Peripheral input device

Abstract

A peripheral input device includes: a housing; an input button depressible relative to the housing, the input button having a resting surface for receiving a finger of a user; a touch sensing device including a touch sensing element disposed at the input button to sense a presence of a finger at the resting surface of the input button; and a displacement sensing device. The displacement device includes a first interaction portion associated with the input button in such a manner that it is movable when the input button is being pressed, and a second interaction portion disposed in a fixed position with respect to the housing. When the input button is being pressed, relative movement between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion causes interaction between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion as a measure to detect that the input button is being pressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to a peripheral input device. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to a peripheral input device for virtual reality (VR) applications to interact with a virtual world. Background Art

[0002] Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that allows a user to immerse in a virtual world where the user can see and interact with. The way to interact with the virtual world is typically via a VR peripheral input device. Examples of VR peripheral input devices include but are not limited to VR controllers, VR keyboards, VR gloves, VR body suits, VR treadmills, VR trackpads, VR joysticks, or VR motion trackers. These VR peripheral input devices generally collect data about the user's movement and / or position and / or action and provide them as input data into a VR application for interacting with the virtual world. VR peripheral input devices can be used to move around, pick up items, and interact with virtual objects. VR peripheral input devices include input buttons for a user to provide input to the VR application, such as buttons, triggers, thumbsticks, etc. Generally, the input buttons of VR peripheral input devices have different functional requirements from the input buttons of typical peripheral input devices such as a conventional mouse, a conventional keyboard, a conventional game controller, or a conventional game pad. As an example, it may be required that the input buttons of a VR peripheral input device allow a user to provide input for picking up an object and then squeezing or throwing the object using the same input button. Thus, it may be required that the input buttons of a VR peripheral input device allow a user to use the same input button to provide different types of input.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a peripheral input device that allows a user to reliably and effectively provide different kinds of input using the same input button. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, a peripheral input device can be provided. The peripheral input device includes: a housing; an input button that can be pressed relative to the housing, the input button having a resting surface for receiving a finger of a user; a touch sensing device including a touch sensing element disposed at the input button to sense the presence of the user's finger at the resting surface of the input button; and a displacement sensing device. The displacement sensing device includes a first interaction portion associated with the input button in a manner such that it is movable when the input button is being pressed, and a second interaction portion disposed at a fixed position relative to the housing. When the input button is pressed, the relative movement between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion causes an interaction between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion as a measure for detecting that the input button is pressed. Description of the Drawings

[0005] In the drawings, throughout the different views, like reference numerals generally refer to like components. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and typically focus on illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0006] In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1A a schematic diagram of a peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0008] Figure 1B a schematic diagram of the peripheral input device when at least one input button is pressed is shown Figure 1A is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 a flowchart showing the operation process of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown; Figure 1A is shown;

[0010] Figure 3A a cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 3B a cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device when at least one input button is pressed is shown Figure 3A is shown;

[0012] Figure 4A a cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0013] Figure 4B a cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device when at least one input button is pressed is shown Figure 4A is shown;

[0014] Figure 5A and Figure 5B a series of sequential movements of the motion transmission sub-device and the light blocking member of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown Figure 4A and Figure 4B is shown;

[0015] Figure 6A and Figure 6B a cross-sectional view of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shown Figure 5A and Figure 5B to further show Figure 4A and Figure 4B the interaction between the light blocking member and the optical sensing sub-device of the peripheral input device is shown;

[0016] Figure 7 a schematic diagram of the peripheral input device according to various embodiments is shownFigure 3A and Figure 3B flowcharts of the operation of the peripheral input device of; and

[0017] Figure 8 show the Figure 4A and Figure 4B flowcharts of the operation of the peripheral input device of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments described below in the context of a device are similarly effective for the corresponding methods, and vice versa. Additionally, it will be understood that the embodiments described below can be combined; for example, a part of one embodiment can be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "above", "above", "top", "bottom", "downward", "side", "rear", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "upward", "downward", etc., when used in the following description, are used for convenience and to assist in understanding relative position or orientation and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device or structure or any part of any device or structure. Additionally, the singular terms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Various embodiments relate to a peripheral input device. In particular, various embodiments relate to virtual reality (VR) peripheral input devices. Thus, the peripheral input device can include, but is not limited to, a VR controller, a VR keyboard, a VR glove, a VR bodysuit, a VR treadmill, a VR trackpad, a VR joystick, or a VR motion tracker. The peripheral input device can be a handheld device and / or a stand-alone device for providing input to a computing system. The computing system can run a VR application, and the input from the peripheral input device can allow a user to interact with the virtual world generated by the VR application. According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device can include at least one input button. The at least one input button can include, but is not limited to, a button, a trigger, a thumbstick, a d-pad, a joystick, etc. According to various embodiments, at least one input button of the peripheral input device can be configured to allow a user to use the same input button to provide at least two different types of input. For example, at least one input button of the peripheral input device can be operated to simulate grasping or picking up an object or item in the virtual world, and the same input button of the peripheral input device can be further operated to squeeze, throw, move, pull, push, or swing the same object or item in the virtual world.

[0021] According to various embodiments, at least one input button of a peripheral input device can be configured to be operated by touch to provide a first type of input and to be operated by pressing the at least one input button to provide a second type of input. Accordingly, the peripheral input device can include a touch sensing mechanism (or touch sensing device) and a switch / trigger mechanism (or displacement sensing device) provided to the at least one input button. Accordingly, the at least one input button can include the touch sensing mechanism and the switch / trigger mechanism, such that a user can operate the at least one input button of the peripheral input device differently to provide different types of input.

[0022] The following examples relate to various embodiments.

[0023] Example 1 is a peripheral input device including:

[0024] A housing;

[0025] An input button that is pressable relative to the housing and has a resting surface for receiving a user's finger;

[0026] A touch sensing device including a touch sensing element provided at the input button for sensing the presence of a user's finger at the resting surface of the input button; and

[0027] A displacement sensing device including:

[0028] A first interaction part associated with the input button in such a way that it is movable when the input button is being pressed, and

[0029] A second interaction part provided at a fixed position relative to the housing,

[0030] wherein, when the input button is pressed, the relative movement between the first interaction part and the second interaction part causes an interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part as a measure of detecting that the input button is being pressed.

[0031] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include: wherein the touch sensing device can output a touch signal when sensing the presence of a user's finger at the resting surface of the input button, and wherein the displacement sensing device can output a displacement signal when detecting that the input button is being pressed.

[0032] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or 2 can optionally include: wherein the displacement sensing device can be turned on when the touch sensing device senses the presence of a user's finger at the resting surface of the input button, and wherein the displacement sensing device can be turned off when the touch sensing device stops sensing the presence of a user's finger at the resting surface of the input button.

[0033] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally include: wherein the input button includes a button cap, wherein the resting surface of the input button is the crown surface of the button cap, and wherein the touch sensing element of the touch sensing device is disposed at the lower side surface of the button cap opposite to the crown surface of the button cap.

