TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a keyboard system in general, and to a keyboard used for entering data in multiple character sets, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Current keyboards are primarily used for data entry and are usually designed for a specific character set. As an example, an English keyboard lacks keys for entering characters in other languages, such as Russian, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew or others. Even further, an English keyboard lacks accents, dieresis, cedillas and other diacritical marks (collectively referred to herein as diacritics) that are necessary to correctly type in non- English languages that use Latin alphabets, such as German.

[0003] In the increasingly global marketplace, a person may need to alternately communicate in multiple languages, for example in German with local peers, and in English with colleagues from the US. Such individuals may use existing multi-lingual keyboards, in which some keys carry two or more letters, one in each character set. For example, in an English-Russian keyboard, the characters "a" and "f" may be typed by hitting the same key, depending on the active language. The user may switch the entry language by typing a specific sequence, such as <alt> + <shift>.

[0004] However, a user may not always be aware of the currently active language. If a user is not looking at the screen, for example a user who is unable to touch type, or is touch typing but looking in another direction, the user may find that she has been typing in the wrong language, which may be frustrating especially if the user has typed long sections, and may necessitate repeating the typing, sometimes more than once. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] One exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is a keyboard system to be used with a computing platform for entering characters in at least a first character set and a second character set, comprising: a plurality of keys, wherein each key of the plurality of keys comprises a top plane and sidewalls extending from the top plane downwards to a base end, wherein the top plane and the sidewalls define an internal volume, wherein the top plane comprises at least a first area and a second area, the first area shaped as a character in the first character set, and the second area shaped as a character in the second character set, and wherein each key is associated with: a first light source, a second light source, and one or more light-blocking wall extending from a top separator end to a bottom separator end, the bottom separator end is lower than the base end. the first area and the first light source are configured to permit light emitted from the first light source to be visible through the first area, the second area and the second light source are configured to permit light emitted from the second light source to be visible through the second area, the one or more light-blocking wall is configured to block light from the first light source from being seen through the second area, and configured to block light from the second light source from being seen through the first area; and a controller adapted to turn on the first light source and turn off the second light source when a user of the computing platform selects the first character set, and is adapted to turn off the first light source and turn on the second light source when the user selects the second character set.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the one or more light-blocking wall is integrally formed with the respective key. [0007] According to some embodiments, the one or more light-blocking wall is implemented within a layer positioned between a key layer of the keyboard and an electronic board of the keyboard.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the one or more light-blocking wall is formed substantially as a planar wall dividing the internal volume into sub-volumes.

[0009] According to some embodiments, each key is associated with a specific light blocking wall, from the one or more blocking elements, for each character set.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the specific light-blocking wall is shaped like a hollow cylinder perpendicular to the top plane, wherein one opening of the cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall encircles the first area or the second area, and another opening of the cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall encircles the first light source or the second light source, respectively.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the specific light blocking wall is shaped like a cut-off cone, wherein a wide circular top separator end of the cone-shaped light- blocking wall encircles the first area or the second area, and the narrow circular bottom separator end of the cone-shaped light-blocking wall encircles the light source corresponding to the character.

[0012] According to some embodiments, each key further comprises a pressing member, having a bottom end which is lower than the base end. [0013] According to some embodiments, the at least one light-blocking wall comprises a collapsible lower portion, configured to transition between a free un collapsed state, and a collapsed state.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the light source comprises LED. According to some embodiments, the light source is consisting of LED. [0015] The terms “light source”, “first light source” and “second light source” as used here collectively refer to any light source suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure, such as LED.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the keyboard system disclosed herein is an integral part of a computing device. [0017] According to some embodiments, the keyboard system is external to a computing device.

[0018] According to some embodiments, there is provided a computing device comprising the keyboard system disclosed herein. [0019] Certain embodiments of the present invention may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. Further advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Aspects and embodiments of the invention are further described in the specification herein below and in the appended claims. [0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs.

