Patent Description:
Emerging trends in systems place increasing demands on the system. One current trend is the mobile nature of electronic devices, especially laptops where the trend is lighter and thinner devices. Due to the mobile nature of the electronic devices, some of the devices are used in low light conditions where it can be difficult to see the keys on a keyboard. Publications <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> disclose various approaches to illuminate keys of keyboards.

According to the claimed invention, there is provided an electronic device and a method as set out in independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

It is noted that the claimed invention relates to the electronic device and method described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, any reference in the description to an embodiment or example relating to <FIG> and <FIG> should be understood as a reference to an example that is provided as useful for understanding the claimed invention but without being part of the claimed invention.

The following detailed description sets forth examples of apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to enabling a keycap with photoluminescent material. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/or characteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to one embodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may be implemented with any suitable one or more of the described features.

In the following description, various aspects of the illustrative implementations will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects without departing from the scope of the claimed invention as defined by the claims. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative implementations. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without the specific details without departing from the scope of the claimed invention as defined by the claims. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative implementations.

The terms "over," "under," "below," "between," and "on" as used herein refer to a relative position of one layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed over or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. In contrast, a first layer "directly on" a second layer is in direct contact with that second layer. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method.

It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and/or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in the present disclosure means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "for example," "in an example," or "in some examples" are not necessarily all referring to the same example. The term "about" indicates a tolerance of twenty percent (<NUM>%). For example, about one (<NUM>) millimeter (mm) would include one (<NUM>) mm and ± <NUM> from one (<NUM>) mm. Similarly, terms indicating orientation of various elements, for example, "coplanar," "perpendicular," "orthogonal," "parallel," or any other angle between the elements generally refer to being within +/- <NUM>-<NUM>% of a target value based on the context of a particular value as described herein or as known in the art.

<FIG> and <FIG> are block diagrams of an electronic device 100a that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device 100a can include a first housing 102a and a second housing 104a. The first housing 102a can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing 104a using a hinge <NUM>. The electronic device 100a can be a laptop computer.

The first housing 102a can include a display <NUM>, an ambient light sensor <NUM>, a photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, and a light source <NUM>. In an example, the first housing 102a can also include a bezel 116a around the display <NUM>. In a specific example, the ambient light sensor <NUM> and the light source <NUM> can be part of and/or integrated into the bezel 116a.

The second housing 104a can include memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and a keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> may be a QWERTY keyboard or some other type of keyboard. The keyboard <NUM> includes a plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100a and more specifically, around the keyboard <NUM>. The term "ambient light" includes the available light in an environment around the electronic device. For example, natural ambient light can include sunlight and moonlight and artificial ambient light can include lamps, fireplaces, candles, string lights, etc..

When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In an example, the threshold is below about one hundred (<NUM>) lux and ranges therein (e.g., below about seventy-five (<NUM>) lux, below about fifty (<NUM>) lux, or below about twenty (<NUM>) lux), depending on design choice, design constraints, and the sensitivity of the user to see in low light conditions. In some examples, the threshold can be set and adjusted by the user. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the light source <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. When the light source <NUM> is activated, the light source <NUM> will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include a material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. More specifically, the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include a material that allows the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state. This allows one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated without the need for an LED backlight. Because the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> are not illuminated with an LED backlight, power can be saved while reducing the key stack height without compromising user experience. The wavelength of the light energy <NUM> depends on the material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. For example, if the material is a quantum dot film, then the light energy <NUM> may be visible light (e.g., between about <NUM> (violet) to about <NUM> (red)), ultraviolet light, inferred red light, or some other wavelength, depending on the type of quantum dot film.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are block diagrams of an electronic device 100b that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an example, the electronic device 100b can include a first housing 102b and a second housing 104b. The first housing 102b can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing 104b using the hinge <NUM>.

The first housing 102a can include the display <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, bezel 116b, and a timing controller (TCON) <NUM>. The TCON <NUM> is a timing controller on the display side and is responsible for refreshing the display <NUM> by turning off and on the pixels that will generate an image on the display <NUM>. Most displays refresh at least sixty (<NUM>) times per second, even when there is no change in the image because most displays are such that the pixels that create the image on the display will decay away if not refreshed.

The second housing 104a can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, the one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> is configured to measure the ambient light intensity that match the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100b and more specifically, around the keyboard <NUM>. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the TCON <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the TCON <NUM> inserts one or more photoluminescent activation frames during the refresh cycle of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a snapshot in time of when a photoluminescent activation frame has been inserted into the refresh cycle for the display <NUM> by the TCON <NUM> and the photoluminescent activation frame is being displayed on the display <NUM> during the refresh cycle. When the one or more photoluminescent activation frames are inserted into the refresh cycle of the display <NUM>, the one or more photoluminescent activation frames will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. In another example not covered by the claims, the TCON <NUM> can add a color filter, overlay, etc. to the image on the display and/or increase the intensity of the wavelength of the light energy <NUM> from the display. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> include a material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. More specifically, the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> include a material that allows the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state. This allows the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated without the need for an LED backlight. Because the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> are not illuminated with an LED backlight, power can be saved while reducing the key stack height without compromising user experience.

For purposes of illustrating certain example techniques, the following foundational information may be viewed as a basis from which the present disclosure may be properly explained. End users have more media and communications choices than ever before. A number of prominent technological trends are currently afoot (e.g., more computing elements, more online video services, more Internet traffic, more complex processing, etc.), and these trends are changing the expected performance of devices as devices and systems are expected to increase performance and function. One current trend is an illuminated keyboard. An illuminated keyboard includes keys that illuminate to allow the user to more easily see the keys in low light conditions.

Currently, the most common type of illuminated keyboard is one that is backlit with LED lighting. One issue with an LED illuminated keyboard is the relatively large amount of power the illuminated keyboard consumes. For example, some illuminated keyboards that use LED backlight consume about one (<NUM>) to about <NUM> watts of power for nominal luminescence. This can reduce the battery power considerably in some systems, especially if the LED backlight is always on. Some systems allow the backlight to be turned off or on but those require user intervention to enable and disable the backlight. In addition, to enable LED backlit keyboards, additional circuitry for the LED backlight is required and the additional circuity adds cost, increases power consumption, and adds an additional layer in the keyboard stack and can affect the total Z-height to the system.

In some systems, the backlight is enabled by the user through special keys and remains on and consuming power until the backlighting is turned off. This drains the system battery as the LED backlight is almost always on and consuming power. Some systems implement automatic control of the backlight based on an ambient light sensor to try and reduce the power consumption as the illuminated keyboard is only backlit and drawing power during low light conditions. In other systems, to try and optimize the power consumption, the backlight is enabled only when the system is powered with AC adaptor. However, the LED backlight still requires the additional circuity and an additional layer in the keyboard stack that can affect the total Z height to the system.

In some systems, the keycaps can include a "glow in the dark" material that has inorganic phosphors to absorb light in the visible and ultra violet wavelengths and then re-emit the absorbed light. Most glow in the dark pigments and materials use a phosphors zinc sulphide. One issue with glow in the dark materials is that the glow fades after time and sometimes will only glow for up to half an hour or less. Typically, the light released by the glow in the dark materials will be brighter immediately after charge and will begin to fade gently as the atoms in the glow in the dark material calm down. In addition, the color of the glow in the dark material is often not appealing to users and can be annoying to some users as it is always in a florescent color, even in well lit conditions. What is needed is a keyboard that includes one or more keys coated with a material that has photoluminescence properties to allow the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state.

An electronic device that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, as outlined in <FIG> and <FIG>, can resolve these issues (and others). In an example, one or more keys of a keyboard include a material with photoluminescence properties that allow the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at a higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state. In a specific example, the keys of the keyboard can be coated with quantum dot material (indium based quantum dot material, graphene based quantum dot material, cadmium based quantum dot material, or some zinc oxide quantum dot material, zinc selenide quantum dot material, zinc sulphide quantum dot material or other zinc-based derivatives, etc.) or some other material similar to the quantum dot material (e.g., a perovskite material, etc.). When the quantum dot material is excited with light energy (e.g., blue light or some other wavelength, depending on the quantum dot material), the energy absorbed by electrons of the quantum dot material will be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electronics return to stable state.

In an example, when the keys, or more specifically, letters or characters on the keycap of the keys are coated with the quantum dot material, the quantum dot material will absorb the light energy from a display and luminate. This can potentially save cost and power as the need for a backlight LED in the keypad cavity is eliminated. By eliminating the need for a backlight LED, the system can reduce the keyboard stack height. Reducing the keyboard stack height reduces keypress latency in gaming systems and can help improve the user's experience.

The system also includes an ambient light detector. When there is a low ambient light condition (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the system detects the low ambient conditions and causes light energy to activate the photoluminescent material. In some examples not covered by the claims, the light energy is from a specific light energy source (e.g., the light source <NUM>). According to the claimed invention, the light energy is from the display and is a frame that has been inserted into the displays refresh cycle. In a specific example, the light energy can be a blue color component in the frames on the display at a particular refresh rate that will excite the quantum dot material periodically to maintain the luminescence.

The quantum dots are light-emitting nanocrystals that absorb light of one wavelength and convert it to another wavelength. More specifically, quantum dots are two (<NUM>) to about ten (<NUM>) nanometer semiconductor particles that have light emitting properties. They are artificial nanostructures that have varied properties depending on their shape and size. When external stimulus is applied, electrons of the quantum dot material become excited and releases energy in the form of light. The color of the emitted light is dependent on the size of the dot. Larger dots emit a longer wavelength light (red, orange) and smaller dots emit a shorter wavelength light (violet, blue). Blue light in the visible spectrum has higher energy with a wavelength between about four hundred and twenty (<NUM>) nm to about four hundred and eighty (<NUM>) nm. When a blue light is incident on the quantum dot material, quantum dot crystals in the quantum dot material can break down the light resulting in radiating white light.

The quantum dots material coating on a keycap can be achieved by depositing a layer of solution processed quantum dots film, (e.g., composed of Cd/(Zn, Cd) S quantum dots) on the keycap. In a specific example, the quantum dot phosphor coating can absorb incident blue light and emit white light. By selecting the quantum dot size, it is possible to control the light emission of the quantum dot phosphor coating. In some examples, different excitation wavelengths can be used to create different colors that are reemitted back. In a specific example, the different colors can be used for different characters, letters, symbols, etc. on a single keycap.

In an illustrative example, the quantum dot phosphor is a colloidal solution and can be used in Inkjet like printers. The quantum dot phosphor material can be printed on a keycap to create a quantum dot phosphor coating on the keycap. The ambient light sensor can be placed near the keypad area to detect the ambient light conditions. In a specific example, when a low ambient light condition is detected, one (<NUM>) or more blue frames in every refresh cycle of the display can be added to excite the quantum dot phosphor printed on the keycap. When the blue light from display is incident on to the quantum dot phosphor coating on the keycap, the keycap will emit visible light in the form of the character print due to the property of quantum dot phosphor coating. Depending on the screen refresh rate, a minimal number of blue frames can be introduced into a refresh cycle in such a way that no artifacts are visible to the user (e.g., one (<NUM>) to two (<NUM>) frames per refresh cycle). This eliminates the need of keyboard LED backlight and no additional power and LED circuitry are needed and helps to reduce the keyboard stack height and can help save power.

A typical keyboard stackup has keys and each key has a keycap that is on top of the keys of the keyboard where alphanumeric and special characters are printed. A membrane switch is a multilayered switch device that is touch activated to make or break the electrical connection of a particular switch element. A support plate such as a metal plate is usually on bottom side of keyboard to offer mechanical strength to the structure of the keyboard. LED backlighting illuminates at the back of keycap to make the keypad character visible during low light conditions upon user selection and the additional circuitry for the LED backlight adds to the keyboard stackup and increases the height of the keyboard stackup.

The keyboard stackup plays an important role in gaming like systems and a major source of latency is key travel time. It is not a coincidence that the quickest keyboard measured also has the shortest key travel distance by a large margin. Most switches in the keyboard will start firing before the key is fully depressed, but the key travel time is still significant and can easily add ten (<NUM>) ms of delay or more, depending on the switch mechanism. The net delay from the key press to key de-press is often as high as twenty millisecond or more and the delay can be relatively high for gaming systems.

A low latency keyboard is more advantageous for gamers. By implementing a backlight less keyboard that can still allow for illuminated keys, <NUM> in overall keyboard stackup can be reduced. This will reduce approximately seven percent (<NUM>%) latency in a keypress event. In addition, a reduction in the Z-height of the keyboard stackup could help in system design for a thicker battery and more battery capacity.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of a side view of a portion of the keyboard <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. While a scissor switch key with a dome is shown in <FIG>, it should be noted that other types of keys may be used including mechanical keys, membrane keys, optical keys, or any other type of key that has a keycap that can be coated with the photoluminescent material (e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating). In an example, the keyboard <NUM> can include a plurality of keys <NUM>, a key support structure <NUM>, and a keyboard housing cover <NUM>. The key support structure <NUM> can include a keyboard support plate and components and circuitry to allow the user to operate the keyboard (e.g., register a keypress). The keyboard housing cover <NUM> helps to protect the keys <NUM> in the keyboard, helps to prevent wobble of the keys, and generally creates an aesthetic appearance for the keyboard <NUM>. In some examples, the keyboard housing cover <NUM> is not present.

The key <NUM> can include a keycap <NUM>, support mechanism <NUM>, and keypress register <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a scissor support mechanism but other support mechanisms can be used. Also, <FIG> illustrates a dome keypress register but other keypress registers can be used. The keycap <NUM> can include a photoluminescent material coating <NUM> (e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating). The photoluminescent material coating <NUM> can be over a portion of the keycap <NUM>. The photoluminescent material coating <NUM> can absorb light energy and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of a key 124a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the key 124a can include the keycap <NUM> and the photoluminescent material coating <NUM> (e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating). As illustrated in <FIG>, the photoluminescent material coating <NUM> can be over at least a majority of the top of the keycap <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of a key 124b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the key 124b can include the keycap <NUM> and the photoluminescent material coating <NUM> (e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating). As illustrated in <FIG>, the photoluminescent material coating <NUM> can be over the character, letter, number, symbol, etc. that is on the top of the keycap <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device 100c that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device 100c can include a first housing 102c and a second housing 104c. The first housing 102c can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing 104c using the hinge <NUM>.

The first housing 102c can include the display <NUM>, a first light source 114a, and a second light source 114b. In an example, the first housing 102c can also include a bezel 116c around the display <NUM>. In a specific example, the first light source 114a and the second light source 114b can be part of and/or integrated into the bezel 116c. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first light source 114a can be on one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., the left side) and the second light source 114b can be on the opposite side of the display <NUM> (e.g., the right side).

The second housing 104c can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material (e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating) on at least a portion of the keycap.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100c and more specifically, around the keyboard <NUM>. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the first light source 114a and/or the second light source 114b, (e.g., similar to what is illustrated in <FIG>). When the first light source 114a and/or the second light source 114b are activated, the first light source 114a and/or the second light source 114b will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include photoluminescent material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device 100d that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device 100d can include a first housing 102d and a second housing 104d. The first housing 102d can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing 104d using the hinge <NUM>.

The first housing 102d can include the display <NUM> and a light source 114c. In an example, the first housing 102d can also include a bezel 116d around the display <NUM>. In a specific example, the light source 114c can be part of and/or integrated into the bezel 116d. As illustrated in <FIG>, the light source 114c can be above the display <NUM>. However, the location of the light source 114c illustration in <FIG> may cause the light energy from the light source 114c to interfere with the visibility of the image on the display <NUM> and a user may prefer the light source to be located under the display <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or on the sides of the display <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The second housing 104d can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material e.g., a quantum dot phosphor coating) on at least a portion of the keycap.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100d and more specifically, around the keyboard <NUM>. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the light source 114c (e.g., similar to what is illustrated in <FIG>). When the light source 114c is activated, the light source 114c will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include photoluminescent material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device 100e that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device 100e can include a first housing 102e and a second housing 104e. The first housing 102e can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing 104e using the hinge <NUM>.

The first housing 102e can include the display <NUM> and a light source 114d. In an example, the first housing 102d can also include a bezel 116e around the display <NUM>. In a specific example, the light source 114d can be part of and/or integrated into the bezel 116e. As illustrated in <FIG>, the light source 114c can surround and/or extend around the edges of the display <NUM>. However, the location of the light source 114d illustration in <FIG> may cause the light energy from the light source 114d to interfere with the visibility of the image on the display <NUM> and a user may prefer the light source to be located under the display <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or on the sides of the display <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The second housing 104e can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100e and more specifically, around the keyboard <NUM>. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the light source 114d (e.g., similar to what is illustrated in <FIG>). When the light source 114d is activated, the light source 114d will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include photoluminescent material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are simplified block diagrams of an electronic device 100f that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device 100f can include a monitor 144a and a peripheral keyboard 146a. The monitor 144a can be a computer monitor, desktop monitor, freestanding display, etc. In some examples, the monitor 144a is supported by a stand <NUM>. The monitor 144a can include the display <NUM> and the light source <NUM>. In an example, the monitor 144a can also include a monitor bezel 148a around the display <NUM>. In a specific example, the light source <NUM> can be part of and/or integrated into the monitor bezel 148a.

