CONCEALABLE INPUT REGION FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
First Claim
1. An electronic device, comprising:
- an enclosure defining at least a portion of an inner volume and comprising;
a translucent layer defining an input region; and
an opaque masking layer positioned below the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations, each of the array of microperforations having a width within a range of 30 microns to 80 microns;
a light source positioned within the inner volume and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations; and
a sensing element positioned within the inner volume and configured to detect input received along the input region, whereinthe array of microperforations are configured to display a symbol when illuminated by the light source.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electronic device, comprising:
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an enclosure defining at least a portion of an inner volume and comprising; a translucent layer defining an input region; and an opaque masking layer positioned below the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations, each of the array of microperforations having a width within a range of 30 microns to 80 microns; a light source positioned within the inner volume and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations; and a sensing element positioned within the inner volume and configured to detect input received along the input region, wherein the array of microperforations are configured to display a symbol when illuminated by the light source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electronic device, comprising:
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a wall defining an input region having an array of microperforations; a light source positioned below the wall and configured to illuminate a symbol along the input region by illuminating the array of microperforations; and a sensing element positioned below the wall and configured to detect an input received along the input region, wherein; the array of microperforations are not visually perceptible when not illuminated by the light source. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An electronic device, comprising:
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a translucent layer forming an external surface of an electronic device; a sensing element positioned within the electronic device and configured to detect input along an input region defined along the external surface; an opaque masking layer positioned below the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations; and a light source having an array of selectively operable light elements configured to illuminate the array of microperforations, wherein; the array of microperforations are concealed when not illuminated; in a first mode, the light source is configured to reveal a first illuminated symbol formed by the array of microperforations; and in a second mode, the light source is configured to reveal a second illuminated symbol formed by the array of microperforations. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification