keyboard

Abstract

This application provides a keyboard applicable to the field of terminal device technology. The keyboard includes: a housing; an elastic material layer forming the upper surface of the housing; a plurality of lifting drive mechanisms disposed below the elastic material layer and corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of key areas defined on the elastic material layer; the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms are in a lowered state when not driven, keeping the elastic material layer flat; a processor electrically connected to each of the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms; the processor is configured to: in response to a first instruction, drive the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to at least one target key area on the elastic material layer to rise, causing a protrusion at at least one target key area to form at least one target key unit; the first instruction is an instruction guiding the interactive process of a target program; the at least one target key unit is used to receive user input signals, the input signals being used to advance the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of terminal device technology, and more specifically to a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional keyboards have a fixed key layout, making them prone to accidental key presses for beginners. Invalid keys cannot be physically blocked, distracting learners. Existing visual guidance solutions only provide light or screen prompts, lacking tactile constraints. While dynamic display keyboards can change the characters on the keys, the fixed key shapes cannot lower non-target keys into an unpressable state, nor can they provide tactile warnings and error correction guidance through physical shape changes, thus limiting their effectiveness in teaching assistance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a keyboard that can dynamically change its physical form according to the learning context.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a keyboard is provided, comprising: a housing; an elastic material layer constituting the upper surface of the housing; a plurality of lifting drive mechanisms disposed below the elastic material layer and corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of key areas defined on the elastic material layer; the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms being in a lowered state when not driven, keeping the elastic material layer flat; a processor connected to the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms respectively; the processor being configured to: in response to a first instruction, drive the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to at least one target key area on the elastic material layer to rise, causing a protrusion at at least one target key area to form at least one target key unit; the first instruction being an instruction to guide the interactive process of a target program; the at least one target key unit being used to receive a user input signal, the input signal being used to advance the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this application, the lifting drive mechanism includes: a magnet disposed on a substrate of the housing; an electromagnetic coil disposed above the magnet and connected to a processor via a drive circuit, the drive circuit being used to control the electromagnetic coil to be energized or de-energized in response to a drive signal from the processor; an elastic element connecting the magnet and the electromagnetic coil; and a keycap portion disposed above the electromagnetic coil. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic coil generates an electromagnetic force that repels the magnet, stretching the elastic element and driving the keycap portion to rise, causing the target key area above the keycap portion to protrude, forming a target key unit.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, the processor is configured to: in response to a first instruction, acquire process data of a target program, the process data being used to characterize the features of the interactive process currently guided by the target program; determine a current guidance mode based on the process data, the guidance mode being related to the number and / or position of at least one target button unit; and determine at least one target button area based on the determined guidance mode, such that the formed at least one target button unit constitutes a button layout adapted to the current guidance mode and the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, the processor is further configured to: determine a target lifting height corresponding to at least one target button unit based on process data, wherein the target lifting height is related to the user learning state represented by the process data; and send corresponding drive signals to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to each target button area to drive each target button unit to reach the corresponding target lifting height.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this application, the processor is further configured to: in response to a first instruction, acquire display status information of the target program, wherein the display status information indicates whether the target program has presented prompt content corresponding to the interactive process on the display; and, if it is confirmed that the prompt content has been presented, drive a lifting drive mechanism corresponding to at least one target button area to rise.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, the lifting drive mechanism further includes: a Hall sensor disposed below the keycap portion; the processor is further configured to: activate the Hall sensor when the lifting drive mechanism is raised; the Hall sensor is used to detect the displacement of the keycap portion when the target key unit is pressed, and generate an input signal based on the displacement.

[0010] According to an embodiment of this application, the processor is further configured to: send the input signal to a target program in response to receiving an input signal; identify whether the input signal is an error signal based on feedback information generated by the target program in response to the input signal; and adjust the lifting state of the target button unit that generated the error signal to physically highlight the target button unit if the input signal is an error signal.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this application, when the input signal is an error signal, adjusting the lifting state of the target key unit that generated the error signal to physically highlight the target key unit includes: when the error type of the error signal is a press target error, driving the target key area corresponding to the current step of the interaction process guided by the first instruction to rise, and / or switching the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target key area that generated the error signal to a lowered state; when the error type of the error signal is a press timing error, sending an intermittent drive signal to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target key unit corresponding to the current step, causing the target key unit to vibrate locally.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, the lifting drive mechanism further includes: a light-emitting unit disposed below the magnet; the processor is further configured to: control the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit according to a second instruction of the target program, wherein the light-emitting state changes in coordination with the lifting drive mechanism’s raised or lowered state.

