Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to indicate real time availability of individual key assemblies for user input to an information handling system. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to retract an individual key assembly of a user input device (e.g., such as keyboard matrix, game controller, game pad, computer mouse, etc.) when the key assembly is, or becomes, unavailable for input to a user application (e.g., such as a computer game) that is executing on a host programmable integrated circuit (e.g., such as host CPU) of an information handling system. Such a retracted key assembly may then be extended when it becomes available for input to the user application.

A switch assembly comprising a housing configured to operably couple to a trim panel and defining a cavity, a feedback device operably coupled to the housing and positioned within the cavity, a printed circuit board operably coupled to the feedback device, a proximity sensor operably coupled to a connector and configured to actuate the feedback device, and a light source operably coupled the printed circuit board and configured to luminesce in response to actuation of the proximity sensor. The trim panel comprises a panel substrate operably coupled to a backup layer, an icon layer positioned within the cavity and operably coupled to the backup layer, an outline positioned about a periphery of the backup layer, and a translucent panel skin bonded to a foam layer positioned over the panel substrate, wherein the panel skin stretches over the panel substrate and the backup layer.

A restocking system includes a first compartment for storing consumable items; a restocking suggestion unit configured to receive restocking suggestions from a remotely located server; an output interface configured to output the restocking suggestions to a user; and a first hardware button located in an interior of the first compartment. The first hardware button is configured to: after a first restocking suggestion is output by the output interface, prompt the user to provide a confirmation input regarding the first restocking suggestion; send a respective confirmation signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is activated by the user within a preset time window after the first restocking suggestion is output; and send a respective rejection signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is not activated within the preset time window. A corresponding restocking method is also disclosed.

A display device may include: a window disposed on the display panel, including: a window base including a light transmission portion and a light blocking portion; a light blocking layer disposed on the light blocking portion of the window base, the light blocking layer including a touch key pattern portion; a printed circuit board disposed on the light blocking layer; a touch key light source disposed on the printed circuit board; a first light blocking member disposed on the printed circuit board and the touch key light source, including: a first distal end between the touch key light source and the light transmission portion of the window base; and a second distal end between the touch key light source and an edge of the window base; and a second light blocking member disposed between the second distal end of the first light blocking member and the light blocking layer.

An input device is provided which includes: a first light source which emits light to cause a first design to be displayed on a display region: a second light source which emits light to cause a second design different from the first design to be displayed on the display region; a switch which receives an input from a user; and a control circuit which, according to the input received by the switch, (i) controls displaying of a design on the display region, by controlling a lighting state of the first light source and a lighting state of the second light source, and (ii) outputs a control signal corresponding to the input received by the switch, to an external device.

A laminated light guide and component carrier includes a light guide of a light transmissive polymeric material. The light guide has a pocket in a first face. First electrical traces are printed on the first face. A light emitting diode is positioned in the pocket and supported on the light guide by attachment legs which extend outward from the pocket electrically connecting the light emitting diode to the first electrical traces. A light reflector is formed as a texturally modified area of the light guide directly aligned with the light emitting diode. A capacitive touch sensor is printed on a light guide second face and connected to second electrical traces defining capacitive touch traces printed on the second face. A window region of the light guide is defined where the capacitive touch sensor is aligned with the light reflector and the light emitting diode.

A restocking system includes a first compartment for storing consumable items; a restocking suggestion unit configured to receive restocking suggestions from a remotely located server; an output interface configured to output the restocking suggestions to a user; and a first hardware button located in an interior of the first compartment. The first hardware button is configured to: after a first restocking suggestion is output by the output interface, prompt the user to provide a confirmation input regarding the first restocking suggestion; send a respective confirmation signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is activated by the user within a preset time window after the first restocking suggestion is output; and send a respective rejection signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is not activated within the preset time window. A corresponding restocking method is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a touchpad system forming a human-machine interface, intended for a vehicle steering wheel. The touchpad system includes a light source illuminating the touchpad and a camera capturing light coming from the touchpad. The touchpad includes a first marker able to reflect the light coming from the light source, and the touchpad, with the exception of the first marker, being transparent to the light emitted by the light source. The system is notable in particular in that pressure on the touchpad causes the touchpad to move and in that, when the touchpad is in a first position, the first marker is not visible to the camera and, when the touchpad is in a second position, the first marker is visible to the camera.

Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to indicate real time availability of individual key assemblies for user input to an information handling system. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to retract an individual key assembly of a user input device (e.g., such as keyboard matrix, game controller, game pad, computer mouse, etc.) when the key assembly is, or becomes, unavailable for input to a user application (e.g., such as a computer game) that is executing on a host programmable integrated circuit (e.g., such as host CPU) of an information handling system. Such a retracted key assembly may then be extended when it becomes available for input to the user application.

The present inventors have recognized that an electrical switch for opening doors in buildings, calling elevators, and the like can be improved to require less physical contact, larger activation area, and multiple activation methods, with increased reliability, by utilizing a piezoelectric sensor specifically arranged between rigid, parallel mounting plates in which one of the plates (an inner plate) is rigidly fixed to prevent movement while the other plate (an outer plate) is accessible for receiving physical contact. By rigidly fixing the inner plate, such as by mounting to a wall or bollard, the sensor can react with sensitivity upon an application of less pressure on the outer plate. Such pressure compresses the sensor between the plates to produce an electrical signal. A controller receiving the signal can, in turn, execute to open a door, call an elevator and/or activate a light or sound to provide feedback.