[0021] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which corresponding or like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an integral keyboard;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an external keyboard;

[0025] Figs. 3A and 3B show isometric views of breakdowns of a part of an integral keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0026] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the layers of an integral keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0027] Fig. 5A shows a side view of an elevation and LEDs of a key, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0028] Fig. 5B shows an isometric view of an elevation and LEDs of a key, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0029] Fig. 6 shows an isometric view of a part of a key layer, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0030] Fig. 7 shows a top view of a section of a key layer, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0031] Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of the bottom of a section of a key layer, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0032] Fig. 9 shows a front view of a section of a key layer, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0033] Fig. 10 shows a side view of an electronic board and light blocking cylinders, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0034] Fig. 11 shows a front view of a section of an electronic board and additional components, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0035] Fig. 12 shows a top view of a section through a key layer with light blocking cones, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0036] Fig. 13 shows a top view of a section through a key layer with light blocking separators, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0037] Fig. 14 shows a top view of a section through a key layer with light blocking cylinders, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0038] Fig. 15 shows a side view of the layer structure of an integral keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0039] Fig. 16 shows an isometric view of the layer structure of an integral keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0040] Fig. 17 shows a top view of an electronic board with separators of an external keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0041] Fig. 18 shows an isometric view of an electronic board of an external keyboard with cylinders, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0042] Fig. 19 shows a top view of an electronic board of an external keyboard with cones, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0043] Fig. 20 shows an isometric view of the layer structure of an external keyboard, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0044] Fig. 21 shows an isometric view of the top parts of a key having three different characters thereon, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0045] Fig. 22 shows an isometric view of the bottom parts of a key having three different characters thereon, comprising separators, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; [0046] Fig. 23 shows a top view of a part of the key layer of a key having three different characters thereon, comprising separators, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and

[0047] Fig. 24 shows a schematic block diagram of a keyboard system, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well- known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component.

[0049] Many multi-lingual users use a keyboard in which one or more keys are marked and used for entering two or more characters, each associated with a different language. When the user is hitting a key, the language of the input character may be determined by a state of the computing device to which the keyboard is connected, or a state of a keyboard controller of the computing device. The user may type a predetermined key sequence, for example <alt> + <shift> in order to switch the entry language. If two or more languages are installed, the languages may change cyclically.

[0050] One technical problem dealt with by the disclosed subject matter is that the user may forget to switch language or mistype the language-changing sequence, and may therefore type in a different language than he thinks he is, leading to incorrect and often meaningless character sequence. If the user is not watching the screen, the user may not notice the mistyping until the user has typed significant amount of text, which then needs to be frustratingly retyped. [0051] Another technical problem is that a multi character-set keyboard, in which multiple keys have thereon two or more characters, may be visually dense. This may make it hard for a user not fluent in typing in one of the languages to find each character in that language.

[0052] One technical solution comprises a keyboard in which the top plane of each key has openings or transparent parts in the shapes of the characters associated with the key. Additionally, any key associated with two or more characters, may have underneath a corresponding number of lighting devices, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), each positioned substantially under the corresponding opening. The keyboard may also be associated with a controller. The controller may query the computing platform, or receive signals from the computing platform as to the active language. The controller may then turn on the LEDs associated with the characters of the active language, and turn off the other LEDS. Thus, the character associated with the active language will be illuminated and seen, while the other characters will not.

[0053] Another technical solution relates to blocking the light of a LED which is lighting one character from the opening(s) in the top plane of the key associated with other character(s). The blocking can be done by light-blocking walls implemented in a number of ways. The light-blocking walls may be implemented as part of the key layer of the keyboard, such that each light-blocking wall is part of a key. Alternatively, the light-blocking walls may be positioned on separate connecting layer.

[0054] In one embodiment, the LEDs may be placed on an elevation of the electronic board, and the switch which is pressing against the electronic board when the key is hit, constitutes a full generally planar partition, separating the internal volume of the key, such that the light emitted by a LED is blocked from reaching the opening of a character other than the one above the LED.

