Lighting system for a keyboard

Details Lighting system for a keyboard Lighting system for a keyboard

1999-01-12

2001-01-30

Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)

Illumination

Light source or light source support and luminescent material

C362S085000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06179432

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to keyboards, such as those used in conjunction with computers, and particularly to a keyboard having a self-illumination system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Keyboards are used with a variety of devices to provide selective inputs. For example, computers, such as desktop or laptop computers utilize keyboards as an interface with a user. A typical keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each having an upper strike surface that can be pressed to provide desired inputs to the computer. Typically, the keys includes alphanumeric symbols or other symbols to guide the user as to which key or keys should be pressed to provide a desired input to the computer.
Conventional keyboards can be problematic when working in low light or no light conditions. The computer display panel, e.g. monitor, is illuminated and readily visible. However, conventional keyboards are not illuminated and, hence, the symbols displayed on individual keys are not readily visible to the user. This can create difficulty in utilization of the keyboard to provide appropriate input to the computer or other device.
It would be advantageous to have a self-illumination system for a keyboard to assist a user in low ambient light conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a system for illuminating a keyboard having a keyboard base pan, a plurality of key actuators and a plurality of keycaps. The keyboard is of the type used with a personal computer. The system comprises an illumination panel having a thickness that permits placement of the illumination panel between the keyboard base pan and the plurality of keycaps. The illumination panel includes a plurality of openings for receiving the key actuators therethrough. The illumination panel may be illuminated selectively to provide a user with a lighted keyboard.
According to another aspect, the invention features a keyboard for use in providing inputs to a computer. The keyboard includes a base pan and a plurality of input keys. The input keys extend from the keyboard base pan, and each input key includes an upper strike surface that selectively may be pressed by a user. Additionally, the keyboard includes a lamp disposed along the keyboard base pan such that it does not extend above the upper strike surfaces.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for illuminating a keyboard of the type designed for use with a digital device. The method includes providing a keyboard base structure on which a plurality of input keys may be mounted. The method further includes mounting a lamp adjacent the keyboard base structure. Furthermore, the plurality of input keys are oriented so a strike surface of each input key is disposed outwardly from the lamp and the keyboard base structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp comprises an electroluminescent lamp in the shape of a flat panel having a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of input keys.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5899553 (1999-05-01), Howell
patent: 5971557 (1999-10-01), Kubes et al.

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