PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9007307-B2
Application Number: US-85317610-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Method and apparatus for enhancing keycap legend visibility in low light conditions

Abstract:
Techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys, are disclosed. In low light conditions, keys can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually distinguish the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). More particularly, in one embodiment, some light from the nearby display device can be directed towards and reflected from the user input devices (e.g., keys) to enhance visibility of the keys or the legends thereon.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing device, comprising:
 a display having a front surface for presenting displayed data; and 
 at least one key configured to facilitate user input to the computing device, the at least one key including a key structure, a reflective layer disposed over a top surface of the key structure, and a diffusion layer disposed over the reflective layer, 
 wherein the reflective layer of the at least one key is configured to reflect light emitted from the front surface of the display so that a user of the computing device is better able to see the reflective layer in low light environments. 
 
     
     
       2. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer is selectively patterned or covered to yield a reflective legend on the at least one key. 
     
     
       3. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the diffusion layer provides diffusion for reflections from the reflective legend on the at least one key. 
     
     
       4. A computing device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the reflective layer is selectively patterned or covered to yield a reflective legend on the at least one key, and wherein the computing device is a portable computing device. 
     
     
       5. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one key is part of a keypad. 
     
     
       6. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is a portable computing device. 
     
     
       7. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer comprises aluminum, silver or compounds thereof. 
     
     
       8. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one key further including an outer protective layer. 
     
     
       9. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one key further including a patterned layer disposed over the diffusion layer, the patterned layer covers portions of the reflective layer, and wherein those portions of the reflective layer not being covered by the patterned layer form a legend on the at least one key. 
     
     
       10. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer is disposed directly on the top surface of the key structure, and wherein the reflective layer operates to reflect light directly incident from the front surface of the display to the top surface of the key structure. 
     
     
       11. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer is disposed on an upper inner surface of the key structure, and wherein at least a portion of an upper outer surface of the key structure is translucent. 
     
     
       12. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer comprises an ink including reflective material. 
     
     
       13. A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer comprises a paint including reflective material. 
     
     
       14. A method for illuminating keys of a portable computing device using light from a display associated with the portable computing device, the method comprising:
 receiving, at the keys, at least a portion of light emitted from a front surface of the display and directed toward the keys, the front surface of the display being for presenting displayed data; 
 reflecting a portion of the light emitted from the front surface of the display and directed toward the keys; 
 diffusing the reflected portion of the light; 
 providing the diffused, reflected light to a user position, 
 wherein each of the keys include a reflective member to provide the reflecting, 
 wherein each of the keys include a diffusion member to provide the diffusing, 
 wherein the reflective member is provided on a top surface of the corresponding one of the keys, and 
 wherein the diffusion member is provided on the top surface over the reflective member. 
 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the keys pertain to key within a keypad. 
     
     
       16. A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the method comprises:
 configuring each of the plurality of keys to reflect a portion of the light emitted from the display and directed towards the keys. 
 
     
     
       17. A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the light emitted from the display is provided by a backlight. 
     
     
       18. A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the reflective member comprises aluminum, silver or compounds thereof. 
     
     
       19. A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the reflective layer is disposed on an upper inner surface of each of the keys, and wherein at least a portion of an upper outer surface of the keys is translucent. 
     
     
       20. A non-backlit key of an electronic device, comprising:
 a top surface; 
 a reflective layer disposed proximate the top surface and representing a legend; and 
 a diffusion layer disposed over the reflective layer, the diffusion layer operational to diffuse light reflected from the reflective layer in a controlled manner such that the legend of the non-backlit key is more visible in low light conditions, 
 wherein the electronic device is a portable computer having a base portion and a top portion, the top portion including a display having a front surface for presenting displayed data, and wherein the display, when operable, produces light and a portion of the produced light impinges on and is reflected by the reflective layer and then diffused by the diffusion layer. 
 
     
     
       21. A non-backlit key as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the reflective layer comprises an ink including reflective material.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to illumination of keys for electronic devices and, more particularly, to illumination of keys for electronic devices using reflected light. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Computing devices, such as notebook computers, mobile phones, netbook computers, e-readers and others, commonly provide one or more keys for user selection. The keys are often provided in a keyboard or keypad. In order for user to see and visually distinguish between the keys, the keys include legends. For example, a given key might be for the character “a”, the number “1” or a symbol “#”. Providing the legends in a color that has a high contrast to a base color of the keys can be helpful to visibility. In some cases, these computer systems can provide backlighting to the keys. The backlighting provides illumination to the keys so that a user can visually distinguish between the keys. Such illumination is particularly useful when the computing devices are used in low light conditions. 
     Unfortunately, however, providing backlighting requires additional circuitry and optical components. Backlighting when active also consumes power and thus renders the computing device less power efficient. Accordingly, there is a continuing need to provide alternative ways to provide illumination of keys for low light conditions. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains to techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys. In low light conditions, keys can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually distinguish the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). More particularly, in one embodiment, some light from the nearby display device can be directed towards and reflected from the user input devices (e.g., keys) to enhance visibility of the keys or the legends thereon. As discussed below, the user input devices (e.g., key) can be configured to enhance reflection of light and thereby improve visibility of the keys or the legends thereon. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     According to one embodiment, a computing device can include a display for presenting displayed data, and at least one key configured to facilitate user input to the computing device. The at least one key includes a key structure, a reflective layer disposed adjacent the key structure, and a diffusion layer disposed over the reflective layer. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for illuminating keys of a portable computing device can use light from a display associated with the portable computing device. More particularly, the method can include receiving, at the keys, at least a portion of light emitted from the display and directed toward the keys; reflecting a portion of the light emitted from the display and directed toward the keys; diffusing the reflected portion of the light; and providing the diffused, reflected light to a user position. 
     According to still another embodiment, a non-backlit key of an electronic device can include a top surface, a reflective layer disposed proximate the top surface and representing a legend, and a diffusion layer disposed over the reflective layer. The diffusion layer operates to diffuse light reflected from the reflective layer in a controlled manner such that the legend of the non-backlit key is more visible in low light conditions. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a computing device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a conceptual diagram of an optical arrangement illustrating one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a key illumination process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a reflective key according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate exemplary top surfaces of key caps according to different embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key according to still another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys. In low light conditions, keys can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually distinguish the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). More particularly, in one embodiment, some light from the nearby display device can be directed towards and reflected from the user input devices (e.g., keys) to enhance visibility of the keys or the legends thereon. As discussed below, the user input devices (e.g., key) can be configured to enhance reflection of light and thereby improve visibility of the keys or the legends thereon. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-5D . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. The illustrations provided in these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; instead, the illustrations are presented in a manner to facilitate presentation. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an electronic device  100  according to one embodiment. The electronic device  100  is, for example, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop computer, a notebook computer or a netbook computer), a mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) or a digital media playback device (e.g., a DVD player). The electronic device  100  includes a base portion  102  and a top portion  104 . The base portion  102  houses at least one printed circuit board together with various electrical components that interoperate to provide an electronic device (e.g., computing device) for either general purposes or specific purposes. The base portion  102  also supports a user input region  106 . For example, the user input region  106  can include a keyboard or keypad having a plurality of keys. The top portion  104  can contain a display device  108 . When operating, the display device  108  produces light for illumination of text or graphics being presented on the display device  108 . While most of the light from the display device  108  is typically emitted normal to the surface of the display device  108 , a portion of the light can also be directed towards the base portion  102 . The portion of the light that from the display device  108  that is directed towards the base portion  102  can be reflected from one or more of the keys (e.g., key tops or key caps) of the user input region  106  (e.g., keyboard). The reflected light  112  can be directed towards the eyes  114  of a user on the computing device  100 . Consequently, the reflected light  112  facilitates the user in recognizing legends provided on the keys in the user input region  106  (e.g., keyboard) in low light conditions. 
       FIG. 2A  is a conceptual diagram of an optical arrangement  200  illustrating one embodiment. The optical arrangement  200  can, for example, be used with an electronic device. The optical arrangement  200  includes a light source  202 . The light source  202  produces light that can be utilized to illuminate not only a display device but also keys within a key region  204 . The light source  202  is, for example, provided by a backlight of a LCD display screen. The key region  204  includes a plurality of keys that can be similarly constructed so as to facilitate illumination in low light conditions. In particular, the keys within the key region  204  include key caps  206 . A key cap is considered to be an upper portion or top of a key. 
     A key cap  206  can be modified to facilitate illumination. In particular, according to one embodiment, applied to the top of each of the key caps  206  is a reflective layer  208  and a diffusion layer  210 . The reflective layer  208  can operate to reflect at least a portion of the light  212  from the light source  202  that is incident on the key region  204 . The incident light  212  impinges on the keys caps  206  in the key region  204 , and passes through the diffusion layer  210  and is then partially reflected by the reflective layer  208  to provide reflected light  214  directed towards the eyes  216  of a user. 
     The diffusion layer  210  operates to diffuse (or scatter) the reflected light  214  so that the illumination on the key caps  206  is diffused so that any images depicted by the light source  202  are diffused and thus the illumination of the key caps  206  provides general illumination as opposed to a direct reflection of images being depicted by the light source  202 . For example, if the light source  202  were part of a display device, and if the display device were to present an image of a mountain on its display with illumination from the light source  202 , then the diffusion layer  210  would diffuse the reflected light  214  so that the mountain would not be recognizable from the reflected light  214  being viewed by the user. 
       FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a key illumination process  250  according to one embodiment. The key illumination process  250  is, for example, performed by an electronic device (e.g., computing device) having a light source and a key region with one or more keys. For example, the key illumination process  250  can be performed by the electronic device providing the optical arrangement  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
     The key illumination process  250  can receive  252  light emitted from a light source (e.g., display) at one or more keys. A portion of the light received at the one or more keys can be reflected  254 . The reflected portion of the light received at the one or more keys can then be diffused  256 . Thereafter, the diffused, reflected light can be provided  258  to a user position. As a result, the one or more keys are able to be illuminated using light originating from a light source. The light source can be a display device of a portable computer. As such, the key illumination process  250  makes uses of an existing light source (e.g., display device) and thus does not require a dedicated light source. The reflection of the light from the one or more keys is due to reflective material provided on the one or more keys. In one implementation, the one or more keys can have key caps as described above with reference to  FIG. 2A . Various suitable structures or arrangements for keys or key caps are detailed below. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of a reflective key  300  according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the reflective key  300  can include a key structure  302 , a reflective layer  304  provided on the top surface of the key structure  302 , and a diffusion layer  306  provided over the reflective layer  304 . For durability, it is advantageous to keep the reflective layer  304  and the diffusion layer  306  relatively thin. The thickness of the reflective layer  304  depends upon implementation. However, in one example, the reflective layer  304  can have a thickness of about 1-15 micrometers. The thickness of the diffusion layer  306  also depends upon implementation. However, in one example, the diffusion layer  306  can have a thickness of about 8-30 micrometers. The reflective layer  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3  can be patterned directly or indirectly so that an appropriate legend is provided on the key structure  302 . 
     The reflective layer  304  and the diffusion layer  306  can be provided in various different ways. In one embodiment, either or both of the reflective layer  304  and the diffusion layer  306  can be applied by being sprayed on. The sprayed on solution for the reflective layer  304  can be ink or paint based and include reflective material, such as small pieces of aluminum, silver or compounds (or alloys) thereof. The sprayed on solution for the diffusion layer  306  can also be ink or paint based. In another embodiment, the reflective layer can be applied by a silkscreen process. The diffusion layer  306  can be provided by a variety of materials. One suitable material for the diffusion layer  306  is acrylic paint. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate exemplary top surfaces of key caps according to different embodiments. In  FIG. 4A , a key cap  400  includes a top surface  402 . The top surface  402  of the key cap  400  illustrates a reflective legend  404 . The reflective legend  404  is formed from a reflective material, such as the reflective layer  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In the example shown in  FIG. 4A , the reflective legend  404  shown in  FIG. 4A  has an “O” shape. A diffusion layer  406  can be provided on the top surface  402  over the reflective legend  404 . The diffusion layer  406  typically covers at least the reflective legend  404  but also may cover the entire top surface  402  of the key cap  400 . 
