An electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device relates to the field of terminal technology. The electronic device includes one or more key modules, and the key modules include: a key, a metal spring, a flexible circuit board, and a plurality of proximity light sensors. The proximity light sensor includes: a substrate, one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units; the plurality of proximity light sensors are located on the flexible circuit board; when the key rotates under the action of pressing force, the metal spring is controlled to rotate relative to the plurality of proximity light sensors; at least one light emitting unit and at least two light receiving units are arranged axially symmetrically or centrally symmetrically on the substrate; at least two light receiving units are used to receive light and output a signal when one of the one or more light emitting units emits light. This solution can be used to detect the rotation direction of the key, so as to expand the interactive function of the key.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] At present, mobile phones, laptops or wearable devices such as smart watches are generally provided with buttons, such as volume buttons, power buttons, etc. These buttons are generally composed of mechanical structures, and users need to press them to input commands.

[0003] However, the current mechanical buttons have relatively simple functions. When a certain command needs to be input continuously, the user needs to press the button repeatedly, which results in low interaction efficiency and poor pressing feel. If the user wants to achieve more interactive functions, the number of mechanical buttons needs to be increased. However, the area on the electronic device that can be used to set mechanical buttons is limited, and it is often impossible to support the increase in the number of mechanical buttons. Therefore, it is difficult to expand the interactive functions of mechanical buttons. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides an electronic device, a proximity light sensor and a button module, which can detect the rotation direction of a button to expand the interactive function of the button, so that the user can use one button to input a rich variety of commands.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which includes one or more button modules, each of which includes: a button, a metal dome, a flexible circuit board, and a plurality of proximity light sensors. Each proximity light sensor includes: a substrate, one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units. The plurality of proximity light sensors are located on the flexible circuit board; when the button rotates under the action of pressing force, the metal dome is controlled to rotate relative to the plurality of proximity light sensors; at least one light emitting unit and at least two light receiving units are arranged axially symmetrically or centrally symmetrically on the substrate; at least two light receiving units are used to receive light and output a signal when one of the one or more light emitting units emits light.

[0006] The electronic device provided by the solution of the present application includes one or more button modules, and each button module uses one or more proximity light sensors. Each proximity light sensor includes one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units. The proximity light sensor includes multiple light receiving units, so when the button rotates, the rotation direction of the button can be detected according to the difference and change of the signal quantity output by the multiple light receiving units, and then different input instructions can be matched. In addition, when the button module includes multiple proximity light sensors, according to the change trend and change amount of the signal quantity output by the multiple proximity light sensors at different times, the change in the pressing force and the sliding direction when the user presses the button can be further determined, and then different input instructions can be matched. Therefore, this solution expands the interactive function of the button, allowing users to use one button to input a rich variety of instructions.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes: a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located on the second side of the first light emitting unit.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a processor; the processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to a change trend of the signal quantity output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located on the third side of the first light emitting unit.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a processor; the processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal amounts output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the signal amount output by the first light receiving unit is the first signal amount, and the signal amount output by the second light receiving unit is the second signal amount; the processor is specifically used to determine that the rotation direction of the key is toward the second light receiving unit when the difference between the first signal amount and the second signal amount increases; when the difference between the first signal amount and the second signal amount decreases, determine that the rotation direction of the key is toward the first light receiving unit.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes: a first light emitting unit, a second light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit each include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit and on the second side of the second light emitting unit; the second light receiving unit is located on the fourth side of the first light emitting unit and on the third side of the second light emitting unit.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the electronic device also includes a processor; the processor is used to control the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to work in turn, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal quantity output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, a second light receiving unit, a third light receiving unit and a fourth light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, the second light receiving unit is located on the second side of the first light emitting unit, the third light receiving unit is located on the third side of the first light emitting unit, and the fourth light receiving unit is located on the fourth side of the first light emitting unit.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the electronic device also includes a processor; the processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the change trend of the signal quantities output by the first light receiving unit, the second light receiving unit, the third light receiving unit and the fourth light receiving unit respectively.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a processor configured to determine a change in the pressing force and sliding direction when the user presses a key according to a change trend and a change amount of the signal amounts output by the plurality of proximity light sensors at the first moment and the second moment.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, at least one light emitting unit is an infrared light emitting unit, and at least two light receiving units are infrared light receiving units.

