A keyboard key function switching triggering method

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a keyboard function switching triggering method which is convenient for triggering function key function operation of being deleted or additionally added. The present application comprises a keyboard key triggering applied to a sensor for detecting displacement stroke S of a shaft body. When a key structure with a replacement key value is pressed and a single pressing stroke peak value is within a preset triggering interval, the keyboard enters a function switching state, simultaneously performs state retention timing, and monitors whether the key structure is pressed again within a timing period T. When the key structure is pressed within the timing period T, a preset replacement key value of the key structure is output, the state retention timing is reset, and the function switching state is maintained. If the key structure is not pressed within the timing period T, a standard output state is restored. The present application is applied to the technical field of keyboard function triggering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of keyboard function triggering, and in particular to a method for triggering keyboard key function switching. Background Technology

[0002] As an essential input device in computer use, the keyboard is frequently used when processing electronic documents or performing computer operations. The space available for a keyboard varies in different workspaces, as does the required number of functions. Based on this, keyboard layouts have evolved from the standard 104-key layout to include 107-key, 87-key, 68-key, and 61-key layouts. The 107-key layout is designed for scenarios requiring shortcut keys and thus needing more space. The 87-key, 68-key, and 61-key layouts are designed for scenarios with limited space or fewer functional requirements. For example, the 87-key layout reduces the number pad area, the 68-key layout further reduces the number of top function keys and some other function keys, and the 61-key layout further reduces the number of arrow keys and some other function keys compared to the 68-key layout.

[0003] However, the top function keys, arrow keys, and some other function keys removed in 68-key and 61-key layouts are irreplaceable for executing certain shortcut commands. Therefore, keyboard manufacturers traditionally retain these by using an "FN" key for combining other keys. Users typically activate the original "F1" key by pressing the "FN" key and the "1" key simultaneously. However, since keyboards usually only have one "FN" key, typically located in the lower right corner, activating the "F1" key requires pressing two keys with both hands, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a keyboard key function switching triggering method that facilitates the triggering of function key operations that have been deleted or added.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: This invention includes a keyboard with a plurality of key structures, wherein the key structure includes a switch and a sensor for detecting the displacement S of the switch, and the function switching triggering method further includes the following triggering steps:

[0006] Step S1. When a key structure with a replacement key value is lightly pressed, and the displacement S during the pressing process enters a preset trigger range, the keyboard enters a function switching state.

[0007] Step S2. After the keyboard enters the function switching state, a state holding timer is executed to monitor whether the key structure is pressed again within the timer period T;

[0008] Step S3. When the button structure is detected to be pressed within the timing period T, the preset replacement button value of the button structure is output, and the state is reset to maintain the timing and maintain the function switching state.

[0009] Step S4. Repeat steps S2 and S3 until no button press is detected within the timing period T, and restore the standard output state.

[0010] As can be seen from the above scheme, a key sensor with press depth detection is used to detect the user's action when pressing the key switch, thereby switching the key output value. Specifically, when the key structure is detected to have a short displacement, it is identified as a light touch and enters a function switching state. The key output value of a subsequent press within a short time is switched to the second output value, i.e., the key value is replaced. Simultaneously, a trigger range recognition method is used to distinguish between normal user input actions and light touches. In step S1, when the displacement S of the key structure exceeds the maximum value of the trigger range, a standard key value is output. With this scheme, users only need one hand to complete the switched command output, simplifying operation and improving user efficiency. Furthermore, by applying it to compact keyboards, replacing the traditional trigger method, it ensures that function keys can still be used quickly even with a simplified key layout.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum value of the trigger interval in step S1 is greater than 0, and the maximum value of the trigger interval is less than the maximum displacement travel of the button structure. The user can adjust the minimum and maximum values ​​of the trigger interval through interactive buttons or a visual interface.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment is that the minimum value of the trigger interval is 0.01 to 0.3 times the maximum displacement stroke value of the button structure.

[0013] As can be seen from the above scheme, this trigger threshold range provides users with a relatively easy triggering threshold, facilitating light touch triggering and providing a good triggering feel. Using a quick tap method has a low learning curve for users, and once they get used to it, it can greatly improve operational efficiency and enhance the user experience. The smaller the minimum value of the trigger range, the easier it is to enter the function switching state with a light touch.

[0014] A further preferred embodiment is that, after entering the function switching state, the trigger threshold of the button structure is equal to the minimum value of the trigger interval.

