Apple has filed a patent (number 8282261) for a white point adjustment for a multicolor keyboard backlight. The patent provides systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light.
In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed.
Here’s Apple’s background on the invention: “Electronic devices, including desktop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, cell phones and mobile media devices, among others, have become ubiquitous in today’s society. They serve as work tools, communication devices and provide entertainment. As such, they are operated in all types of lighting conditions. For example, electronic devices may be operated on an airplane with limited lighting or outdoors with the sun shining brightly.
“To help facilitate use of the electronic device regardless of lighting conditions, the keyboards and/or buttons on such devices may be provided with their own lighting. For example, in some instances, the keyboards have been lit by an LED or array of LEDs positioned under the keyboard. In other instances, the keyboards have been backlit by a light source placed under the keys of the keyboard.
The inventor is Aleksandar Pance, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey, Brandon Dean Slack and Reese T. Cutler.