[0018] In a possible implementation, each button module includes 2n proximity light sensors, where n is a positive integer; the 2n proximity light sensors are symmetrically distributed on the flexible circuit board.

[0019] In the second aspect, the present application also provides a proximity light sensor, which includes: a substrate, one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units; one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units are arranged on the same surface of the substrate; at least one light emitting unit and at least two light receiving units are arranged axially symmetrically or centrally symmetrically on the substrate; at least two light receiving units are used to receive light and output a signal when one of the one or more light emitting units emits light.

[0020] The proximity light sensor includes a plurality of light receiving units, so when an obstacle above the proximity light sensor rotates, the obstacle's rotation direction can be detected based on the difference and change in the signal amounts output by the plurality of light receiving units.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes: a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located on the second side of the first light emitting unit.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located on the third side of the first light emitting unit.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes: a first light emitting unit, a second light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit each include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit and on the second side of the second light emitting unit; the second light receiving unit is located on the fourth side of the first light emitting unit and on the third side of the second light emitting unit.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, a second light receiving unit, a third light receiving unit and a fourth light receiving unit; the first light emitting unit includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite; the first light receiving unit is located on the first side of the first light emitting unit, the second light receiving unit is located on the second side of the first light emitting unit, the third light receiving unit is located on the third side of the first light emitting unit, and the fourth light receiving unit is located on the fourth side of the first light emitting unit.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, at least one light emitting unit is an infrared light emitting unit, and at least two light receiving units are infrared light receiving units.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a key module, which includes one or more proximity light sensors provided by the second aspect and any one of the implementations of the second aspect, and also includes a key, a metal dome, and a flexible circuit board. One or more proximity light sensors are located on the flexible circuit board; when the key is pressed, it rotates and controls the metal dome to rotate relative to the one or more proximity light sensors.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present application also provides a storage medium on which a program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor of an electronic device, it can determine the rotation direction of a key according to the change in the output of a light receiving unit, and then match it to a corresponding control instruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a key module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 5 A top view of a flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 4 ;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 5 ;

[0037] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 6 ;

[0038] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 6 ;

[0041] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to enable persons skilled in the art to more clearly understand the solution of the present application, the application scenario of the technical solution of the present application is first described below.

[0044] The electronic device may be a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a wearable electronic device (such as a smart watch), a tablet computer, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, etc. The following description will be made by taking a mobile phone as an example.

[0045] See also Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] The four sides of the electronic device 100 are respectively an upper side 101, a right side 102, a lower side 103 and a left side 104. For example, the right side 102 of the electronic device is provided with a volume key 1021 and a power key 1022.

[0047] The current volume button 1021 and power button 1022 are generally composed of mechanical structures, which require users to press to input commands. When a button needs to continuously output a certain command, the user needs to press the button repeatedly or continuously, and the interaction efficiency is low. In addition, these buttons usually have relatively single functions. For example, the volume button 1021 is used to adjust the volume, and the power button 1022 is used to turn the machine on and off. If the user wants to achieve more interactive functions, the number of mechanical buttons needs to be increased. However, the area of ​​the middle frame is limited, and it is often impossible to support an increase in the number of mechanical buttons. Therefore, the interactive function of the mechanical buttons is currently difficult to expand.

[0048] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides an electronic device, a proximity light sensor and a key module. The electronic device includes one or more key modules, and each key module uses one or more proximity light sensors. Each proximity light sensor includes one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units. Among them, each light receiving unit included in the proximity light sensor receives light and outputs a signal when the light emitting unit is working. Since the proximity light sensor includes multiple light receiving units, when the key rotates, there are differences in the signal amounts output by the multiple light receiving units. According to the change in the signal amount, the key rotation direction detection can be realized, and then different input instructions can be matched. In addition, according to the change trend and change amount of the signal amount output by the multiple proximity light sensors at different times, the change in the pressing force and the sliding direction when the user presses the key are also determined, and then different input instructions are matched. Therefore, this solution expands the interactive function of the key, so that the user can use one key to input a rich variety of instructions.

[0049] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the description of this application are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features.

[0050] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0051] See also Figure 2 , which is a schematic diagram of a button module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] An electronic device may include one or more Figure 2 The key module 10 shown. When the electronic device includes a plurality of key modules 10, the plurality of key modules 10 may be arranged on the same side or different sides of the middle frame of the electronic device, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Each key module 10 includes: a key 11 , a metal spring 13 , a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 40 , and one or more proximity light sensors 30 .