[0034] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally include: the touch sensing element may include a conductive metal plate.

[0035] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include: the interaction between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion of the displacement sensing device may continuously vary within the range of relative movement between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion in such a manner that it can be used as a measure corresponding to the amount of depression of the input button.

[0036] In Example 7, the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include: wherein the first interaction portion of the displacement sensing device may include a Hall sensor, the Hall sensor being coupled to the input button in such a manner that it can move together with the input button when the input button is depressed, wherein the second interaction portion of the displacement sensing device may include a magnet fixedly disposed in the housing, and wherein the interaction between the first interaction portion and the second interaction portion may be that the Hall sensor detects the magnetic field of the magnet during the relative movement between the Hall sensor and the magnet.

[0037] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include: wherein the Hall sensor may measure the intensity of the magnetic field of the magnet, and when the Hall sensor moves relative to the magnet as the input button is depressed, the intensity of the magnetic field may vary proportionally according to the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet so as to be used as a measure of the amount of depression of the input button.

[0038] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 or 8 may optionally include: a flexible elongate electrical component electrically connecting the Hall sensor to the circuit board of the peripheral input device, wherein the flexible elongate electrical component may extend under the resting surface of the input button, wherein the touch sensing element may be disposed between the resting surface of the input button and the flexible elongate electrical component, and wherein the flexible elongate electrical component may electrically connect the touch sensing element to the circuit board of the peripheral input device.

[0039] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include: wherein, the first interaction part of the displacement sensing device may include a light blocking member having a cutout profile, the light blocking member being operably connected to the input button in such a way that it can be moved by the input button when the input button is pressed, wherein, the second interaction part of the displacement sensing device may include an optical sensing sub-device fixedly provided in the housing, and wherein, the interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part may be that the optical sensing sub-device detects light from the optical sensing sub-device passing through the cutout profile of the light blocking member during the relative movement between the light blocking member and the optical sensing sub-device.

[0040] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include: wherein, the cutout profile of the light blocking member may have a shape that can proportionally change the amount of light passing through it from the optical sensing sub-device when the light blocking member moves relative to the optical sensing sub-device as the input button is pressed, such that the optical sensing sub-device can be capable of detecting the amount of light as a measure of the amount of depression of the input button.

[0041] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 10 or 11 may optionally include: wherein, the optical sensing sub-device may include a light emitter for emitting light along an optical path, and a light sensor disposed in the optical path and configured to sense light passing through the cutout profile of the light blocking member, wherein, when the input button is pressed, the light blocking member may move laterally across the optical path.

[0042] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 10 to 12 may optionally include: a motion transfer sub-device connected between the input button and the light blocking member, wherein, the motion transfer sub-device may transfer the motion of the input button as a corresponding movement of the light blocking member to interact with the optical sensing sub-device.

[0043] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally include: wherein, the input button is a trigger button pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis, and wherein, the motion transfer sub-device includes:

[0044] A V-shaped rod pivotable about a joint between two arms of the V-shaped rod, and

[0045] A guiding part at the light blocking member, the guiding part having an inclined slot with respect to the moving direction of the light blocking member,

[0046] wherein, the free end of the first arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod may abut against the trigger button, and the free end of the second arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod may have a pin element inserted into the inclined slot of the guiding part,

[0047] Wherein, pressing the trigger button can cause the V-shaped rod to pivot about a joint between two arms of the V-shaped rod, so that the pin element slides along an inclined groove of a guiding portion at the light blocking member at a free end of a second arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod, so as to move the light blocking member relative to the optical sensing sub-device.

[0048] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include: a circuit board; and a torsion spring aligned with a pivot axis of the trigger button, wherein a first leg of the torsion spring may be connected to the touch sensing element, and a second leg of the torsion spring may be connected to the circuit board to electrically connect the touch sensing element to the circuit board.

[0049] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a peripheral input device 100 according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the peripheral input device 100 when at least one input button 120 is pressed according to various embodiments is shown. According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may be a virtual reality (VR) peripheral input device, including but not limited to a VR controller, a VR glove, a VR body suit, a VR treadmill, a VR trackpad, a VR joystick, or a VR motion tracker. Accordingly, the VR peripheral input device may include at least one input button 120 that may be pressable. According to various embodiments, the at least one input button 120 may be, but is not limited to, a button that may be pressed or pushed, a trigger that may be pressed or clicked or pulled, a thumb stick that may be pressed or pushed, or a similar device. According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may be a handheld device and / or an independent portable device for providing input to a computing system running a VR application. The peripheral input device may be held or worn or carried by a user. The user may interact with the VR application and / or the virtual world via the peripheral input device. Thus, the peripheral input device may be an independent device that can be used or worn or carried by the user and may allow the user to provide input to the computing system for interacting with the VR application and / or the virtual world.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may be the housing of the peripheral input device 100. In addition, the housing 110 may define an inner cavity to accommodate or enclose the internal components of the peripheral input device 100. The housing 110 may include a handle or a cuff or a grip that may allow the user to hold or wear or carry the peripheral input device 100 while operating the peripheral input device 100 to provide input.

