Light-sensitive touch switch, touch method and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of touch control switches, and particularly relates to a light-sensitive touch control switch, a touch control method and electronic equipment, the light-sensitive touch control switch is arranged on a touch control area of the electronic equipment, and the light-sensitive touch control switch comprises a light emitter arranged on one side of the touch control area and used for emitting detection light; the light receiver is arranged on the other side of the touch area and used for receiving the detection light rays emitted by the light emitter and generating corresponding receiving signals; the controller is at least electrically connected with the light receiver and is used for executing a corresponding preset touch action according to a receiving signal of the light receiver; by adopting a light detection switching mode, the switch can be triggered only when a solid object passes through and cuts off a light beam of the solid object, and interference signals cannot trigger the switch no matter in humid air, water stains on hands, dust accumulation or complex electromagnetic interference on a working site, so that the switch is not influenced. In addition, normal holding, wiping and cleaning or speaking close to the microphone of the user cannot be misjudged as an operation instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of touch switch technology, and particularly relates to a light-sensing touch switch, touch method and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Most electronic devices on the market today are equipped with touch switches for touch control. For example, audio devices, especially desktop microphones, typically use capacitive touch switches for their control-related buttons. The essence of capacitive touch is detecting minute changes in capacitance caused by a finger approaching or touching the device, and then using these minute capacitance changes to achieve control.

[0003] However, capacitive touch switches are susceptible to environmental sensitivity and interference. Their operation relies on detecting minute changes in capacitance, making them highly vulnerable to external interference. Increased humidity or even condensation from a user's breath on the panel can significantly alter the dielectric constant, causing the system to misinterpret it as a touch. Similarly, dust accumulation or electromagnetic noise from nearby high-power equipment continuously contaminates the supposedly pure capacitive reference signal, leading to either false triggers or requiring repeated touches for recognition, significantly reducing reliability.

[0004] Furthermore, for specialized products like microphones, misidentification of handholding operations is highly likely. As a handheld device that requires frequent movement and angle adjustments, users inevitably hold the microphone. However, the electric field emitted by capacitive touch switches cannot distinguish between a precise click from a fingertip and the large area of ​​the palm covering the microphone. When a user holds the microphone naturally simply to move it, the contact between the palm and the casing is sufficient to trigger the sensitive capacitive switch, resulting in unknowingly activating mute or switching modes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light-sensing touch switch, a touch method and an electronic device, aiming to solve at least one technical problem in the background art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows: a light-sensitive touch switch is disposed on the touch area of ​​an electronic device, the light-sensitive touch switch comprising: A light emitter is disposed on one side of the touch area for emitting detection light; A light receiver, located on the other side of the touch area, is used to receive the detection light emitted by the light emitter and generate a corresponding reception signal; The controller is electrically connected to at least the optical receiver and is used to perform corresponding preset touch actions based on the received signal from the optical receiver. The touch area has at least a space capable of accommodating a touch object to block the detection light.

[0007] Preferably, the touch area is a touch groove formed on the outer wall of the housing of the electronic device, and the light emitter and the light receiver are disposed on the inner wall of the touch groove.

[0008] Preferably, the depth of the touch groove gradually increases along the axial direction of the electronic device, so that the bottom surface of the touch groove is formed as an inclined surface; The light transmitter and the light receiver are arranged parallel to the inclined plane or parallel to the outer wall of the electronic device's housing.

[0009] Preferably, an optical path propagation component is provided between the light emitter and the light receiver, the optical path propagation component being used to propagate the detection light.

[0010] Preferably, the light-sensitive touch switch further includes: A logic level circuit, electrically connected between the optical receiver and the controller, is used to output a corresponding logic level signal to the controller based on the optical receiver's reception result of the probe light.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch control method for an electronic device is provided, wherein the electronic device is provided with the above-mentioned light-sensitive touch switch, and the touch control method includes: The system controls the light emitter to continuously emit detection light rays and controls the light receiver to receive the detection light rays emitted by the light emitter, so as to generate a corresponding reception signal. Determine whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions; If so, the electronic device is controlled to perform a corresponding preset touch action based on the received signal. Preferably, the step of determining whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions includes: Determine whether the received signal is a preset signal; If it is a preset signal, then determine whether the duration of the preset signal exceeds the time threshold. If the duration of the preset signal exceeds a time threshold, it is determined that the preset touch action condition is met.

