Switch key image display and operator/circuit interface
US5867149A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2219/02
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Keys or buttons for operating switches contain flat panel displays for displaying changeable images that convey information pertaining to operation of the switches. Labels at the face of the keys can change instantly and automatically when the functions of the switches change during different modes of operation of an electronic system. The display including driver integrated circuit chips is contained within a transparent key cap and has a bezel free construction enabling display of images that may extend to the edges of the face of the display. The invention provides for durable moisture sealing at the edges of a display which contains very thin internal edge seals and, in one form, provides similar sealing at a passage through the active image area of the display through which a switch button or other control may extend. A single set of such keys may be used to control diverse different types of electronic devices. Labels displayed by the set of keys change when the operator switches from control of one such device to control of another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.