[0015] As can be seen from the above scheme, the minimum value of the trigger interval is the same as the trigger threshold of the button after entering the function switching state, so that the user can trigger the function key with the same pressing force, which is easy to distinguish from the operation mode of the standard button, reduces the learning cost and improves the operation efficiency.

[0016] A further preferred embodiment is that the maximum value of the trigger interval is 0.3 to 0.8 times the maximum displacement stroke value of the button structure.

[0017] As can be seen from the above scheme, the maximum value of the trigger interval is the threshold for triggering the output of the standard key value, which can be adjusted by the user according to their own keyboard input habits. Within the above range, a normal input feel can be provided. The smaller the maximum value of the trigger interval, the easier it is to trigger the standard key value; the larger the value, the easier it is to enter the function switching state.

[0018] A preferred embodiment is that the sensor is a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0019] As can be seen from the above scheme, the function key switching trigger of the keyboard can be achieved by using the above three types or other sensors that can also detect the displacement and travel of the shaft.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the key structure further includes a light-emitting unit. When the keyboard enters the function switching state in step S1, the light-emitting unit of the key structure that has the function to replace the key value is lit, and the light-emitting unit of the key structure that does not have the function to replace the key value is turned off, until the keyboard exits the function switching state and all light-emitting units return to their original working state.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is that, in step S3, when the button structure is continuously pressed within the timing period T, the preset replacement button value of the button structure is repeatedly output.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is that the timing period T is between 0.2 seconds and 1 second, and the user can adjust the value of the timing period T through interactive buttons or a visual interface.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is to exit the function switching state when a press signal that is not the current button structure is detected in steps S2 and S3. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the process of this invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the single-trigger process of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous triggering process of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous triggering process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the present invention includes a keyboard with a plurality of key structures. The keyboard is a compact keyboard structure. The key structure includes a switch and a sensor for detecting the displacement S of the switch. The function switching triggering method further includes the following triggering steps:

[0030] Step S1. When a key structure with a replacement key value is pressed, and the displacement travel S during the pressing process enters a preset trigger range, the keyboard enters a function switching state. In this embodiment, the trigger range is 0.1mm to 1.8mm. When the peak displacement travel of the switch's rapid single press and release enters the trigger range, i.e., the displacement travel S equals 0.1mm, it is determined that the user has made a light touch and triggered the function, and the keyboard enters the function switching state. When the peak displacement travel of the user's single press does not reach 0.1mm, the key function is not triggered, and it is determined that the user has mis-pressed. When the user's current press displacement travel S exceeds 1.8mm, the keyboard exits the function switching state and triggers the standard key value and outputs it, thereby achieving the retention of the standard key value, facilitating the output of regular commands, and then using a rapid light touch to output the replacement key value, improving the convenience of the switching operation and enabling the user to use the keyboard more quickly and efficiently.

[0031] Step S2. After the keyboard enters the function switching state, it performs a state holding timer to monitor whether the key structure is pressed again within the timer period T. In this embodiment, the timer period T is 0.5 seconds, that is, when the displacement travel S of the switch is detected to return to zero within 0.5 seconds after the start of the timer, and the key is pressed again and reaches the trigger threshold of the key, it is determined that the key structure is pressed.

[0032] Step S3. When the key structure is detected to be pressed within the timing period T, the keyboard outputs the preset replacement key value of the key structure, and at the same time resets the state to maintain the timing and maintain the function switching state and returns to step S2; after completing the output of a single replacement key value, the key structure is monitored to realize the continuous output of the replacement key value of the same key, so as to meet the needs of continuous triggering of functions such as the arrow keys and continuous cursor movement.

[0033] When a key structure is continuously pressed within the timing period T, i.e. when it is pressed and held, the keyboard repeatedly outputs the preset replacement key value of the key structure. The frequency of repeated output is executed according to the parameters set in the computer system.

[0034] Step S4. Repeat steps S2 and S3 until no button press is detected within the current timing period T, then restore the standard output state.

[0035] When the keyboard detects a press signal that is not the current key structure as described in steps S2 and S3, it exits the function switching state. This enables rapid switching to the standard key value output of other keys during continuous triggering, improving keyboard operation efficiency; and allows for rapid restoration of the standard output state in case of accidental key triggering.

