling the second illumination module 23 of the input device 2 of this embodiment are similar to those of the first illumination module 22, and are not redundantly described herein.
From the above discussions, the input device 2 can provide two types of luminous patterns. By judging whether the first luminous patterns 2221 or the second luminous patterns 2321 are visible, the user may realize the current keyboard mode of the input device 2. However, the conventional input device 2 still has some drawbacks. For example, since the circuit board 24 is perpendicular to the first light-guiding plate 222, the overall thickness of the input device 2 is too large.
The present invention relates to a slim input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns. The input device includes an input interface, a circuit board, a first illumination module and a first illumination module. When the input interface is triggered, a touching signal is generated. The circuit board is disposed under the input interface. The first illumination module is disposed on a first surface of the circuit board for emitting first light beams. The first illumination module has a first luminous pattern. When the first light beams are transmitted through the input interface, the first luminous pattern is visible through the input interface. The second illumination module is disposed on a second surface of the circuit board for emitting second light beams. The second illumination module has a second luminous pattern. When the second light beams are transmitted through the input interface, the second luminous pattern is visible through the input interface. In addition, a first edge of the circuit board is inserted into a gap between the first illumination module and the second illumination module for blocking the first light beams or the second light beams.
In an embodiment, the input device further includes a protective layer, which is disposed over the input interface for protecting the input interface. The protective layer includes a light-transmissible zone and a light-shading zone. The light-shading zone is located around the light-transmissible zone for shading the first light beams or the second light beams. In response to the first light beams or the second light beams, the first luminous pattern or the second luminous pattern are visible through the light-transmissible zone. Moreover, the light-transmissible zone has a preset light-shading percentage. If the first illumination module or the second illumination module is disabled and the first light beams or the second light beams are not generated, the first luminous pattern of the first illumination module or the second illumination module of the second luminous pattern is invisible according to the preset light-shading percentage.
In an embodiment, if the first light beams or the second light beams are not generated, an external light beam from surroundings of the input device is blocked by the light-shading zone having the preset light-shading percentage, so that the first luminous pattern or the second luminous pattern is invisible. Preferably, the preset light-shading percentage is in a range between 75% and 80%.
In an embodiment, the first illumination module includes a first light-emitting element and a first light-guiding plate. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board for emitting the first light beams. The first light-guiding plate is stacked on the first surface of the circuit board and located at a first side of the first light-emitting element for guiding the first light beams to the input interface. The second illumination module includes a second light-emitting element and a second light-guiding plate. The second light-emitting element is disposed on the second surface of the circuit board for emitting the second light beams. The second light-guiding plate is stacked on the second surface of the circuit board and located at a first side of the second light-emitting element for guiding the second light beams to the input interface.
In an embodiment, the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are both side-view light emitting diodes. Moreover, the circuit board is parallel with the first light-guiding plate and the second light-guiding plate.
In an embodiment, the first luminous pattern is disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the first light-guiding plate. The second luminous pattern is disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the second light-guiding plate. Moreover, each of the first luminous pattern and the second luminous pattern includes a plurality of closely packed light-guiding microstructures.
In an embodiment, a white glare solder-resistant ink layer is further formed on the circuit board for reflecting the first light beams or the second light beams. The white glare solder-resistant ink layer is printed on the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns. The input device includes an input interface, a circuit board, a first illumination module, a first illumination module and a light-shading structure. When the input interface is triggered, a touching signal is generated. The circuit board is disposed under the input interface. The first illumination module is disposed on a first surface of the circuit board for emitting first light beams. The first illumination module has a first luminous pattern. When the first light beams are transmitted through the input interface, the first luminous pattern is visible through the input interface. The second illumination module is disposed on a second surface of the circuit board for emitting second light beams. The second illumination module has a second luminous pattern. When the second light beams are transmitted through the input interface, the second luminous pattern is visible through the input interface. The light-shading structure is located at a first side of the circuit board and arranged between the first illumination module and the second illumination module for blocking the first light beams or the second light beams.
In an embodiment, the input device further includes a protective layer, which is disposed over the input interface for protecting the input interface. The protective layer includes a light-transmissible zone and a light-shading zone. The light-shading zone is located around the light-transmissible zone for shading the first light beams or the second light beams. In response to the first light beams or the second light beams, the first luminous pattern or the second luminous pattern are visible through the light-transmissible zone. Moreover, the light-transmissible zone has a preset light-shading percentage. If the first illumination module or the second illumination module is disabled and the first light beams or the second light beams are not generated, the first luminous pattern of the first illumination module or the second illumination module of the second luminous pattern is invisible according to the preset light-shading percentage.
