Apple's Patent Background

Electronic devices are ubiquitous in society and could be found in everything from household appliances to computers. Many electronic devices include graphics that are etched onto the outermost surface of these devices. The graphics could be used for various purposes, and may take the form of any design or shape, including text, symbols, decorative patterns, and so on. In some cases, the graphics may be selectively or fully backlit. One example of such a graphic is the legend that is etched onto the keycap of a keyboard.

While providing attractive backlit graphics for a user is very important in many electronic devices, much of the aesthetic appeal of a device could quickly be compromised if a graphic does not transmit enough light to be adequately perceived by a user. The aesthetic appeal of a device may also be diminished if the graphic is not sufficiently contrasted with the unetched surfaces of the device, which may make a graphic difficult to discern.

While many designs for etching graphics onto the surfaces of electronic and personal devices have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provide new and improved designs or techniques that result in even more aesthetically pleasing graphics. In particular, the ability to provide backlit graphics on electronic and personal devices in a manner that could generate a sufficient amount of light and provide contrast with the unetched surfaces of the device is desirable.

Apple's Solution

Apple's invention generally relates to new methods for etching graphics onto backlit surfaces, such as keycaps. The keycaps may include a fully or partially transparent keycap layer that may be covered by multiple coating layers. The keycap may be etched to remove the top or outermost coating layer and expose the second or middle layer. The second or middle layer may be etched to different depths so that when illuminated, the etched portion having a larger depth may transmit more light than the etched portion having a smaller depth.

One embodiment may take the form of a method for manufacturing keycap. The method may include applying a first coating layer on a surface of a keycap layer, applying a second coating layer on top of the first coating layer, etching at least a portion of the first coating layer to a first depth to form a first etched area, and etching at least a portion of the first etched area to a second depth to form a second etched area.

Another embodiment may take the form of a keycap including a keycap layer, a first coating layer covering at least a portion of the keycap layer, and a second coating layer covering at least a portion of the first coating layer. A first portion of the first coating layer may define a graphic having a first depth and a second portion of the first coating may define a border surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the graphic. The second portion may have a second depth greater than the first depth.

A further embodiment may take the form of a keyboard including at least one key including a keycap and a light source configured to illuminate the keycap. The keycap may include a keycap layer, a first coating layer adjacent the keycap layer, and a second coating layer adjacent the first coating layer. At least a portion of the keycap may define a graphic and a border. The graphic may have a first depth and the border may surround a perimeter of the graphic and have a second depth larger than the first depth.

Apple Describes a New Way to Manufacture Backlit Etchings

Apple's patent FIG. 1A illustrates a top elevation view of a sample keyboard; patent FIG. 1B illustrates a closeup top perspective view of a sample keycap of the sample keyboard of FIG. 1A; and patent FIG. 1C illustrates a closeup top elevation view of a sample graphic on the sample keycap of FIG. 1B.

In the case of the keyboard, we see that Apple is considering a backlit keyboard for the iMac. More importantly, the patent goes on to point out future applications for this new kind of backlit etching that go beyond just keyboards.

Could be used to Form Graphics and/or Boarders on Multiple Devices

According to Apple, other embodiments could be used to form graphic and/or borders on other surfaces. For example, certain embodiments may be used to form the exterior surface of a housing for an electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, a laptop or notebook computer, a tablet computing device, a desktop computer, a television, a stereo receiver, or practically any other electronic device.

Alternate embodiments may not be electronics housings at all, but instead may be any number of objects typically formed from metals or plastics. For example, certain embodiments may be formed as described herein to create serving utensils or dishes, signs, advertisements and the like.

Additionally, Apple notes that while the patent generally discusses etching in the context of keycaps and/or keys on a keyboard, it should be understood that the techniques, methods, operations and the like described herein may be applied to a number of different apparatuses. For example, a logo on the exterior of an electronics housing may be etched in the fashion described herein, as may portions of a trackpad, touchpad, mouse or other input (or output) device.

Manufacturing Process: Applying Specialty Coatings Prior to Etching

Apple's patent FIG. 2A illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectional view of a sample keycap shown during manufacturing before the keycap is etched, as taken along a line similar to line 2-2 of FIG. 1C; patent FIG. 2B illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectional view of a sample keycap shown during manufacturing after a first etching step, as taken along a line similar to line 2-2 of FIG. 1C; patent FIG. 2C illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectional view of a sample keycap shown during manufacturing after a second etching step, as taken along a line similar to line 2-2 of FIG. 1C; and patent FIG. 3 is a flowchart setting forth a sample method for manufacturing a sample keycap.

Apple's patent application was originally filed in Q2 2010 by inventors Peter Mahowald and Omar Leung.

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Other Noteworthy Patent Applications Published Today

While we're on the topic of keyboards, Apple discusses a narrow key switch for a low travel keyboard like the ones used in today's MacBook and Apple's wireless keyboards in patent application 20110303521. In patent application 20110304984, Apple discusses the power supply assemblies for the iPad which are formed of a plurality of individual battery cells. In patent application 20110307084, Apple discusses the detection of monophonic or polyphonic in an audio stream. This is likely related to Apple's Logic Pro application. And lastly in patent Application 20110307385, Apple discusses electronic content delivery, and more specifically, to tracking user actions taken in response to presenting a user with invitational content. In other words, the patent relates to iAd and/or advertising. So if you're area of expertise is advertising, then you might want to check it out. 

Notice: Patently Apple presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. Revelations found in patent applications shouldn't be interpreted as rumor or fast-tracked according to rumor timetables. Apple's patent applications have provided the Mac community with a clear heads-up on some of Apple's greatest product trends including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, iOS cameras, LED displays, iCloud services for iTunes and more. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

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