Light-diffusing user interface surface
An overlay surface for a user interface of a device comprises a lower light-diffusing semitransparent layer affixed to an upper transparent layer. Graphics printed on the bottom surface of the transparent layer are protected from wear by the overlying transparent layer, while light sources back-illuminating the graphics from below are diffused by the semitransparent layer before they reach the graphics. The graphics of the surface may be provided by an opaque mask having transparent or translucent cutouts. The multilayer surface enables the graphics to be evenly back-illuminated while at the same time being protected from external wear without the need for additional light-diffusing elements such as light pipes.
1. A multilayer overlay for at least one of a video processing device and an audio processing device, the multilayer overlay comprising:
a transparent layer having a first surface exposed to an environment external to the device;
static graphics applied to a second surface of the transparent layer that is not exposed to the environment external to the device;
a diffusive layer having intrinsic bulk light-diffusive properties and first and second planar surfaces, wherein the first planar surface of the diffusive layer is held in contact with the second surface of the transparent layer, and wherein when light from one or more light sources external to the diffusive layer is incident on the second planar surface of the diffusive layer, the light is diffused by the diffusive layer when incident on the graphics of the transparent layer, and wherein the diffusive layer has a uniform thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm; and wherein:
the at least one of a video processing device and an audio processing device includes a physical user control;
the static graphics define a portion of an illuminated user interface located adjacent to the physical user control; and
the portion is subject to physical wear when the physical user control is operated by a user of the device.
2. The surface of claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the diffusive layer is held in contact with the second surface of the transparent layer by an adhesive layer placed on the second surface of the transparent layer.
3. The surface of claim 1 , wherein:
a portion of the overlay is embossed;
the at least one of a video processing device and an audio processing device includes a control located below the embossed portion of the overlay; and
the embossed portion of the overlay is configured to respond to a user of the device pressing the embossed portion by flexing and to thereby actuating the control of the device located below the embossed portion.
4. A multilayer overlay for at least one of a video processing device and an audio processing device, the multilayer overlay comprising:
a transparent layer having a first surface exposed to an environment external to the device and a second surface that is not exposed to the environment external to the device;
an opaque mask layer that includes cutouts having a first surface held in contact with the second surface of the transparent layer;
a diffusive layer having intrinsic bulk light-diffusive properties and first and second planar surfaces, wherein the first planar surface of the diffusive layer is held in contact with a second surface of the mask layer, and wherein when light from one or more light sources is incident on the planar second surface of the diffusive layer, the light is diffused by the diffusive layer when incident on the mask layer, and wherein the diffusive layer has a uniform thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm; and wherein:
the at least one of a video processing device and an audio processing device include a physical user control;
the mask layer defines a portion of an illuminated user interface located adjacent to the physical user control; and
the portion is subject to physical wear when the physical user control is operated by a user of the device.
5. The overlay of claim 4 , wherein the first surface of the diffusive layer is held in contact with the second surface of the transparent layer by an adhesive layer placed on the second surface of the transparent layer.
6. The overlay of claim 1 , wherein the physical user control is one of a button, switch and slider.
7. The overlay of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the illuminated user interface is palm rest.
8. The overlay of claim 4 , wherein the physical user control is one of a button, switch and slider.
9. The overlay of claim 4 , wherein the portion of the illuminated user interface is palm rest.