A method for setting functions for an input device and the input device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for setting functions for an input device, and also relates to an input device using this method. A method for setting functions for an input device provided by the present invention, the input device includes at least one button, and the method enables the button to have at least two different triggering positions during a single pressing process, and the button can implement corresponding functions through different triggering positions. The present invention also provides an input device using this method, the input device may include at least one of the above-mentioned buttons, the button includes a pressing member that can move up and down, a fixedly arranged Hall element, and a magnet that can cooperate with the Hall element. By adjusting the distance between the magnet and the Hall element, different triggering positions are set. Compared with the prior art, the method and input device provided by the present invention significantly improve the degree of customization of the button and are more personalized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of input devices, and in particular to a method for setting functions for an input device; the present invention also relates to an input device using the method for setting functions of the input device. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous popularization of computers, peripheral input devices such as mice and keyboards have long been well-known to people. Especially in recent years, the e-sports industry has shown a booming development trend. Mice and keyboards are no longer simple input devices in the ordinary sense. Consumers, especially game players, have put forward higher requirements in many aspects such as durability, feel, and diversity.

[0003] Mechanical keyboards have emerged in such an environment. They have good feel and greatly improved durability. However, since the mechanical shafts they use still rely on the contact of positive and negative elastic sheets to achieve the on-off of the circuit, their service life is still relatively limited. There has also appeared a magnetic axis keyboard on the market. The magnetic axis it uses is based on electromagnetic induction generated by the Hall effect to achieve signal on-off, solving the wear problem caused by physical contact of mechanical shafts. However, this kind of keyboard still has a fixed trigger point and is difficult to meet the needs of different users for different pressing strokes, or the needs of the same user for different pressing strokes in different uses. For example, when the same user is using the keyboard for office work, they hope that the pressing stroke is shorter to make input more convenient; but when they are using the keyboard for e-sports games, they may hope that the pressing stroke is longer to meet special requirements in the game.

[0004] In this regard, the prior art provides a method for adjusting the trigger position of a magnetic axis keyboard, which can change the trigger position of the same magnetic axis according to different usage environments or requirements, so as to achieve different stroke requirements for different users or different uses. However, its defects are also obvious: the same switch axis can only achieve one trigger during one press, and it is difficult to meet the increasingly diverse needs of users in games or special scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for setting functions for an input device, which enables a user to achieve more than two functions in one press, and is more conducive to the user's personalized setting.

[0006] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an input device, which can achieve more than two functions triggered in one press through the method of setting functions, and is more personalized.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0008] Provided is a method for setting functions for an input device, the input device including at least one key, the method enabling the key to have at least two different trigger positions during a single press, and the key being able to implement corresponding functions through different trigger positions.

[0009] After adopting such a method, the user can set two or more different trigger positions during the pressing stroke of the key according to their own usage preferences and needs. When the key reaches different trigger positions, corresponding functions can be implemented according to the settings, so that ultimately the user can implement more than two functions during a single press, significantly improving the customization degree of the key compared with the prior art and being more personalized.

[0010] As a further preferred solution, the method includes the following steps:

[0011] S1, enabling the input device to enter the function setting state;

[0012] S2, according to the user's needs, customizing the first trigger position of the specified key and the first function corresponding to the first trigger position, and transmitting the first trigger position and the first function to the storage unit of the input device in data form and saving the settings;

[0013] S3, customizing the second trigger position of the specified key and the second function corresponding to the second trigger position, and transmitting the second trigger position and the second function to the storage unit of the input device in data form and saving the settings;

[0014] S4, repeating steps S2 or S3 as needed to set more trigger positions and their corresponding functions, and saving the settings in sequence.

[0015] In this way, the user can conveniently customize and store the trigger positions of the key and the corresponding functions.

[0016] More specifically, the functions include the single-click function of the key, the double-click function of the key, the continuous press function of the key, or the combined function of any keys. Through the setting of the above functions, the user can conveniently meet their personalized needs.