[0055] In another embodiment, the key may be associated with a curved surface of a cut-off cone structure, wherein the wide circular plane surface encircles the area on which the character is cut, and the narrow circular plane surface encircles the LED corresponding to the character, thus blocking the light from reaching the openings associated with the other characters.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the key may be associated with a hollow cylinder, wherein one opening of the cylinder encircles the area on which the character is cut, and other opening encircles the LED corresponding to the character, thus blocking the light from reaching the openings associated with the other characters.

[0057] In either embodiment, a separator within the internal volume of the keycap that blocks the light of a LED positioned under one character from reaching an opening in the keycap shaped like another character.

[0058] When the computer is turned off, all LEDs may be turned off, thus the relevant keys will not show any character.

[0059] In some embodiments, all LEDs associated with one character set may have one distinct color, different from the color(s) of the LEDs associated with other character sets, which will have the effect of the user being able to tell the language without having to look at any specific character, but only by the keys color. [0060] In some embodiments, a key having a single character may also have two or more LEDs as other keys, but no light blocking element, such that the same character will be seen regardless of the language. However, if each character set is associated with LEDs of a different color, the character of such key will be seen with the same color as the characters of the other keys. Alternatively, any key having a single character may have printed or etched thereon the single character, such that it can be seen with any active language, and does not require any LED to be turned on.

[0061] One technical effect of the disclosure relates to the user seeing only the active characters that will be used by the computing platform when pressed, and not characters active in another character set. This will avoid confusions in which the user thinks that the computing platform is adjusted to a specific character set and hits the relevant keys of this specific character set, while the characters displayed by the computing platform on a display device are in a different character set. This is true also for characters belonging to multiple character sets but positioned on different keys on different keyboards. For example, in a German keyboard the letter 'Z' is positioned to the right or the letter 'T', while in an English keyboard it is positioned on the left of the bottom character row. In accordance with the disclosure, in each language the character will be displayed in the associated position on the keyboard.

[0062] Another technical effect of the disclosure is that it may be applied to any type of keyboard, whether integral to a computing platform such as in laptop computers, or external such as used in a desktop computer, and to any internal structure of the keyboard. Each keyboard may be equipped with the controller, the elevation of the PCB or light-blocking walls, and two or more LEDS for at least some of the keys.

[0063] Referring now to Fig. 1, showing a keyboard 100 integral to a device, such as a laptop, and to Fig. 2, showing a keyboard 200 external to a device such as a desktop computer. Keyboard 100 comprises multiple keys such as key 104, and keyboard 200 comprises multiple keys such as key 204, which carry characters in two different character sets, and thus cause the usage by the computing platform associated with the keyboard of different characters, depending on the language in which the computing platform is configured to. It is thus required to provide a user of either type of keyboard with a solution for the problem of typing characters of the wrong set. [0064] It will be appreciated that the character output in response to hitting a key depends on the mode the computing platform is in. The keyboard always transmits the same signal in response to hitting the same key, thus the displayed or otherwise used character is determined by the computing platform, based on a mode selected by the user. However, the user may have entered a wrong language-changing sequence, and thus the language may not be what he thinks it is, resulting in wrong or meaningless characters.

[0065] A keyboard in accordance with the disclosure may comprise a controller that receives signals from the computing platform, the signals indicating an active language or character set, and causes only the relevant characters to be seen on the keyboard, such that the user does not see and will not type characters of the wrong set.

[0066] Some of the figures below relate to a three-key part of a keyboard. It will be appreciated that the figures depict merely a part of the keyboard members, and that in actual keyboards the disclosure is applied to all keys having characters in multiple character sets.

[0067] Referring now to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, showing two isometric views of breakdowns of a three-key part of an integral keyboard, each key having two characters thereon, in accordance with the disclosure.

[0068] The keyboard may comprise a lower cover 302, made for example of plastic or silicone, an electronic board 308, comprising the electrical parts, including the contact to be pressed when the user hits a button, such that a corresponding signal is sent. The keyboard may further comprise a key layer 312 provided with a plurality of keys 304, which are identical to keys 104 or 204 shown in Figs. 1 or 2, respectively. The key layer 312 can be made, for example, of silicone, and an upper cover 316, can be made, for example, of silicone, plastic, or the like.

[0069] Each key 304 of the key layer 312 may comprise: a top plane 320, sidewalls 310 extending from the top plane 320 downwards to the base end 314, such that an internal volume 350 of the key 304 is defined between the top plane 320 and the sidewalls 310. A key 304 may further comprise a light-blocking wall 324 extending from a top separator end 326 to a bottom separator end 330, wherein the bottom separator end 330 is lower than the base end 314 of the key 304. Thus, the light blocking wall 326 divides the internal volume 350 into a plurality of sub-volumes 352, such as sub-volume 352a and 352b shown in Figs. 3A, 6 and 7.

[0070] In some implementations, the sidewalls 310 of the keys 304 extend from the top plane 320 to a plane defined by the plane-base of the key layer 312, as shown in Fig. 3A. In some implementations, the light-blocking wall 324 is integrally formed with the key 304, for example by having the top separator end 326 rigidly attached to, and/or integrally formed with, the top plane 320 of the key 304. Additionally or alternatively, side edges of the light-blocking wall 324 can be rigidly attached to, and/or integrally formed with, the sidewalls 310 of the key 304. [0071] Each key 304 of the key layer 312 may further comprise a pressing member

336, extending to a bottom end which is lower than the base end 314 of the key 304. The bottom end of the pressing member 336 can be either flush with the bottom separator end 330, or lower than the bottom separator end 330. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3A, the pressing member 336 is illustrated as an extension that is attached to, or integrally formed with, the light-separating wall 324, wherein the bottom end of the pressing member 336 is lower than the bottom separator end 330.

[0072] In use, when the user hits the key, the bottom end of the pressing member 336 presses a corresponding contact within electronic board 308, which causes the transmission of the signal representative of the key. [0073] In some embodiments, the key 304 can be devoid of a distinct pressing member 336, wherein the light-blocking wall 324 is configured to further serve as the pressing member (embodiments not shown). For example, the light-blocking wall 324 can be designed with a bottom separator end 330 designed such that upon hitting the key (such as key 104, 204, 304), the light-blocking wall 324 is pressed therewith such that the bottom separator end 330 contacts and presses the corresponding contact within electronic board 308.

[0074] The light-blocking wall 324 is configured to separate between illuminated regions of the key 304, by blocking light transfer between different sub-volumes 352, such as sub-volumes 352a and 352b illustrated on both sides of the light-blocking wall 324 in Figs. 3A, 6 and 7. A potential drawback of specific configurations in which the bottom separator end 330 is at the same height of (or even higher than) the base end 314 of the key 304, has been observed by the inventors, wherein such configuration may result in insufficient blockage of light emanating from a led associated with one sub volume to an adjacent sub-volume. Advantageously, designing a light-blocking wall 324 such that its bottom separator end 330 is lower than the base end 314 successfully overcomes this drawback. [0075] As shown in Fig. 3A, the light-blocking wall 324 can be in the form of a single planar wall extending between two opposite sidewalls 310 of the key 304, or formed from two planar sections - each extending from one sidewall 310 to the pressing member 336. As will be detailed below, light-blocking wall 324 may assume alternative structural configurations in additional alternative embodiments. [0076] The top plane 320 of a key 304 may comprise two or more area in the form of character openings 328 and 332, one per each character set. For example, in an English- Russian keyboard, the English letter 'Z' and the Russian letter 'a' share the same key, thus the corresponding keycap comprises a first area 328 in the form of a 'Z' shaped opening, and a second area 332 in the form of a 'a' shaped opening. In most keyboards, if there are two characters on a key, they are positioned near opposing corners of the key, i.e. substantially along a diagonal of the top plane of the key. In some embodiments, light-transmitting material, such as transparent silicone or plastic may be provided to fill the openings.

[0077] According to some embodiments, electronic board 308 may comprise an elevation 334 per each keycap.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the four layers of an integral keyboard, being lower cover 302, electronic board 308, key layer 312 and upper cover 316 as assembled, such that upper cover 316 comprises parts separating between the keys of key layer 312.

[0079] Referring now also to Fig. 5A showing a side view of elevation 334 and the LEDs, and to Fig. 5B showing an isometric view of elevation 334 and the LEDs. Elevation 334 may comprise two or more further elevated parts 504 and 504', separated by a slit 508 into which the light-blocking wall 324 and optionally the pressing member 336, may descend when the key is hit.

[0080] Each elevated part 504 and 504' may have thereon a light source such as a LED 512 and 512' respectively. The LEDs may be of any suitable properties, such as but not limited to 1-5V, for example 3-3.2V, 10-50mA for example 20mA and 0.01- 0.1 W, for example 0.06W.

[0081] Absent slit 508, the light-blocking wall 324, optionally along with the pressing member 336, prior to descending into opening 524 for pressing the contact of electronic board 308 will have to be elevated to a height that would reduce the ability of the light blocking wall 324 to block the light of one light source, for example 512, from being seen through the non-corresponding opening. Slit 508 may be bound by side walls 520, in order to further block light from getting into the wrong opening.

[0082] Referring now to Fig. 6, showing another isometric view of a part of key layer 312 comprising three keys 304, wherein each key comprises a light-blocking wall 324, area pressing member 336 and character opening 432 (similar to character openings 332, 328).

[0083] Referring now to Fig. 7, showing a top view of a section of key layer 312, without the top planes 320 of the keys 304, showing the light-blocking wall 324 and the pressing member 336. Also seen are elevated parts 504 and 504' of electronic board 308, and LEDs 512 and 512'.

[0084] Referring now to Fig. 8, showing an isometric view of the bottom of a section of key layer 800, which is an embodiment alternative to key layer 312. The key layer 800 comprises a plurality of keys 304, provided with sidewalls 310 extending from a top plane 320 to a base end 314, as defined herein above.

[0085] In this embodiment, in order to block the light of one LED from being seen by a character opening not positioned above the LED, underneath each character opening there may be provided a light-blocking wall 804, 804' formed as a cut-off (or truncated) cone. The wide circular top separator end 808 of the cone-shaped light-blocking wall 804 or 804' encircles the area of character opening 328 or 332, respectively, and the narrow circular bottom separator end 812 of the cone encircles the LED corresponding to the character. The bottom separator end 812 of each cone-shaped light-blocking wall 804 or 804' is positioned lower than the base end 314. Similar to pressing member 36, pressing member 816 is configured to press the contact of electronic board 308 when the key is hit. It will be appreciated that each cone- shaped light-blocking wall 804, 804' is positioned underneath a corresponding character opening in the keycap. [0086] Fig. 9 is a front view of a section of key layer 800, showing cone-shaped light blocking walls 804 and 804', having wide circular top separator end 808 and narrow circular bottom separator end 812, along with a pressing member 816 positioned there between. Each cone-shaped light-blocking wall 804 may define a first sub-volume 352 bound thereby. For example, cone-shaped light-blocking walls 804' may define a second sub-volume 352a, cone-shaped light-blocking walls 804 may define a sub volume 352b, and a third sub-volume 352c may be defined between the cone-shaped light-blocking walls 804 and 804', and may accommodate the pressing member 816 as shown. [0087] Referring now to Fig. 10, showing an embodiment in which in order to block the light of one LED from a character opening not positioned above the LED, underneath each character opening, a light-blocking wall 1004, 1004' in the form of a hollow cylinder (or tube) may be provided. Fig. 10 shows a side view of electronic board 1000 and the cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls 1004. Each cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall 1004 is provided with a circular top separator end 1026, and a circular bottom separator end 1030, both of which are provided with a substantially identical diameter, wherein the circular bottom separator end 1030 is lower than the base end 314 of the key 304. The top separator end 1026 of each cylinder- shaped light blocking wall 1004 encircles the area of the corresponding character opening 328 or 332 in the top plane 320, and the bottom separator end 1030 encircles the LED 512 corresponding to the character.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a front view of a section of a keyboard comprising cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls 1004, showing electronic board 1000, and for each key cylinder shaped light-blocking wall 1004 and 1004', LED 512 (the other LED is hidden) and pressing member 1016, similar to pressing member 816 of Fig. 9.

[0089] According to some embodiments, a light-blocking wall, such as the cylinder shaped light-blocking wall 1004, comprises a collapsible lower portion 1040, at its lower end adjacent the bottom separator end 1030, which may transition from an extended, un-collapsed free state as long as the key 304 is not pressed, to a collapsed state in which the collapsible lower portion 1040 may fold when the key 304 is pressed, and the bottom separator end 1030 is pressed against the elevation 334 (as shown in Fig. 11). While Fig. 11 illustrates an exemplary collapsible lower portion 1040 comprised within a cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall 1004, it will be understood that similar collapsible lower portions may be embodied within any other type of the light blocking wall, such as the light-blocking wall 324 or the cone-shaped light-blocking wall 804. In embodiments wherein the light-blocking wall is provided with a collapsible lower portion, the bottom separator end is positioned lower than the base end 314 of the key 304 in a free (i.e., un-pressed) state of the key, and may collapse when pressed against the elevation 334 as the key 304 is hit by the user.

[0090] While the cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall 1004 is shown in Fig. 11 having a collapsible lower portion 1040, in alternative configurations, the cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall 1004 may be rigid along its entire length, and the elevation 334 may be provided with a slot shaped to receive the bottom separator end 1030 when the key is pressed (embodiments not shown). A similar configuration may be provided for cone- shaped light-blocking walls 804, wherein the slot for receiving the narrow circular bottom separator end 812 is designed wide enough to accept the range of cone- diameters which may be inserted there-through.

[0091] Fig. 12 shows a top view of a section through key layer 800, without the top planes 320 of the keys 304. For each multi-character key 304, two cone-shaped light blocking walls 804 and 804' are provided, each having wide circular top separator end 808 and narrow circular bottom separator end 812, along with a pressing member 816 disposed there-between.

[0092] Fig. 13 shows a top view of a section through key layer 312, with only a portion 1300 of the top plane 320 of one key 304 shown, and for each multi-character key 304, a light-blocking wall 324 is provided as a relatively planar-wall, configured to block light emanating from one LED associated with a first character from getting through the opening of another character.

[0093] Fig. 14 shows a top view of a section through key layer 1000, without the top planes 320 of the keys 304, comprising for each multi-character key 304 two cylinder shaped light-blocking walls 1004 and 1004', and a pressing member 1016 disposed there-between. [0094] In the embodiments above, the light blocking elements, e.g. the separators, cones or cylinders are part of the key layer. However, in further embodiments, the light blocking elements may be a part of a layer other than the key layer, such as a connecting layer positioned between the electronic board and the key layer.

[0095] Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, showing respectively, a side view and an isometric view of the layer structure of an integral keyboard, such as a laptop keyboard. The layers may include a bottom cover 1504, an electronic layer 1508 for receiving the presses by the hit keys and outputting electronic signal, a connecting layer 1512 comprising light-blocking walls that may be provided as cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls, a key layer 1516 and a top cover 1520. It will be appreciated that the same layer structure may be implemented with substantially planar light-blocking walls or cone- shaped light-blocking walls instead of cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls.

[0096] Referring now to embodiments related to an external keyboard used by computing platforms such as but not limited to desktop computers. In external keyboards, similarly to the integral keyboards above, the light-blocking walls may be provided as part of the key layer, or as a separate layer connecting the key layer and the electronic board.

[0097] Referring now to Figs. 17-19, showing embodiments of an external keyboard, with the light-blocking walls being implemented as part of the key layer.

[0098] Referring now to Fig. 17, showing a top view of electronic board 1700 of an external keyboard, with enlarged area 1702, in accordance with the light-blocking wall embodiment described and illustrated in conjunction with Figs. 3A-7. For each key having thereon more than one character, an elevation 334 may be provided on electronic board 1700. On elevation 334 there may be provided first LED 512 and second LED 512', slit 508 and opening 524. Keys having a single character may have just one LED and opening 524. Light-blocking wall324 may be provided as part of the key layer.

[0099] Referring now to Fig. 18, showing an isometric view of electronic board 1800 of an external keyboard, in accordance with the cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall embodiment described and illustrated in conjunction with Figs. 10-11. For each key having thereon more than one character, such as key 1804, there is an elevation 1808 on electronic board 1800. On elevation 1808 are first LED (not shown) and second LED (not shown). The key layer may comprise a cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall 1812, 1816 above each led, having one open end around the LED and the other open end surrounding an opening having a character shape in the key cap (not shown).

[00100] Referring now to Fig. 19, showing a top view of electronic board 1900 of an external keyboard, in accordance with the cone-shaped light-blocking wall embodiment described and illustrated in conjunction with Figs. 8-9. For each key having thereon more than one character, such as key 1904, there is an elevation on the electronic board. On the elevation are first LED (not shown) and second LED (not shown). Cone-shaped light-blocking walls 804, 804' may be provided as part of each key, each having a wide circular top separator end 808 surrounding an opening having a character shape in the top plane (not shown) and a narrow circular bottom separator end 812 surrounding the led 512.

[00101] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 17-19 the light-blocking walls are implemented as part of the respective keys. In further embodiments, the light blocking walls may be implemented as a portions of separate layer, positioned between and connecting the electronic board and the key layer.

[00102] Referring now to Fig. 20, showing an isometric view of the layer structure of an external keyboard. The layers may include a bottom cover 2004, an electronic layer 2008 for receiving the presses by the hit keys and outputting electronic signal, a connecting layer 2012 comprising light-blocking walls 2024, shown in the illustrated embodiments as cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls, a key layer 2016 and a top cover 2020. It will be appreciated that the connecting layer 2012 may be similarly implemented with planar-shaped light-blocking walls (similar to the shape of light blocking walls 324) or cone-shaped light-blocking walls, instead of cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls. [00103] Each light-blocking wall 2024 extends between a top separator end 2026 and a bottom separator end 2030, wherein the top separator end 2026 may be spaced from the top plane of the key, while the bottom separator end 2030 may be integrally formed, or otherwise attached to, a base layer of the connecting layer 2012, arranged such that the bottom separator end 2030 is lower than the base end of the sidewalls of the key. [00104] Referring now to Fig. 21, showing a part 2100 of a key layer substantially implemented as key layer 312, corresponding to a single key having three different characters thereon, and to Fig. 22 showing an isometric bottom view of part 2100. Part 2100 comprises a three-character variant of the separator embodiment of Fig. 6. Part 2100 comprises a three-part light-blocking wall, having parts 2204, 2208 and 2212. The three-part light-blocking wall creates one sub-volume 352c larger than the two others 352a and 352b. In the illustrated example, the larger sub-volume 352c corresponds to the character 'T' of key 2100. It will be clear that a light-blocking wall may comprise less or more than three parts, wherein each part of a multi-part light-blocking wall may extend between a sidewall of the key, and any one of: another sidewall, another part of the multi-part light-blocking wall, and/or the pressing member.

[00105] Fig. 23 shows a top view of part 2100, the part comprising openings 2304, 2308 and 2312 for the three characters, and pressing member 2316.

[00106] It will be appreciated that the LEDs in the three-character keys are analogous to the LEDs shown above, for example in Fig. 5A and 5B, however three LEDS are provided for each such key, one LED placed underneath each opening.

[00107] It will be appreciated that the other embodiments, related to cone-shaped light- blocking walls and cylinder- shaped light-blocking wall may be applied as is to three- character keys, by providing a cone-shaped light-blocking walls or a cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls for each character.

[00108] It will also be appreciated that all embodiments can be applied also to four- character keys. For example, in the separator embodiment, a fourth part may be added, and in the cone-shaped light-blocking walls and cylinder- shaped light-blocking walls embodiments, another cone-shaped light-blocking wall or cylinder- shaped light blocking wall may be added. A fourth LED may be added, and the light of each LED will be seen through the corresponding opening, and not through any other opening.

[00109] In some embodiments, a narrow beam of light may be emitted by each light source, for example as emitted by a laser source, by using narrow beams, the light may reach exactly one opening, such that each opening becomes visible by a single light source. In such embodiment, the light blocking elements may be unnecessary. In order for the light to show the full character and not be dangerous to the user's eyes, a lens may be provided for dispersing the light emitted by each light source. [00110] Referring now to Fig. 24, showing a schematic block diagram of a system operating in accordance with the disclosure. The system may comprise a computing platform 2400, which may be a desktop computer, a processor of a laptop computer, a terminal, or the like. Computing platform 2400 may have installed therein, or be in wired or wireless communication with a keyboard controller 2404, being installed in or in wired or wireless communication with keyboard 2408. Keyboard 2408 may be assembled in accordance with any of the embodiments described above, to comprise LEDs and light blocking elements such as separators, cones or cylinders. One or more keys of the keyboards may be associated with two or more characters, and may comprise on their top plane openings, or transparent parts in the shapes of the associated characters. Keys associated with a single character may have this character typed, pasted, or engraved on the key.

[00111] Computing platform 2400 may receive signals from keyboard controller 2404, indicating a key or key combination of keyboard 2408 hit, or the like. Some signals may indicate a key combination associated with a control command, such as a language change, while other signals may indicate a specific character-key that was hit. Upon receiving the signal of a specific key, if the key is associated with a single character then the character is processed. Otherwise, if the key is associated with a plurality of characters, the specific character is selected in accordance with the selected language.

[00112] It will be appreciated that language change may also be made by means other than the keyboard, for example by a mouse click on the language indication on the screen. In such cases, no language-changing signal is provided by keyboard controller 2404 and keyboard 2408.

[00113] Computing platform 2400 may also be in communication with controller 2412. Controller 2412, which can be any controller, may be installed on keyboard 2408, or externally to keyboard 2408. Controller 2412 may be connected to LEDs 2416, installed on keyboard 2408 as described above. Upon a language change as provided to computing platform 2400 by a signal from keyboard controller 2404 or otherwise, computing platform 2400 can send a corresponding command to controller 2412 to turn on the LEDs associated with characters in the selected language, and turn off the other LEDs. LEDs 2416 may receive power from keyboard 2408, which may connect to computing platform 2400 via USB or another connection.

[00114] Computing platform 2400 may have installed therein a driver 2402 optionally comprising a user interface component for adapting controller 2412 such that when the computing platform is set to operate with a specific language or character set, the LEDs that show the corresponding characters are lit.

[00115] In some embodiments, if no language change command is provided by a user, controller 2412 may keep all LEDs turned off, thus showing no character, and the default language will be used. For people using touch type this should not be a problem, while it may prolong the life expectancy of the LEDs. A user that does need to look at the keyboard may select the language, after which the relevant characters will be seen by the light of the underling LED.

[00116] It will be appreciated that the disclosure can be implemented with any keyboard structure. For example, some keyboards comprise an electronic board comprising one electronic page while others comprise three electronic pages. However, the disclosure, whether the light-blocking walls are implemented as part of a key layer or as a separate layer connecting the electronic board and the key layer is applicable regardless of the electronic board implementation. [00117] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[00118] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.