Abstract:
A display device, such as a liquid crystal display, can be integrated into each key of a keyboard, numeric keypad, or other keyed input device. The display device can display a symbol when it is active. For example, a “1” when pressing that key will input a “1” and a “!” when that key input a “!.” In addition to a display device, each key top can include a key cap, generally made of a transparent plastic so that the display can be seen. The key cap can be formed in the shape of a key and will generally be the portion of the input device that a user presses on to input information. A plurality of key caps can be combined to form a keyboard, numeric keypad, or other keyed input device. Throughout the rest of this application the term keyboard will generally be used in place of keyboard, numeric keypad, or other keyed device. In another embodiment a display device can be overlaid with a key cap skin to form a keyed input device, such as a keyboard. The display device can be a touch sensitive screen. Each key on the key cap skin can be pressed to input information displayed on the touch sensitive screen below. The key cap skin provides keys that are tactilely discernible without activating the keys. Individual keys can be located and distinguished from adjacent keys by touch.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Inventions  
         [0002]     The field of the invention relates generally to computer input devices and more particularly to keyboards.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     Information can be input into computers and other electronic devices using a keyboard or keypad. Generally, the keyboard or keypad includes a static symbol on each key according to a specific alphabetic or functional layout. In certain layouts, the keys can include multiple static symbols to indicate multiple functions. For example, on many computer keyboards in the United States the “1” and the “!” are displayed on the same key. When the “1” key is pressed a “1” can be input into the computer, however; when the “Shift Key” and the “1” key are pressed together a “!” can be input into the computer.  
         [0005]     In certain layouts, the keyboard keys can have more than two functions. As with the example above, the additional function can be accessed by depressing a key along with one or more other keys, such as the Shift key, Control key, and Alternate key; however, space on a typically keyboard key can be limited and therefore, it may be difficult to display all of the functions that a key can perform. As a result, in many layouts, not all of the functions that a given key can perform are displayed on the key. Accordingly, the user must keep track of all of the different functions that all of the different keys perform.  
         [0006]     Additionally, electronic devices, such as computers, can, in some cases function in more than one language, or include special fonts that display different symbols. The wide variety of languages can cause manufacturers to produce specialized keyboards that can include special symbols on each key. These specialized keyboards can create some discomfort for users, for example, when a user must deal with multiple languages. In these cases, the user may have to change keyboards, or remember different key functions without the aid of having symbols representing that function printed on the key.  
         [0007]     Several different solutions to the problems identified above have been proposed, including transparent or opaque plastic overlays, keyboard “kidgloves” or silicone “skin,” interchangeable key sets, custom keycaps, and specially manufactured keyboards. These solutions are, however, limited. Transparent or opaque plastic covers can be used to customize a keyboard, but can be difficult to change from application to application. Keyboard “kidgloves” or silicon “skins” can be cumbersome. Interchangeable key sets can be time consuming to change. Specially manufactured keyboards or customized keyboards can also be cumbersome since different keyboards for different applications need to be stored between each use.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     A keyboard can comprising keys that include an integrated display device, such as a liquid crystal display. Each key can have multiple functions assigned to it and the display device can be configured to display an icon associated with the function that is currently active for the key.  
         [0009]     In one aspect, each key top can include a key cap, generally made of a transparent plastic so that the display can be seen. The key cap can be formed in the shape of a key and will generally be the portion of the input device that a user presses on to input information. The display can generally be under the key cap and additionally support circuitry for the display can also be included, as discussed below.  
         [0010]     In another aspect, the keyboard can incorporate a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface so that information can be transmitted from the keyboard to another electronic device, such as a computer.  
         [0011]     In another aspect, the keyboard can include a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor. The processor can execute instructions necessary to control the display device or devices, and any other keyboard functions. The processor can be connected to a memory for storing instructions. Additionally, the processor can use the memory for data buffering, storing character maps, and storing information to be displayed on the keyboard keys.  
         [0012]     In another aspect a display device can be overlaid with a key cap skin to form a keyboard. The display device can be a touch sensitive screen. Each key on the key cap skin can be pressed to input information displayed on the touch sensitive screen below. The key cap skin provides keys that are tactilely discernible without activating the keys. Individual keys can be located and distinguished from adjacent keys by touch.  