[0036] In this embodiment, the minimum value of the trigger range is 0.1mm and the maximum value is 1.8mm. This ratio provides users with a more comfortable operating experience, and the output of the button value can be replaced by quickly tapping twice. Due to the sensor characteristics that can detect the displacement stroke of the shaft, the minimum value of the trigger range is within the range of 0.01 to 0.3 times the maximum trigger stroke value of the button structure. This range can detect and judge the user's operating intention and respond by outputting the corresponding button value or performing function switching.

[0037] Preferably, the minimum trigger range is between 0.1mm and 0.5mm, which can provide the user with the best trigger experience, that is, the user only needs to quickly tap twice to complete the replacement button value output.

[0038] The user can adjust the maximum value of the trigger range through the interactive keys on the keyboard or a visual interface on the terminal device, such as a mobile phone interface or computer monitor. Adjusting the maximum value of the trigger range adjusts the feel of the standard key value output. The smaller the maximum value of the trigger range, the easier it is to output the standard key value. The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the trigger range is not less than 0.15mm to avoid the trigger range being too small, which could prevent the function switching state from being triggered.

[0039] The value of the timing period T can be adjusted through a visual interface, allowing users to adapt it according to their own usage habits. It can be adjusted through the interactive keys on the keyboard or the visual interface on the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0040] In this embodiment, the key structure further includes a light-emitting unit, which is an RGB backlight located at the bottom of the key structure. During normal use, it operates according to the user-defined effect. In step S1, when the keyboard enters the function switching state, the light-emitting units of several key structures with replaceable key values ​​illuminate, while the light-emitting units of several key structures without replaceable key values ​​turn off, until the keyboard exits the function switching state and all light-emitting units return to their original state. This prompts the user that the keyboard has entered the function switching state and highlights the key structures with replaceable key values ​​for easy identification.

[0041] The brightness and color of the light-emitting units with several button structures that can replace button values ​​after entering the function switching state can be set by the user through a visual interface on a computer device.

[0042] The sensor is a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor; specifically, when the sensor is a magnetic sensor, it is a Hall sensor. A magnet that cooperates with the sensor is provided on the shaft. The sensor detects the magnetic flux generated by the magnet and converts it into an electrical signal. The main controller of the keyboard converts the received electrical signal into the displacement stroke S of the shaft according to a preset Hall sensor parameter lookup table.

[0043] When the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, a light-shielding element that cooperates with the sensor is provided on the shaft. The light-shielding element is provided with a light-transmitting hole. The light-transmitting area of ​​the light-transmitting hole gradually increases or decreases along the axial direction of the key. The photoelectric sensor detects the amount of light and feeds back an electrical signal to the main controller of the keyboard. The main controller converts the received electrical signal into the displacement stroke S of the shaft according to the preset photoelectric sensor parameter information.

[0044] When the sensor is a pressure sensor, a pressing element that cooperates with the sensor is provided on the shaft or key structure's bearing. The sensor generates a corresponding electrical signal based on the pressure applied by the pressing element, and the keyboard's main controller converts the received electrical signal into the key's displacement stroke S according to preset pressure sensor parameter information.

[0045] The aforementioned three types of sensors, or other sensors with similar functions, are arranged in a cooperative structure on the axis to detect the displacement S of the axis. This trigger detection method, used in compact keyboards, enables the triggering of essential function keys. This simplifies the user's operation when inputting replacement key values, eliminating the need for two-handed operation for some keys, making the overall operation more convenient and faster. Each key structure with a replacement key value can be operated with one hand. Simultaneously, the above technical solution ensures that the input of standard key values ​​is not affected, and the quick, light-touch triggering method is easier for users to get used to and apply. Furthermore, for function keys requiring repeated input, such as the arrow keys, steps S2 and S3 are cycled to continuously monitor whether the user is continuously pressing the replacement key values. The method also monitors whether a single press after entering the function switching state is a continuous press to achieve the output of replacement key values ​​at a computer-defined repetition frequency.

[0046] The following is an example of how this invention works:

[0047] 1) such as Figure 2 As shown, a single triggering of the key value replacement is performed. Taking the combination of the number key "1" and the function key "F1" in a 61 / 68-key keyboard layout as an example, in t... 11The numeric key "1" is lightly touched during a time period, and the displacement stroke S of the key shaft satisfies 0.1 mm < S < 1.8 mm. The keyboard does not output a key value and enters the function switching state. At time t 12 When the numeric key "1" is pressed again during a time period and the displacement stroke S of the shaft satisfies 0.1 mm < S, within the timing period T, the keyboard outputs the replacement key value "F1". After the subsequent timing period T ends and no press signal is detected, the keyboard resumes the standard output state.