In an embodiment, if the first light beams or the second light beams are not generated, an external light beam from surroundings of the input device is blocked by the light-shading zone having the preset light-shading percentage, so that the first luminous pattern or the second luminous pattern is invisible. Preferably, the preset light-shading percentage is in a range between 75% and 80%.
In an embodiment, the first illumination module includes a first light-emitting element and a first light-guiding plate. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board for emitting the first light beams. The first light-guiding plate is stacked on the first surface of the circuit board and located at a first side of the first light-emitting element for guiding the first light beams to the input interface. The second illumination module includes a second light-emitting element and a second light-guiding plate. The second light-emitting element is disposed on the second surface of the circuit board for emitting the second light beams. The second light-guiding plate is stacked on the second surface of the circuit board and located at a first side of the second light-emitting element for guiding the second light beams to the input interface.
In an embodiment, the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are both side-view light emitting diodes. Moreover, the circuit board is parallel with the first light-guiding plate and the second light-guiding plate.
In an embodiment, the first luminous pattern is disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the first light-guiding plate. The second luminous pattern is disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the second light-guiding plate. Moreover, each of the first luminous pattern and the second luminous pattern includes a plurality of closely packed light-guiding microstructures.
In an embodiment, the light-shading structure is disposed on a bottom surface of the first light-guiding plate or a top surface of the second light-guiding plate. Moreover, the light-shading structure is formed by painting, spraying, printing or bonding a light-shading material on the bottom surface of the first light-guiding plate or the top surface of the second light-guiding plate.
In an embodiment, the light-shading structure is a plastic sheet, a sponge structure or a light-shading plate. The light-guiding structure is disposed within a gap between the first light-guiding plate and the second light-guiding plate and located at a first side of the circuit board.
In an embodiment, a white glare solder-resistant ink layer is further formed on the circuit board for reflecting the first light beams or the second light beams, wherein the white glare solder-resistant ink layer is printed on the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
For obviating the drawbacks encountered from the prior art, the present invention provides an input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns.
The first illumination module 32 comprises a first light-emitting element 321 and a first light-guiding plate 322. The first light-emitting element 321 is used for emitting first light beams (not shown). The first light-guiding plate 322 is located beside the first light-emitting element 321 for guiding the first light beams to the input interface 31. In addition, the first light-guiding plate 322 has a plurality of first luminous patterns 3221. The first luminous patterns 3221 are disposed on a bottom surface 3222 of the first light-guiding plate 322. That is, when the first light beams are emitted by the first light-emitting element 321, the first luminous patterns 3221 of the first light-guiding plate 322 are visible.
The second illumination module 33 comprises a second light-emitting element 331 and a second light-guiding plate 332. The second light-emitting element 331 is used for emitting second light beams (not shown). The second light-guiding plate 332 is located beside the second light-emitting element 331 for guiding the second light beams to the input interface 31. In addition, the second light-guiding plate 332 has a plurality of second luminous patterns 3321. The second luminous patterns 3321 are disposed on a bottom surface 3322 of the second light-guiding plate 332. That is, when the second light beams are emitted by the second light-emitting element 331, the second luminous patterns 3321 of the second light-guiding plate 332 are visible.
In this embodiment, each of the first luminous patterns 3221 and the second luminous patterns 3321 includes a plurality of closely packed light-guiding microstructures. The light-guiding microstructures are for example closely packed microstructures (e.g. micro lenses or V-shaped notches) or closely packed dots. The light-guiding microstructures for constituting the luminous patterns may change the incidence angles of the light beams within the first light-guiding plate 322 or the second light-guiding plate 332. Since the uses of the light-guiding microstructures can destroy the total internal reflection path, the light beams are refracted and transmitted through the first light-guiding plate 322 or the second light-guiding plate 332. That is, the light beams are transmitted through the regions over the light-guiding microstructures, so that the first luminous patterns 3221 or the second luminous patterns 3321 are visible.
In this embodiment, these first luminous patterns 3221 are disposed on a bottom surface 3222 of the first light-guiding plate 322. The second luminous patterns 3321 are disposed on a bottom surface 3322 of the second light-guiding plate 332. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first luminous patterns are disposed on a top surface of the first light-guiding plate, and the second luminous patterns are disposed on a top surface of the second light-guiding plate.
