KEYBOARD WITH CHANGEABLE KEY DISPLAY

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.