         [0013]     These and other features, aspects, and embodiments of the invention are described below in the section entitled “Detailed Description.” 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     Features, aspects, and embodiments of the inventions are described in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating components that comprise an example key configured in accordance with one embodiment;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a diagram illustrating the components of  FIG. 1  assembled to form a key;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a diagram illustrating the key of  FIG. 2A  in a depressed position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the key of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example display that can be included in the components of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating pixels comprising the display of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6A -C are diagrams illustrating a portion of a keyboard that includes the key of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a system that includes the keyboard of figures  6 A- 6 C;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating various components of the keyboard of  FIGS. 6A-6C ; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a side view of a keyboard that includes the key of  FIG. 2A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     A typical computer can often have 2, or more associated functions with corresponding symbols on the keys themselves. For purposes of this specification and the claims that follow, the term “keyboard” will be used to refer to keyboards, keypads, and any user interface that has “keyed” inputs that correspond to various functions. Having multiple symbols on the keys can require that the symbols be smaller, which can make them harder to read. Additionally, in some cases, it can be difficult to know which symbols are active at a given time. As an example, consider the key for the letter “c” on a typical computer running one of several popular word processing programs. The single key can cause a lower case “c,” an upper case “C,” or a “copy” function depending on which other keys are pressed in conjunction with the “c” key.  
         [0026]     A standard computer keyboard can have at least five modifier keys. For example, “Shift,” “Command,” “Option,” “Control,” “Caps-Lock,” and “Function.” On many conventional keyboards, the “Shift” layout is visible on the keys, i.e. the upper case letters. In some cases, as discussed above other layouts, such as the function layout can also be shown on the face of a key. Again, however, printing the symbols for multiple layouts on the keys requires that the symbols be printed small enough to fit on the keys, which can them difficult to read. Moreover, it is often the case that not all of the symbols can or are printed on the keys.  
         [0027]     In the systems and methods described herein, however, a display device is incorporated into the keys and configured to display the active function.  FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating example components comprising a key  130  configured in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. Key  130  can include a key cap  100 , this can be the top portion that a user presses. Key cap  100  can be a plastic piece and can be opaque or clear. A display  102  can be positioned under key cap  100 . By using an opaque or clear material to form key cap  100  a user can see display device  102  below key cap  100 . Display  102  can be a liquid crystal display, a micro-electromechanical system display or other display device and can be configured to display a symbol corresponding to a function that is currently active for key  130 .  
         [0028]     Display  102  can be mounted in an elastometric connector  104 . Elastometric connector  104  is an interconnect device with alternating conductive  106  and nonconductive  108  layers sandwiched together. Conductive layers  106  can, for example, be oriented vertically and make contact with the display device from the bottom.  
         [0029]     Elastometric connector  104  can be mounted on a control circuit board  110  to electrically connect control circuit board  110  to display device  102 . Control circuit board  110  can include a controller  112  that can be mounted on control circuit board  110  and can be configured to control display device  102 . Controller  112  can be an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit that can control what is displayed on display  102 , for example, in one embodiment that uses a LCD for display  102  controller  112  can be an LCD Driver.  
         [0030]     A key switch can be placed under control circuit board  110 . The key switch can provide an electrical contact when key  130  is pressed and can be, for example, a rubber dome switch  114 . When key  130  is pressed a conductive portion  116  of rubber dome switch  114  can be pressed into a circuit board  118  that includes, e.g., a pair of conductive traces  120 ,  122 . Conductive portion  116  can electrically connect conductive traces  120 ,  122 . This electrical connection can cause information to be input into an electronic device, such as a computer, connected to the keyboard.  FIG. 2B , discussed below illustrates this connection in more detail.  
