Input module, input device and input method

Abstract

The invention discloses an input module, an input device and an input method, the input module comprises a plurality of input keys and at least one switching key, each input key is provided with a plurality of input layers, the switching key is suitable for enabling the input key to be switched among the input layers, and when the input key is switched to different input layers, key values corresponding to the input layers are output. At least one input key is provided with a touch control part, the touch control part is suitable for transmitting touch gesture actions to the input terminal, the input terminal has the advantages of being compact in structure and high in input efficiency, input key positions can be increased by increasing input layers according to requirements, the number of the key positions is reduced, and the input flexibility is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of input devices, and in particular to an input module, an input device and an input method. Background Art

[0002] A touch-screen phone is a type of phone that uses touch screen technology and applies it to the phone screen. With market competition and development, most mobile phones on the market are now touch-screen phones. The biggest feature of a touch-screen phone is its large screen, which can bring visual enjoyment to users. It reflects the characteristics of a large screen in terms of text or images. A touch-screen phone can be operated with fingers instead of a keyboard.

[0003] However, since screen feedback is inferior to that of physical buttons, touch-screen phones are difficult to replace keyboards in some scenarios and for some users, and some users still want to use physical keyboards for external input.

[0004] However, the input module of the existing external keyboard has the following defects: since a lot of content needs to be selected when inputting on a mobile phone, the key positions of the traditional external keyboard are difficult to adapt to the input requirements of the mobile phone, making input more difficult. At the same time, the traditional external keyboard is also difficult to adapt to the touch screen operation of the mobile phone, making operation more inconvenient. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide an input module, input device and input method with compact structure, convenient and efficient input and operation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in the present application is: an input module, comprising multiple input keys and at least one switch key, each of the input keys is set with multiple input layers, the switch key is suitable for switching the input key between the multiple input layers, and the input key is suitable for outputting the key value corresponding to the input layer when switching to different input layers, at least one of the input keys is provided with a touch portion, and the touch portion is suitable for transmitting touch gesture actions to the input terminal.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least some of the input keys are provided with light emitting portions, and the light emitting portions on the input keys are suitable for changing light emitting modes when the input keys are switched to different input layers.

[0008] In some embodiments, some of the input keys cooperate to form an operation area, some of the input keys cooperate to form a function area, and some of the input keys cooperate to form an input area, and the light-emitting portion of the input key in the function area is suitable for changing the light-emitting mode when the input key switches to a different input layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the input layer and the light emitting portion of the input key in the functional area are associated with a device connection mode, and the light emitting portion of the input key in the functional area is suitable for changing the light emitting mode when the device is connected and switches the connection mode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion is also suitable for triggering changes through some of the input keys; the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input keys in the functional area includes a normally dark mode, a normally bright mode and a breathing mode; the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input keys in the input area includes a normally dark mode, a delayed off mode and a multi-level brightness mode; the switch key is suitable for enabling all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the touch control unit has multiple touch modes, and at least one of the input keys and / or the switch key is suitable for switching the touch control unit to switch the touch mode; the touch modes include direction recognition touch and trajectory recognition touch; at least one of the input keys is provided with a light-emitting unit and a touch control unit, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit and the touch mode of the touch control unit are linked.

[0012] An input device comprises a shell, on which a connection module and any one of the above-mentioned input modules are arranged, part of the input keys are arranged on the upper part of the shell in the form of shoulder keys to form an operation area, part of the input keys are arranged on the front side of the shell to form a functional area and an input area, the touch portion is arranged on the input key in the functional area, the connection module is suitable for connecting an input terminal, and the input layer and the light-emitting portion of the input key in the functional area are associated with a connection mode of the connection module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shell is provided with a charging port; the shell is provided with a connection port; the shell is provided with a switch; the shell is provided with a charging indicator light; and the shell is provided with an openable battery compartment.

