Apple patents dynamically-lit keyboard concept
updated 12:20 pm EST, Thu January 3, 2008
Dynamically-lit keyboard
A second Apple patent application, published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office, shows a new keyboard design that may change how some future Macs operate. Each key in the new layout has multiple OLED lights, which are tied to application-specific integrated circuits; the lights can form symbols specific to a command, and may in some cases be animated, across individual individual keys as well as whole groups. An unspecified form of tactile feedback may also be present.
The concept bears a resemblance to Art Lebedev's Optimus Maximus keyboard, which has yet to be released, but which also features dynamic OLED lights that respond to different program contexts. Were Apple to follow in Lebedev's tracks, users would, for instance, be able to hit keys specifically tailored to functions in Final Cut Pro, or switch between languages and see the results displayed in front of them. The current problem with Lebedev's keyboard is cost however, as it is on pre-order for $462. Apple would likely have to use a much cheaper implementation in a mass-marketed product.
A basic backlit keyboard
01/03, 12:29pm reply
...aka macbook pro would be a welcome addition for me...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Re: basic backlit
01/03, 01:31pm reply
Basic backlit keyboards are already available.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
hmmm
01/03, 01:44pm reply
. Were Apple to follow in Lebedev's tracks, users would, for instance, be able to hit keys specifically tailored to functions in Final Cut Pro, or switch between languages and see the results displayed in front of them.
If Apple were to follow in Lebedev's tracks, wouldn't they be sued for Patent infringement?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
re: The current problem w
01/03, 01:45pm reply
The current problem with Lebedev's keyboard is cost however...
How about availability..
mgpalma
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Perfect for running Windo
01/03, 02:38pm reply
An Apple keyboard that changed its appearance (and function) would be perfect for creating a Windows capable keyboard for running Vista via BootCamp.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
and then...
01/03, 03:38pm reply
we can finally get a keyboard with fully functioning Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break buttons!
Now if only someone could find a use for them.....
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
price
01/03, 03:47pm reply
that optimus keyboard for $462 has only one single dynamic light button while the version with all buttons lighted costs almost $2000
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
the best you can do?
01/03, 04:23pm reply
Man, that seems like alot of trouble for a keyboard that can switch localizations (maybe used a handful of times), or could be a windows keyboard (the system preferences can switch the command and option keys for you).
Its very hard to believe those reasons would make this worth creating.
stwf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2002
re: the best you can do?
01/04, 09:44am reply
it means apple doesn't have to manufacture localized versions of their laptops (french, german, english, dutch, etc). it means a streamlined production line.
JohnnyFive
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2003
re: the best you can do?
01/04, 10:59am reply
it means apple doesn't have to manufacture localized versions of their laptops (french, german, english, dutch, etc). it means a streamlined production line.
JohnnyFive
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2003