         [0031]     A connecting cable  124  can connect control circuit board  110  to circuit board  118  through connector  126 . Connecting cable  124  can provide power and ground to control circuit board  110 , which can, in turn, provide power and ground to display  102 . Power and ground provide the electrical current necessary for the electronic devices to operate. Additionally, information regarding the active function can be transmitted through connecting cable  124 . For example, other key presses, such as “Shift”, “Ctrl”, and “Caps Lock” can be transmitted to key  130  using connecting cable  124 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 2A  is a diagram illustrating the components of key  130  assembled and interfaced with key switch  114 . As discussed above, display  102  can be electrically connected to control board  110  through elastometric connector  104 . An example connection is illustrated at connection  202 . Connection  202  illustrates a conductive portion on the bottom of display device  102  contacting a conductive portion of elastometric connector  104 . Contact between display device  102  and controller  112  through control circuit board  110  and connector  104  allows control information to be transmitted to display  102  so that the correct symbol can be displayed on the key.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2B  is a diagram illustrating assembled key  130  in a depressed position. As described above, when key  130  is pressed a portion of key switch  114  can be configured to shorts traces  120 ,  122  together. The connection of traces  120 ,  122  provide an electrical input indicating that the key has been pressed. The electrical input can then be transmitted to a computer or other electronic device connected to the keyboard. The electrical input can be transmitted using a “wired” connection such as a PS/2 connector, or a USB connection, or a wireless connection. Systems and methods for connecting keyboards to electronic devices, such as computers, are well known and, for brevity, will not be discussed further herein.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a view looking down on display device  102  of  FIG. 1 . The size of keys on a keyboard, numeric key pad, or other device using keys can vary from device to device as well as for different keys on a device. For example, many computer keyboards have several different sizes and shapes of keys, e.g., the “W” key can be a different size from the “Caps Lock” key, etc. Accordingly, in one embodiment, display device  102  can be configured such that it is approximately the same size as most of the keys on the keyboard. For example, the display portion of the device can, for example, be 13 mm wide, which is approximately the same size as most keys on a standard keyboard. Further, the display portion of the device can, for example, be square, or slightly rectangular, e.g., the display device can be approximately 13 mm high. Display device  102  can display the active function associated with the key with which it is incorporated. For example, a capital “W”  300  can be displayed on the “W” key when that key will enter a capital “W” when pressed, e.g., when the “shift” or “caps lock” modifiers are active.  
         [0035]     Further, because only one symbol is being displayed on a key at any given time, the symbol can be made sufficiently large to allow for easy viewing. For example, the “W” symbol being displayed in  FIG. 3  can be about 5 mm wide. The letter “W” in this example is shown approximately center on the display. On many keyboards the letters are displayed off center. The position of each of the letters, symbols, or other indicia of a keys functionality can vary. For example, in certain embodiments the letter position on display device  102  can be varied by a user based on that user&#39;s preference, including center, top left, top right, etc.  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example liquid crystal display (LCD)  400  that can be included as display device  102 . LCD  400  can, for example, comprise a matrix of pixels. This matrix can, depending on the embodiment, be a 17×17 pixel matrix. Other matrices are clearly possible and selection of the matrix will depend on the requirements and limitations of a particular embodiment. In certain embodiments a “black and white” LCD display  400  can be used to form symbols, characters, and images. In such embodiments, each pixel can be dark or light to form the symbols and characters. Alternatively, LCD  400  can be a color LCD. A color LCD  400  can display symbols and characters in a variety of colors other than black and white. Additionally multiple color symbols, characters, and images can be displayed, if required.  
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a diagram further illustrating the pixels of LCD  400 . The diagram of  FIG. 5  shows 6 pixels  402  of LCD  400  and indicates example dimensions for each pixel. In this embodiment each pixel is 0.266 mm by 0.266 mm. Additionally, a gap of 0.003 mm exists between each pixel. It will be clear, however, that different LCD matrixes can be used and may have dimensions other than those shown and described with respect to the example of  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
         [0038]     In some embodiments it can be advantageous to use a display  102  that is almost as big as key  130 . This would generally allow a larger character or symbol to be displayed. Alternatively, different users, or different manufacturers may wish to display characters and symbols under different portions of key  130 . For example, many keyboards place each of the letters in the upper left hand portion of key  130 . Accordingly, a display  102  can be smaller than key  130  and can be positioned on a portion of key  130  corresponding to the position at which the symbols are displayed. Further, because display devices can become more expensive as the size of the display increases it can be advantageous to use a smaller display on some or all of the keyboard keys.  
         [0039]     It can also be advantageous to use a single size display. This can simplify ordering and stocking of materials and reduce costs. The trade off, of course, is that some of the keys will have a smaller display than is otherwise required. For example, the “Enter key” is generally larger than each of the “letter” keys on the keyboard, and can, therefore, use a larger display.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6A -C are diagrams illustrating a portion  600  of a keyboard that uses keys  130  in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. Portion  600  of the keyboard that is shown includes the “Tab,” “Caps Lock,” “Shift,” and “Control” keys. Additionally, the keys generally referred to as the Q, W, E A, S, D, Z, X, and C keys are also shown. Referring now to  FIG. 6A  the lower cases letters q, w, e, a, s, d, z, x, and c are displayed, indicating to the user of the keyboard that when, for example, the “x” key is typed a lower case “x” will be input into the electronic device attached to the keyboard.  