[0013] According to an embodiment of this application, the processor is further configured to: after at least one target button unit is raised, according to the interaction process guided by the first instruction, control the light-emitting units corresponding to at least one target button unit to light up sequentially according to a preset timing sequence, forming a directional light effect sequence pointing to the next target button unit to be operated; and / or in response to the input signal generated by the target button unit being pressed, change the light-emitting state of the light-emitting units in the target button unit to form visual feedback to the user. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above-mentioned contents, other objects, features and advantages of this application will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This illustration schematically depicts a scenario illustrating the interaction between a keyboard, a target program, and a display according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the key unit of a keyboard according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 The illustration shows a comparison of the raised state of the button area under different guiding modes according to embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 4 This illustration schematically shows a diagram of adjusting the button rise height according to the user's learning state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit and the lifting drive mechanism working together according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0021] 100-Keyboard; 101-Housing; 102-Elastic material layer; 103-Target key unit; 1011-Substrate; 200-Target program; 300-Display; S1-First instruction; S2-Input signal; 21-Magnet; 22-Electromagnetic coil; 23-Elastic element; 24-Keycap part; 25-Light-emitting unit; 26-Light guide element; H1-First height; H2-Second height. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this application.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0024] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0025] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B and C", they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having A and B, a system having A and C, a system having B and C, and / or a system having A, B and C, etc.).

[0026] In the technical solution of this application, the user information (including but not limited to user personal information, user image information, user device information, such as location information) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed) involved are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties. Furthermore, the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, application and application of related data all comply with relevant laws, regulations and standards, necessary measures have been taken, and they do not violate public order and good morals. Corresponding operation entry points are provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0027] An embodiment of this application provides a keyboard, including: a housing; an elastic material layer forming the upper surface of the housing; a plurality of lifting drive mechanisms disposed below the elastic material layer and corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of key areas defined on the elastic material layer; the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms are in a lowered state when not driven, keeping the elastic material layer flat; and a processor connected to the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms respectively. The processor is configured to: in response to a first instruction, drive the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to at least one target key area on the elastic material layer to rise, causing a protrusion at at least one target key area to form at least one target key unit; the first instruction is generated by a target program and is used to guide the interactive process of the target program; the at least one target key unit is used to receive user input signals, the input signals being used to advance the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

[0028] Through the above structural design, the keyboard of this application embodiment can maintain a flat upper surface when not in use, presenting a simple and integrated appearance. When the target program starts and enters a specific interactive process, the processor controls the lifting drive mechanism of the corresponding key area to operate according to the first instruction sent by the target program, so that the elastic material layer produces a local protrusion at the target position, forming a physical key unit that can be pressed. The user can perceive the position of the protrusion through touch and make precise presses. The input signal generated by the press is sent back to the target program, thereby promoting the continued execution of the interactive process.

[0029] Compared to traditional fixed keyboards, the keyboard in this embodiment only raises the relevant keys when needed, while the rest of the keyboard remains flat and unpressable. This physically eliminates the possibility of invalid operations and effectively reduces the probability of accidental touches. Furthermore, since the raising and lowering of the keys is dynamically driven by the interaction process of the target program, the physical form of the keyboard can change synchronously with the guidance content of the software interface, providing users with a multi-layered interactive experience combining visual cues and tactile guidance.

[0030] The following will describe in detail the specific structure, lifting and lowering driving principle, and button shape changes under various guidance modes of the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the interaction between the keyboard, the target program, and the display according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard 100 communicates with a host device running the target program 200 via its internal processor. The target program 200 controls the display 300 to present prompts related to the current learning task.

[0033] In this application embodiment, the target program 200 can be various interactive applications installed on a computer, tablet computer, or other smart terminal, which can provide users with operation guidance that needs to be executed according to specific steps or sequences during operation. For example, the target program 200 includes, but is not limited to: digital education software, interactive teaching tools, game operation guide programs, professional software shortcut key training programs, and assistive function interaction programs. Any application that can send guidance instructions to the keyboard according to preset logic and receive keyboard input signals to advance the interactive process can be used as the target program described in this application.

[0034] An interaction process refers to a sequence of task flows in the target program 200 related to user input operations. For example, an interaction process can be any interactive step requiring the user to press one or more specific keys sequentially, such as: a spelling input sequence in learning software, a function option selection in teaching software, a skill casting key combination in a game, shortcut key operation guidance in professional software, or a key-by-key navigation process in accessibility functions. In each interaction step, the target program 200 has a clearly defined expected input target.

[0035] During the interaction, the target program 200 generates a first instruction S1 based on the current interaction progress and sends it to the processor of the keyboard 100. In response to the first instruction S1, the processor drives the corresponding target key area on the elastic material layer to rise, forming a pressable target key unit 103. Simultaneously, the target program 200 controls the display 300 to present prompts corresponding to the current interaction step, such as displaying the character to be input, operation instructions, or key position guidance diagrams. Preferably, the processor drives the key to rise only after confirming that the display 300 has presented the prompts, ensuring that visual guidance precedes tactile guidance.

