Keyboard with changeable key display

Abstract

A keyboard system comprises a first plurality of keys. The first plurality of keys have top surfaces with fixed indicia disposed thereon. The keyboard system further comprises a recessed section. The keyboard system further comprises a programmable display key module disposed in the recessed section. The programmable display key module comprises a dynamically programmable flat panel display having a plurality of display areas. The programmable display key module further comprises a second plurality of keys. Each of the second plurality of keys has at least a first transparent surface and a switch engagement structure. At least a portion of each key overlays a corresponding display area of the dynamically programmable flat panel display. The programmable display key module further comprises a plurality of switches. Each switch is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch engagement structure of a corresponding key. At least a first of the switches is activated by the corresponding switch engagement structure when the corresponding key is depressed.

1 . A computer keyboard comprising:
 a first programmable display having a plurality of display regions; and   a plurality of computer keyboard keys, each key overlaying at least in part a corresponding display region of the first programmable display and each key having at least a clear top surface so that the corresponding display region is visible.   
   
   
       2 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable display comprises a plurality of selectable pixels. 
   
   
       3 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising a display backlight. 
   
   
       4 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a backlight configured to generate supplemental illumination; and   a reflector configured to reflect light generated by the backlight onto the display regions.   
   
   
       5 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the keys are configured to create an audible indicator when pressed. 
   
   
       6 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable display comprises a liquid crystal display. 
   
   
       7 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor, wherein the keys are configured to provide a signal to the processor when pressed. 
   
   
       8 . The computer keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to provide display data to the programmable display. 
   
   
       9 . A computer keyboard comprising:
 a dynamically programmable display having a plurality of display areas;   a plurality of computer keyboard keys, each key having at least a first clear surface and a switch actuator, and each key positioned over a corresponding display area of the dynamically programmable display; and   a plurality of switches, wherein each switch is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch actuator of a corresponding key, and wherein at least a first of the switches is activated by the corresponding switch actuator when the switch actuator key is depressed.   
   
   
       10 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , wherein the display areas are viewable through the corresponding computer keyboard keys. 
   
   
       11 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , wherein the switches form a portion of a flexible membrane assembly mounted adjacent to the dynamically programmable display, the flexible membrane assembly having a plurality of conductive circuit paths formed thereon. 
   
   
       12 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , further comprising a backlight configured to provide supplemental illumination to the display areas. 
   
   
       13 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , wherein the switches comprise depressible domes switches that generate an electrical signal when the switches are activated. 
   
   
       14 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , wherein the dynamically programmable display comprises a liquid crystal display. 
   
   
       15 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , further comprising a processor, wherein the switches provide an input signal to the processor when activated, and wherein the processor provides display data to the dynamically programmable display. 
   
   
       16 . The computer keyboard of  claim 9 , further comprising a processor, wherein:
 the switches provide an input signal to the processor when activated;   the processor provides display data to the dynamically programmable display; and   the display data comprises information associated with a function to be performed by the processor upon receipt of the input signal.   
   
   
       17 . A keyboard system, comprising:
 a first plurality of keys having top surfaces with fixed indicia disposed thereon;   a recessed section;   a programmable display key module disposed in the recessed section, the programmable display key module comprising:
 a dynamically programmable flat panel display having a plurality of display areas; 
 a second plurality of keys, each of the second plurality of keys having at least a first transparent surface and a switch engagement structure, and at least a portion of each key overlaying a corresponding display area of the dynamically programmable flat panel display; and 
 a plurality of switches, wherein each switch is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch engagement structure of a corresponding key, wherein at least a first of the switches is activated by the corresponding switch engagement structure when the corresponding key is depressed. 
   
   
   
       18 . The keyboard system of  claim 17 , wherein the switches form a portion of a flexible membrane assembly mounted adjacent to the dynamically programmable flat panel display, the flexible membrane assembly having a plurality of conductive circuit paths formed thereon. 
   
   
       19 . The keyboard system of  claim 17 , wherein the dynamically programmable flat panel display comprises a plurality of selectable pixels 
   
   
       20 . The keyboard system of  claim 17 , further comprising a processor, wherein:
 the switches provide an input signal to the processor when activated;   the processor provides display data to the dynamically programmable flat panel display; and   the display data comprises information associated with a function to be performed by the processor upon receipt of the input signal.   
   
   
       21 . The keyboard system of  claim 17 , further comprising a processor, wherein:
 the switch provides an input signal to the processor when activated;   the processor provides display data to the dynamically programmable flat panel display; and   the processor is positioned within the programmable display key module.