[0054] The button 11 includes a guide post 12 , and the guide post 12 is in contact with a metal spring 13 .

[0055] The metal dome 13 can provide key feedback force, and the feedback force can be adjusted by adjusting the elastic modulus of the metal dome 13. The metal dome 13 also serves as the object to be detected by the proximity light sensor 30. The detection surface of the metal dome 13 facing the proximity light sensor 30 can be specially processed, such as attaching good reflective materials, to obtain a better signal-to-noise ratio.

[0056] There may be a plurality of guide pillars 12 . The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the number of guide pillars 12 . The accompanying drawings take the example of two guide pillars 12 .

[0057] Each proximity light sensor 30 is located on the flexible circuit board 40 and on the surface of the flexible circuit board 40 facing the metal spring 13 .

[0058] The flexible circuit board 40 is fixed to the middle frame bracket of the electronic device by bonding or other means.

[0059] The button 11 applies a pressing force to the metal spring sheet 13 through the guide column 12. The metal spring sheet 13 is also a spring sheet, which can be elastically deformed when subjected to pressure.

[0060] The metal spring 13 is hinged to the limiting structure 21 on the middle frame bracket through the hanging ear 14. In another possible implementation, in addition to the movable hinge, the hanging ear 14 and the limiting structure 21 can also be fixedly connected.

[0061] The hanging ears 14 and the limiting structures 21 may include two pairs, which are respectively located on two sides of the metal spring sheet 13 .

[0062] When the button 11 is pressed, the guide column 12 presses the metal spring 13 , so that the metal spring 13 rotates and changes its displacement relative to the proximity light sensor 30 .

[0063] At this time, the pressing force of the button 11 can be known by detecting the tiny displacement of the metal dome 13 through the highly sensitive proximity light sensor 30 .

[0064] When the pressing force acts non-vertically on the geometric center of the key 11, the key 11 will produce a slight displacement under the action of the pressing force, resulting in inconsistent distances between the metal spring 13 and multiple proximity light sensors 30. When the pressing force changes along the key sliding, the sliding key function can be realized.

[0065] By detecting the rotation direction of the metal dome 13 through the highly sensitive proximity light sensor 30, the rotation direction of the key 11 can be determined, and then the user's gesture when pressing the key can be determined, and then the processor of the electronic device can associate the gesture with the corresponding input instruction. Therefore, if the rotation direction of the key 11 can be determined, such as left rotation along the x-axis of the key 11, right rotation along the x-axis of the key 11, left rotation along the y-axis of the key 11, right rotation along the y-axis of the key 11, clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation, etc., then one key can be used to input multiple instructions.

[0066] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 .in, Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 1 ; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of this application Figure 2 .

[0067] The first moment, Figure 3 When the button is pressed at the position shown in FIG. 1 , the signal amounts output by the two proximity light sensors 30 are obtained.

[0068] At the second moment, the button pressing position moves to Figure 4 When the proximity light sensor 30 is in the middle position, the signal amounts output by the two proximity light sensors 30 are obtained again.

[0069] The two sets of signal quantities obtained before and after increase and decrease. According to the change trend and size relationship of the signal quantities, the sliding direction and pressing force of the user when pressing the key can be determined.

[0070] See also Figure 5 , which is a top view of the flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] The metal dome 13 is used as the detected surface. When the metal dome 13 rotates around the proximity light sensor 30, the signal output by the proximity light sensor 30 will change. Therefore, by setting multiple groups of proximity light sensors 30 and placing them symmetrically on the center of the flexible circuit board 40, multiple signal changes can be detected. Figure 5 The layout shown will result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

[0072] For example, Figure 5After four proximity light sensors 30 are evenly divided into two groups, they are placed symmetrically on the center of the flexible circuit board 40. If the metal dome 13 rotates clockwise around the proximity light sensor 30, the signal amount decreases, and the signal amount change is -delta; if the metal dome 13 rotates counterclockwise around the proximity light sensor 30, the signal amount increases, and the signal amount change is +delta. The signal change that can be detected by the illustrated method is 2 times delta, thereby obtaining a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

[0073] Furthermore, the button module may include 2n proximity light sensors, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, n proximity light sensors are arranged at the first end of the flexible circuit board 40, n proximity light sensors are arranged at the second end of the flexible circuit board 40, and the 2n proximity light sensors are symmetrically distributed on the flexible circuit board.