[0036] After observing the prompt on the display 300, the user locates the raised target key unit 103 on the surface of the keyboard 100 using tactile means and presses it. The keyboard 100 sends the input signal S2 generated by the press back to the target program 200. The target program 200 determines whether the user's operation meets the expected goal of the current interaction step based on the input signal S2, and accordingly advances the interaction process to the next node, or generates error correction feedback information if an input error occurs. Figure 1 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the flow of the first instruction S1 and the input signal S2, reflecting the dynamic synergy between the changes in the physical form of the keyboard and the software interaction process.

[0037] Through the illustrative description of the above application scenarios, those skilled in the art can understand that the keyboard provided in the embodiments of this application can adapt to various types of guided interactive programs, dynamically change its physical form according to the specific needs of the interactive process, and provide users with intuitive tactile guidance.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the key unit of a keyboard according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Part (a) shows a cross-section of the lifting drive mechanism in the lowered state, and part (b) shows a cross-section of the lifting drive mechanism in the raised state.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lifting drive mechanism includes a magnet 21 fixed to a substrate 1011, an electromagnetic coil 22, an elastic element 23, and a keycap portion 24. An elastic material layer 102 covers the keycap portion 24. The electromagnetic coil 22 is disposed above the magnet 21 and connected to a processor via a drive circuit. The elastic element 23 connects the magnet 21 and the electromagnetic coil 22, and is used to reset the electromagnetic coil 22 to its initial position when the electromagnetic coil 22 is de-energized. The keycap portion 24 is disposed above the electromagnetic coil 22, and its upper surface is in contact with or adjacent to the lower surface of the elastic material layer 102. The elastic material layer 102 covers the keycap portion 24 and the housing 101, forming the complete upper surface of the keyboard.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in part (a), when the electromagnetic coil 22 is not energized, there is no repulsive electromagnetic force between the electromagnetic coil 22 and the magnet 21, the elastic element 23 is in a contracted or relaxed state, and the keycap portion 24 is in a lowered position. At this time, the upper surface of the keycap portion 24 is lower than or flush with the upper surface reference plane of the housing 101, and the elastic material layer 102 remains flat in the key area, without creating a pressable protrusion. In this state, the user cannot perceive the specific boundary of the key area by touch, nor can they perform effective pressing input.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in part (b), when the electromagnetic coil 22 is energized, it generates an electromagnetic force that repels the magnet 21. This repulsive electromagnetic force overcomes the restoring force of the elastic element 23, driving the electromagnetic coil 22 to move the keycap portion 24 upward, stretching the elastic element 23. After the keycap portion 24 rises, its upper surface pushes against the elastic material layer 102, causing an upward bulge in the key area, forming the target key unit 103. At this time, the bulging target key unit 103 has a physical travel that allows the user to press it, and the user can locate the bulging area by touch and perform a pressing operation. When the target key unit 103 is pressed, the keycap portion 24 moves downward by a certain distance, and this displacement is detected by a sensor below (such as a Hall sensor). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) is detected and converted into an input signal.

[0043] When the electromagnetic coil 22 is de-energized, the repulsive electromagnetic force disappears, and the elastic element 23 retracts under the action of the restoring force, causing the electromagnetic coil 22 and the keycap portion 24 to return to their original positions. Figure 2 As shown in part (a), the elastic material layer 102 returns to its flat state after the state of descent.

[0044] With the above structure, the keyboard in this application embodiment can switch between two physical states, namely, rising and falling, in a single key area, thereby dynamically exposing or hiding operable keys according to the needs of the interaction process, and realizing key guidance and shielding from a physical level.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lifting drive mechanism may further include a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is located below the keycap portion 24 and is used to detect the displacement of the keycap portion 24 when the target key unit is pressed. The processor is further configured to activate the Hall sensor in response to the lifting drive mechanism raising. When the user presses the raised target key unit, the keycap portion 24 moves downward by a certain distance, the Hall sensor detects this displacement and generates a corresponding input signal. The input signal is sent to the processor for subsequent transmission to the target program to advance the interaction process.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor, in response to a first instruction, drives the lifting mechanism corresponding to at least one target button area on the elastic material layer to rise, including steps one through three. The first instruction is used to guide the interactive process of the target program, and may carry identification information of the current interactive process or directly indicate that it needs to enter the guidance state.

[0047] In step one, in response to the first instruction, the processor acquires the process data of the target program, which is used to characterize the features of the interactive process currently being guided by the target program.

[0048] For example, process data may include at least one of the following: the type of currently running course software, the current system time period, a preset user age parameter, and historical input behavior records, or a combination of the above data. Process data may be sent by the target program along with the first instruction, or it may be actively queried by the processor from the target program or the host system based on the identification information in the first instruction. It should be noted that user consent or authorization can be obtained before obtaining user information. For example, a request to obtain user information may be sent to the user before step one. Step one is executed only if the user consents or authorizes the acquisition of user information.