[0014] An input method comprises the steps of:

[0015] S100, laying out a plurality of input keys and at least one switch key to form an input area, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the input area, and associating the switching of the input layers of the input keys in the input area with the triggering of the switch key;

[0016] S200, associating the light-emitting portion of the input key in the input area with some input keys of a certain input layer in the input area;

[0017] S300, laying out a plurality of input keys and input keys with touch control portions to form a function area, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the function area, and associating input layer switching of the input keys in the function area with triggering of a switch key;

[0018] S400, associating the switching of the touch mode of the touch portion with the Caps Lock key, and associating the switching of the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input key with the touch portion with the Caps Lock key;

[0019] S500: Associating the key values ​​of the input keys other than the input keys with the touch-sensitive portion in the function area with the connection mode of the light-emitting portion and the connection module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the input layer set by the input keys in the input area includes at least a letter layer, a symbol layer and a setting layer, wherein the letter layer is the default input layer, and multiple input keys and at least one switch key layout form an input layer according to a traditional keyboard layout to form a letter layer.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: the input module, input device and input method of the present application achieve different results for the same input key by setting multiple input layers for the input keys and using a switch key to switch the input layers, thereby expanding the input capacity of the input keys, and can adapt to and realize the input requirements of mobile phones including letters, numbers and characters, simplify the input process, reduce the difficulty of input, and improve input efficiency. The function keys can also be incorporated into the input keys to further improve the convenience of input and operation. In addition, the setting of the touch part can also solve the problem that traditional keyboards cannot adapt to the touch operation requirements of mobile phones, thereby improving applicability and ease of operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is an overall structural view of an input device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a first arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a second arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a third arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0026] In the figure: 1. Shell; 11. Shoulder keys; 12. Charging port; 13. Switch; 14. Charging indicator light; 2. Input module; 21. Operation area; 22. Function area; 23. Input area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Below, the present application is further described in conjunction with specific implementation methods. It should be noted that, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0028] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that directional words, such as the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating directions and positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of narrating the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and cannot be understood as limiting the specific scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0030] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

[0031] The present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0032] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present application provides an input module 2, including multiple input keys and at least one switch key. The input keys and the switch keys can be combined and arranged to be laid out as a nine-key layout, a full-key layout or other layouts in the traditional mobile phone keyboard layout. The added switch keys can be used to enable the original input keys in the nine-key layout, the full-key layout or other layouts to obtain more input options, thereby further obtaining the possibility of input without changing the original keyboard layout, thereby meeting the compactness and portability requirements of the input module 2 and the input device.

[0033] Each input key is set with multiple input layers. The switch key is suitable for switching the input key between multiple input layers. When the input key switches to a different input layer, it is suitable for outputting the key value corresponding to the input layer. In this way, each input key can obtain a variety of input key value options. The user can memorize the key value output by the input key in different input layers and click to trigger the switch key to switch the input. This input method can be applied to all input scenarios of input terminals (mobile phones and other electronic devices) without the need to be set in the system of the input terminal, making the input process smoother and more efficient.

[0034] It can be understood that since an input key can output multiple key values ​​in the above manner, the input module 2 and the input device can arrange commonly used input keys and uncommonly used input keys, or key values ​​with conflicting operation logics, or key values ​​with related operation logics, on different input layers of the same input key, thereby improving the compactness and expansibility of the key positions of the input module 2 and the input device, and at the same time optimizing the input logic to reduce the probability of erroneous input.

[0035] In some embodiments, a switch key corresponds to an input layer. When the switch key is clicked to trigger, the input key can switch to the corresponding input layer. When the switch key is clicked again to trigger, the input key can switch to the initial input layer, which is convenient for users to remember and reduces the probability of input layer switching errors.

[0036] In some embodiments, a switch key corresponds to multiple input layers. When the switch key is clicked to trigger, the input key can be switched to different input layers in turn. After each input layer is switched once, when the switch key is clicked again to trigger, the input key can be switched to the initial input layer. The number of switch keys set can be reduced, so that the input module 2 and the input device can be designed to be more compact.

[0037] like Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one input key is provided with a touch portion, which is suitable for transmitting touch gesture actions to the input terminal. The touch portion can sense the user's touch within the touch portion, map the gesture actions to the input terminal, and control the pointer activity within the input terminal, thereby realizing control operations and effects similar to those of a mouse pointer on the touch screen, thereby reducing the difficulty of operating the input module 2 and the input device in the input terminal. Compared with a traditional keyboard, in addition to the input function, more functions can be realized.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least some of the input keys are provided with a light emitting portion, and the light emitting portion on the input key is suitable for changing a light emitting mode when the input key is switched to a different input layer.

[0039] In some embodiments, the main form of the light-emitting portion is as a backlight for an input key, so as to illuminate the identifier on the input key for user's convenience in observation and identification.

[0040] In some embodiments, a plurality of identifiers are suitable for being set on the input key, respectively corresponding to the key values ​​of the input key in different input layers.