[0074] The specific implementation of the proximity light sensor 30 used in the key module is described below.

[0075] See also Figure 6 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 .

[0076] The proximity light sensor provided by the embodiment of the present application includes: one or more light emitting units 31 , at least two light receiving units 32 , and a substrate 33 .

[0077] The light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 are both located on the same surface of the substrate 33 .

[0078] Figure 6 In the figure, a proximity light sensor including one light emitting unit 31 and two light receiving units 32 is taken as an example.

[0079] The proximity light sensor provided in the embodiment of the present application is an infrared reflective proximity light sensor, that is, the light emitting unit 31 is an infrared light emitting unit, and the light receiving unit 32 is an infrared light receiving unit.

[0080] The light emitting unit 31 may be an infrared light emitting diode (LED) or an infrared laser. The infrared laser may be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0081] When the proximity light sensor is working, the light emitting unit 31 emits infrared light, and the light receiving unit 32 receives the infrared light reflected by the approaching object (i.e., the metal shrapnel), and integrates the intensity of the reflected infrared light. The integral value is defined as PDATA, and the proximity distance of the external object can be sensed according to the size of PDATA.

[0082] In addition to the interference of external infrared light, the integral value obtained by the proximity light sensor can be mainly divided into two parts: the first part is emitted by the infrared light source, reflected and diffracted by internal structural parts or directly reaches the infrared light detector from the outside. This part of the infrared light integral value (crosstalk) is part of the background noise. The signal-to-noise ratio can be improved by adding an isolation foam 34 between the light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32. The isolation foam can be black. The second part is emitted by the light emitting unit 31, reflected by external obstacles, and reaches the light receiving unit 32. This part of the infrared light integral value is the effective part of the proximity light sensor.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, when the distance between the obstacle and the proximity light sensor changes, the integral value determined by the proximity light sensor will change, which will in turn cause the signal amount output by the low beam sensor to change. Figure 6 In the illustrated scenario, it is assumed that the metal dome as an obstacle is parallel to the substrate 33. When the metal dome is in position 1, the signal quantities output by the two light receiving units are both the first signal quantities; when the metal dome is in position 2, the signal quantities output by the two light receiving units are both the second signal quantities, and the second signal quantity is greater than the first signal quantity. At this time, the processor of the electronic device can determine the magnitude of the pressing force when pressing the button and the change in force based on the change in the second signal quantity compared to the first signal quantity.

[0084] The corresponding relationship between the pressing force and the signal quantity can be calibrated in advance through testing, and then the size of the pressing force can be matched according to the signal quantity and the corresponding relationship obtained in real time.

[0085] See also Figure 7 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 4 .

[0086] Figure 7 Can correspond to Figure 3 In the scenario where the user's pressing force is not applied vertically to the geometric center of the button, the button and the metal dome rotate relative to the proximity light sensor.

[0087] Through simulation testing, when the metal dome is rotated at different angles, the received optical power is obtained under the same transmitted optical power, where the received optical power corresponds to the signal amount output by the optical receiving unit, that is, the signal amount output by the optical receiving unit can characterize the size of the received optical power, and the signal amount is positively correlated with the size of the received optical power.

[0088] Table 1: Correspondence between the rotation angle of the metal dome and the received optical power

[0089]

[0090] It can be determined from the simulation test results in Table 1 above that the change in the signal amount generated by the light receiving unit of the proximity light sensor due to the rotation of the metal spring satisfies the following rule:

[0091] When the rotation of the metal dome causes the incident angle of the light emitted by the light emitting unit to decrease, the signal amount output by the light receiving unit decreases;

[0092] When the rotation of the metal dome causes the incident angle of the light emitted by the light emitting unit to increase, the signal amount output by the light receiving unit increases.

[0093] For example Figure 7 In the figure, at the first moment, the metal dome is in position 1, at which time the metal dome is parallel to the proximity light sensor, the signal output by the light receiving unit 32(a) is the first signal, the signal output by the light receiving unit 32(b) is the second signal, and the difference between the second signal and the first signal is 0.