[0049] In step two, the processor determines the current boot mode based on process data.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present application, the guidance mode is related to the number and / or rising position of at least one target key unit. Different guidance modes correspond to different key rising strategies. Exemplarily, the guidance mode may include a concentration training mode, a review mode, a free input mode, etc. The number and distribution area of the rising keys may be different in different modes.

[0051] For example, the concentration training mode corresponds to a scenario where the target program requires the user to make precise input in a specific order or target. In this mode, the processor only drives the rising of the target key area directly related to the expected input of the current interaction step, and the remaining key areas remain lowered, thereby shielding invalid keys at the physical level and forcing the user to focus on and press the correct keys. For example, in English word spelling practice, when the display prompts the first letter of the spelling word "CAT", only the key where the letter "C" is located on the keyboard rises, and the remaining letters and function keys remain flat.

[0052] For example, the review mode corresponds to a scenario where the user consolidates and practices the learned content. In this mode, the processor drives the rising of multiple candidate key areas related to the current review content, and the user needs to independently judge and select the correct key among the rising keys. Compared with the concentration training mode, the review mode has more rising keys and a wider coverage range to moderately increase the selection difficulty and test the user's memory and recognition ability. For example, in pinyin review, when the display prompts the pinyin of the Chinese character "爸", the keyboard may rise candidate keys such as the initials "b", "p", "d" and the finals "a", "e", etc. for the user to select and combine.

[0053] For example, the free input mode corresponds to a scenario where the user conducts independent creation or free practice. In this mode, the processor drives the rising of the full keyboard or a large range of key areas, enabling the user to freely input any content. The key layout in this mode is close to the traditional keyboard form, providing the user with the greatest input freedom, and at the same time, some irrelevant function keys can still be dynamically hidden according to needs to simplify the interface.

[0054] It should be noted that the above division of the guidance mode and the corresponding key rising strategy are only exemplary illustrations. Those skilled in the art can define more types of guidance modes and their corresponding rising strategies according to actual application requirements, such as an error correction and reinforcement mode that dynamically adjusts according to the error rate, a simplified mode that only rises the function guidance area, etc. The present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0055] In step three, the processor determines at least one target key area based on the determined guidance mode.

[0056] The processor outputs a drive signal to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the determined target key area, driving it to rise and forming a protrusion in that area, thus creating a key layout that adapts to the current boot mode and the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

[0057] Through the above process, the keyboard can intelligently determine which keys and how many keys to raise based on the specific characteristics of the interaction process, thereby achieving dynamic adaptation of the key layout, avoiding interference from invalid keys, and improving the targeting of the interaction guidance.

[0058] Figure 3 The illustration shows a comparison of the raised state of the button area under different guiding modes according to embodiments of this application.

[0059] Figure 3 The illustration shows a comparison of the raised state of the button area under different guide modes according to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, (a) exemplarily illustrates the raised button state in the focus training mode, (b) exemplarily illustrates the raised button state in the review mode, and (c) exemplarily illustrates the raised button state in the free input mode. In the figures, the dashed lines represent the button areas on the elastic material layer, and the circles represent the target button units.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown in (a) of the diagram, in the focused training mode, the processor determines, based on process data, that only the target button area directly corresponding to the current interaction step needs to be raised to form the target button unit. For example, in the diagram, only button area A (corresponding to the letter "A") is raised to form the target button unit, while the other button areas remain flat and cannot be pressed. This mode physically blocks irrelevant buttons, forcibly guiding the user to focus on and press the correct button.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown in (b) of the diagram, in review mode, the processor drives multiple candidate button areas related to the current review content to rise up. For example, multiple buttons such as A, B, C, and D in the diagram are raised. The user needs to judge and select the correct button from the raised candidate buttons. This mode tests the user's recognition and memory abilities by appropriately increasing the range of physical selectable buttons.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown in (c), in free input mode, the processor drives the entire keyboard or a large area of ​​keys to rise. For example, the letter area, number area and some function key areas in the figure all protrude, providing users with a complete input interface close to a traditional keyboard, which is suitable for self-creation or free practice scenarios.

[0063] pass Figure 3As can be seen from the comparison, the keyboard in this application embodiment can dynamically change the number and distribution area of ​​the raised keys according to different guidance modes, thereby realizing multiple interaction modes from "strong guidance, low degree of freedom" to "weak guidance, high degree of freedom" on the same physical device, flexibly adapting to the needs of different learning stages and task types.

[0064] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The specific key labels (such as A, B, C, D, etc.) and the number of keys shown are merely illustrative and do not limit the actual scope of protection of this application. In practical applications, the physical key layout of the keyboard can adopt a standard QWERTY layout, a simplified alphabetical layout, a numeric keypad layout, or other customized arrangements according to product requirements. The specific position, number, and distribution area of ​​the raised keys in different boot modes are determined in real time by the processor based on the process data of the target program and the determined boot mode. Figure 3 This is only used to visually demonstrate the relative differences in the button protrusion state of the three typical guide modes.

[0065] Based on the above embodiments, the processor is further configured to: determine the target lifting height corresponding to at least one target button unit based on process data, wherein the target lifting height is related to the user learning state represented by the process data; and send corresponding drive signals to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to each target button area to drive each target button unit to reach the corresponding target lifting height.

[0066] Process data is used to characterize the features of the interactive process currently being guided by the target program, and can indirectly or directly reflect the user's learning status. For example, the learning status may include the user's age group, proficiency with the current learning content, historical input error rate, frequency of accidental key presses, etc.

[0067] The target lift height is related to the learning status: for example, for younger or less skilled users, a higher target lift height can be set to provide a more noticeable tactile bump and press travel, making it easier for users to locate and operate; for specific buttons with a high historical error rate, their target lift height can be set higher than other buttons to enhance the tactile warning effect of that button.

[0068] By sending drive signals with different drive parameters (such as drive current, power-on duration, or PWM duty cycle) to each lifting drive mechanism through the processor, each target key unit can independently reach its corresponding target lifting height, thereby achieving adaptive adaptation of the keyboard's physical form to the user's individual learning state.

[0069] Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of adjusting the button rise height according to the user's learning state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, part (a) exemplarily illustrates the button lift height corresponding to a first learning state (such as a young beginner), and part (b) exemplarily illustrates the button lift height corresponding to a second learning state (such as an older proficient user).

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), when the processor determines that the current user is in the first learning state based on process data, it sends the first driving parameters to the lifting drive mechanism, causing the target button unit to rise to the first height H1, forming a more significant tactile protrusion. Figure 4 As shown in (b), when it is determined that the current user is in the second learning state, the processor sends a second driving parameter, causing the target button unit to rise to a second height H2, where H2 is less than H1, forming a relatively gentle tactile protrusion. Furthermore, in the same learning state, different target button units can be driven to different rising heights based on their respective historical mis-touch frequencies or differences in importance.

[0072] Through the aforementioned height adjustment mechanism, the keyboard can provide differentiated tactile guidance intensity for users in different learning states, thereby achieving a personalized interactive experience.

[0073] Based on the above embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to a first instruction, acquire display status information of the target program. The display status information indicates whether the target program has displayed prompt content corresponding to the interactive process on the display. For example, the processor can query the rendering status of the target program's currently active window through the operating system's application programming interface, or the target program can actively send a status notification to the processor after completing the display of the prompt content. Based on the display status information, the processor determines whether the prompt content has been presented. If the prompt content has not yet been presented, the processor enters a waiting state or continuously polls the display status information; if it is confirmed that the prompt content has been presented, it drives a lifting mechanism corresponding to at least one target button area to rise, forming at least one target button unit.

[0074] Through the aforementioned timing control, the keyboard in this embodiment ensures that the visual prompts on the display are presented to the user before the physical protrusions of the keyboard, avoiding user confusion that may result from the simultaneous appearance or reversed order of the key protrusions and screen prompts. After clearly understanding the operational goal of the current interaction step, the user then perceives the corresponding key raised on the keyboard through tactile feedback, thereby achieving orderly coordination between visual and tactile guidance and improving the naturalness and learning efficiency of the interaction process.

[0075] Based on the above embodiments, the processor is further configured to: send the input signal to the target program in response to receiving the input signal; identify whether the input signal is an error signal based on the feedback information generated by the target program in response to the input signal; and adjust the lifting state of the target button unit that generated the error signal to physically highlight the target button unit if the input signal is an error signal.

[0076] When the user presses the raised button, the Hall sensor generates an input signal. The processor receives this signal and sends it to the target program in real time. The target program compares the received input signal with the expected input target of the current interaction step and generates feedback information. The user feedback information includes at least a judgment on the correctness of the input. The processor determines whether the user's operation is correct based on the user feedback information: if the input signal meets the expected target, the processor does not adjust the current physical state of the button, and the interaction process continues; if the input signal is identified as an error signal, the processor initiates an error correction guidance mechanism, adjusting the lifting state of the relevant buttons to highlight the button unit corresponding to the correct operation from a physical tactile perspective, thereby attracting the user's attention and guiding them to correct the operation.