[0041] In some embodiments, the input key itself has multiple key value input methods, such as single-click input, double-click input, long-press input, etc., which can be used to prevent accidental touches and reduce the probability of user misoperation.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 4In the illustrated embodiment, some input keys cooperate to form an operation area 21, and the input keys in the operation area 21 are mainly used for quick operations, such as left and right mouse button clicks, volume increase and decrease, page up and down, etc. Some input keys cooperate to form a function area 22, and the input keys in the function area 22 are mainly used for function quick control, such as caps lock, touch control, return key, screenshot key, connection device switching, etc. Some input keys cooperate to form an input area 23, and the input keys in the input area 23 are mainly used for typing input, such as letters, numbers, characters, direction keys, etc. The light-emitting portion of the input keys in the function area 22 is suitable for when the input keys are switched to different input layers. Change the lighting mode. Since the input keys in the function area 22 are used less frequently when the user inputs, the area of ​​the function area 22 is usually smaller than the number of input keys in the input area 23. The number of input keys in the function area 22 is usually smaller than the number of input keys in the input area 23, which has less visual impact on the user when inputting. Therefore, the lighting mode of the light-emitting part of the input key in the function area 22 can be used to display the status of the input layer. For example, in the initial input layer state, the light-emitting part of the input key in the function area 22 is in a constantly bright state. After switching the input layer, the light-emitting part of the input key in the function area 22 can enter an off state or a breathing light state to facilitate users to distinguish the input layers.

[0043] In some embodiments, the input layer and the light-emitting portion of the input key in the function area 22 are associated with the device connection mode. The light-emitting portion of the input key in the function area 22 is suitable for changing the light-emitting mode when the device is connected and switches the connection mode. The light-emitting portion can be used to effectively feedback the connection status of the input module 2 and the input device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the lighting modes of the light-emitting portion of the input key in the function area 22 include a normally dark mode, a normally bright mode, and a breathing mode. In the present application, different lighting modes can be set in different input layers to achieve prompts for the input layer.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the input key with a touch portion is located in the middle of the function area 22, and the remaining input keys without a touch portion are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the input key with a touch portion, making the layout of the function area 22 more intuitive and easy to use.

[0046] In some embodiments, the light emitting modes of the light emitting portions of the input keys in the input area 23 include a normally dark mode, a delayed off mode, and a multi-level brightness mode.

[0047] In some embodiments, the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion is also suitable for triggering changes through some input keys, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the present application, the key values ​​of individual key positions of the input area 23 in the input layer can be set as the adjustment function of the light-emitting unit, so as to realize the normally dark mode, delayed off mode and multi-level brightness mode of the light-emitting unit.

[0048] In the present application, the delayed closing mode can be set to automatically close when no input key input is detected within 30 seconds, and the difference between each brightness of the multi-level brightness mode is 10%.

[0049] In some embodiments, the switch key is suitable for switching all input keys between multiple input layers in a unified manner. In addition to setting different key values, the input keys can also be set with the same key value between different input layers, or even without setting a key value. The control logic between the switch key and all input keys can be changed to reduce the probability of errors.

[0050] In some embodiments, the touch control unit has multiple touch modes, and at least one input key and / or switch key is suitable for enabling the touch control unit to switch the touch mode, so that the touch control unit can obtain a more optimal logical operation mode through different touch modes in different input scenarios, thereby reducing the difficulty of input and operation and reducing the occurrence of erroneous operations.

[0051] In some embodiments, the touch mode includes direction recognition touch and track recognition touch. Direction recognition touch means that when the user slides in the touch part, the touch part transmits a state instruction similar to the scrolling direction of the mouse wheel to the input terminal according to the sliding direction of the user. Track recognition touch means that when the user slides in the touch part, the touch part transmits the same sliding track instruction to the input terminal according to the sliding track of the user to realize the control of the mouse pointer.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one input key is provided with both a light-emitting portion and a touch portion, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion and the touch mode of the touch portion are linked. At this time, the light-emitting portion on the input key is used to feedback the state of the touch portion. For example, the light-emitting portion can be used as a caps indicator light. When the caps are locked, the light-emitting portion emits light and the touch portion switches from trajectory recognition touch to direction recognition touch.