[0051] According to various embodiments, at least one input button 120 may be pressable relative to the housing 110. Thus, when the at least one input button 120 is pressed or pushed or clicked or pulled, the at least one input button 120 may move relative to the housing 110. Further, pressing the at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110 may include a linear or translational type of movement or a pivoting type of movement. According to various embodiments, the at least one input button 120 may include a resting surface 122 for receiving a user's finger. Thus, the user may place a finger on the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 to press the at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110. Accordingly, the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 may be exposed from the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100. For example, the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100 may include an opening 112, the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 may be exposed through the opening 112, and the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 may project outside and away from the housing 110 through the opening 112 of the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may include a touch sensing device 130. The touch sensing device 130 may be configured to sense or detect whether a user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120. Thus, the touch sensing device 130 may enable the at least one input button 120 to detect and sense, whereby the resting surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 may serve as a sensing surface for detecting whether a user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching. For example, the touch sensing device 130 may be a capacitive touch sensing device, or an inductive touch sensing device, or a resistive touch sensing device, or an optical touch sensing device.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the touch sensing device 130 may include a touch sensing element 132 disposed at at least one input button 120 to sense the presence of a user's finger at a rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120. According to various embodiments, the touch sensing element 132 may detect whether a user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120. According to various embodiments, the touch sensing element 132 may detect or sense or measure a change in a force field or an energy field at the rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 caused by an interference caused by a user's finger touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120. For example, when the touch sensing device 132 is a capacitive touch sensing device, the touch sensing element 130 may detect a change in capacitance, or when the touch sensing device 130 is an inductive touch sensing device, the touch sensing element 132 may detect a change in a magnetic field, or when the touch sensing device 130 is a resistive touch sensing device, the touch sensing element may detect a change in resistance, or when the touch sensing device 130 is an optical touch sensing device, the touch sensing element may detect a change in light. According to various embodiments, depending on the type of the touch sensing arrangement 130, the touch sensing element 132 may be disposed at the at least one input button 120 in a manner that enables performing a type of sensing or detecting or measuring required for recording a change in a corresponding force field or energy field at the rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 when a user's finger touches (i.e., contacts) or begins to approach the rest surface 122 of the at least one input button 120 to cause an interference.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may include a displacement sensing device 140. The displacement sensing device 140 may be configured to sense or detect whether at least one input button 120 is being pressed or is being pressed. For example, the displacement sensing device 140 may include, but is not limited to, a switch mechanism or a trigger mechanism or a toggle mechanism. According to various embodiments, the displacement sensing device 140 may include a first interaction portion 142 and a second interaction portion 144. According to various embodiments, the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 may be configured such that pressing at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100 may cause the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 to interact with each other in a manner that can be sensed or detected or measured. For example, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be, but is not limited to, a mechanical / physical interaction, or an optical interaction, or a magnetic interaction or an electrical interaction. According to various embodiments, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may create or generate or produce or cause or result in a change in a stimulus or property that can be detected or sensed or measured. The stimulus or property may include, but is not limited to, a mechanical / physical stimulus or property, an optical stimulus or property, a magnetic stimulus or property, or an electrical stimulus or property.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the first interaction portion 142 may be associated with at least one input button 120 in a manner such that it is movable when at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Accordingly, the first interaction portion 142 may be arranged in an operative relationship with at least one input button 120 such that pressing at least one input button 120 may cause a corresponding movement of the first interaction portion 142. For example, the first interaction portion 142 may be coupled or connected (directly or indirectly) to at least one input button 120 such that when at least one input button 120 is pressed, the first interaction portion 142 may move synchronously with at least one input button 120. As another example, the first interaction portion 142 may be actuated or moved by at least one input button 120, whereby pressing at least one input button 120 may transmit or transfer the movement of pressing at least one input button 120 to the first interaction portion 142 so as to cause the first interaction portion 142 to be moved.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the second interaction portion 144 may be disposed in a fixed position relative to the housing 110. Accordingly, the position of the second interaction portion 144 may be fixed relative to the housing 110. For example, the second interaction portion 144 may be fixedly coupled, mounted, attached, or connected (directly or indirectly) to the housing 110 in such a manner that relative movement between the second interaction portion 144 and the housing 110 is prohibited or not allowed. Accordingly, the second interaction portion 144 may be fixedly disposed or positioned relative to the housing 110 such that there may be no relative movement between the second interaction portion 144 and the housing 110.

[0057] According to various embodiments, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, relative movement between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may cause or result in an interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. Accordingly, pressing at least one input button 120 may cause the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 to move relative to each other, which may then cause or result in an interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. For example, relative movement of the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 relative to each other due to at least one input button 120 being pressed may cause or result in a mechanical / physical interaction, or an optical interaction, or a magnetic interaction, or an electrical interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. According to various embodiments, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be used as a measure for detecting or sensing that at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Accordingly, sensing or detecting or measuring the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be used as an indication that at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Accordingly, determining whether at least one input button 120 is being pressed may be based on sensing or detecting or measuring the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. According to various embodiments, sensing or detecting or measuring the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may include sensing or detecting or measuring a change in a stimulus or property caused by the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. According to various embodiments, the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be configured to sense or detect or measure a change in a stimulus or property.

[0058] According to various embodiments, in a case where a touch sensing device 130 and a displacement sensing device 140 are operably associated with at least one input button 120 (the same), at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100 may allow a user to use the same input button to provide at least two different types of input. According to various embodiments, at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100 may be operable by touch sensing to provide a first type of input, and may be operable by pressing at least one input button 120 to provide a second type of input. Thus, a user may, for example, operate at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100 differently via touch sensing or pressing to provide different kinds of input using the peripheral input device 100. For example, at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100 may be operable by touch sensing to simulate grasping or picking up an object or item in a virtual world, and the at least one input button 120 (the same) of the peripheral input device 100 may be further operable by pressing at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100 to squeeze, throw, move, pull, push, or swing the same object or item in the virtual world.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the touch sensing device 130 and the displacement sensing device 140 may be different and separate sensing devices that are operably associated with at least one input button 120 (the same). Thus, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 may be different and separate from the first interaction part 142 and the second interaction part 144 of the displacement sensing device 140. Thus, a single input button (i.e., at least one input button 120) may be associated with at least two different and separate sensing devices (i.e., the touch sensing device 130 and the displacement sensing device 140), such that the single input button may allow a user to use the same single input button to provide at least two different types of input.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the touch sensing device 130 may output a touch signal when sensing the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100. Thus, when the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 detects or senses or measures a change in the force field or energy field at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 due to interference caused by the user's finger touching or approaching the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120, the touch sensing device 130 may output a touch signal to indicate that the user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120. Thus, the touch signal may be used as a first type of input to be provided by the operation of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100. According to various embodiments, the touch signal may correspond to the detection or measurement of a change in the force field or energy field at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the displacement sensing device 140 may output a displacement signal when detecting that at least one input button 120 is being pressed by a user. Thus, when the user presses at least one input button 120, the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 may move relative to each other, thereby causing an interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144, and the first interaction portion 142 and / or the second interaction portion 144 may sense or detect or measure a change in a stimulus or property caused by the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 in order to output a displacement signal as an indication that the displacement sensing device 140 has detected that at least one input button 120 is being pressed by a user. For example, the first interaction portion 142 or the second interaction portion 144 or both may be or include a sensor for sensing or detecting or measuring a change in a stimulus or property. According to various embodiments, the displacement signal may correspond to the detection or measurement of a change in a stimulus or property resulting from the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the displacement sensing device 140 may be turned on or activated when the touch sensing device 130 senses the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of the input button 120. Thus, the displacement sensing device 140 may be normally closed and may be turned on or activated to sense, detect, or measure a change in a stimulus or property due to the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 as a measure of detecting that at least one input button 120 is being pressed after the touch sensing device 130 has detected that a user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120. Turning on or activating the displacement sensing device 140 may refer to powering on the displacement sensing device 140 such that the displacement sensing device 140 is capable of sensing, detecting, or measuring a change in a stimulus or property due to the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. For example, after the touch sensing device 140 has determined that a user's finger is touching (i.e., contacting) or approaching the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120, the first interaction portion 142 and / or the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 130 may be turned on or activated such that the first interaction portion 142 and / or the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 may be capable of sensing, detecting, or measuring a change in a stimulus or property due to the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the displacement sensing device 140 may be turned off or deactivated when the touch sensing device 130 stops sensing the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of the input button 120. Thus, after powering on the displacement sensing device 140 for sensing, detecting, or measuring, when the touch sensing device 140 has detected that a user's finger is away from or no longer at the rest surface 122 of the input button 120, the displacement sensing device 130 may be powered off to return to the normally off state. Turning off or deactivating the displacement sensing device 140 may refer to powering off the displacement sensing device 140 such that the displacement sensing device 140 may no longer sense, detect, or measure a change in a stimulus or property due to the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. For example, after the touch sensing device 140 has determined that a user's finger is away from or no longer close to the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120, the first interaction portion 142 and / or the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 130 may be turned off or deactivated such that the first interaction portion 142 and / or the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 may stop sensing or detecting a stimulus or property.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 100 may include a processor 150. The processor 150 may be electrically connected to the touch sensing device 130 and the displacement sensing device 140. According to various embodiments, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 may be electrically connected to the processor 150 such that a touch signal may be sent to the processor 150. According to various embodiments, the first interaction part 142 and / or the second interaction part 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 may be electrically connected to the processor 150 such that a displacement signal may be sent to the processor 150.