         [0041]      FIG. 6B  illustrates the same portion  600  of a keyboard; however, in this example “Shift” key  602  has been pressed, as indicated by the darkening of the “shift” key. The darkening of the “shift” key is not necessarily intended to indicate that the “shift” key actually changes color or shading; however, in certain embodiments keys can be configured to change shading, coloring, etc. to indicate that they have been pressed or activated.  
         [0042]     As illustrated in this example, when “Shift” key  602  is pressed each of the lettered keys changes to the upper case letters Q, W, E, A, S, D, Z, X, and C. This indicates that when any of these keys are pressed in conjunction with the “Shift” key  602  a capital letter, either Q, W, E, A, S, D, Z, X, or C will be input into the electronic device that the keyboard is attached to. This is in line with how many keyboards in the United States generally work, assuming that the “Caps Lock” key is “off” when the “Shift” key is pressed. Accordingly, keyboard  600  can be configured to give the user feedback about each keys function under specific conditions, for example, when the “Shift” key is pressed.  
         [0043]     Keyboard  600 , as discussed above, can have several different modifier keys. One example is the “Ctrl” key  604 . In many applications, when “Ctrl” key  604  is pressed other keys on the keyboard can perform special functions. Thus, in certain embodiments such special functions can be displayed on each key when the appropriate modifier, e.g., “Ctrl” key  604 , is pressed. The functions can be displayed graphically, e.g., a graphically symbol of a floppy disk for the save function, a graphical symbol of two pages for the copy function, a graphical symbol of scissors for the copy function, and a curving arrow for the undo typing. Functions can also be displayed using text, for example “Select All” and “Duplicate.”  
         [0044]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a system that includes an input device  700  incorporating a keyboard  702 , such as keyboard  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. As discussed above, keyboard  702  can be a keyboard, numeric keypad, or other keyed input device. Input device  700  can also include firmware  704 . Firmware  704  can include instructions, stored in a memory  706  for displaying characters and symbols on a display  708 . In addition to firmware, memory  706  can also be configured to store data, including layouts for different languages, such as English, French, Russian, etc. Memory  706  can also store maps of different functions available, for example, when “Shift-Option” or “Caps Lock” are pressed. Characters, A, B, C, $, @, etc. can also be stored in memory  706 .  
         [0045]     Display  708  can comprise one or more displays included in one or more keys, such as keys  130 . Keys  130  can comprise keyboard  702 . As discussed above, many different types of displays  708 , such as liquid crystal displays, can be used to display keyboard information, including characters, symbols, and special functions. Further details of input device  700  will be discussed with respect to  FIG. 8 .  
         [0046]     Input device  700  can be connected to an electronic device, such as computer  714 , using connection  710 . Connection  710  can, for example, be a USB connection, a Bluetooth connection, or other connection protocol, including wired PS/2, or other wired keyboard connection, or wireless infrared connection, to name just a few.  
         [0047]     Computer  714  can be any electronic device that can use a keyboard for input. Generally, computer  714  can include a driver  716 , framework layout  718 , client application  720 , and preference pane  722 . Driver  716  can be a software program for controlling the interface between input device  700  and computer  714 . Driver  716  can, for example, be configured to cause display or displays  708  on input device  700  to display keyboard information such as characters, symbols, and special functions. A framework layout  718  can be a bridge between driver  716  and client application  720 . Framework layout  718  can be used with computers that run an operating system that requires Frameworks, such as Mac OS X.  
         [0048]     Additionally, in Mac OS X it is generally not possible to organize a “callback” mechanism to provide a direct Operating System custom driver. Under Mac OS X a client application  720  can keep track of the state of the operating system by polling the operating system. The operating system state includes information such as which layout is active and what processes are running. In some other operating systems “callback” mechanisms are available. For example, Windows OS does not require a client application.  
         [0049]     A preference pane  722  can be a window within an operating system. Within preference pane  722  different parameters related to input device&#39;s  700  functionality can be set. Preference pane  722  is terminology that can be used in relation to Mac OS X. Other operating systems can use different terminology, for example, Windows OS under the Control Panel.  
         [0050]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating connectivity between the components of input device  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. As can be seen, input device  700  can include a display unit  800 . Display unit  800  can comprise one or more keys  130 . Each key  130  can include a display, e.g., displays  802 ,  804 , and  806 , which can be coupled to display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812 .  