The peripheral keyboard 146a can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap. The peripheral keyboard 146a can be in wireless communication with the monitor 144a or in wired communication with the monitor 144a. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral keyboard 146a is in communication with the monitor 144a using a wired connection <NUM>.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100f and more specifically, around the peripheral keyboard 146a. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the light source <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. When the light source <NUM> is activated, the light source <NUM> will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> can include photoluminescent material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. This allows the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated without the need for an LED backlight.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are simplified block diagrams of an electronic device <NUM> that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an example, the electronic device <NUM> can include a monitor 144b and a peripheral keyboard 146b. The monitor 144b can be a computer monitor, desktop monitor, freestanding display, etc. In some examples, the monitor 144b is supported by the stand <NUM>. The monitor 144b can include the display <NUM> and the TCON <NUM>. In an example, the monitor 144b can also include a monitor bezel 148b around the display <NUM>.

The peripheral keyboard 146b can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap. The peripheral keyboard 146b can be in wireless communication with the monitor 144b or in wired communication with the monitor 144b. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral keyboard 146b is in communication with the monitor 144b using a wireless connection <NUM>.

The ambient light sensor <NUM> is configured to measure the ambient light intensity that matches the human eye's response to light under a variety of lighting conditions. More specifically, the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be a photodetector that is used to detect the amount of ambient light present around the electronic device 100f and more specifically, around the peripheral keyboard 146b. When the ambient light sensor <NUM> detects that the amount of ambient light is below a threshold (e.g., below one hundred (<NUM>) lux), the ambient light sensor <NUM> can send a signal to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold. The threshold can be a condition or amount of ambient light where a user may have difficulty seeing the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM> that the ambient light is below the threshold, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can send a signal to activate the TCON <NUM>. In response to the signal from the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the TCON <NUM> inserts one or more photoluminescent activation frames during the refresh cycle of the display <NUM>.

FIGURE 8D illustrates a snapshot in time of when a photoluminescent activation frame has been inserted into the refresh cycle for the display <NUM> by the TCON <NUM> and the photoluminescent activation frame is being displayed on the display <NUM> during a refresh cycle. When the one or more photoluminescent activation frames are inserted into the refresh cycle of the display <NUM>, the one or more photoluminescent activation frames will direct light energy <NUM> to one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM>. The one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> include a material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. More specifically, the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> include photoluminescent material that allows the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state. This allows the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated without the need for an LED backlight.

Turning to <FIG> is an example flowchart illustrating possible operations of a flow <NUM> that may be associated with a keycap with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, one or more operations of flow <NUM> may be performed by the ambient light sensor <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, the light source <NUM>, and/or the TCON <NUM>. At <NUM>, ambient light in the area of a keyboard is measured. For example, the ambient light sensor <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM> or on a housing (e.g., first housing 102b) that includes a display associated with the keyboard can measure the ambient light intensity. At <NUM>, the system determines if the ambient light is below a threshold. For example, the amount of ambient light measured by the ambient light sensor <NUM> can be communication to the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> and the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can determine if the amount of ambient light measured by the ambient light sensor <NUM> is below a threshold. The threshold can be an amount of ambient light that would make viewing the keys of the keyboard difficult for a user. In an example, the threshold is below about one hundred (<NUM>) lux and ranges therein (e.g., below about seventy-five (<NUM>) lux, below about fifty (<NUM>) lux, or below about twenty (<NUM>) lux), depending on design choice, design constraints, and the sensitivity of the user to see in low light conditions. In some examples, the threshold can be set and adjusted by the user.