[0077] For example, in an English spelling exercise, the target program expects the user to input the letter "B," but the user mistakenly presses the letter "C." After recognizing this as an error signal based on feedback from the target program, the processor can raise or keep the "B" key raised, while lowering the "C" key to an unpressable position. This physically clarifies to the user that "B" is the correct key and "C" should not be pressed. This physical cues help users quickly locate the correct key through direct tactile contrast, reducing the frustration of repeated trial and error and reinforcing correct muscle memory.

[0078] It should be noted that the error signal type can be further subdivided into target press error (key pressed incorrectly) and press timing error (key pressed correctly but in the wrong order). The processor can execute differentiated physical adjustment strategies according to different error types.

[0079] When the input signal is an error signal, the lifting state of the target key unit that generated the error signal is adjusted to physically highlight the target key unit, including the following two cases: When the error type of the error signal is "target press error," it indicates that the key pressed by the user does not match the expected target key. The processor drives the target key area corresponding to the current step of the interaction process guided by the first instruction to rise, and / or switches the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target key area that generated the error signal to the lowered state. By raising the correct key and lowering the incorrect key, the keyboard physically creates a tactile contrast of "correct key raised" and "incorrect key flat," guiding the user to reposition the correct key. When the error type of the error signal is "press timing error," the processor sends an intermittent drive signal to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target key unit corresponding to the current step, causing the target key unit to vibrate locally. This vibration serves as a tactile cue, conveying the position information of the key to be operated to the user without changing the overall key layout, guiding the user to re-enter in the correct order. Through the differentiated error correction strategy based on error type described above, the keyboard in this application embodiment can provide an adapted physical guidance method for different error types, thereby achieving accurate tactile error correction feedback.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the lifting drive mechanism further includes a light-emitting unit 25. The light-emitting unit 25 is disposed below the magnet. For example, it is fixed to the housing substrate 1011 or the lower surface of the magnet 21. In conjunction with the light-emitting unit 25, the lifting drive mechanism may also include a light guide element 26. The light guide element 26 is disposed on the light emission path of the light-emitting unit 25 and is used to guide the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 25 to the target key area. Exemplarily, the light guide element 26 may be a light-transmitting column, a light guide plate, or an optical fiber, etc., and its light emission end extends into the interior of the keycap portion 24 or is adjacent to the upper surface of the keycap portion 24, so that the light can pass through the elastic material layer 102 and form a visible light-emitting effect at the raised target key unit.

[0081] The processor is also configured to: control the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit in response to a second instruction sent by the target program, wherein the light-emitting state changes in coordination with the raised or lowered state of the lifting drive mechanism. For example, when the lifting drive mechanism is raised to form a target button unit, the processor controls the light-emitting unit 25 to light up, and the light is conducted to the button area through the light guide element 26 to visually highlight the target button unit; when the lifting drive mechanism is lowered, the processor controls the light-emitting unit 25 to turn off or change its light-emitting state.

[0082] With the above structure, the keyboard in this application embodiment can superimpose luminous prompts on top of physical raised guidance, forming dual tactile and visual guidance, further improving the user's recognition efficiency of target keys and interactive experience.

[0083] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: after at least one target key unit is raised, according to the interaction process guided by the first instruction, control the light-emitting units corresponding to the raised at least one target key unit to light up sequentially according to a preset timing sequence, forming a directional light effect sequence pointing to the next target key unit to be operated. The directional light effect sequence is, for example, a group of sequentially lit arrow-shaped light spots, a flowing light strip, or key backlighting that lights up one by one, the lighting order indicating the position of the target key unit that the user should operate next. For example, when spelling the word "CAT", after the C, A, and T keys are raised, the C key light-emitting unit is controlled to light up first, guiding the user to press the C key; after the C key is pressed, the A key light-emitting unit lights up, guiding the user to press the A key, and so on, forming a dynamic light guidance path synchronized with the interaction process.

[0084] The processor can also be configured to change the illumination state of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the target button unit in response to the input signal generated by the target button unit being pressed, thus providing visual feedback to the user. For example, when the user presses the target button unit correctly, the processor controls the light-emitting unit corresponding to the button to switch from being constantly lit to flashing once or changing its color (such as from white to green) to indicate that the operation has been successfully received; when the button is pressed incorrectly, the processor can control the light-emitting unit to flash red or flash rapidly to indicate a warning.

[0085] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit and the lifting drive mechanism working together according to an embodiment of this application.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown in section (a), in the initial state after the target key unit is raised, multiple target key units on the keyboard (such as the C key, A key, and T key as exemplified in the figure) have all protruded to form physical keys that can be pressed, but the light-emitting units corresponding to each key are not lit, and the keyboard surface only shows a physical protrusion.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown in section (b), when the interaction process requires the user to first operate the C key, the processor controls the light-emitting unit corresponding to the C key to light up (indicated by a thick circular border in the figure), creating a visual highlight. Simultaneously, a light effect can be used to indicate that this key is the current target for operation, guiding the user's attention to the C key. The light effect could be an arrow indicating the key from nearby keys, or it could be a blinking indicator controlled by the C key's light-emitting unit.