[0065] In various embodiments, the "processor 150" may be understood as any kind of logical implementation entity, which may be a dedicated circuit or a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof that executes software stored in a memory. Thus, in an embodiment, the "processor 150" may be a hardwired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit, such as a programmable processor, e.g., a microprocessor (e.g., a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor). The "processor 150" may also be a processor that executes software, e.g., any kind of computer program, e.g., a computer program that uses virtual machine code such as, for example, JaVa. According to various embodiments, any other kind of implementation of the corresponding functions described in more detail throughout may also be understood as the "processor 150". In various embodiments, the "processor 150" may be part of a computing system or a controller or a microcontroller or any other system that provides processing capabilities. According to various embodiments, such a system may include, for example, a memory used in the processing performed by the device or system. The memory used in the embodiment may be a volatile memory, such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a non-volatile memory, such as PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or flash memory, e.g., floating gate memory, charge trapping memory, MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), or PCRAM (Phase Change Random Access Memory).

[0066] According to various embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to turn on or activate the displacement sensing device 140 when receiving a touch signal from the touch sensing device 130 indicating that the touch sensing device 130 has sensed or detected the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100. According to various embodiments, the processor 150 may turn on or activate the displacement sensing device 140 by controlling the power supply to the displacement sensing device 140 or controlling the power source to supply power to the displacement sensing device 140. According to various embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to turn off or deactivate the displacement sensing device 140 when receiving a touch signal from the touch sensing device 130 indicating that the touch sensing device 130 has stopped sensing or detecting the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 100. According to various embodiments, the processor 150 may turn off or deactivate the displacement sensing device 140 by cutting off the power supply to the displacement sensing device 140 or controlling the power source to cut off the power supply to the displacement sensing device 140.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the input button 120 may include a button cap 124. The button cap 124 may be a cover or shell that gives the input button 120 its physical form and appearance. According to various embodiments, the rest surface 122 of the input button 120 may be the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124. The crown surface 126 of the button cap 124 may be the outer surface of the cap top or ceiling or the uppermost part of the button cap 124. According to various embodiments, the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124 may be exposed through the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100. Additionally, the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124 may protrude outward and away from the housing 110 of the peripheral input device 100.

[0068] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be disposed at the lower surface 128 of the button cap 124 that is opposite to the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124. The lower surface 128 and the crown surface 126 can be two opposite surfaces of the button cap 124. For example, the lower surface 128 and the crown surface 126 can be two opposite surfaces of the cap top or ceiling or the topmost part of the button cap 124. Thus, the lower surface 128 and the crown surface 126 can be directly opposite to each other. In addition, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be attached or coupled to the lower surface 128 of the button cap 124. Thus, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be disposed at the button cap 124 in such a manner that it is directly opposite to the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124 (i.e., the rest surface 122 of the input button 120). Thus, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be below or under or beneath the crown surface 126 of the button cap 124 (i.e., the rest surface 122 of the input button 120).

[0069] According to some embodiments, when the touch sensing device 130 is a capacitive touch sensing device, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can include or can be a conductive metal plate 134. The conductive metal plate 134 can be configured for capacitance sensing.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 can vary continuously within the range of relative movement between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144. Thus, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 of the displacement sensing device 140 within the range of relative movement between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 can create or generate or produce or cause or result in a continuous gradual change in a stimulus or property to be sensed or measured. Accordingly, when the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 move relative to each other within the range of relative movement, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 can change or vary continuously in a progressive manner. The continuous gradual change in the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 can proportionally change or alter the stimulus or property in a similar continuous gradual manner. Thus, the amount of change or alteration in the sensed or measured stimulus or property can be used to determine the corresponding amount of relative movement between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 or the corresponding amount of depression of at least one input button 120. Accordingly, the continuous change or alteration in the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 can be used as a measure corresponding to the amount of depression of at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110. Thus, the displacement sensing device 140 can be used as or be similar to an analog switch mechanism or an analog trigger mechanism that can provide a displacement output range corresponding to the depression range of at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110.

[0071] Figure 2 FIG. 201 shows a flow chart of the operation of the peripheral input device 100. According to various embodiments, the touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 100 can perform a touch detection scan (e.g., see 203). Thus, the touch sensing device 130 can continuously scan for the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120. If the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 is detected, the touch sensing device 130 can output a "touch detected" signal (e.g., see 205). If the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 is not detected, the touch sensing device 130 can output a "touch not detected" signal (e.g., see 207).

[0072] When the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 is detected, the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 100 can be turned on or activated (e.g., see 205). The displacement sensing device 140 can be normally closed and can be turned on or activated when the touch sensing device 130 outputs a "touch detected" signal. The "touch detected" signal can be sent from the touch sensing device 130 to the processor 150. Then, the processor 150 can turn on or activate the displacement sensing device 140.

[0073] When the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 100 is turned on or activated, the displacement sensing device 140 can perform a displacement detection scan (e.g., see 209). Thus, the displacement sensing device 140 can scan to determine whether at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. In addition, the displacement sensing device 140 can also scan for how much at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. If the displacement sensing device 140 detects relative movement between at least one input button 120 and the housing 110, the displacement sensing device 140 can output a "displacement detected" signal (e.g., see 211) and loop back to continue the displacement scan at 207. If the displacement sensing device 140 does not detect displacement, the displacement sensing device 140 can output a "no displacement detected" signal (e.g., see 213), and the process can loop back to the touch sensing device 130 to check at 203 whether the user's finger is still at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120.

[0074] After looping back to the touch sensing device 130, if the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 is detected, the touch sensing device 130 can output a "touch detected" signal, and the displacement sensing device 140 can remain in the on or activated mode to maintain displacement sensing (e.g., see 205). However, if the presence of a user's finger at the rest surface 122 of at least one input button 120 is not detected after looping back to the touch sensing device 130, the touch sensing device 130 can output a "no touch detected" signal, and the displacement sensing device 140 can be deactivated (e.g., see 207). The "no touch detected" signal can be sent from the touch sensing device 130 to the processor 150. Then, the processor 150 can turn off or deactivate the displacement sensing device 140.