[0012] Preferably, the electronic device is equipped with a plurality of the light-sensitive touch switches, then the step of controlling the electronic device to perform corresponding preset touch actions according to the received signal includes: Obtain the unique identification information of the target optical receiver corresponding to the received signal, wherein the optical receiver is configured with unique identification information; Based on the unique identification information of the target light receiver and the received signal, the electronic device is controlled to perform a corresponding preset touch action.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device, including a housing and a light-sensitive touch switch as described above disposed on the housing.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by adopting a light-detection switching method, the triggering condition is very physical and absolute. A physical object must pass through and block the light beam in order to trigger the switch. This fundamentally eliminates the various environmental factors that plague capacitive technology. Whether it is humid air, water stains on hands, dust accumulation, or complex electromagnetic interference in the work environment, these interference signals cannot trigger the switch, which greatly improves the reliability of the touch switch. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light-sensing touch switch provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention on an electronic device; Figures 2-8 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of different light-sensing touch switches provided in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the touch control method for an electronic device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0017] Currently, the mainstream touch switches on the market are generally capacitive touch switches. The essence of capacitive touch is to detect the minute changes in capacitance caused by a finger approaching or touching it, and it mainly consists of the following parts: Base capacitor: On the PCB of electronic devices such as microphones, an exposed copper foil area is created (but is covered by the outer casing insulation material), which is the touch electrode. A fixed parasitic capacitance is formed between this electrode and ground (GND), which is the system's reference capacitance.

[0018] Changes brought about by the finger: When a person's finger (as a conductor) approaches or touches the electrode, an additional capacitance is introduced between the finger and the electrode. This is equivalent to adding a new capacitor in parallel with the original capacitance, thus increasing the total capacitance of the electrode to ground.

[0019] Detection target: The touch detection module built into the capacitive touch detection chip (Touch IC) or microcontroller (MCU) has the core task of continuously and accurately measuring this tiny capacitance increment.

[0020] However, capacitive touch switches are susceptible to environmental sensitivity and interference. Their operation relies on detecting minute changes in capacitance, making them highly vulnerable to external interference. Increased humidity or even condensation from a user's breath on the panel can significantly alter the dielectric constant, causing the system to misinterpret it as a touch. Similarly, dust accumulation or electromagnetic noise from nearby high-power equipment continuously contaminates the supposedly pure capacitive reference signal, leading to either false triggers or requiring repeated touches for recognition, significantly reducing reliability.

[0021] Furthermore, for specialized products like microphones, misidentification of handholding operations is highly likely. As a handheld device that requires frequent movement and angle adjustments, users inevitably hold the microphone. However, the electric field emitted by capacitive touch switches cannot distinguish between a precise click from a fingertip and the large area of ​​the palm covering the microphone. When a user holds the microphone naturally simply to move it, the contact between the palm and the casing is sufficient to trigger the sensitive capacitive switch, resulting in unknowingly activating mute or switching modes.

[0022] To minimize these issues, some manufacturers reduce the sensitivity of capacitive switches. However, low sensitivity directly creates a conflict between the force required to operate and the audio noise floor. With low sensitivity, users must press the casing forcefully to cause the capacitance change to exceed the trigger threshold. This noise is transmitted through the casing to the internal components, causing minute vibrations in the microphone diaphragm, slight tremors in the PCB board, or friction in internal structural parts, creating unprofessional noise and completely ruining the purity of the audio.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a light-sensing touch switch, a touch method, and an electronic device. By proposing a completely new touch switch method, it can fundamentally and effectively solve the many drawbacks of capacitive touch switches, thereby ensuring the reliability of touch switches, especially the touch reliability of products such as microphones that require frequent movement and holding.

[0024] To better illustrate the photosensitive touch switch, touch method, and electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, the following will provide a detailed description in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Specifically: Example 1: like Figures 1-8As shown, an optically sensing touch switch 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can be disposed on the touch area of ​​an electronic device 20. The optically sensing touch switch 10 includes a light emitter 11, a light receiver 12, and a controller. The light emitter 11 is disposed on one side of the touch area and is used to emit detection light. The light receiver 12 is disposed on the other side of the touch area and is used to receive the detection light emitted by the light emitter 11 and generate a corresponding reception signal. The controller is at least electrically connected to the light receiver 12 and is used to perform corresponding preset touch actions according to the reception signal of the light receiver 12. Specifically, the controller can be a controller built into the optically sensing touch switch 10 or the main control chip of the electronic device 20.

[0025] The touch area must have at least enough space to accommodate a touch object to block the detection light. For example, if the touch object is a finger, the touch area must have space for the finger to touch, and when the finger touches the touch area, the detection light will be at least partially blocked by the finger. The detection light is preferably invisible light, preferably infrared light. Therefore, the light emitter 11 can specifically be an infrared light-emitting diode, and the light receiver 12 is adapted to it. However, in actual implementation, it is not limited to this. In other optional embodiments, the detection light can also be other invisible or visible light; no specific limitation is made. Furthermore, the light emitter 11 can be arranged individually or in an array (forming an array grating), depending on the actual touch requirements and the size of the touch area. The light receiver 12 is adapted to it.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments of this example, the touch area is a touch groove 21 formed on the outer wall of the housing of the electronic device 20. The light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 are disposed on the inner wall of the touch groove 21. That is, the touch area is set as a touch groove 21, which provides space to accommodate a touch object to block the detection light, and also prevents accidental operation when holding the touch area. Taking a microphone as an example, when the user holds the microphone, the large area of ​​the palm does not block the detection light located in the touch groove 21, thus preventing accidental touches like those caused by capacitive touch.

[0027] Examples, not limitations, such as Figures 2-3 As shown, the touch slot 21 can specifically be a square slot formed on the outer wall of the housing of the electronic device 20. In this case, the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 can be arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction of the electronic device 20 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown), it can also be arranged parallel to the radial direction of the electronic device 20 (e.g. Figure 2 As shown). As another way, such as Figures 4-6As shown, the touch groove 21 can specifically be an inclined groove formed on the outer wall of the housing of the electronic device 20, that is, the depth of the touch groove 21 gradually increases along the axial direction of the electronic device 20, so that the bottom surface of the touch groove 21 is formed as an inclined surface. At this time, the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 can be arranged parallel to the inclined surface (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown), it can also be arranged parallel to the axis of the electronic device 20 (e.g. Figure 4 (As shown), it can also be arranged parallel to the radial direction of the electronic device 20 (e.g. Figure 5 (As shown).

[0028] In addition, in some optional embodiments, an optical path propagation component can be provided between the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12. This component is used to propagate the detection light and specifically includes at least one reflector 13. The detection light is accurately transmitted to the light receiver 12 through reflection. Specifically, as shown... Figures 6-8 As shown. Of course, in other embodiments, the optical path propagation component can also be composed of components such as mirrors, filters, and beam splitters; that is, any combination of optional components that can better transmit the probe light to the optical receiver 12 is acceptable. By setting the optical path propagation component between the optical transmitter 11 and the optical receiver 12, the arrangement of the optical transmitter 11 and the optical receiver 12 is no longer limited to a parallel arrangement, and the layout position can be flexibly changed according to different products, different touch area shapes, and different touch requirements.

[0029] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments, the photosensitive touch switch 10 may also include a logic level circuit electrically connected between the light receiver 12 and the controller. This logic level circuit outputs a corresponding logic level signal to the controller based on the light received by the light receiver 12. Specifically, as an example and not a limitation, in the absence of touch (default state): the infrared light emitted by the light emitter 11 shines unobstructed onto the light receiver 12, turning it on. Through the pull-up resistor of the logic level circuit, its output provides a stable high-level signal to the controller (e.g., the main control chip (MCU)). When there is touch (triggered state): when a user's finger is inserted into the touch slot 21, the infrared beam is completely blocked because the finger is located in the gap between the emitter and receiver. The light receiver 12 immediately turns off due to the loss of light, and its output level is pulled low. This transition from high to low level is a clear, binary "trigger signal," and the main control chip (MCU) immediately executes the touch operation corresponding to the photosensitive touch switch 10.

[0030] Example 2: Please see Figure 5Embodiment 2 of the present invention proposes a touch control method for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is equipped with a light-sensing touch switch as described in any of the above embodiments, and the touch control method includes: Step S1: Control the light emitter to continuously emit detection light rays, and control the light receiver to receive the detection light rays emitted by the light emitter to generate a corresponding reception signal; Step S2: Determine whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions; Step S3: If yes, then control the electronic device to perform the corresponding preset touch action according to the received signal.

[0031] Specifically, the step of determining whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions may include: Determine whether the received signal is a preset signal; If it is a preset signal, then determine whether the duration of the preset signal exceeds the time threshold. If the duration of the preset signal exceeds a time threshold, it is determined that the preset touch action condition is met.