[0088] like Figure 5As shown in section (c), after the user presses the C key, the interaction process moves to the next step, prompting the user to press the A key. At this point, the processor controls the light-emitting unit corresponding to the A key to illuminate, extending the visual guidance path from the C key to the A key, forming a directional light effect sequence of "lighting up in sequence." The direction of this sequence is consistent with the operation order of the interaction process, allowing the user to intuitively perceive "which key should be pressed next."

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown in section (d), when the user presses the A key, the processor responds to the input signal generated by the press and changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the A key (illustrated by a dashed line representing the key in the figure), such as changing the color, flashing, or changing the brightness, as an immediate visual feedback to the user's operation, confirming that the press has been received by the system.

[0090] Through the above methods, the embodiments of this application realize a three-layer collaborative guidance of tactile protrusion, dynamic path guidance and operation feedback, which effectively reduces the cognitive memory burden of users in multi-step operations and improves the intuitiveness and accuracy of interaction.

[0091] In summary, this application provides a dynamically adjustable smart keyboard and its interactive control method. Through multiple independently controllable lifting drive mechanisms located beneath an elastic material layer, the keyboard maintains a flat surface when not in use. When in use, specific key areas dynamically rise according to the interaction progress of the target program, forming physical protrusions for pressing, while the remaining areas remain flat and inoperable. The processor determines the guidance mode and lifting height based on process data, achieving intelligent adaptation of the key layout to the learning scenario. Hall effect sensors accurately detect pressing displacement and, combined with feedback information from the target program, identify error types. Static lifting adjustments are performed for pressing target errors, and dynamic vibration prompts are performed for pressing timing errors, forming differentiated tactile error correction guidance. Combined with a light-emitting unit providing directional light effect sequences and visual feedback, a dual tactile and visual guidance system is constructed.

[0092] The keyboard in this application embodiment can physically block invalid key presses, effectively reducing accidental touches and lowering the cognitive load and frustration for beginners. Through dynamic changes in its physical form and coordinated lighting, it provides users with intuitive and immediate operational guidance, accelerating the establishment of muscle memory. Simultaneously, it adaptively adjusts the key rise height based on the user's age, proficiency, and historical error rate, achieving personalized teaching adaptation. Compared to traditional fixed keyboards and purely visual guidance solutions, this application has significant application advantages and promotional value in fields such as digital education, game-based learning, professional software training, and assisted interaction.

[0093] In some embodiments, this application also provides a terminal device, including a keyboard, a processing device, and a display. The keyboard is any of the keyboards described in the above embodiments, and it has a first processor internally configured for controlling the lifting drive mechanism, receiving input signals, and communicating with external devices. The specific structure and operation of the keyboard can be referred to the description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0094] The processing device is communicatively connected to the keyboard. The processing device includes a second processor for running the operating system and the target program. The target program is configured to: generate a first instruction to guide the interactive process and send the first instruction to the first processor on the keyboard; and receive input signals sent by the first processor, advance the interactive process according to the input signals, and control the display to present prompts corresponding to the interactive process.

[0095] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first processor of the keyboard and the second processor of the processing device can be the same processor or two physically independent processing units. When they are the same processor, the processor is responsible for running the business logic, graphical interface rendering, and interactive process management of the target program, as well as directly responding to the first instruction to drive the key lifting and collecting key signals and other low-level hardware control tasks. The processor is connected to the lifting drive mechanism, the light-emitting unit, and the input detection circuit through an internal bus or I / O interface to achieve direct control of the physical form of the keyboard. When they are two physically independent processing units, the first processor acts as the control core of the keyboard, responsible for responding to the first instruction to drive the key lifting and collecting key signals and other low-level hardware control tasks; the second processor acts as the computing core of the host, responsible for running the business logic, graphical interface rendering, and interactive process management of the target program. The two exchange instructions and data through wired or wireless communication protocols (such as USB, Bluetooth, etc.), together forming a complete interactive system.

[0096] Terminal devices can be various electronic devices, including but not limited to laptops, desktop computers, tablets, all-in-one computers, smart learning machines, game consoles, and industrial control terminals. In terminal devices, the keyboard and processing device can be a single molded structure, for example, the keyboard can be integrated into the chassis of a laptop; or, the keyboard can be a separate peripheral device that can be detachably connected to the processing device via wired or wireless means.

[0097] Taking a laptop as an example, the keyboard is integrated into the C-side of the laptop and houses a first processor. The chassis contains a second processor and memory. In non-working mode, the keyboard surface remains flat. When the target program running on the second processor issues a first instruction, the first processor drives the corresponding key area to rise, forming a physical protrusion. When the user presses the protruding key, the first processor sends the input signal to the second processor, where the target program processes it and advances the interaction process, while simultaneously updating the prompts on the display.