[0053] The present application also provides an input device, including a shell 1, on which a connection module and an input module 2 of any of the above-mentioned embodiments are arranged, some input keys are arranged in the form of shoulder keys 11 on the upper part of the shell 1, and form an operation area 21, the form of the shoulder keys 11 conforms to the user's operation intuition, and can effectively improve the user's operation efficiency, some input keys are arranged on the front side of the shell 1, and form a function area 22 and an input area 23, the arrangement of the operation area 21, the function area 22 and the input area 23 can form an operation mode similar to a handle, so that the user's operation experience is better.

[0054] The touch control part is arranged on the input key in the function area 22, the connection module is suitable for connecting the input terminal, and the input layer and the light emitting part of the input key in the function area 22 are associated with the connection mode of the connection module.

[0055] In some embodiments, the connection module is a Bluetooth connection module, which enables the input module 2 and the input terminal to be wirelessly connected, making the use of the input device more convenient and free, and removing spatial usage restrictions.

[0056] Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, when multiple input terminals are connected to perform Bluetooth connection, if you want to connect an unpaired input terminal, first enter the corresponding input layer and press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 1". At this time, the connection module will pair with the input terminal, and then double-click the input key with the touch part to clear the input terminal content. At this time, you should be able to find the Bluetooth device on the input terminal. After connecting, you can perform input and control operations. If you want to connect the second input terminal, use the same method. Enter the corresponding input layer and press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 2", and then double-click the input key with the touch part to confirm, and then connect to the second input terminal. Similarly, you can connect the third and fourth input terminals. If you want to switch to the first input terminal, enter the corresponding input layer and press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 1" to switch to the first input terminal. At this time, do not operate the input key with the touch part to prevent the connection module from clearing the previously paired information.

[0057] In some embodiments, a charging port 12 and a connecting port are provided on the housing 1. In order to save space, the charging port 12 and the connecting port can also be integrated, preferably using a type-c interface.

[0058] In some embodiments, an input key can be set as a switch for the connection module and the connection port to switch the connection mode between the input device and the input terminal. To avoid accidental touch, the input key can be set to long press switch, such as Figure 4 As shown, the third input layer of the space input key can be arranged to realize the function of switching between the connection module and the connection port by long pressing.

[0059] In some embodiments, a storage module is also provided in the shell 1 to store the firmware information of the input device. The key value in a certain input layer of the input key can be set as the control of the connection port. When the key value is input, the information in the storage module can be displayed in the input terminal to facilitate the user to update the firmware.

[0060] In some embodiments, a switch 13 is disposed on the housing 1 to control the opening and closing of the input module 2 and the connection module.

[0061] In some embodiments, a charging indicator light 14 is provided on the housing 1, and the state change of the charging indicator light 14 can prompt the user whether the charging is completed. In the present application, the charging indicator light 14 is on during charging, and is off when fully charged.

[0062] In some embodiments, an openable battery compartment is provided on the housing 1 to ensure the battery life of the input device by replacing the battery.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery compartment can be opened by opening a cover, or by opening the entire housing 1.

[0064] The present application also provides an input method, comprising the steps of:

[0065] S100, laying out a plurality of input keys and at least one switch key to form an input area 23, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the input area 23, and associating the switching of the input layers of the input keys in the input area 23 with the triggering of the switch key;

[0066] Implement the input key value switching function of the input module 2 and the input device.

[0067] S200, associating the light-emitting portion of the input key in the input area 23 with some input keys of a certain input layer in the input area 23;

[0068] The lighting mode of the lighting portion of the input keys in the input area 23 is linked and / or controlled with some input keys. For example, the key values ​​of some input keys in a certain input layer are set to reduce the backlight brightness, turn on / off the backlight, increase the backlight brightness, etc.

[0069] S300, laying out a plurality of input keys and input keys with touch control portions to form a function area 22, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the function area 22, and associating the switching of the input layers of the input keys in the function area 22 with the triggering of the switch key;

[0070] Implement the input key value switching function of the input module 2 and the input device.

[0071] S400, associating the switching of the touch mode of the touch portion with the Caps Lock key, and associating the switching of the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input key with the touch portion with the Caps Lock key;

[0072] The change of the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion is used to increase the on and off feedback of the Caps Lock key, so that the user can know the input status and reduce the probability of erroneous input.

[0073] S500: Associating the key values ​​of the input keys other than the input keys with the touch-sensitive portion in the function area 22 with the connection mode of the light-emitting portion and the connection module.