[0017] Further preferably, the method views the set corresponding trigger positions and their corresponding functions through a visual operation interface. The visual operation interface can be implemented through a visual display APP. Through the setting of the above visual operation interface, the user can more conveniently and intuitively implement the setting of the trigger position and the corresponding function.

[0018] Further preferably, S1 of the method further includes removing a key of the input device and replacing it with the specified key. Through the above replacement, the manufacturing cost of the input device can be reduced.

[0019] The present invention also provides an input device for a method of setting functions using the input device. The input device may include at least one of the aforementioned buttons. The button includes a pressing member that can move up and down, a fixedly arranged Hall element, and a magnet that can cooperate with the Hall element. Different trigger positions are set by adjusting the distance between the magnet and the Hall element.

[0020] After adopting such a structure, different function settings can be achieved by changing the distance between the Hall element and the magnet in the input device. Compared with the prior art, the degree of customization of the button is significantly improved, making it more personalized.

[0021] As an improvement of the foregoing solution, different pressing hand feelings are provided during the process of the magnet reaching different trigger positions. In this way, different trigger positions that the magnet is about to reach can be clearly judged through different pressing hand feelings, making the operation more accurate.

[0022] As another improvement of the foregoing solution, when the magnet reaches the trigger position, the button can emit a sound or produce a change in the pressing hand feeling. The change in sound or pressing hand feeling is more conducive to the user accurately judging the function to be triggered by the magnet.

[0023] For further improvement, the button further includes a convex block and an elastic member that cooperates with the convex block. Both the convex block and the magnet are connected to the pressing member. When the convex block moves downward, it can contact the elastic member to produce the change in the sound or pressing hand feeling. The cooperation between the convex block and the elastic member can easily achieve the change in the sound or pressing hand feeling.

[0024] Specifically, the elastic member is generally V-shaped, and the convex block is a rhombic member recessed with a sound generating portion. In this way, the rhombic member recessed with the sound generating portion can contact the V-shaped elastic member on both sides to improve stability, and at the same time, the change in sound and hand feeling can be achieved.

[0025] As another further improved solution, the button further includes a first elastic member that can move up and down with the pressing member and a second elastic member that cooperates with the first elastic member. The first elastic member is provided with the magnet. When the first elastic member moves downward, it can contact the second elastic member to produce the change in the sound or pressing hand feeling. The change in sound and hand feeling can also be conveniently achieved through the cooperation of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

[0026] By reading and referring to the following drawings and the description of the specific embodiments, the features of the present invention can be more easily understood and mastered. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for setting functions for an input device provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a device using a method for setting functions for an input device provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 is an assembled view of a device using a method for setting functions for an input device provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is the state of an input device provided by the present invention when the pressing member is not pressed;

[0031] Figure 5 is the state of an input device provided by the present invention when the pressing member drives the magnet to reach the first trigger position;

[0032] Figure 6 is the state of an input device provided by the present invention when the pressing member drives the magnet to reach the first trigger position and then continues to move downward;

[0033] Figure 7 is the state of a mouse provided by the present invention when the pressing member is not pressed;

[0034] Figure 8 is the state of a mouse provided by the present invention when the pressing member drives the magnet to reach the first trigger position;

[0035] Figure 9 is the state of a mouse provided by the present invention when the pressing member drives the magnet to reach the first trigger position and then continues to move downward. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0037] All the accompanying drawings only disclose parts closely related to the present invention, rather than all the steps for setting functions for the input device or all the structures of the input device.

[0038] The implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific accompanying drawings.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, a method for setting functions for an input device. The "input device" in the present invention includes any device that can input signals to devices such as computers and game consoles, and commonly includes keyboards, mice, remote controls, laser pointers, etc. The embodiments provided by the present invention are mainly based on keyboards, and unless otherwise specified, all refer to keyboards.

