TRANSFORMING GRAPHICAL EXPRESSIONS TO INDICATE BUTTON FUNCTION

摘要

To provide a user with descriptive images for each function performed by a button, the embodiments described herein use a transforming graphical expression that presents different images depending on the particular function the button is currently performing. For example, if the button is used to increase speaker volume, the graphical expression may display plus sign, but if the button is currently being used to navigate through a display menu, the graphical expression may be transformed into an arrow to indicate the direction a selection element in the menu moves if the button is activated. Thus, as the current function of the button changes, the graphical expression presented to the user also changes. In this manner, the same button may be used to perform multiple functions while presenting to a user a customized graphical expression indicating the current function of the button.

主权项

1. An electronic device, comprising:
a button comprising a pattern formed by portions of an optically transmissive substrate exposed by openings in an opaque material disposed over the transmissive substrate, the pattern comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including an optical filter material; and at least one visible light source configured to selectively emit light of a first color and light of a second color, wherein, when emitting light of the first color, the first portion is illuminated, and when emitting light of the second color, the second portion is illuminated and the optical filter material blocks the light of the second color, thereby preventing the first portion from being illuminated.