[0032] This is an example, not a limitation. Taking the configuration of logic level circuits as an example, the preset signal can specifically be a low-level signal. That is, in actual implementation, when a low-level signal is received and its duration exceeds a time threshold, it is determined that there is a genuine touch request, and the preset touch action conditions are met. Then, the electronic device is controlled to execute the corresponding preset touch action based on the received signal. By setting a debounce timer, false judgments caused by dust, insects, fingers, etc., can be effectively prevented, further improving the reliability of touch operation.

[0033] Furthermore, when an electronic device is equipped with multiple light-sensitive touch switches, the steps of controlling the electronic device to perform corresponding preset touch actions based on the received signals may specifically include: Obtain the unique identification information of the target optical receiver corresponding to the received signal, wherein the optical receiver is configured with unique identification information; Based on the unique identification information of the target light receiver and the received signal, the electronic device is controlled to perform a corresponding preset touch action.

[0034] In other words, when an electronic device is equipped with multiple light-sensitive touch switches, a unique identifier can be configured for the light receiver of each light-sensitive touch switch. This allows the device to identify which light-sensitive touch switch has been triggered and control the electronic device to perform corresponding preset touch actions based on the received signal. For example, when a microphone is equipped with a power light-sensitive touch switch and a mute light-sensitive touch switch, if the mute light-sensitive touch switch is detected to be triggered, the device will perform a mute operation if it is currently in an unmute state, and will perform an unmute operation if it is currently in a mute state.

[0035] Using an example, rather than a limitation, of a microphone's "click to mute" action, we can illustrate the complete chain from user action to system response: Step 1: Standby and Monitoring After the system is powered on, the optical transmitter continues to work, and the optical receiver is turned on due to the light.

[0036] The main control MCU's I / O ports continuously monitor the high-level signal from the receiver's output.

[0037] At this time, the microphone is not muted, and the relevant indicator lights (such as the red mute light) are off.

[0038] Step 2: Occlusion Trigger: When a user intends to mute, they insert / pass through the microphone touch area with their finger (or any opaque object). The finger physically blocks the path of the infrared beam. The receiver momentarily loses light, its state changes from "on" to "off," and the output signal jumps from high to low.

[0039] Step 3: Signal Confirmation and Dejittering The MCU immediately detects the falling edge of this level change. However, to prevent false alarms caused by the brief passage of dust, insects, or other objects, the MCU starts a software debounce timer (typically 10-50ms). During this very short delay, the MCU continuously checks the signal level. Only when the low level remains stable within this time does the MCU finally confirm that this is a valid, intentional human touch, rather than noise interference.

[0040] Step 4: Logic Execution and Feedback Once the touch is confirmed, the MCU will execute a preset logic function—in this case, switching to "mute" mode. Simultaneously, the MCU will immediately initiate user feedback: Visual feedback: The red mute indicator light on the microphone is turned on.

[0041] Auditory feedback (optional): Play a soft "mute alert" sound via the connected computer or built-in speakers.

[0042] At this point, the user's "click" action has fulfilled its purpose.

[0043] Step 5: Recovery and Re-triggering: If a user unmutes the device and touches / walks over the touch area again, repeating steps two through four, the system detects another effective blockage and executes the "unmute" command: turning off the mute light and restoring audio output.

[0044] Example 3: Embodiment 3 of the present invention also proposes an electronic device, including a housing and a light-sensitive touch switch disposed on the housing as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0045] In practical implementation, the electronic device can be any audio / video device such as a microphone, a kitchen or bathroom appliance such as a range hood, or a car infotainment system—any electronic device that involves physical touch control. Furthermore, in practical implementation, one or more light-sensitive touch switches can be selected and installed based on the diversity and type of touch operations; their specific layout is not limited, as long as it facilitates touch control.

[0046] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention can achieve high reliability and a near-zero false touch rate. By employing a light-detection switching method, the triggering condition is highly physical and absolute; a physical object must pass through and block the light beam to trigger the switch. This fundamentally eliminates various environmental factors that plague capacitive technology. Whether it's humid air, water stains on hands, dust accumulation, or complex electromagnetic interference in the work environment, these interference signals cannot trigger the switch. Furthermore, normal user grip, wiping, or speaking near the microphone will not be misinterpreted as operation commands. Triggering only occurs when the user consciously inserts their finger into a specific gap, thereby establishing extremely reliable human-computer interaction trust and significantly improving the reliability of the touch switch.