[0075] Figure 3A A cross-section of a portion of a peripheral input device 300 according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 3B A cross-section of a portion of the peripheral input device 300 when at least one input button 120 is pressed is shown. The peripheral input device 300 can beFigure 1A and Figure 1B Example embodiments of the peripheral input device 100 of Figure 3A and Figure 3B The peripheral input device 300 of Figure 1A and Figure 1B includes all features and limitations of the peripheral input device 100 of Figure 1A and Figure 1B Therefore, all features, changes, modifications, and variations applicable to the peripheral input device 100 of Figure 3A and Figure 3B are also applicable to the peripheral input device 300 of

[0076] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B an example embodiment of the peripheral input device 300 (which is the peripheral input device 100 of Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) is depicted, where the displacement sensing device 140 is a Hall effect displacement sensing device 340. According to various embodiments, in the peripheral input device 300, the displacement sensing device 140 (or the Hall effect displacement sensing device 340) may include a first interaction portion 142 and a second interaction portion 144.

[0077] The first interaction portion 142 may include a Hall sensor 342. The Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may be coupled to the at least one input button 120 in such a way that it can move with the at least one input button 120 when the at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Thus, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may be coupled or connected (directly or indirectly) to the at least one input button 120 such that the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move synchronously with the at least one input button 120 when the at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Therefore, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the at least one input button 120 may be assembled together as a unit that can move as a complete whole when the at least one input button 120 is being pressed. When the at least one input button 120 is being pressed, there may be no relative movement between the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the at least one input button 120.

[0078] The second interaction portion 144 may include a magnet 344. The magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) may be fixedly disposed in the housing 110. Thus, the position of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) may be fixed relative to the housing 110. Additionally, the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) may be disposed relative to the housing in a fixed position such that relative movement between the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) and the housing 110 is prohibited or not allowed. Thus, there may be no relative movement between the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) and the housing 110. As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the magnet 344 may be fixedly coupled to the inner frame 314 or structure of the peripheral input device 300. The inner frame 314 or structure may be fixedly coupled to the housing 110. Thus, fixedly coupling the magnet 344 to the inner frame 314 or structure that is fixed to the housing 110 may fix the setting of the magnet 344 relative to the housing 110.

[0079] When the first interaction portion 142 is the Hall sensor 342 and the second interaction portion 144 is the magnet 344, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be that the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) detects or senses or measures the magnetic field of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion) during relative movement between the Hall sensor 342 and the magnet 344 when at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Thus, the interaction between the first interaction portion 142 and the second interaction portion 144 may be a magnetic interaction, whereby the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) to sense or detect or measure a change in the magnetic field. Thus, the magnetic field of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) may be a stimulus or property sensed or measured by the Hall effect displacement sensing device 340 (i.e., the displacement sensing device 140).

[0080] In the peripheral input device 300, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may move relative to the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). Thus, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may move toward the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), and when at least one input button 120 is released, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may move away from the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144).

[0081] Further, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can measure the intensity of the magnetic field of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). When the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) moves relative to the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) as at least one input button 120 is being pressed, the intensity of the magnetic field changes proportionally according to the distance between the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). The intensity of the magnetic field of the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) decreases as the distance from the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) increases. Thus, when the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) moves toward the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) as at least one input button 120 is being pressed, as the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) moves through a distance range toward the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), the intensity of the magnetic field detected or sensed or measured by the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) continuously increases in a gradual manner. The change in the magnetic field intensity can be proportional to the movement of the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) relative to the magnet 344 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), which corresponds to the amount of depression of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 300. Accordingly, the intensity of the magnetic field detected or sensed or measured can be used as a measure of the amount of depression of at least one input button 120.

[0082] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the peripheral input device 300 can include a flexible elongate electrical component 360. According to various embodiments, the flexible elongate electrical component 360 can include, but is not limited to, a flexible cable, a flat cable, a ribbon cable, or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The flexible elongate electrical component 360 can be electrically connected to the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). In addition, the peripheral input device 300 can further include a circuit board 370. The processor 150 can be mounted to the circuit board 370. The flexible elongate electrical component 360 can be further electrically connected to the circuit board 370. Thus, the flexible elongate electrical component 360 can electrically connect the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to the circuit board 370 so as to connect the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to the processor 150 on the circuit board 370.

[0083] In the peripheral input device 300, the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can extend from the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) to the circuit board 370 under the resting surface 122 of at least one input button 120. Thus, the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can extend through the lower side surface 128 of the button cap 124 of at least one input button 120. As shown, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) and the circuit board 370 can be on opposite sides of at least one input button 120. Thus, it may be necessary for the flexible elongated electrical component 360 to extend through the button cap 124 of at least one input button 120.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be disposed between the resting surface 122 of at least one input button 120 and the flexible elongated electrical component 360. Thus, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be adjacent to the lower side surface 128 of the button cap 124 of at least one input button 120, and the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can extend over the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 such that the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be sandwiched between the button cap 124 of at least one input button 120 and the flexible elongated electrical component 360. Thus, the resting surface 122 of at least one input button 120 and the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can be on two opposite sides of the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can further electrically connect the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 to the circuit board 370. Thus, the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 can be electrically connected to the processor 150 on the circuit board 370 via the flexible elongated electrical component 360. Thus, when the flexible elongated electrical component 360 extends through the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 to connect the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) to the circuit board 370, a portion of the flexible elongated electrical component 360 can be connected to the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 for connecting the touch sensing element 132 to the circuit board 370. For example, the portion of the top surface of the flexible elongated electrical component 360 adjacent to the lower side surface 128 of the button cap 124 can be coated with a conductive material to serve as the touch sensing element 132.

[0086] As Figure 3A and Figure 3BFurther shown, at least one input button 120 may include a button inner frame 325. The button inner frame 325 may be coupled to the button cap 124 to form at least one input button 120. A Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) may be coupled to the button inner frame 325 of at least one input button 120. Also as shown, the Hall sensor 342 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) may be coupled to a part of the button inner frame 325 that is away from or farthest from the circuit board 370.

[0087] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the button cap 124 and the button inner frame 325 may sandwich or clamp therebetween the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 and the flexible elongated electrical component 360. Thus, by coupling the button cap 124 and the button inner frame 325 together, the button cap 124 and the button inner frame 325 may hold the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 and the flexible elongated electrical component 360 in place.

[0088] Figure 4A A cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device 400 according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 4B A cross-section of a part of the peripheral input device 400 when at least one input button 120 is pressed is shown. The peripheral input device 400 may be Figure 1A and Figure 1B Another exemplary embodiment of the peripheral input device 100. According to various embodiments, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The peripheral input device 400 includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B All the features and limitations of the peripheral input device 100. Thus, applicable to Figure 1A and Figure 1B All the features, changes, modifications and variations of the peripheral input device 100 may also be applicable to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The peripheral input device 400. According to various embodiments, the peripheral input device 400 may include a housing 110, at least one input button 120 having a resting surface 122, a touch sensing device 130 including a touch sensing element 132, a displacement sensing device 140 having a first interaction part 142 and a second interaction part 144, and / or a processor 150.