     In  FIG. 4B , a key cap  400 ′ is similar to the key cap  400  of  FIG. 4A . Nevertheless, the key cap  400 ′ includes a top surface  402 ′. The top surface  402 ′ of the key cap  400 ′ illustrates a reflective legend  404 ′. The reflective legend  404 ′ is formed from a reflective material, such as the reflective layer  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In the example shown in  FIG. 4B , the reflective legend  404 ′ shown in  FIG. 4B  can provide a graphical element, such as a corporate logo. A diffusion layer  406 ′ can be provided on the top surface  402 ′ over the reflective legend  404 ′. The diffusion layer  406 ′ typically covers at least the reflective legend  404 ′ but also may cover the entire top surface  402 ′ of the key cap  400 ′. 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key  500  according to one embodiment. The reflective key  500  includes a key  502 . In one embodiment, the key  502  can be opaque, such as a particular color (e.g., black). The key  502  can also includes an inner opening (or hollow portion)  504 . The reflective key  500  can include a mirror layer  506  that is provided for a top surface of the key  502 . The mirror layer  506  is provided by a reflective material. The reflective material can be a broad spectrum reflective material. For example, the mirror layer  506  can be formed of aluminum, silver or compounds (or alloys) thereof. In particular, the mirror layer  506  can be an ink or paint having aluminum or silver fragments therein. One suitable ink is a mirror effect ink from Seiko Advance Ltd. Of Tokyo, Japan. One suitable paint is a mirror effect paint from PPG Industries, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition, a barrier layer  508  can be provided over the mirror layer  506 . The barrier layer  508  is at least partially if not fully translucent. The barrier  508  can be clear in color and may also include glass particles other clear materials (e.g., acrylic particles) to provide diffusion. The glass particles can, for example, be fibers or spheres. The thickness of the mirror layer  506  and the barrier layer  508  depend upon implementation. However, in one example, the mirror layer  506  and the barrier layer  508  can each have a thickness of about 9-12 and 8-11 micrometers, respectively. 
     Additionally, a patterned layer  510  can be provided over the barrier layer  508 . The patterned layer  510  is typically an opaque layer, for example, black. The patterned layer  510  can be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the key  502  so that only select portions of the mirror layer  506  remain visible. Those portions of the mirror layer  506  not covered by the patterned layer  510  yield the desired legend for the key  502 . The thickness of the patterned layer  510  also depends upon implementation. However, in one example, the patterned layer  510  can have a thickness of about 8-15 micrometers, or in a more particular example 9-11 micrometers. 
     After the patterned layer  510  has been applied, a protective layer  512  can be provided over the patterned layer  510 . The protective layer  512  can protect the reflective legend that results from the reflective layer  506 , the diffusion layer  508  and the patterned layer  510 . The protective layer  512  is a thin protective coating. The thickness of the protective layer  512  depends upon implementation. However, in one example, the protective layer  512  can have a thickness of about 15-30 micrometers, or in a more particular example 20-22 micrometers. The protective layer  512  can also provide diffusion, in which case it can include diffusing materials. The protective layer  512  can be applied by being sprayed on. The sprayed on solution for the protective layer  512  can be ink or paint based and is typically clear (e.g., clear acrylic paint, clear resin) and may also include the diffusing materials. The gloss level (or diffusion effect) of the protective layer  512  can be controlled to limit gloss level (e.g., to about 5 gloss units). 
     The patterned layer  510  has a pattern that it is formed when the patterned layer  510  is initially applied, or formed into a layer that is initially applied. In one implementation, a layer is patterned when formed. For example, the layer can be sprayed, silk-screened or deposited (e.g., PVD) on in the desired pattern. In another implementation, the layer can be formed and then be patterned. For example, chemical etching or laser ablation can be used to pattern the layer. 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key  550  according to another embodiment. The reflective key  550  includes a key  552 . In one embodiment, the key  552  can be at least partially translucent, such as clear. The key  552  can also include an inner opening (or hollow portion)  554 . 
     In this embodiment, a mirror layer  556  can be provided on the inner, underside portion of the key  552 . Hence, even though the mirror layer  556  is provided on the inner, underside portion of the inner opening  554 , impinging light received via the top of the reflective key  550  can be reflected from the mirror layer  556 . The mirror layer  556  can be provided by a reflective material. For example, mirror layer  556  can be formed on an ink or paint having quantities of aluminum or silver contained therein. 
     The reflective key  550  can also include a diffusion region  558 . In this embodiment, the diffusion region  558  can be embedded within or provided by the material of the reflective key  550 . At the top of the key  552 , a patterned layer  560  can be provided to superimpose a pattern for a legend to be provided on the reflective key  550 . 
     The patterned layer  560  is typically an opaque layer, for example, black. The patterned layer  560  can be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the key  552  so that only select portions of the mirror layer  556  remain visible. Those portions of the mirror layer  556  not covered by the patterned layer  560  yield the desired legend for the key  552 . 