[0098] Through the aforementioned terminal device, the keyboard in this embodiment of the application can be deeply integrated with the host system. With the collaborative work of the first processor and the second processor, the physical form of the keyboard can respond to the software interaction process in real time, providing users with an immersive guided experience that integrates hardware and software. It is widely applicable to application scenarios such as digital education, interactive training, and assisted operation.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this application. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this application. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this application.

[0100] The embodiments of this application have been described above. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. Without departing from the scope of this application, those skilled in the art can make various substitutions and modifications, all of which should fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A keyboard, characterized in that include: case; An elastic material layer forms the upper surface of the shell; Multiple lifting drive mechanisms are disposed below the elastic material layer and correspond one-to-one with multiple button areas defined on the elastic material layer; when not driven, the multiple lifting drive mechanisms are in a lowered state, keeping the elastic material layer flat; The processor is electrically connected to each of the plurality of lifting drive mechanisms; The processor is configured to: In response to a first instruction, a lifting drive mechanism corresponding to at least one target button area on the elastic material layer is driven to rise, causing a protrusion at the at least one target button area to form at least one target button unit; the first instruction is generated by a target program and is used to guide the interactive process of the target program; the at least one target button unit is used to receive user input signals, and the input signals are used to advance the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein, The lifting drive mechanism includes: A magnet is disposed on the substrate of the housing; An electromagnetic coil is disposed above the magnet and connected to the processor via a drive circuit. The drive circuit is used to control the electromagnetic coil to be energized or de-energized in response to the drive signal of the processor. An elastic element connects the magnet and the electromagnetic coil; The keycap is positioned above the electromagnetic coil; When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic coil generates an electromagnetic force that repels the magnet, stretching the elastic member and driving the keycap to rise, causing the target key area above the keycap to bulge out, forming the target key unit.

3. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is also configured to: In response to the first instruction, process data of the target program is obtained, wherein the process data is used to characterize the features of the interactive process currently being guided by the target program; The current boot mode is determined based on the process data, and the boot mode is related to the number and / or position of the rise of the at least one target button unit; Based on the determined guidance mode, at least one target key area is determined, such that the formed at least one target key unit constitutes a key layout adapted to the current guidance mode and the interactive process guided by the first instruction.

4. The keyboard of claim 3, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Based on the process data, the target rise height corresponding to each of the at least one target button unit is determined, and the target rise height is related to the user learning state represented by the process data; The corresponding lifting drive mechanism of each target button area is sent a corresponding drive signal to drive each target button unit to reach the corresponding target lifting height.

5. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to: In response to the first instruction, the display status information of the target program is obtained, wherein the display status information indicates whether the target program has displayed prompt content corresponding to the interactive process on the display. Once it is confirmed that the prompt content has been presented, the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the at least one target button area is driven to rise.

6. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein, The lifting drive mechanism also includes: A Hall sensor is located below the keycap portion; The processor is also configured to activate the Hall sensor in response to the raising of the lifting drive mechanism; The Hall sensor is used to detect the displacement of the keycap when the target key unit is pressed, and to generate an input signal based on the displacement.

7. The keyboard of claim 6, wherein, The processor is also configured to: In response to receiving the input signal, the input signal is sent to the target program; Based on the feedback information generated by the target program in response to the input signal, identify whether the input signal is an error signal; If the input signal is an error signal, adjust the lifting state of the target button unit that generated the error signal to physically highlight the target button unit.

8. The keyboard of claim 7, wherein, The step of adjusting the lifting state of the target key unit that generated the error signal to physically highlight the target key unit when the input signal is an error signal includes: When the error type of the error signal is a target press error, the target key area corresponding to the current step of the interaction process guided by the first instruction is driven to rise, and / or the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target key area that generated the error signal is switched to the lowered state. When the error type of the error signal is a press timing error, an intermittent drive signal is sent to the lifting drive mechanism corresponding to the target button unit corresponding to the current step, causing the target button unit to vibrate locally.

9. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein, The lifting drive mechanism also includes: The light-emitting unit is disposed below the magnet; The processor is also configured to: In response to a second instruction sent by the target program, the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit is controlled, and the light-emitting state changes in coordination with the raised or lowered state of the lifting drive mechanism.

10. The keyboard of claim 9, wherein, The processor is also configured to: After at least one target button unit rises, according to the interaction process guided by the first instruction, the light-emitting units corresponding to the at least one raised target button unit are controlled to light up sequentially according to a preset timing sequence, forming a directional light effect sequence pointing to the next target button unit to be operated; and / or In response to the input signal generated when the target button unit is pressed, the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the target button unit is changed to provide visual feedback to the user.

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