[0089] In Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a peripheral input device 400 (which is Figure 1A and Figure 1B(Example embodiment of the peripheral input device 100), wherein the displacement sensing device 140 is an optical displacement sensing device 440. According to various embodiments, in the peripheral input device 400, the displacement sensing device 140 (or the optical displacement sensing device 440) may include a first interaction portion 142 and a second interaction portion 144.

[0090] The first interaction portion 142 may include a light blocking member 442. The light blocking member 442 may include a cutout profile 443. The cutout profile 443 may define a hole through which light can pass. Accordingly, the light blocking member 442 may be an opaque structural member having a holding portion defined by the cutout profile 443, whereby light can pass through the cutout profile 443 but can be blocked by other portions of the light blocking member 442.

[0091] Furthermore, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may be operatively connected or coupled to the at least one input button 120 in such a way that it can be moved by the at least one input button 120 when the at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Accordingly, the at least one input button 120 may transmit or transfer the action of pressing the at least one input button 120 to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) in order to actuate or move the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). Thus, when the at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, the at least one input button 120 may apply a movement for actuating or moving the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). However, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the at least one input button 120 may not move in the same way and / or may not move in the same type of movement. In other words, pressing the at least one input button 120 relative to the housing 110 may drive the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) such that the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move while the at least one input button 120 is being pressed, but the respective movements of the at least one input button 120 and the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) may be different.

[0092] The second interaction part 144 may include an optical sensing sub-device 444. The optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) may be fixedly disposed in the housing 110. Accordingly, the setting of the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) may be fixed relative to the housing 110. In addition, the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) may be disposed in a fixed position relative to the housing in such a manner that relative movement between the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) and the housing 110 is prohibited or not allowed. Accordingly, there may be no relative movement between the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) and the housing 110. As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the optical sensing sub-device 444 may be fixedly coupled to the inner frame 314 or structure of the peripheral input device 400. The inner frame 314 or structure may be fixedly coupled to the housing 110. Accordingly, fixedly coupling the magnet 344 to the inner frame 314 or structure fixed to the housing 110 may fix the setting of the optical sensing sub-device 444 relative to the housing 110.

[0093] When the first interaction part 142 is the light blocking member 442 and the second interaction part 144 is the optical sensing sub-device 444, the interaction between the first interaction part 142 and the second interaction part 144 may be that the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) detects or senses or measures light from the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) passing through the cutout profile 443 of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) during relative movement between the light blocking member 442 and the optical sensing sub-device 444 as at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Accordingly, the interaction between the first interaction part 142 and the second interaction part 144 may be a light interaction, whereby the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 144) interacts with the light from the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) to sense or detect or measure a change in light. Accordingly, the light from the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) may be a stimulus or property being sensed or measured by the optical displacement sensing device 440 (i.e., the displacement sensing device 140).

[0094] In the peripheral input device 400, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move relative to the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). Accordingly, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move toward the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), and when at least one input button 120 is being released, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move away from the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). For example, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can laterally move across the optical path of the light of the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). In this way, the notch profile 443 can change the degree of blocking of the optical path according to the movement of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) caused by at least one input button 120 being pressed.

[0095] Furthermore, the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) can measure the intensity of the light passing through the notch profile 443 of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142), and when the degree of overlap between the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) changes while the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) is moving relative to the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) due to at least one input button 120 being pressed, the intensity of the light can change proportionally according to the amount of light passing through the notch profile 443. For example, the amount of light passing through the notch profile 443 can depend on the amount of overlap between the notch profile 443 of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) and the light source of the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), which can change the amount of light passing through the notch profile 443.

[0096] The intensity of light passing through the cutout profile 443 of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can increase as the degree of overlap increases. Thus, when the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) moves toward the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) as at least one input button 120 is being pressed, the intensity of the light detected or sensed or measured by the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) can continuously increase in a gradual manner as the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) moves through a range of distances toward the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). The change in the intensity of the light can be proportional to the movement of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) relative to the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), which corresponds to the amount of depression of at least one input button 120 of the peripheral input device 400. Thus, the intensity of the light detected or sensed or measured can be used as a measure of the amount of depression of at least one input button 120.

[0097] For example, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can include an elongated plate 442a having a cutout profile 443 and can be arranged to longitudinally move to intersect the optical path as at least one input button 120 is being pressed. Further, the cutout profile 443 can define an elongated shape opening 443a extending from a first longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to a second longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). The first longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can be a distal portion located away from at least one input button 120, and the second longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can be a proximal portion located toward at least one input button 120. The elongated shape opening 443a defined by the cutout profile 443 can have a width that varies continuously longitudinally. As an example, the width of the elongated shape opening 443a at the first longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can be less than the width of the elongated shape opening 443a at the second longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). According to various embodiments, the elongated shape opening 443a defined by the cutout profile 443 can have a shape including but not limited to an inverted triangular shape, a V-shaped shape, or a U-shaped shape.

[0098] In the peripheral input device 400, the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) can include a light emitter 480 (e.g., see Figure 6A and Figure 6B)。The light emitter 480 can be used as a light source for emitting light along an optical path. The light emitter 480 can be oriented to emit light along an optical path that may not be parallel to the movement of at least one input button 120 when it is being pressed. For example, the light emitter 480 can be oriented such that the optical path of the light can be perpendicular to the movement of at least one input button 120 when it is being pressed. According to various embodiments, the light emitter 480 can include, but is not limited to, an infrared light emitter, a laser emitter, or a collimated light emitter.

[0099] In the peripheral input device 400, the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144) can include a light sensor 482 (for example, see Figure 6A and Figure 6B ). The light sensor 482 can be disposed in the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitter 480. In addition, the light sensor 482 can be configured to sense or detect or measure the light that passes through the cutout profile 443 of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) from the light emitter 480. Thus, the light sensor 482 can be placed in a position directly facing the light emitter 480. Therefore, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 can be arranged in a relative manner such that the light from the light emitter 480 is directly projected towards the light sensor 482. According to various embodiments, the light sensor 482 can sense or detect the light incident on the light sensor 482 and output a signal. According to various embodiments, the light sensor 482 can also sense or detect or measure the intensity of the light incident on the light sensor 482 and output an analog signal according to the detected light intensity. According to various embodiments, the light sensor 482 can include, but is not limited to, a phototransistor type light sensor, a photoresistor type light sensor, or a photodiode type light sensor. In various embodiments, when at least one input button 120 is being pressed, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) can laterally move across the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitter 480 towards the light sensor 482.