[0094] At the second moment, when the metal dome rotates from position 1 to position 2, for the light receiving unit 32(a), the incident angle of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 31 is reduced, so that less light can be received by the light receiving unit 32(a) after reflection. Therefore, the third signal quantity output by the light receiving unit 32(a) at the second moment is reduced relative to the first signal quantity, and the signal quantity reduction value is a1. For the light receiving unit 32(b), the incident angle of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 31 is increased at this time, so the fourth signal quantity output by the light receiving unit 32(b) at the second moment is increased relative to the second signal quantity, and the signal quantity increase value is a2.

[0095] At this time, the difference between the fourth signal quantity and the third signal quantity is a1 + a2. Therefore, by placing the light receiving units axially symmetrically, a larger signal change can be detected, and the layout shown in the figure will obtain a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

[0096] In order to expand the functions of the keys, the present application designs a proximity light sensor adapted to detect the rotation direction of the keys. The implementation method of the proximity light sensor is described in detail below.

[0097] The proximity light sensor in the following embodiments of the present application includes one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units.

[0098] In a possible implementation, when the proximity light sensor includes multiple light emitting units, each light emitting unit works in turn.

[0099] Each light receiving unit is used to receive light and output a signal amount when one of the one or more light emitting units emits light.

[0100] One or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units are arranged on the same surface of the substrate and are centrally symmetrical or axially symmetrical on the substrate.

[0101] Axis symmetry means that when the optical sensor is folded in half along a straight line, the parts on both sides of the straight line can overlap each other. The straight line is the axis of symmetry.

[0102] Central symmetry means that the proximity light sensor can overlap with the original pattern after rotating 180° around the center point.

[0103] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] See also Figure 8 , which is a schematic diagram of a proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] The proximity light sensor 30 includes a substrate 33 , a first light emitting unit 31 , a first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) and a second light receiving unit 32 ( b ).

[0106] The first light emitting unit 31 includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite to each other, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite to each other. Figure 8 The first side is the lower side of the first light emitting unit 31 , the second side is the left side of the first light emitting unit 31 , the third side is the upper side of the first light emitting unit 31 , and the fourth side is the right side of the first light emitting unit 31 .

[0107] The first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit 31 , and the second light receiving unit 32 ( b ) is located at a second side of the first light emitting unit 31 .

[0108] After the key module of the electronic device adopts the proximity light sensor 30, the processor of the electronic device can control the operation of the first light emitting unit 31, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the change trend of the signal quantity output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) and the second light receiving unit 32 (b), as described in detail below.

[0109] See also Fig. 9 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 5 .

[0110] The processor can detect the change in the amount of signals output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) and the second light receiving unit 32 (b) before and after the key is pressed, and determine the direction of the key pressing, which is described in detail below.

[0111] At the first moment, the user vertically presses the geometric center of the key. At this time, the signal output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) is S1, and the signal output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) is S2. In an ideal state, S1 and S2 are equal.

[0112] When the key rotation direction is R1, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment is reduced compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) is increased compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 is reduced.

[0113] When the key rotation direction is R2, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment increases compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) decreases compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 increases.

[0114] When the key rotation direction is R3, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment increases compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) decreases compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 increases.

[0115] When the key rotation direction is R4, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment decreases compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) increases compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 decreases.

[0116] In order to distinguish R1 from R4, and R2 from R3, the key module can include multiple Figure 8 For the proximity light sensors shown, the processor can comprehensively determine the current unique key rotation direction based on the signal amounts or signal amount differences output by multiple proximity light sensors.

[0117] For example, see Fig.10 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 6 .

[0118] The key module includes two proximity light sensors 30a and 30b, which are placed in translation.

[0119] If the actual rotation direction of the key is R1, the difference between S1 and S2 output by 30a decreases, and the rotation direction of the key determined by the processor may be R1 or R4.

[0120] The first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) of the proximity light sensor 30 b outputs S1 ′, and the second light receiving unit 32 ( b ) of the proximity light sensor 30 b outputs S2 ′.

[0121] At this time, if S1' is substantially equal to S1 and S2' is substantially equal to S2, it can be determined that a rotation in the direction of R1 has occurred; if S1' is greater than S1 and S2' is greater than S2, it can be determined that a rotation in the direction of R4 has occurred.

[0122] In summary, after the button module uses multiple proximity light sensors provided by the embodiments of the present application, the rotation direction of the obstacle above the proximity light sensor can be determined according to the change trend of the signal output by the light receiving unit.