[0047] Furthermore, since the triggering method is contactless beam blocking, users do not need to apply any pressure to the microphone housing. This means that structural conducted noise, diaphragm micro-vibration, and the resulting low-frequency "muffled" and "clicking" sounds caused by pressing the housing are completely eliminated. For recording, live streaming, and conferencing scenarios that pursue professional sound quality, touch operation itself no longer becomes a source of audio signal contamination, ensuring the integrity of the core recording function.

[0048] Simultaneously, it provides a physical interaction experience that is both explicit and intuitive. Although it lacks the tactile feel of a mechanical switch, the act of "inserting into the gap" itself provides users with a clear and bounded physical operation channel. This tangible interaction method allows users to easily locate the interface through muscle memory and receive clear mental confirmation after execution, greatly reducing operational uncertainty. It is particularly suitable for scenarios where users need to focus on content creation and cannot be distracted by checking indicator lights. It demonstrates excellent environmental adaptability and long-term stability. Its core component (infrared phototransistor) is inexpensive and durable. The system's baseline state is "unobstructed beam." Once the light intensity is attenuated due to severe window contamination, the system will exhibit continuous triggering or no response. This failure mode is very explicit and does not produce the elusive drift and random accidental touches seen in capacitive technology. As long as the infrared light-transmitting window is kept clean, its performance remains highly consistent throughout the product's lifecycle. Finally, from an overall product design perspective, this solution combines cost-effectiveness with a differentiated competitive advantage. It utilizes mature, discrete optoelectronic components, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated touch chips or complex software algorithm debugging, thus reducing R&D and production costs. Grating touch technology transforms the microphone's interaction logic from "easily interfered with electric field sensing" to "precise physical optical path control," achieving comprehensive superiority in reliability, audio purity, user experience, and long-term stability, making it an ideal choice for touch solutions in professional-grade audio equipment.

[0049] It should be noted that the device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention has a similar implementation principle and technical effects as Embodiments 1 and 2. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in this embodiment can be referred to the corresponding contents in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0050] In addition, it should be noted that the above embodiments and features can be combined with each other as needed, provided there is no conflict, and the resulting new technical solutions still fall within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light-sensitive touch switch, characterized in that, The light-sensitive touch switch, disposed on the touch area of ​​an electronic device, includes: A light emitter is disposed on one side of the touch area for emitting detection light; A light receiver, located on the other side of the touch area, is used to receive the detection light emitted by the light emitter and generate a corresponding reception signal; The controller is electrically connected to at least the optical receiver and is used to perform corresponding preset touch actions based on the received signal from the optical receiver. The touch area has at least a space capable of accommodating a touch object to block the detection light.

2. The photosensitive touch switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch area is a touch groove formed on the outer wall of the casing of the electronic device, and the light emitter and the light receiver are disposed on the inner wall of the touch groove.

3. The photosensitive touch switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The depth of the touch groove gradually increases along the axial direction of the electronic device, so that the bottom surface of the touch groove is formed as a slope. The light transmitter and the light receiver are arranged parallel to the inclined plane, or parallel to the axial direction of the electronic device, or parallel to the radial direction of the electronic device.

4. The photosensitive touch switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, An optical path propagation component is provided between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, and the optical path propagation component is used to propagate the detection light.

5. The photosensitive touch switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-sensitive touch switch also includes: A logic level circuit, electrically connected between the optical receiver and the controller, is used to output a corresponding logic level signal to the controller based on the optical receiver's reception result of the probe light.

6. A touch control method for an electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device is equipped with a light-sensitive touch switch as described in any one of claims 1-5, and the touch method includes: The system controls the light emitter to continuously emit detection light rays and controls the light receiver to receive the detection light rays emitted by the light emitter, so as to generate a corresponding reception signal. Determine whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions; If so, the electronic device is controlled to perform a corresponding preset touch action based on the received signal.

7. The touch control method for an electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steps for determining whether the received signal meets the preset touch action conditions include: Determine whether the received signal is a preset signal; If it is a preset signal, then determine whether the duration of the preset signal exceeds the time threshold. If the duration of the preset signal exceeds a time threshold, it is determined that the preset touch action condition is met.

8. The touch control method for an electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The electronic device is equipped with multiple light-sensitive touch switches. The steps for controlling the electronic device to perform corresponding preset touch actions based on the received signals include: Obtain the unique identification information of the target optical receiver corresponding to the received signal, wherein the optical receiver is configured with unique identification information; Based on the unique identification information of the target light receiver and the received signal, the electronic device is controlled to perform a corresponding preset touch action.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a light-sensitive touch switch as described in any one of claims 1-5 disposed on the housing.

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