[0048] 2) As Figure 3 shown, for continuous triggering of the replacement key value, taking the combination of the right-side combination key "Alt" and the arrow key "Left" in a 61 / 68-key keyboard layout as an example. Similarly, at time t 21 during a time period, the numeric key "Alt" is lightly touched and satisfies the triggering interval. The keyboard does not output a key value and enters the function switching state. At time t 22 and t 23 during a time period, the combination key "Alt" is pressed, and within each timing period T of the timing, the displacement stroke requirement for key triggering is satisfied. The keyboard continuously outputs the replacement key value "Left" twice, and then resumes the standard output state.

[0049] 3) As Figure 4 shown, for continuous triggering of the replacement key value, taking the combination of the right-side combination key "Alt" and the arrow key "Left" in a 61 / 68-key keyboard layout as an example. Similarly, at time t 31 during a time period, the numeric key "Alt" is lightly touched and satisfies the triggering interval. The keyboard does not output a key value and enters the function switching state. At time t 32 during a time period, the combination key "Alt" is continuously pressed. The keyboard continuously outputs the replacement key value "Left". After the computer device receives the replacement key value, it executes the function of the arrow key "Left" according to the repetition frequency set by the system until the key is released and the repetition condition is not satisfied, and then resumes the standard output state.

[0050] Embodiment 2:

[0051] In this embodiment, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: the keyboard is a standard keyboard or a keyboard with additional function keys, such as a 104-key or 107-key layout. By applying the above triggering method to keys such as "F1", "F2", "F3", etc., functions such as turning off the sound, reducing the volume, and increasing the volume are respectively executed, thereby improving the functions of the standard keyboard or the extended keyboard, and at the same time ensuring that the operations of the corresponding functions are convenient and fast.

[0052] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described with actual solutions, they do not constitute a limitation to the meaning of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, modifications to its implementation solutions according to this specification and combinations with other solutions are obvious.

Claims

1. A keyboard key function switching trigger method, comprising a keyboard provided with a plurality of key structures, the key structure comprising a shaft body and a sensor for detecting the displacement stroke S of the shaft body, characterized in that, It also includes the following triggering steps: Step S1. When the key structure with replacement key value is lightly pressed, and the displacement stroke S enters the preset trigger interval during the pressing process, the keyboard enters the function switching state; Step S2. After the keyboard enters the function switching state, the state retention timing is executed, and whether the key structure is pressed again is monitored within the timing period T; Step S3. When the key structure is pressed within the timing period T, the keyboard outputs the preset replacement key value of the key structure, resets the state retention timing, maintains the function switching state, and returns to step S2; Step S4. Circulate steps S2 and S3 until no key structure is pressed within the current timing period T, and the standard output state is restored.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the key function switching trigger is a key press. The minimum value of the trigger interval in step S1 is greater than 0, and the maximum value of the trigger interval is less than the maximum displacement stroke of the key structure. The user adjusts the minimum value and the maximum value of the trigger interval through interactive keys or a visual interface.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the key function switching trigger is a key press. The minimum value of the trigger interval is 0.01 to 0.3 times the maximum displacement stroke value of the key structure.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the key function switching trigger is a key press. The trigger threshold of the key structure after entering the function switching state is equal to the minimum value of the trigger interval.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the key function switching trigger is a key press. The maximum value of the trigger interval is 0.3 to 0.8 times the maximum displacement stroke value of the key structure.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: The sensor is a magnetic sensor or a light sensor or a pressure sensor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: The key structure also includes a light-emitting unit. In step S1, when the keyboard enters the function switching state, the light-emitting unit of the key structure with replacement key value is turned on, and the light-emitting unit of the key structure without replacement key value is turned off, until all light-emitting units return to the original working state after the keyboard exits the function switching state.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: In step S3, when the key structure is continuously pressed within the timing period T, the preset replacement key value of the key structure is repeatedly output.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: The timing period T is 0.2 to 1 seconds, and the user adjusts the value of the timing period T through interactive keys or a visual interface.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: Exit the function switching state when a press signal of a non-current key structure is detected in steps S2 and S3.

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