[0123] Another implementation of the proximity light sensor is described below.

[0124] See also Fig.11 , which is a schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0125] The proximity light sensor 30 includes a substrate 33 , a first light emitting unit 31 , a first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) and a second light receiving unit 32 ( b ).

[0126] The first light emitting unit 31 includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite to each other, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite to each other. Fig.11 The first side is the right side of the first light emitting unit 31 , the second side is the bottom side of the first light emitting unit 31 , the third side is the left side of the first light emitting unit 31 , and the fourth side is the top side of the first light emitting unit 31 .

[0127] The first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit 31 , and the second light receiving unit 32 ( b ) is located at a third side of the first light emitting unit 31 .

[0128] After the key module of the electronic device adopts the proximity light sensor 30, the processor of the electronic device can control the operation of the first light emitting unit 31, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal quantity output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) and the second light receiving unit 32 (b), as described in detail below.

[0129] At the first moment, when the key is pressed perpendicularly to its geometric center, the signal output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) and the second light receiving unit 32 (b) can be seen from Fig. 9 At this time, the signal amount output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) is S1, and the signal amount output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) is S2. In an ideal state, S1 and S2 are equal. The difference between S1 and S2 is zero.

[0130] When the key rotation direction is R1, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment is reduced compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) is increased compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 is reduced.

[0131] When the key rotation direction is R2, the signal amount S1 output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) at the second moment increases compared with the first moment, and the signal amount S2 output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) decreases compared with the first moment. The difference between S1 and S2 increases.

[0132] Therefore, the processor can determine the rotation direction of the key around the Y axis according to the change in the signal quantity output by the two light receiving units. When the difference between S1 and S2 decreases, it is determined that the rotation direction of the key is toward the first light receiving unit (a); when the difference between S1 and S2 increases, it is determined that the rotation direction of the key is toward the second light receiving unit (b). When the difference between S1 and S2 is zero, it is determined that the user presses the key vertically.

[0133] Another implementation of the proximity light sensor is described below.

[0134] See also Fig.12 , which is a schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0135] The proximity light sensor 30 includes a substrate 33 , a first light emitting unit 31 ( a ), a second light emitting unit 31 ( b ), a first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) and a second light receiving unit 32 ( b ).

[0136] The first light emitting unit 31 (a) and the second light emitting unit 31 (b) each include a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite. Fig.12 , the first side is the lower side of the light emitting unit, the second side is the right side of the light emitting unit, the third side is the upper side of the light emitting unit, and the fourth side is the left side of the light emitting unit.

[0137] The first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit 31 ( a ) and is located at a second side of the second light emitting unit 31 ( b ).

[0138] The second light receiving unit 32 ( b ) is located at a fourth side of the first light emitting unit 31 ( a ) and at a third side of the second light emitting unit 31 ( b ).

[0139] The distance between the first light emitting unit 31 ( a ) and the two light receiving units is the same and equal to the distance between the second light emitting unit 31 ( b ) and the two light receiving units.

[0140] See also Fig.13 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 6 .

[0141] After the key module of the electronic device adopts the proximity light sensor 30, the processor of the electronic device is used to control the first light emitting unit 31 (a) and the second light emitting unit to work in turn 31 (b).

[0142] For example, it is used to control the first light emitting unit 31(a) to work and the second light emitting unit 31(b) not to work in a first time period, and obtain the first signal quantity A1 output by the first light receiving unit 32(a) and the second signal quantity B1 output by the second light receiving unit 32(b); control the second light emitting unit 31(b) to work and the first light emitting unit 31(a) not to work in a second time period, and obtain the third signal quantity A2 output by the first light receiving unit 32(a) and the fourth signal quantity B2 output by the second light receiving unit 32(b).

[0143] The processor determines the rotation direction of the key according to the acquired signal amounts outputted by the first light receiving unit 32 ( a ) and the second light receiving unit 32 ( b ), which is described in detail below.

[0144] The processor controls the first light emitting unit 31 ( a ) and the second light emitting unit 31 ( b ) to work periodically and in sequence, and the working time of the light emitting units working each time is the same.

[0145] For example, a key is pressed vertically in the first time period, and the key is pressed in the second time period, causing the key to rotate.

[0146] When rotation in the R1 direction occurs, the difference between A1 and A2 increases.