         [0051]     Displays  802 ,  804 , and  806  and display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812  can comprise part of display unit  808 . Display unit  800  can be connected to a video control register  814  that can comprise one or more display drivers. Each video control register  814  can be configured to store graphical data and transfers it to display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812 . The data can be transferred using a video display bus  838 . Alternatively, a serial connection can transfer data from video display register  814  to display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812 . Display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812  control display device  802 ,  804 , and  806 , and cause information to be displayed on display  802 ,  804 ,  806 . For example, if displays  802 ,  804 , and  806  are LCDs then display drivers  808 ,  810 , and  812  can be LCD drivers. Multiple video registers  814  can be connected to main bus  826 . For example, in one embodiment  13  video control registers  814  can be used. Additionally, each video register  814  can be connected to multiple display drivers  808 ,  810 ,  812 . In one embodiment each video control register can, for example, be connected to eight display drivers  808 ,  810 ,  812  within display unit  800 . In one embodiment Video control register  814  can be on the main bus  826  as can be central processing unit  824 . Having central processing unit  824  on the same main bus  826  as video control register  814  allows central processing unit  824  to read and write information to video control register  814 . In one embodiment a serial connection can be used in place of main bus  826 . Additionally, in another embodiment, main bus  826  and video bus  838  comprise a single bus.  
         [0052]     A memory  816  can also be connected to the same bus as central processing unit  824 . Memory  816  provides central processing unit  824  with the ability to store information including data and instructions as discussed above. Data stored in memory  816  can include layouts for different languages, such as English, French, Russian, etc. Memory  816  can also store maps of different functions available, for example, when “Shift-Option” or “Caps Lock” are pressed. Characters, A, B, C, $, @, etc. can also be stored in memory  816 . In one embodiment memory  816  can comprise part of central processing unit  824 . In another embodiment memory  816  can comprise a separate component. Additionally, in another embodiment memory  816  can comprise multiple devices that can be part of central processing unit  824 , a separate component, or some combination thereof. Keyboard polling register  818  can be configured to scan the keyboard matrix to determine if any of the keys  130  have been activated, keys  130  can be activated by shorting traces on contact film  820  as discussed above with respect to dome switches.  
         [0053]     A decoder  822  can be configured for address decoding; selectively enable different components in an electronic system such that data can be written to, and/or read from the component. For example, if central processing unit  824  needs to write to USB controller  832  in one embodiment decoder  822  can generate a signal that can enable USB controller  832 . Central processing unit  824  can be configured to control the operation of input device  700  and can be interfaced with various support circuitry. For example, oscillator  830  can provide an input clock to control timing for processing unit  824  as well as other devices. Additional oscillators  834  can also be used to control timing, for example, of USB controller  832 . As discussed above, a USB interface, or other type of keyboard connectivity can be used to connect input device  700  with a computer  714 .  
         [0054]     U-Invertor  828  can be a device that inverts a positive analog voltage. For example, many LCD&#39;s must be provided a negative voltage to function correctly. For example, many LCD&#39;s require −7.5 volts or −10 volts. U-invertor  828  can output the negative voltage required to operate such LCDs. Arrows connecting each device, e.g.,  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  822 ,  824 , and  832  can indicate reading from or writing to a device. For example, a bidirectional arrow  836  can indicate that memory can be read and written.  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a keyboard  900  configured in accordance with another embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. Keyboard  900  includes a touch sensitive LCD  902 , or other type of touch sensitive display device. A key cap skin  904  can be overlaid on top of touch sensitive LCD  902 . Key cap skin  904  can provide tactile feedback to a user of keyboard  900 . This tactile feedback can allow the user to determine the location of keys without looking at the keyboard. Some typists are, of course, better than others at typing without looking at the keyboard. Key cap skin  904  provides a similar look and feel to other keyboards.  
         [0056]     Key cap skin  904  can be made of an opaque, or see through, material, such as plastic. The opaque, or see through material allows the user to see through the key cap skin and view the touch sensitive LCD  902  below. In this way a single LCD  902  can be used instead of one LCD display for each key. In some cases, this may be less expensive to manufacture since it can require fewer components, this will, however, generally depend on the price of the touch sensitive LCD  902  and the price of each of the displays  102  used in another embodiment.  
         [0057]     While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described above, it will be understood that the embodiments described are by way of example only. Accordingly, the inventions should not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the inventions described herein should only be limited in light of the claims that follow when taken in conjunction with the above description and accompanying drawings.