Please refer to
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In a case that the first illumination module 32 and the second illumination module 33 are disabled and the first light beams and the second light beams are not generated, the first luminous patterns 3221 of the first illumination module 32 and the second luminous patterns 3321 of the second illumination module 33 are invisible according to the preset light-shading percentage. The reason will be illustrated as follows. If no light beams are emitted by the first light-emitting element 321 and the second light-emitting element 331, only the external light beams from the surroundings are possibly incident into the light-transmissible zone 351 of the protective layer 35. Since the preset light-shading percentage of the light-transmissible zone 351 is in the range between 75% and 80%, about 75% and 80% of the light beams incident into the light-transmissible zone 351 are absorbed by the light-transmissible zone 351. That is, the rest (i.e. 20˜25%) of the light beams are transmitted through the input interface 31 and directed to the first light-guiding plate 322. After the light-guiding microstructures on the bottom surface 3222 of the first light-guiding plate 322 are hit by the rest (i.e. 20-25%) of the light beams, about a half of these light beams are refracted and continuously directed toward the region under the first light-guiding plate 322 because the incidence angles of the light beams projected on the light-guiding microstructures are different. That is, only about 10% of the light beams are reflected by the light-guiding microstructures and directed toward the input interface 31. After the light beams are reflected to the input interface 31, portions of the light beams are absorbed by the light-transmissible zone 351 again. Meanwhile, only about 2% of the light beams are transmitted through the light-transmissible zone 351. Since the light beam intensity is too weak, the first luminous patterns 3221 and the second luminous patterns 3321 are invisible through the input interface 31. Under this circumstance, the first luminous patterns 3221 and the second luminous patterns 3321 fail to be viewed by the user.
The operations of enabling the second illumination module 33 of the input device 3 are similar to those of the first illumination module 32, and are not redundantly described herein. That is, after the second illumination module 33 is enabled, the second luminous patterns 3321 are visible (see
In the input device 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 34 is parallel with the first light-guiding plate 322 and the second light-guiding plate 332. Consequently, the thickness of the input device 3 can be reduced, and the purpose of providing the slim input device can be achieved. Moreover, since the first light beams and the second light beams can be shaded by the circuit board 34, it is not necessary to install any additional light-shading element in the input device 3. Under this circumstance, the input device is cost-effective.
The present invention further provides a second embodiment.
Except for the following two items, the configurations and functions of the input device of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein. Firstly, the first edge 445 of the circuit board 44 is not inserted into the gap G′ between the first illumination module 42 and the second illumination module 43. Secondly, the input device 4 of this embodiment is additionally equipped with the first light-shading structure 46 and the second light-shading structure 47. The first light beams from the first light-emitting element 46 are blocked by the first light-shading structure 46. Consequently, the first light beams are not transmitted through the gap G′ to influence the second illumination module 43. Moreover, the second light beams from the second light-emitting element 431 are blocked by the second light-shading structure 47. Consequently, the second light beams are not transmitted through the gap G′ to influence the first illumination module 42.
Please refer to
In the input device 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 44 is also parallel with the first light-guiding plate 422 and the second light-guiding plate 432. Consequently, the thickness of the input device 4 can be reduced, and the purpose of providing the slim input device can be achieved.
The present invention further provides a third embodiment.
In this embodiment, the light-shading structure 56 is disposed within the gap G* between the first light-guiding plate 522 and the second light-guiding plate 532. In addition, the light-shading structure 56 is located at a first side 545 of the circuit board 54. The configurations and functions of the other components of input device of the third embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein. An example of the light-shading structure 56 includes but is not limited to a plastic sheet, a sponge structure or a light-shading plate.
In this embodiment, the light-shading structure 56 is a plastic sheet. In addition, the light-shading structure 56 comprises another light-transmissible zone 561 and another light-shading zone 562. The light-transmissible zone 561 is aligned with the first luminous patterns 5221 and the second luminous patterns 5321. Consequently, the first luminous patterns 5221 and the second luminous patterns 5321 are visible. The light-shading zone 562 is located at the first side 545 of the circuit board 54 for blocking the first light beams and the second light beams that are emitted by the first light-emitting element 521 and the second light-emitting element 531. Consequently, the first light beams and the second light beams are not transmitted through the gap G* to influence the second illumination module 53 and the first illumination module 52.
From the above description, the input device of the present invention has multiple layers of luminous patterns. In the input device, the circuit board is parallel with the first light-guiding plate and the second light-guiding plate. Moreover, the side-view light emitting diodes are employed in the input device. As previously described in the conventional input device 2, the circuit board is perpendicular to the light-guiding plate. In comparison with the conventional input device, the input device of the present invention is slimmer. That is, the thickness of the input device of the present invention is reduced. Moreover, in a case that the first edge of the circuit board is inserted into the gap between the first light-guiding plate and the second light-guiding plate, the first light beams and the second light beams can be blocked by the first edge of the circuit board. Since the input device has no additional light-shading element, the fabricating cost is reduced.
While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100123290 | Jul 2011 | TW | national |