     After the patterned layer  560  has been applied, a protective layer  562  can be provided over the patterned layer  560 . The protective layer  562  protects the reflective legend that results from the reflective layer  556 , the diffusion region  558  and the patterned layer  560 . The protective layer  512  is a thin protective coating. The thickness of the protective layer  512  depends upon implementation. However, in one example, the protective layer  512  can have a thickness of about 10-30 micrometers. The protective layer  512  can be applied by being sprayed on. The sprayed on solution for the protective layer  512  can be ink or paint based and is typically clear (e.g., clear acrylic paint, clear resin). 
       FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key  570  according to another embodiment. The reflective key  570  includes a key  572 . In one embodiment, the key  572  can be opaque, such as a particular color (e.g., black). The key  572  can also include mirror elements  574 . More generally, the mirror elements  574  can be referred to as reflective elements. The mirror elements  574  can be formed by patterning a mirror layer or by selectively forming the mirror elements  574 . The patterning can make use of chemically etching or laser etching/ablation. 
     In addition, a protective layer  576  can be provided over the mirror elements  574  and other portion of the top of the key  572 . In this embodiment, the protective layer  576  also serves as a diffusion layer. Diffusion can be provided by limiting the gloss characteristics of the protective layer  576 . In this embodiment, the protective layer  576  is at least partially if not fully translucent. The protective layer  578  can be clear in color and may also include glass fibers to provide additional diffusion. The protective layer  576  can protect the reflective legend that results from the mirror elements  574  and the key  572 . 
       FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of a reflective key  580  according to still another embodiment. The reflective key  580  includes a key  582 . In one embodiment, the key  582  can be opaque, such as a particular color (e.g., black). The key  582  can also include mirror elements  584 . More generally, the mirror elements  584  can be referred to as reflective elements. For example, the mirror elements  584  can be formed of aluminum or silver. In particular, the mirror layer  506  can be an ink or paint having aluminum or silver fragments therein. The mirror elements  584  can be formed by patterning a mirror layer or by selectively forming the mirror elements  584 . The patterning can make use of chemically etching or laser etching/ablation. 
     In addition, the reflective key  580  can provide a diffusion layer  586  over the mirror elements  584 . The diffusion layer  586  can be at least partially if not fully translucent. The diffusion layer  586  can be clear in color and may also include glass fibers to provide additional diffusion. Additionally, a protective layer  588  can be provided over the diffusion layer  586 . The protective layer  588  can protect the reflective legend that results from the mirror elements  584 , the diffusion layer  586  and the key  582 . It should be understood that the diffusion layer  586  and the protective layer  588  can be provided as separately deposited layers or a single layer providing both diffusion and protection. 
     The reflective layer or mirror elements discussed herein can be applied as ink or paint as noted above. Alternatively, the reflective layer or mirror elements can be applied by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) if formed of metal, such as silver or aluminum. In such case the thickness of the reflective layer or mirror elements can be as thin as one (1) micrometer or less. 
     Although the techniques described above primarily concern reflective legends for user input device, such as keys, in other embodiments, the techniques described herein can be use to provide other reflective markings that would advantageously be more visible in low light conditions. In general, the reflective markings, or annotations, provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The marking can be provided for informational, cosmetic and/or functional reasons. For example, the markings can be used to provide a product (e.g., a product&#39;s housing) with certain information. The marking can, for example, be use to label the product with various information. When a marking includes text, the text can provide information concerning the product (e.g., electronic device). For example, the text can include one or more of: name of product, trademark or copyright information, design location, assembly location, model number, serial number, license number, agency approvals, standards compliance, electronic codes, memory of device, and the like. When a marking includes a graphic, the graphic can pertain to a logo, a certification mark, standards mark or an approval mark that is often associated with the product. The marking can be used for advertisements to be provided on products. The markings can also be used for customization (e.g., user customization) of a housing of a product. 
     Although the embodiments described herein do not require changes to a display device or keys, in some embodiment, it may be useful to alter the physical configuration of the display device or keys. For example, the display device could be altered such that a portion of its emitted light is incident on the keys to be illuminated. Also, for example, the keys could be altered to allow them to more efficiently receive the light emitted from the display device. For instance, the structure for the key could angled toward the display device. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage is that legends or marking can be made reflective with appropriate diffusion so that the legends or markings can be visible in low light conditions. Another advantage is that backlight is not need needed for keys (e.g., key boards or keypads) if the legends on the keys are made suitably reflective. Here, additional components to support backlighting are not needed and thus electronic device can potentially be made thinner. Still another advantage is that keys can be provided with reflective legends in a manner that renders the legends durable, protected and with reliable adhesion. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100809
Publication Date: 20150414
Grant Date: 20150414
Priority Date: 20100809
Inventors: MOLLER RONALD
PAYNE JOHN T.
LYANDRES LILIYA
NASHNER MICHAEL
NAKAJIMA KENICHI
CHUNG TSAO LUN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44630478