[0147] When rotation in the R2 direction occurs, the difference between A1 and A2 decreases.

[0148] When rotation in the R3 direction occurs, the difference between B1 and B2 increases.

[0149] When rotation in the direction of R4 occurs, the difference between B1 and B2 decreases.

[0150] Another implementation of the proximity light sensor is described below.

[0151] See also Fig.14 , which is a schematic diagram of another proximity light sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0152] The proximity light sensor 30 includes a substrate 33 , a light emitting unit 31 , a first light receiving unit 32 ( a ), a second light receiving unit 32 ( b ), a third light receiving unit 32 ( c ), and a fourth light receiving unit 32 ( d ).

[0153] Each light emitting unit 31 includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side and the third side are opposite to each other, and the second side and the fourth side are opposite to each other. Fig.14 , the first side is the upper side of the light emitting unit, the second side is the right side of the light emitting unit, the third side is the lower side of the light emitting unit, and the fourth side is the left side of the light emitting unit.

[0154] The first light receiving unit 32(a) is located at the first side of the light emitting unit 31. The second light receiving unit 32(b) is located at the second side of the light emitting unit 31. The third light receiving unit 32(c) is located at the third side of the light emitting unit 31. The fourth light receiving unit 32(d) is located at the fourth side of the light emitting unit 31. The first light receiving unit 32(a) and the third light receiving unit 32(c) are symmetrically placed, and the second light receiving unit 32(b) and the fourth light receiving unit 32(d) are symmetrically placed, so that differential signals are realized in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0155] The distances between the light emitting unit 31 and the respective light receiving units are the same.

[0156] See also Fig.15 , which is a schematic diagram of the principle provided by the embodiment of the present application Figure 7 .

[0157] After the key module of the electronic device adopts the proximity light sensor 30, the processor of the electronic device is used to control the light emitting unit 31 to work, and the four light receiving units work simultaneously to output signal quantities.

[0158] The processor determines the change in the pressing force and sliding direction when the user presses the key according to the change trend and change amount of the signal quantity output by the plurality of proximity light sensors at the first moment and the second moment, which is described in detail below.

[0159] When the signal amount output by each proximity light sensor at the second moment increases compared to the first moment, the processor determines that the pressing force of the user when pressing the key increases. When the signal amount output by each proximity light sensor at the second moment decreases compared to the first moment, the processor determines that the pressing force of the user when pressing the key decreases.

[0160] The signal amount output by the first light receiving unit 32 (a) is A1, the signal amount output by the second light receiving unit 32 (b) is A2, the signal amount output by the third light receiving unit 32 (c) is A3, and the signal amount output by the fourth light receiving unit 32 (d) is A4.

[0161] When the difference between A1 and A2 increases, it indicates that the current rotation direction is R4;

[0162] When the difference between A1 and A2 decreases, it indicates that the current rotation direction is R3;

[0163] When the difference between A3 and A4 increases, it indicates that the current rotation direction is R1;

[0164] When the difference between A3 and A4 decreases, it indicates that the current rotation direction is R2.

[0165] When the rotation directions detected in sequence are R1-R4-R2-R3, it indicates that the current rotation direction is clockwise; when the rotation directions detected in sequence are R2-R4-R1-R3, it indicates that the current rotation direction is counterclockwise.

[0166] above Figure 8 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 as well as Fig.14 In the figure, the isolation foam structure between the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit is not shown. In actual application, the isolation foam can be set to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0167] In summary, the proximity light sensor provided in the above embodiments of the present application includes multiple light receiving units. Therefore, when the key rotates, the key rotation direction detection can be implemented based on the difference and change of the signal amounts output by the multiple light receiving units, and then different input instructions can be matched. In addition, based on the change trend and change amount of the signal amounts output by the multiple proximity light sensors at different times, the change in the pressing force and the sliding direction when the user presses the key can be further determined, and then different input instructions can be matched. Therefore, this solution expands the interactive function of the key, allowing users to use one key to input a rich variety of instructions.

[0168] For the convenience of explanation, the above descriptions of the X-axis, Y-axis and related directions in the embodiments of the present application are all based on the directions in the attached drawings, and do not limit the actual application scenarios of the present application. In actual applications, because the installation direction of the low-beam sensor when it is set on the electronic device may be different from the direction given in the attached drawings of the present application, the processor may need to adjust the direction accordingly according to the actual situation. In addition, it will also be affected by the different definitions of the coordinate system direction in the algorithm used by the electronic device processor. The definition of the coordinate system direction may be related to the equipment manufacturer, and this application will not be repeated here.