[0040] The input device in this embodiment includes a processor, a circuit board, a storage unit, and at least one key. The processor, the storage unit, and the key are all electrically connected to the circuit board. The storage unit can store programs (methods) related to key function settings that are preset and modified by the user. After the signal sent by the key is transmitted to the processor, the processor can read the function settings in the storage unit, and then cooperate with devices such as a computer to implement corresponding functions. The key generally consists of a keycap and a switch shaft electrically connected to the circuit board. The key generates a signal by turning the switch shaft on and off, and the trigger position refers to the position in the switch shaft where the "on" or "off" conversion is achieved. Through the setting method disclosed in this embodiment, the key can have at least two different trigger positions during a single press. Furthermore, corresponding functions can be achieved through different trigger positions. By adopting this method, the user can set two or more different trigger positions during the pressing stroke of the key according to their own usage preferences and needs. When the key reaches different trigger positions, corresponding functions can be achieved according to the settings, so that the user can finally achieve more than two functions during a single press, significantly improving the degree of customization of the key compared with the prior art and being more personalized.

[0041] Specifically, the so-called "functions" in this embodiment include the single-click function of the key, the double-click function of the key (i.e., the superposition of two single-click functions), the continuous pressing function of the key (i.e., the superposition of multiple single-click functions), or the combined function of any keys. Through the setting of the above functions, the user can conveniently meet their personalized needs. For example, after setting the corresponding trigger position as the double-click function, the operation that requires continuous tapping twice before setting can be saved as tapping once. Another example is to set a certain trigger stroke as the function corresponding to "Ctrl + Alt + Delete". Then, the operation that requires pressing three keys continuously before setting can be saved as pressing one key. This is more convenient for some game users to control intense battle games.

[0042] Although visualization is not necessary for implementing this method, it is obviously the best solution to ensure operation accuracy and improve the user experience. Visualized operations are also adopted in this embodiment. Please refer to Figure 1, the method specifically includes the following steps: First step, open the pre-installed settings software (APP) in a computer (or mobile phone, gaming device, etc.), connect the input device, and make the input device enter the function setting state; Second step, according to user needs, in the operation interface of the settings software, customize the first trigger position of the specified button and the first function corresponding to the first trigger position, and transmit the first trigger position and the first function to the storage unit of the input device in the form of data, and save the setting; Third step, in the operation interface of the settings software, customize the second trigger position of the specified button and the second function corresponding to the second trigger position, and transmit the second trigger position and the second function to the storage unit of the input device in the form of data, and save the setting; Fourth step, repeat the second or third step as needed to set more trigger positions and their corresponding functions, and save the settings in sequence. Users can conveniently customize and store the trigger positions and corresponding functions of the button. During use, users can retrieve the corresponding settings from the storage unit, so that users can achieve more than two functions in one pressing process, with a higher degree of customization compared to the prior art.

[0043] As Figures 2-6 shown is the input device (only part of the structure is shown in the figure) of the foregoing method provided by the present invention. The input device includes a circuit board 2 and a plurality of buttons 1. The buttons 1 are installed on the circuit board 2, and further include keycaps (not shown), pressing members 3, Hall elements 4, and magnets 5. The pressing members 3 are inserted under the keycaps through the crossheads at the top, and the pressing members 3 can move up and down with the keycaps. The Hall elements 4 are fixedly arranged on the circuit board 2, preferably at the bottom in this embodiment, which can further improve the convenience of assembly; by changing the distance between the magnet 5 and the Hall element 4, different trigger positions can be set, and then according to the different preset functions of different trigger positions, corresponding functions or function combinations can be achieved. Compared with the prior art, the degree of customization of the button 1 is significantly improved and more personalized.