If the ambient light is not below the threshold, the system returns to <NUM> and the ambient light in the area of the keyboard is measured. If the ambient light is below the threshold, then light energy is directed to one or more keys on the keyboard, as in <NUM>, and the system returns to <NUM> and the ambient light in the area of a keyboard is measured. In an example not covered by the claims, if the ambient light is below the threshold and a user might have difficulty view the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can cause the light source <NUM> to direct the light energy <NUM> to the keys <NUM>. In accordance with the claimed invention, if the ambient light is below the threshold and a user might have difficulty view the keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can communicate with the TCON <NUM> to insert one or more photoluminescent activation frames during the refresh cycle of the display <NUM> and direct the light energy <NUM> to the keys <NUM>. The keys <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM> include photoluminescent material that absorbs the light energy <NUM> and then reimages the light energy back at a higher wavelength. More specifically, the keys <NUM> include photoluminescent material that allows the energy absorbed by electrons of the material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to stable state. This allows the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated during low ambient light conditions where the user may have trouble viewing the keys <NUM> without the need for an LED backlight.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> that includes keycaps with photoluminescent material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device <NUM> can include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the second housing <NUM> using the hinge <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> can include the display <NUM>, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM>, the light source <NUM>, and the TCON <NUM>. In an example, the first housing 102a can also include a bezel <NUM> around the display <NUM>.

The second housing 104a can include the ambient light sensor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and the keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes the plurality of keys <NUM>. One or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> have a keycap that includes photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the keycap that allows the energy absorbed by electrons of the photoluminescent material to be reemitted back at higher wavelength when the electrons of the material return to a stable state. In an example not covered by the claims, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can cause the light source <NUM> to direct the light energy <NUM> to the keys <NUM>. In accordance with the claimed invention, the photoluminescent activation engine <NUM> can communicate with the TCON <NUM> to insert one or more photoluminescent activation frames during the refresh cycle of the display <NUM> and direct the light energy <NUM> to the keys <NUM>. This allows the one or more of the plurality of keys <NUM> to luminesce or become illuminated during low ambient light conditions where the user may have trouble viewing the keys <NUM> without the need for an LED backlight. The electronic device <NUM> (and electronic devices 100a-100f) may be in communication with cloud services <NUM>, network element <NUM>, and/or server <NUM> using network <NUM>. In some examples, the electronic device <NUM> (and electronic devices 100a-100f) may be a standalone device and not connected to network <NUM>.

Elements of <FIG> may be coupled to one another through one or more interfaces employing any suitable connections (wired or wireless), which provide viable pathways for network (e.g., network <NUM>, etc.) communications. Additionally, any one or more of these elements of <FIG> may be combined or removed from the architecture based on particular configuration needs. Network <NUM> may include a configuration capable of transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) communications for the transmission or reception of packets in a network. Electronic device <NUM> may also operate in conjunction with a user datagram protocol/IP (UDP/IP) or any other suitable protocol where appropriate and based on particular needs.

Turning to the network infrastructure of <FIG>, network <NUM> represents a series of points or nodes of interconnected communication paths for receiving and transmitting packets of information. Network <NUM> offers a communicative interface between nodes, and may be configured as any local area network (LAN), virtual local area network (VLAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), Intranet, Extranet, virtual private network (VPN), and any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates communications in a network environment, or any suitable combination thereof, including wired and/or wireless communication.

In network <NUM>, network traffic, which is inclusive of packets, frames, signals, data, etc., can be sent and received according to any suitable communication messaging protocols. Suitable communication messaging protocols can include a multi-layered scheme such as Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, or any derivations or variants thereof (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), user datagram protocol/IP (UDP/IP)). Messages through the network could be made in accordance with various network protocols, (e.g., Ethernet, Infiniband, OmniPath, etc.). Additionally, radio signal communications over a cellular network may also be provided. Suitable interfaces and infrastructure may be provided to enable communication with the cellular network.

The term "packet" as used herein, refers to a unit of data that can be routed between a source node and a destination node on a packet switched network. A packet includes a source network address and a destination network address. These network addresses can be Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in a TCP/IP messaging protocol. The term "data" as used herein, refers to any type of binary, numeric, voice, video, textual, or script data, or any type of source or object code, or any other suitable information in any appropriate format that may be communicated from one point to another in electronic devices and/or networks.

Electronic devices 100a-<NUM> may include any suitable hardware, software, components, modules, or objects that facilitate the operations thereof, as well as suitable interfaces for receiving, transmitting, and/or otherwise communicating data or information in a network environment. This may be inclusive of appropriate algorithms and communication protocols that allow for the effective exchange of data or information. Electronic devices 100a-<NUM> may include virtual elements.