[0169] In practical applications, the key module may include one or more proximity light sensors provided in the above embodiments. The electronic device may include one or more key modules.

[0170] The above key module provided in the embodiment of the present application is only one possible implementation method. In other possible implementation methods, other implementation methods that can change the relative position between the metal spring and the flexible circuit board can also be adopted. In other words, other solutions that can control the metal spring to rotate relative to multiple proximity light sensors when the key rotates under the action of pressing force are all within the protection scope of the present application solution.

[0171] The processor in the above embodiments of the present application may include one or more processing units, for example, the processor may include an application processor (AP), a controller, etc. Among them, different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors. The controller may generate an operation control signal according to the instruction opcode and the timing signal to complete the control of fetching and executing instructions. A memory may also be provided in the processor for storing instructions and data.

[0172] The present application also provides a storage medium on which a program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor of an electronic device, the rotation direction of a key can be determined according to the change in the output of a light receiving unit, and then matched to a corresponding control instruction.

[0173] Storage media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, and can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, parameter random access memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies.

[0174] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0175] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device includes a processor, one or more key modules, each of which includes: a key, a metal dome, a flexible circuit board, and a plurality of proximity light sensors; each of the proximity light sensors includes: a substrate, one or more light emitting units and at least two light receiving units; The plurality of proximity light sensors are located on the flexible circuit board; When the button rotates under the action of the pressing force, the metal dome is controlled to rotate relative to the plurality of proximity light sensors; At least one light emitting unit and the at least two light receiving units are arranged on the substrate in an axisymmetric manner or in a center-symmetrical manner; The at least two light receiving units are used to receive light and output a signal amount when one of the one or more light emitting units emits light; The processor is used to determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal amounts output by the at least two light receiving units.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximity light sensor comprises: a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; The first light emitting unit comprises a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side is opposite to the third side, and the second side is opposite to the fourth side; The first light receiving unit is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located at a second side of the first light emitting unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the change trend of the signal quantity output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit; The first light emitting unit comprises a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side is opposite to the third side, and the second side is opposite to the fourth side; The first light receiving unit is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit is located at a third side of the first light emitting unit.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal amounts output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The signal amount output by the first light receiving unit is a first signal amount, and the signal amount output by the second light receiving unit is a second signal amount; The processor is specifically used to determine that the rotation direction of the key is toward the second light receiving unit when the difference between the first signal amount and the second signal amount increases; and to determine that the rotation direction of the key is toward the first light receiving unit when the difference between the first signal amount and the second signal amount decreases.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximity light sensor comprises: a first light emitting unit, a second light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit and a second light receiving unit; The first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit each include a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side is opposite to the third side, and the second side is opposite to the fourth side; The first light receiving unit is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit, and is located at a second side of the second light emitting unit; The second light receiving unit is located at a fourth side of the first light emitting unit and at a third side of the second light emitting unit.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The processor is used to control the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to work in turn, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the signal amounts output by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximity light sensor includes a first light emitting unit, a first light receiving unit, a second light receiving unit, a third light receiving unit, and a fourth light receiving unit; The first light emitting unit comprises a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence, the first side is opposite to the third side, and the second side is opposite to the fourth side; The first light receiving unit is located at a first side of the first light emitting unit, the second light receiving unit is located at a second side of the first light emitting unit, the third light receiving unit is located at a third side of the first light emitting unit, and the fourth light receiving unit is located at a fourth side of the first light emitting unit.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The processor is used to control the operation of the first light emitting unit, and determine the rotation direction of the key according to the change trends of the signal quantities output by the first light receiving unit, the second light receiving unit, the third light receiving unit and the fourth light receiving unit respectively.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor is further used to determine the change in pressing force and sliding direction when the user presses the button according to the change trend and change amount of the signal quantities output by the multiple proximity light sensors at the first moment and the second moment.

12. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The at least one light emitting unit is an infrared light emitting unit, and the at least two light receiving units are infrared light receiving units.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: Each of the button modules includes 2n proximity light sensors, where n is a positive integer; The 2n proximity light sensors are symmetrically distributed on the flexible circuit board.

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