[0044] When there are more than two different trigger positions in one pressing process, if it can help users confirm the currently operated trigger position, the accuracy and convenience of the operation will be comprehensively improved. The preferred solution in this embodiment is: when the magnet 5 reaches the trigger position, the button 1 makes a sound or produces a change in the pressing feel. The so-called "sound" is not limited and can be a click sound, a ticking sound, a rattling sound, etc.; the so-called "change in the pressing feel" refers to a physical action that can be felt by the finger, such as vibration, pulsation, becoming tight or loose, etc., and is also not limited to a single feeling or a combination of multiple feelings.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the magnet 5 reaches the trigger position, it can not only make a sound but also produce a change in the pressing feel at the same time. As Figures 2-6, the button 1 further includes a bump 6 and an elastic member 7, and both the bump 6 and the magnet 5 are connected to the pressing member 3. Preferably, the bump 6 can be arranged on the side of the pressing member 3, and the magnet 5 can be arranged on the bottom surface of the pressing member 3. When the bump 6 moves downward, it can contact the elastic member 7 to generate the aforementioned sound or change in the pressing feel. Those skilled in the art can adopt the prior art to design the bump 6 and the elastic member 7 into different shapes or contact methods to achieve the aforementioned change in sound or pressing feel. Specifically, as Figure 2 , the elastic member 7 is made of metal and is generally a V-shaped metal sheet. The upper part of the elastic member is generally in an "X" shape, and a total of two turning parts 8 are formed on the left and right. The bump 6 is recessed with a sound-generating part 9. The shape of the bump 6 can be determined according to the prior art. In this embodiment, the bump 6 is a rhombic component. The rhombic component can be recessed with a sound-generating part 9 on one side, or can be recessed with sound-generating parts 9 on both sides. In this embodiment, both sides are provided. The so-called "sound-generating part" 9 refers to a generally V-shaped groove structure recessed in the middle of the rhombic component.

[0046] Such as Figure 4 shows the state where the pressing member 3 has not been pressed; when the pressing member 3 is pressed and drives the bottom magnet 5 to move towards the Hall element 4, when the bump 6 moves downward accordingly, the elastic member 7 is slowly expanded; as Figure 5 shows, when the magnet 5 reaches the preset first trigger position, the two turning parts 8 on the left and right of the elastic member 7 snap into the sound-generating parts 9 on both sides of the bump, and a sound and a change in feel are generated; Figure 6 shows the state when the pressing member 3 continues to move downward. In this embodiment, the structure for generating a sound or a change in feel when the magnet 5 reaches the second trigger position is not shown. The structure of this part can repeat the aforementioned design, but those skilled in the art can also make a transformation design based on the prior art on this basis, as long as a sound or a change in feel can be generated at the specified trigger position finally.

[0047] As another alternative to the foregoing solution, it is possible to make the magnet 5 have different pressing feels during the process of reaching different trigger positions. In other words, the feel when reaching the first trigger position is different from the feel when reaching the second trigger position from the first trigger position. And the so-called pressing feel can be a feel from loose to tight, or a feel from tight to loose. In this way, different pressing feels can be used to clearly judge the different trigger positions that the magnet is about to reach, making the operation more accurate. The specific implementation method can adopt the structure in the foregoing solution, and reference can be made to Figure 4 , and a rhombic component 6 is also provided. However, different from the foregoing implementation solution, the middle part of the bump 6 does not have an inward concave design, that is, there is no sound-generating part 8.

[0048] The applicant has found that although the keys with the above structure can achieve the object of the present invention, compared with ordinary magnetic axis keyboards, the full adoption of such keys will significantly increase the cost, and for users, the need for multi-functional settings for the full keyboard hardly exists. Therefore, in order to further reduce the manufacturing cost, the input device in this embodiment may be configured with only some of the keys with the above structure, or all configured as ordinary keys. The user can remove one or more ordinary keys as needed and replace them with the keys with the above structure.