[0100] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the peripheral input device 400 may include a motion transfer sub-device 490. The motion transfer sub-device 490 may be connected between at least one input button 120 and the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142). For example, the motion transfer sub-device 490 may be operably connected to at least one input button 120 and the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142). Thus, the motion transfer sub-device 490 may transfer the motion of at least one input button 120 to the corresponding movement of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) for interaction with the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction part 144). Therefore, the motion of pressing at least one input button 120 may be transmitted or transferred via the motion transfer sub-device 490 to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) for actuating or moving the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142). Thus, the motion transfer sub-device 490 may transfer the motion of pressing at least one input button 120 to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) for actuating or moving the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) when at least one input button 120 is being pressed relative to the housing 110.

[0101] As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, in the peripheral input device 400, at least one input button 120 may be a trigger button 420. The trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) may pivot relative to the housing 110 about a pivot axis 421. The trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) may be operably connected to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction part 142) via the motion transfer sub-device 490.

[0102] As Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown, in the peripheral input device 400, the motion transfer sub-device 490 may include a V-shaped rod 492. The V-shaped rod 492 may include two arms 492a, 492b and a joint 492c connecting the two arms 492a, 492b. In addition, the V-shaped rod 492 may pivot about the joint 492c between the two arms 492a, 492b of the V-shaped rod 492. The rod pivot axis 493 of the V-shaped rod 492 may be parallel to the pivot axis 421 of the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120).

[0103] In the peripheral input device 400, the motion transfer sub-device 490 may further include a guiding portion 494 at the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). The guiding portion 494 may be a part of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142), or may be integrally attached or coupled or connected to the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). The guiding portion 494 may include an inclined slot 494a with respect to the moving direction of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). Therefore, the inclined slot 494a of the guiding portion 494 may form a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle with the moving direction of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). When the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) includes an elongated plate 442a having an elongated shape opening 443a (i.e., the cutout profile 443) extending longitudinally, the inclined slot 494a of the guiding portion 494 may be angled away from the longitudinal axis of the elongated plate 442a. In addition, the guiding portion 494 may be located at the second longitudinal end portion of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142), and the second longitudinal end portion is close to the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120).

[0104] As Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5BAs shown, the free end of the first arm 492a of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492 can abut against the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120), and the free end of the second arm 492b of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492 can have a pin element 492d, and the pin element 492d is inserted into the inclined groove 494a of the guiding portion 494. When the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) is being pressed, the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) can push the free end of the first arm 492a of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492, such that the V-shaped rod 492 pivots about the joint 492c between the two arms 492a, 492b of the V-shaped rod 492. When the V-shaped rod 492 pivots, the pin element 492d at the free end of the second arm 492b of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492 can slide along the inclined groove 494a of the guiding portion 494 at the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). Then, sliding the pin element 492d at the free end of the second arm 492b of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492 can cause the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to move relative to the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144) for interaction. For example, the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can move laterally to intersect the optical path of the light of the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144), such that the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) interacts with the light from the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144).

[0105] Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate the movement transfer sub-device 490 of the peripheral input device 400 and the movement sequence of the light blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) according to various embodiments. Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrate cross-sectional views of according to various embodiments Figure 6A and Figure 6B to further illustrate Figure 5A and Figure 5B and Figure 4A and Figure 4BInteraction between a light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) for peripheral input of the device 400 and an optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). As shown, the V-shaped rod 492 can be pivoted so that a pin element 492d at the free end of the second arm 492b of the two arms of the V-shaped rod 492 slides along an inclined groove 494a of a guiding portion 494 at the light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142), causing the light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) to move in a direction perpendicular to the rod pivot axis 493 of the V-shaped rod 492 for interaction with the optical sensing sub-device 444 (i.e., the second interaction portion 144). Thus, the motion transfer sub-device 490 can transfer or transmit motion to the light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) for moving the light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142). Accordingly, the movement of the motion transfer sub-device 490 and the motion of the light-blocking member 442 (i.e., the first interaction portion 142) can be different types of motion.

[0106] Return reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , similar to Figure 3A and Figure 3B For the peripheral input device 400, similar to the peripheral input device 300, the peripheral input device 400 may include a circuit board 370. In addition, the peripheral input device 400 may include a torsion spring 498. The torsion spring 498 can be aligned with the pivot axis 421 of the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120). Thus, the torsion spring 498 can bias the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) such that the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120) can return to the unpressed state after removing the force pressing the trigger button 420 (i.e., at least one input button 120). In the peripheral input device 400, a first leg 498a of the torsion spring 498 can be connected to a touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130, and a second leg 498b of the torsion spring 498 can be connected to the circuit board 370 to electrically connect the touch sensing element 132 to the circuit board 370. Further, a processor 150 can be mounted on the circuit board 370. Thus, the torsion spring 498 can electrically connect the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 to the circuit board 370 to connect the touch sensing element 132 of the touch sensing device 130 to the processor 150 on the circuit board 370.

[0107] Figure 7 Shows Figure 3A and Figure 3BA diagram of the flow 701 of the operation process of the peripheral input device 300. The touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 300 can perform touch detection (e.g., see 703) to determine whether there is a "touch event" or a "no-touch event". Based on the type of the detected touch event, the peripheral input device 300 can proceed with the following touch event process. The touch event process can include a process in which the touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 300 can output a touch signal (e.g., see 705) regardless of whether there is a "touch event" or a "no-touch event". Therefore, the touch signal being output can be a "touch detected" signal or a "touch not detected" signal.

[0108] In addition, when there is a "touch event", the touch event process can proceed with a process for displacement detection (e.g., see 707). The process for displacement detection can be performed at regular intervals. During each cycle of the process for displacement detection, the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 300 can be turned on or activated (e.g., see 709). The Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 can be normally closed and can be turned on or activated during each cycle of the process for displacement detection. When the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 300 is turned on or activated, the displacement sensing device 140 can scan for displacement (e.g., see 711). Therefore, the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 can scan to determine whether at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. In addition, the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 can also scan for how much at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. As part of this process, the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 can then output a corresponding displacement signal. Subsequently, at the end of the cycle of the process for displacement detection, the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 can be deactivated or turned off so that the displacement sensing device 140 can be in a power-saving mode (e.g., see 713).

[0109] On the other hand, when there is a "no-touch event", the touch event process can proceed with a process for turning off or deactivating the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 (e.g., see 715). When the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 was previously turned on, when the touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 300 detects a "no-touch event", the process for turning off or deactivating the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140 at 715 can interrupt the touch event process to turn off or deactivate the Hall sensor 342 of the displacement sensing device 140.

[0110] Figure 8 ShowsFigure 4A and Figure 4B FIG. 801 is a diagram of a flow 801 of an operation process of a peripheral input device 400. The touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 400 may perform touch detection (e.g., see 803) to determine whether there is a "touch event" or a "no-touch event". Based on the type of the detected touch event, the peripheral input device 400 may proceed with the following touch event process. The touch event process may include a process in which the touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 400 may output a touch signal (e.g., see 805) regardless of whether there is a "touch event" or a "no-touch event". Thus, the touch signal being output may be a "touch detected" signal or a "no touch detected" signal.