In regards to the internal structure, electronic devices 100a-<NUM> can include memory elements for storing information to be used in operations. Electronic devices 100a-<NUM> may keep information in any suitable memory element (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), software, hardware, firmware, or in any other suitable component, device, element, or object where appropriate and based on particular needs. Any of the memory items discussed herein should be construed as being encompassed within the broad term 'memory element. ' Moreover, the information being used, tracked, sent, or received could be provided in any database, register, queue, table, cache, control list, or other storage structure, all of which can be referenced at any suitable timeframe. Any such storage options may also be included within the broad term 'memory element' as used herein.

In certain example implementations, functions may be implemented by logic encoded in one or more tangible media (e.g., embedded logic provided in an ASIC, digital signal processor (DSP) instructions, software (potentially inclusive of object code and source code) to be executed by a processor, or other similar machine, etc.), which may be inclusive of non-transitory computer-readable media. In some of these instances, memory elements can store data used for operations. This includes the memory elements being able to store software, logic, code, or processor instructions that are executed to carry out operations or activities.

Additionally, electronic devices 100a-<NUM> can include one or more processors that can execute software or an algorithm. In one example, the processors could transform an element or an article (e.g., data) from one state or thing to another state or thing. In another example, activities may be implemented with fixed logic or programmable logic (e.g., software/computer instructions executed by a processor) and the elements identified herein could be some type of a programmable processor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) or an ASIC that includes digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. Any of the potential processing elements, modules, and machines described herein should be construed as being encompassed within the broad term 'processor.

Implementations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be formed or carried out on or over a substrate, such as a non-semiconductor substrate or a semiconductor substrate. In one implementation, the non-semiconductor substrate may be silicon dioxide, an inter-layer dielectric composed of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, titanium oxide and other transition metal oxides. Although a few examples of materials from which the non-semiconducting substrate may be formed are described here, any material that may serve as a foundation upon which a non-semiconductor device may be built falls within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

In another implementation, the semiconductor substrate may be a crystalline substrate formed using a bulk silicon or a silicon-on-insulator substructure. In other implementations, the semiconductor substrate may be formed using alternate materials, which may or may not be combined with silicon, that include but are not limited to germanium, indium antimonide, lead telluride, indium arsenide, indium phosphide, gallium arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, gallium antimonide, orother combinations of group III-V or group IV materials. In other examples, the substrate may be a flexible substrate including 2D materials such as graphene and molybdenum disulphide, organic materials such as pentacene, transparent oxides such as indium gallium zinc oxide poly/amorphous (low temperature of dep) III-V semiconductors and germanium/silicon, and other non-silicon flexible substrates. Although a few examples of materials from which the substrate may be formed are described here, any material that may serve as a foundation upon which a semiconductor device may be built falls within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Note that with the examples provided herein, interaction may be described in terms of one, two, three, or more elements. However, this has been done for purposes of clarity and example only. In certain cases, it may be easier to describe one or more of the functionalities by only referencing a limited number of elements. It should be appreciated that electronic devices 100a-<NUM> and their teachings are readily scalable and can accommodate a large number of components, as well as more complicated/sophisticated arrangements and configurations. Accordingly, the examples provided should not limit the scope or inhibit the broad teachings of electronic devices 100a-<NUM> and as potentially applied to a myriad of other architectures.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to particular arrangements and configurations, these example configurations and arrangements may be changed significantly without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Moreover, certain components may be combined, separated, eliminated, or added based on particular needs and implementations. Additionally, although electronic devices 100a-<NUM> has been illustrated with reference to particular elements and operations, these elements and operations may be replaced by any suitable architecture, protocols, and/or processes that achieve the intended functionality of electronic devices 100a-<NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (100b, 100f) comprising:
a keycap with photoluminescent material;
a light energy source to emit light energy (<NUM>), wherein the photoluminescent material is configured to absorb the light energy at a specific wavelength and reemit the light energy at a higher wavelength;
an ambient light sensor (<NUM>) to activate the light energy source during low ambient light conditions; and
characterized by further comprising a timing controller, TCON, (<NUM>) to insert one or more photoluminescent activation frames into a refresh cycle of a display (<NUM>), wherein the one or more photoluminescent activation frames are the light energy source.