[0049] As Figures 7-9 shown is a specific application of the foregoing method provided by the present invention in a mouse (only part of the structure is shown in the figure). The mouse includes a circuit board 2, a pressing member 3, a Hall element 4, a magnet 5, a first elastic member 701 and a second elastic member 702. The first elastic member 701 is made of metal and includes an ejecting portion 7011 and a fixing portion 7012. The second elastic member 702 is also made of metal and includes a concave point 7021. The first elastic member 701 is located under the pressing member 3, and the magnet 5 is placed on the fixing portion 7012. The magnet 5 can move up and down with the pressing of the pressing member 3. The Hall element 4 is fixedly arranged on the circuit board 2, preferably at the bottom in this embodiment, which can further improve the convenience of assembly.

[0050] When the magnet 5 reaches the trigger position, the pressing member 1 makes a sound or produces a change in the pressing feel. The so-called "sound" is not limited and can be a clicking sound, a ticking sound, a tapping sound, etc.; the so-called "change in the pressing feel" refers to a physical action that can be felt by the finger, such as vibration, pulsation, becoming tight or loose, etc., and is not limited to a single feeling or a combination of multiple feelings.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the magnet 5 reaches the trigger position, it can not only make a sound but also produce a change in the pressing feel at the same time. As Figure 7 shown is the state where the pressing member 3 has not been pressed; when the pressing member 3 is pressed down, driving the magnet 5 on the fixing portion 7012 to move towards the Hall element 4, the ejecting portion 7011 also moves towards the concave point 7021 accordingly; as Figure 8 shown, when the magnet 5 reaches the preset first trigger position, the ejecting portion 7011 reaches the concave point 7021, and at this time, the pressing member 3 makes a sound and a change in the feel; Figure 9 shown is the state when the pressing member 3 continues to move downward. In this embodiment, the structure for making a sound or a change in the feel when the magnet 5 reaches the second trigger position is not shown. The structure of this part can repeat the foregoing design, but those skilled in the art can also make a transformation design based on the prior art on this basis, as long as a sound can be made or a change in the feel can be produced at the specified trigger position finally.

[0052] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An input device using a method for setting functions for an input device, characterized in that: The input device includes at least one button. The method enables the button to have at least two different trigger positions during a single press, and the button can achieve corresponding functions through different trigger positions. The button includes a press member that can move up and down, a fixedly arranged Hall element, and a magnet that can cooperate with the Hall element. Different trigger positions are set by adjusting the distance between the magnet and the Hall element. When the magnet reaches the trigger position, the button can emit a sound or produce a change in the pressing feel. Wherein, the button further includes a protrusion and an elastic member that cooperates with the protrusion. Both the protrusion and the magnet are connected to the press member. When the protrusion moves downward, it can contact the elastic member to produce the above-mentioned sound or change in the pressing feel. The protrusion is a diamond-shaped component with a sound-emitting part recessed therein, and the sound-emitting part is a V-shaped groove structure recessed in the middle of the diamond-shaped component.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the method for setting functions for the input device includes the following steps: S1, making the input device enter the function setting state; S2, according to the user's needs, customizing the first trigger position of the specified button and the first function corresponding to the first trigger position, and transmitting the first trigger position and the first function to the storage unit of the input device in data form and saving the setting; S3, customizing the second trigger position of the specified button and the second function corresponding to the second trigger position, and transmitting the second trigger position and the second function to the storage unit of the input device in data form and saving the setting; S4, repeating steps S2 or S3 as needed to set more trigger positions and their corresponding functions, and saving the settings in sequence.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein: The functions include the single-click function of the button, the double-click function of the button, the continuous pressing function of the button, or the combined function of any buttons.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein: S1 further includes removing one button of the input device and replacing it with the specified button.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: During the process of the magnet reaching different trigger positions, different pressing feels are provided.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member is V-shaped.

7. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The button further includes a first elastic member that can move up and down with the press member and a second elastic member that cooperates with the first elastic member. The first elastic member is provided with the magnet. When the first elastic member moves downward, it can contact the second elastic member to produce the above-mentioned sound or change in the pressing feel.

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