[0111] In addition, when there is a "touch event", the touch event process may proceed with a process for displacement detection (e.g., see 807). The process for displacement detection may be performed at regular intervals. During each cycle of the process for displacement detection, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 400 may be turned on or activated (e.g., see 809). The light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 may be normally closed and may be turned on or activated during each cycle of the process for displacement detection. When the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 of the peripheral input device 400 are turned on or activated, the displacement sensing device 140 may scan for displacement (e.g., see 811). Thus, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 may scan to determine whether at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. In addition, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 may also scan for how much at least one input button 120 has been displaced relative to the housing 110. As part of this process, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 may then output a corresponding displacement signal. Subsequently, at the end of the cycle of the process for displacement detection, the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 may be deactivated or turned off so that the displacement sensing device 140 may be in a power saving mode (e.g., see 813).

[0112] On the other hand, when there is a "no touch event", the touch event process can continue with the process of turning off or deactivating the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 (see, e.g., 815). When the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 were previously turned on, when the touch sensing device 130 of the peripheral input device 400 detects a "no touch event", the process of turning off or deactivating the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140 at 815 can interrupt the touch event process to turn off or deactivate the light emitter 480 and the light sensor 482 of the displacement sensing device 140.

[0113] Various embodiments provide a peripheral input device having at least one input button that can allow a user to use the same input button to provide at least two different types of input. Thus, various embodiments have provided a peripheral input device suitable for use with VR applications, whereby a user can reliably and effectively provide different kinds of input using the same input button of the peripheral input device.

[0114] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes, modifications, and variations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims and is thus intended to cover all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. A peripheral input device, comprising: A housing; An input button that can be pressed relative to the housing, the input button having a resting surface for receiving a user's finger; A touch sensing device, the touch sensing device including a touch sensing element disposed at the input button to sense the presence of the user's finger at the resting surface of the input button; And A displacement sensing device, the displacement sensing device including: A first interaction part associated with the input button in such a way that it can move when the input button is being pressed, and A second interaction part disposed in a fixed position relative to the housing, Wherein, when the input button is being pressed, the relative movement between the first interaction part and the second interaction part causes an interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part, as a measure of detecting that the input button is pressed.

2. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, Among them, The touch sensing device outputs a touch signal when sensing the presence of the user's finger at the resting surface of the input button, Wherein, the displacement sensing device outputs a displacement signal when detecting that the input button is being pressed.

3. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, Among them, The displacement sensing device is turned on when the touch sensing device senses the presence of the user's finger at the resting surface of the input button, and Wherein, the displacement sensing device is turned off when the touch sensing device stops sensing the presence of the user's finger at the resting surface of the input button.

4. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, wherein, The input button includes a button cap, wherein the resting surface of the input button is the crown surface of the button cap, and wherein the touch sensing element of the touch sensing device is disposed at the lower side surface of the button cap opposite to the crown surface of the button cap.

5. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch sensing element includes a conductive metal plate.

6. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, wherein, The interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part of the displacement sensing device continuously changes within the range of the relative movement between the first interaction part and the second interaction part in such a way that it can be used as a measure corresponding to the pressing amount of the input button.

7. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, Among them, The first interaction part of the displacement sensing device includes a Hall sensor coupled to the input button in such a way that it can move with the input button when the input button is being pressed, Wherein, the second interaction part of the displacement sensing device includes a magnet fixedly disposed in the housing, and Wherein, the interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part is that the Hall sensor detects the magnetic field of the magnet during the relative movement between the Hall sensor and the magnet.

8. The peripheral input device according to claim 7, wherein, The Hall sensor measures the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet, and when the Hall sensor moves relative to the magnet as the input button is being pressed, the strength of the magnetic field changes proportionally according to the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet, so as to be used as a measure of the amount of depression of the input button.

9. The peripheral input device according to claim 7, further comprising a flexible and elongated electrical component, the flexible and elongated electrical component electrically connecting the Hall sensor to a circuit board of the peripheral input device, Among them, The flexible and elongated electrical component extends under the resting surface of the input button, wherein, the touch sensing element is disposed between the resting surface of the input button and the flexible and elongated electrical component, and wherein, the flexible and elongated electrical component electrically connects the touch sensing element to the circuit board of the peripheral input device.

10. The peripheral input device according to claim 1, Among them, The first interaction part of the displacement sensing device includes a light blocking member having a cutout profile, the light blocking member being operatively connected to the input button in such a way that it can be moved by the input button when the input button is being pressed, wherein, the second interaction part of the displacement sensing device includes an optical sensing sub-device fixedly disposed in the housing, and wherein, the interaction between the first interaction part and the second interaction part is that the optical sensing sub-device detects light passing through the cutout profile of the light blocking member from the optical sensing sub-device during the relative movement between the light blocking member and the optical sensing sub-device.

11. The peripheral input device according to claim 10, wherein, The cutout profile of the light blocking member has a shape that proportionally changes the amount of light passing through it from the optical sensing sub-device when the light blocking member moves relative to the optical sensing sub-device as the input button is being pressed, so that the optical sensing sub-device can detect the amount of light as a measure of the amount of depression of the input button.

12. The peripheral input device according to claim 10, wherein, The optical sensing sub-device includes: a light emitter for emitting light along an optical path, a light sensor disposed in the optical path and configured to sense light passing through the cutout profile of the light blocking member, wherein, when the input button is being pressed, the light blocking member moves laterally across the optical path.

13. The peripheral input device according to claim 10, further comprising a motion transfer sub-device connected between the input button and the light blocking member, wherein, The motion transfer sub-device transfers the motion of the input button into a corresponding movement of the light blocking member to interact with the optical sensing sub-device.

14. The peripheral input device according to claim 13, Among them, The input button is a trigger button pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis, wherein, the motion transfer sub-device includes: a V-shaped rod pivotable about a joint between two arms of the V-shaped rod, and a guiding part at the light blocking member, the guiding part having an inclined slot with respect to the moving direction of the light blocking member, Wherein, a free end of a first arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod abuts against the trigger button, and a free end of a second arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod has a pin element, and the pin element is inserted into the inclined slot of the guiding portion. Wherein, pressing the trigger button causes the V-shaped rod to pivot about a joint between the two arms of the V-shaped rod, so that the pin element slides along the inclined slot of the guiding portion at the light blocking member at the free end of the second arm of the two arms of the V-shaped rod, so as to move the light blocking member relative to the optical sensing sub-device.

15. The peripheral input device according to claim 14, further comprising: A circuit board; And A torsion spring, the torsion spring being aligned with the pivot axis of the trigger button, Wherein, a first leg of the torsion spring is connected to the touch sensing element, and a second leg of the torsion spring is connected to the circuit board to electrically connect the touch sensing element to the circuit board.

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