Computer input device with interactively illuminating keys
First Claim
1. An interactive illuminated computerized system comprising:
- a computer;
an alphanumeric computer keyboard coupled to the computer and comprising a plurality of individually and selectively illuminable keys, each key comprising;
a key cap capable of motion along a vertical axis, having an entirely translucent upper surface with a fixed key legend disposed thereon, and having a lower surface intersected by one or more ribs such that one or more underside cavities are defined; and
,a single light-emit diode (LED) positioned directly below one of the underside cavities of the keycap, the LED responsive to a turn-on signal received from the computer and a turn-off signal received from the computer to control illumination of the LED, the LED positioned along an axis coincident with the vertical axis of the motion of the key cap; and
,a bi-directional link coupling the computer to the keyboard for sending the turn-on signal and the turn-off signal for each key from the computer.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An interactive illuminated computerized system comprising:
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a computer; an alphanumeric computer keyboard coupled to the computer and comprising a plurality of individually and selectively illuminable keys, each key comprising; a key cap capable of motion along a vertical axis, having an entirely translucent upper surface with a fixed key legend disposed thereon, and having a lower surface intersected by one or more ribs such that one or more underside cavities are defined; and
,a single light-emit diode (LED) positioned directly below one of the underside cavities of the keycap, the LED responsive to a turn-on signal received from the computer and a turn-off signal received from the computer to control illumination of the LED, the LED positioned along an axis coincident with the vertical axis of the motion of the key cap; and
,a bi-directional link coupling the computer to the keyboard for sending the turn-on signal and the turn-off signal for each key from the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification