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US-12625566-B2 - Multilingual keyboard

US12625566B2US 12625566 B2US12625566 B2US 12625566B2US-12625566-B2

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multilingual keyboard comprising a first set of keys with Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays and matte-finished key caps, produced through a blending process for clear visibility and aesthetic appeal. The multilingual keyboard includes at least two sets of keys: the first set with OLED displays for dynamic character updates based on the selected language, and a second set with fixed functions for a familiar typing experience. The multilingual keyboard incorporates a language switching system that enables seamless transitions between multiple languages with real-time updates on the OLED displays of the first set of keys. Designed to replace multiple keyboards and complex software mappings, the multilingual keyboard offers a versatile typing solution.

Inventors

  • Isaac Feuerwerger

Assignees

  • Isaac Feuerwerger

Dates

Publication Date
20260512
Application Date
20250516

Claims (19)

  1. 1 . A multilingual keyboard, comprising: a first set of keys configured to dynamically display one or more of alphabetical characters, numerical characters and special characters based on a selected language by a user; a second set of keys with fixed, hard-coded functions; and a language switching system configured to switch one or more of the alphabetical characters, the numerical characters and the special characters to be displayed by the first set of keys, upon receipt of a user input for selecting a desired language among a pre-determined set of languages, wherein each of the first set of keys comprises at least one Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, and a key cap for covering the at least one OLED display, and the key cap is formed of a chemical formulation containing a transparent Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) base doped with a pre-defined proportion of black carbon; and wherein the chemical formulation of the key cap contains the transparent ABS base doped with the black carbon at a ratio ranging from 25:1 to 35:1 by weight, to maintain a matte black appearance of the key cap when the at least one OLED display is off, and allow light from the at least one OLED display to pass through when the at least one OLED display is on.
  2. 2 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , further comprising an indication key configured to generate a visual feedback of a current language being displayed on the at least one OLED display.
  3. 3 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , further comprising a set of Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators, each LED indicator configured to indicate an operating state of a function key of the keyboard.
  4. 4 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein the language switching system comprises a storage unit configured to store information related to input data and icons associated with the pre-determined languages to be displayed on the at least one OLED display.
  5. 5 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein the language switching system comprises an interface unit configured to receive the user input pertaining to selection of the desired language among the pre-determined set of languages.
  6. 6 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 5 , wherein the interface unit is configured to receive inputs from multiple users, and store information related to the selected language in the storage unit in separate user profiles.
  7. 7 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 5 , wherein the language switching system comprises a control unit operatively connected to the at least one OLED display of each of the first set of keys, the control unit configured to dynamically control display of an icon on the at least one OLED display, based on the selection of the desired language among the pre-determined set of languages made by the user through the interface unit.
  8. 8 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit is configured to dynamically switch the icons displayed on the at least one OLED display of each of the first set of keys, when the interface unit 204 receive the user input indicating a change in the desired language.
  9. 9 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rubber pads on a bottom surface thereof to prevent the multilingual keyboard from slipping when placed on a flat or irregular surface.
  10. 10 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , further comprising a set of hinges coupled to the bottom surface thereof, each hinge of the set of hinges configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position.
  11. 11 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 10 , wherein in the retracted position, the hinge is substantially flush with the bottom surface, and wherein in the extended position, the hinge ensures that the multilingual keyboard is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to a surface on which the multilingual keyboard is placed.
  12. 12 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one OLED display is mounted directly beneath the key cap.
  13. 13 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the key cap comprises a set of micro-patterns, to enable diffusion and reduce glare of light emitted by the at least one OLED display.
  14. 14 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the key cap comprises a concave-shaped curved profile.
  15. 15 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one OLED display is positioned between the key cap and an inner frame of the corresponding key of the first set of keys, the inner frame resting above a rubber dome adapted to provide a consistent tactile feedback when the corresponding key is pressed.
  16. 16 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 15 , wherein the rubber dome is made from a silicone-based material.
  17. 17 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 15 , wherein the inner frame comprises one or more light barriers to prevent light bleed between adjacent keys.
  18. 18 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 15 , wherein the rubber dome comprises a conductive pad configured to contact a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) positioned beneath the rubber dome to regulate registration of a key press action for the corresponding key of the first set of keys.
  19. 19 . The multilingual keyboard according to claim 18 , wherein when the key cap of the corresponding key is pressed, the inner frame moves downward to push the conductive pad into contact with the PCB, completing the electrical circuit and registering the key press action for the corresponding key.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE This non-provisional application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/698,459, entitled “AUTOMATED LINGUAL” filed on Sep. 24, 2024. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to input devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multilingual keyboard configured to easily customize display characteristics of one or more keys thereof, based on user preferences. BACKGROUND The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. A keyboard (e.g., QWERTY-based or similar keyboard) can be used to input data into a computing device. For instance, a keyboard might be built into a device like a laptop, tablet, or phone. Alternatively, a separate keyboard can be connected to a desktop computer, tablet, or any other device lacking an integrated keyboard. Many keyboards feature backlighting to help users see the keys in dimly lit conditions. However, providing consistent illumination across each key cap can be difficult for various reasons. Moreover, most keyboards include keys that are associated with fixed hard-coded functions, and can only allow a user to provide input data to a computing device in a single language. Computing devices often need to support multiple languages. For instance, a user might want to type a document in both Hebrew and English, while others might use the computer for emails in various languages such as English, Hindi, Greek, Chinese, Russian, or Arabic. Current multilingual keyboards are cumbersome to use, as they typically feature two or three characters on each key, which are often small. This makes it challenging and time-consuming for users to find the correct letter among the numerous characters on the keyboard. Additionally, the small size of the letters can make them hard to read. Given that keyboards are widely used in laptops and keypads are common in many computing devices, improving the ease of data entry across multiple languages would be beneficial and desirable for many applications. Efforts have been made in the past to develop multilingual keyboards that provide customizable options for users to change an input language for various keys of said multilingual keyboard. However, existing multilingual keyboards typically depend on either software-based virtual keyboards or physical keyboards with fixed hard-coded layouts. These techniques require users to memorize key mappings and offer limited adaptability. Moreover, such existing multilingual keyboards fail to provide real-time visual feedback for switching languages, which can hinder typing efficiency and overall user experience. There is, therefore, a demand for a more flexible keyboard that can dynamically support multiple languages and provide immediate visual feedback to users. SUMMARY Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multilingual keyboard multilingual keyboard configured to easily customize display characteristics of one or more keys thereof, based on user preferences. The multilingual keyboard support multiple languages and provide immediate visual feedback to users, to improve the overall user experience and typing efficiency. In one aspect, the multilingual keyboard features a first set of keys, each equipped with at least one Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display and covered by a key cap. The key cap is made from a material designed to provide a matte finish on its outer surface, enhancing the keyboard's aesthetic appeal. The key cap is produced through a blending/molding process that involves shaping a specific chemical formulation containing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and black carbon to provide a matte black finish to the key cap. This process ensures that both the outer and inner surfaces of the key cap have adequate transparency, allowing the at least one OLED display underneath to be easily visible while preserving the matte finish on the outer surface. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multilingual keyboard may feature multiple sets of keys. The first set includes keys equipped with OLED displays, while the second set consists of keys with fixed, hard-coded functions. The first set, positioned in the center of the keyboard, includes keys for alphabetical, numerical or special characters, allowing dynamic display of these characters based on the user's selected language. Meanwhile, the second set adheres to a standard layout to offer a familiar typing experience for users. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multilingual keyboard may be equipped with a language switching system configured to improve typing efficiency and user experience across a pre-determined set of languages. The language