[0074] The input keys in the function area 22 can control the connection mode of the connection module, and can increase the status feedback during the connection mode control by changing the light emitting mode of the light emitting part, so as to facilitate the user to know the current connection status.

[0075] In some embodiments, the input layer of the input key settings in the input area 23 includes at least a letter layer (key layout reference Figure 2 ), symbol layer (key layout reference Figure 3 ) and settings layer (key layout reference Figure 4 ), wherein the letter layer is the default input layer, a plurality of input keys and at least one switch key layout form an input layer; the letter layer is formed according to the traditional keyboard layout; the symbol layer and the setting layer are reasonably arranged according to the letter layer.

[0076] The above describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not limited by the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and the specification only describe the principles of the present application. The present application may have various changes and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and these changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present application for which protection is sought. The scope of protection claimed by the present application is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An input module, Features: It includes multiple input keys and at least one switch key, each of the input keys is set with multiple input layers, the switch key is suitable for switching the input key between the multiple input layers, and the input key is suitable for outputting the key value corresponding to the input layer when switching to a different input layer. At least one of the input keys is provided with a touch portion, and the touch portion is suitable for transmitting touch gesture actions to the input terminal.

2. An input module as claimed in claim 1, Features: At least some of the input keys are provided with a light emitting portion, and the light emitting portion on the input key is suitable for changing a light emitting mode when the input key is switched to a different input layer.

3. An input module as claimed in claim 2, Features: Some of the input keys cooperate to form an operation area, some of the input keys cooperate to form a function area, and some of the input keys cooperate to form an input area. The light-emitting portion of the input key in the function area is suitable for changing a light-emitting mode when the input key switches to a different input layer.

4. An input module as claimed in claim 3, Features: The input layer and the light emitting portion of the input key in the functional area are associated with a device connection mode, and the light emitting portion of the input key in the functional area is adapted to change a light emitting mode when a device is connected and a connection mode is switched.

5. An input module as claimed in claim 3, Features: The light emitting mode of the light emitting portion is also suitable for triggering changes through some of the input keys; the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input keys in the functional area includes a normally dark mode, a normally bright mode and a breathing mode; the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input keys in the input area includes a normally dark mode, a delayed off mode and a multi-level brightness mode; the switch key is suitable for enabling all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.

6. An input device as claimed in claim 1, Features: The touch control part has multiple touch modes, and at least one of the input keys and / or the switch key is suitable for switching the touch control part to a different touch mode; the touch modes include direction recognition touch and track recognition touch; at least one of the input keys is provided with a light-emitting part and a touch control part, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting part is linked to the touch mode of the touch control part.

7. An input device, Features: It comprises a shell, on which a connection module and the input module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are arranged, part of the input keys are arranged on the upper part of the shell in the form of shoulder keys to form an operation area, part of the input keys are arranged on the front side of the shell to form a functional area and an input area, the touch portion is arranged on the input key in the functional area, the connection module is suitable for connecting an input terminal, and the input layer and the light-emitting portion of the input key in the functional area are associated with a connection mode of the connection module.

8. An input device as claimed in claim 7, Features: The shell is provided with a charging port; the shell is provided with a connection port; the shell is provided with a switch; the shell is provided with a charging indicator light; and the shell is provided with an openable battery compartment.

9. An input method, It is characterized in that Includes steps: S100, laying out a plurality of input keys and at least one switch key to form an input area, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the input area, and associating the switching of the input layers of the input keys in the input area with the triggering of the switch key; S200, associating the light-emitting portion of the input key in the input area with some input keys of a certain input layer in the input area; S300, laying out a plurality of input keys and input keys with touch control portions to form a function area, setting a plurality of input layers for the input keys in the function area, and associating input layer switching of the input keys in the function area with triggering of a switch key; S400, associating the switching of the touch mode of the touch portion with the Caps Lock key, and associating the switching of the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion of the input key with the touch portion with the Caps Lock key; S500: Associating the key values ​​of the input keys other than the input keys with the touch-sensitive portion in the function area with the connection mode of the light-emitting portion and the connection module.

10. An input method as claimed in claim 9, Features: The input layer set by the input keys in the input area includes at least a letter layer, a symbol layer and a setting layer, wherein the letter layer is the default input layer, and a plurality of input keys and at least one switch key layout form an input layer to form a letter layer according to a traditional keyboard layout.

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