Illuminated pushbutton keyboard
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An internally illuminated keyboard comprising:
- a plurality of keys including a first key operable in at least two different modes, the different modes being marked by spaced symbols distinguished from one another by different colors, a first one of the symbols being in a first area comprising a first material with a first one of the colors, and a second one of the symbols being in a second area comprising a second material with a second one of the colors; and
a light source located below the first key, the light source being adapted to emit light of a third color and light of a fourth color;
wherein the first and second areas are located side-by-side and the light source emits light at the spaced symbols simultaneously and, the first material transmits light of the third color therethrough but substantially blocks transmission of light of the fourth colour therethrough, and the second material transmits light of the fourth color therethrough but substantially blocks transmission of light of the third colour therethrough.
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Abstract
An illuminated keyboard in which the keys are operable in at least two different modes. Each key is provided with symbols or areas of color which denote the different modes. The symbols or areas are selectively illuminated depending upon which mode is selected. Thus, in one mode, one area of the keys will be illuminated, while in another mode, another area of the keys will be illuminated. Thus, only the symbols or areas of color on denoting a selected mode are differentially visibly distinguishable by the user, assisting the user to press the correct key, in any selected mode.
407 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An internally illuminated keyboard comprising:
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a plurality of keys including a first key operable in at least two different modes, the different modes being marked by spaced symbols distinguished from one another by different colors, a first one of the symbols being in a first area comprising a first material with a first one of the colors, and a second one of the symbols being in a second area comprising a second material with a second one of the colors; and
a light source located below the first key, the light source being adapted to emit light of a third color and light of a fourth color;wherein the first and second areas are located side-by-side and the light source emits light at the spaced symbols simultaneously and, the first material transmits light of the third color therethrough but substantially blocks transmission of light of the fourth colour therethrough, and the second material transmits light of the fourth color therethrough but substantially blocks transmission of light of the third colour therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An illuminated keyboard comprising:
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operation keys operable in at least two different modes, at least one of the operation keys having at least two separate side-by-side areas for signalling the modes of operation for that key, a first one of the areas comprising a first material and having a first symbol, and a second one of the areas comprising a second material and having a second symbol; a light source for directing light to both of the first and second areas simultaneously, the light source being adapted to emit at least two different colors of light; and a function key for switching the different modes of operation of the operation keys and for causing the light source to switch between emitting the different colors of light. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification