Expansion input device
By designing an extended input device with multiple layers of input keys and touch areas, the problems of portability and ease of operation of an external keyboard are solved, and a compact connection with a mobile phone and efficient input are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422078865.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing external keyboards are large in size, poor in portability, have single functions, are difficult to adapt to mobile phone operations, and cannot achieve both input and operation convenience.
An extended input device is designed, comprising a shell, a connection module and an input module. The input module has multiple input keys and a switch key. The input keys can switch to different input layers. A touch area is set to map touch gesture actions, and information is fed back through the luminous area, supporting multiple connection methods.
It realizes the convenient connection between input devices and mobile phones, the input keys are compact, the operation convenience is improved, and it is adapted to the control operations of touch-function terminals to reduce the probability of misoperation.
Smart Images
Figure CN223486468U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of input device technology, and more specifically to an extended input device. Background Technology
[0002] Touchscreen phones are a type of mobile phone that utilizes touchscreen technology, applying this technology to the phone screen. With market competition and development, most mobile phones on the market are now touchscreen phones. The biggest feature of touchscreen phones is their large screen, which can bring users a visual enjoyment. Whether it is text or images, the large screen reflects the characteristics of the large screen. Touchscreen phones can be operated with fingers, replacing the keyboard.
[0003] However, since screen feedback is inferior to physical buttons, touchscreen phones cannot replace keyboards in certain scenarios and for some users, and some users still prefer to use physical keyboards for external input.
[0004] However, existing external keyboards have the following drawbacks: because mobile phones require a lot of selection when inputting, the keyboards currently on the market can only be used for basic typing. They are bulky, not portable, and have limited functionality, making them difficult to adapt to mobile phone operation and unable to achieve both input and operation convenience. Summary of the Invention
[0005] One objective of this application is to provide an extended input device that is easy to connect, compact in structure, and highly efficient in operation.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: an extended input device, including a housing, on which a connection module and an input module are disposed. The connection module is adapted to connect to an input terminal, and the input module is adapted to send key values to the input terminal. The input module includes an operation area, a function area, and an input area formed by multiple input keys and at least one switch key. Each input key is configured with multiple input layers, and the switch key is adapted to switch the input key between multiple input layers. When the input key is switched to a different input layer, it is adapted to output the key value corresponding to the input layer. At least one input key is provided with a touch area, and the touch area is adapted to transmit touch gesture actions to the input terminal.
[0007] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the input keys are provided with a light-emitting area, the light-emitting area on the input keys being adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the input keys are switched to different input layers.
[0008] In some embodiments, some of the input keys cooperate to form an operation area, some of the input keys cooperate to form a function area, and some of the input keys cooperate to form an input area. The light-emitting area of the input keys in the function area is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the input keys are switched to different input layers.
[0009] In some embodiments, the input layer and the light-emitting area of the input key within the function area are associated with a device connection mode, and the light-emitting area of the input key within the function area is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the device connects and switches connection modes.
[0010] In some embodiments, the illumination mode of the illumination area is also adapted to be changed by triggering some of the input keys; the illumination mode of the illumination area of the input keys in the function area includes a constant dim mode, a constant bright mode, and a breathing mode; the illumination mode of the illumination area of the input keys in the input area includes a constant dim mode, a delayed off mode, and a multi-level brightness mode.
[0011] In some embodiments, the touch area has multiple touch modes, and at least one of the input keys and / or the switching key is adapted to switch the touch mode of the touch area; the touch modes include orientation recognition touch and trajectory recognition touch; at least one of the input keys is provided with a light-emitting area and a touch area, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting area and the touch mode of the touch area are linked.
[0012] In some embodiments, the toggle key is adapted to enable all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.
[0013] In some embodiments, the operating area is provided on the upper part of the housing in the form of shoulder keys.
[0014] In some embodiments, the toggle key is adapted to enable all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.
[0015] In some embodiments, the connection module is a wireless connection module; the housing is provided with a charging port; the housing is provided with a connection port; the housing is provided with a switch; the housing is provided with a charging indicator light; and the housing is provided with an openable battery compartment.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The extended input device of this application can be conveniently and quickly connected to input terminals such as mobile phones in various forms. At the same time, multiple input layers are set on the input keys. By switching the form of the input layer, different key values can be input to the input terminal, thereby reducing the number of keys and making the structure of the input module more compact and portable. Furthermore, the extended input device maps touch gestures to the input terminal by setting a touch area to realize operation switching, improve the convenience of operation, and adapt to the control operation of input terminals with touch function such as mobile phones. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall structural view according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a third arrangement of the input layer according to a preferred embodiment of this application.
[0021] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Shoulder button; 12. Charging port; 13. Switch; 14. Charging indicator light; 2. Input module; 21. Operation area; 22. Function area; 23. Input area. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.
[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.
[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.
[0025] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.
[0026] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates this application:
[0027] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this application provides an extended input device, including a housing 1, on which a connection module and an input module 2 are disposed. The connection module is adapted to connect to an input terminal, and the input module 2 is adapted to send key values to the input terminal. The input module 2 includes an operation area 21, a function area 22, and an input area 23 formed by multiple input keys and at least one switch key. Each input key is configured with multiple input layers, and the switch key is adapted to switch the input key between multiple input layers. When the input key is switched to a different input layer, it is adapted to output the key value corresponding to the input layer. At least one input key is provided with a touch area, which is adapted to transmit touch gesture actions to the input terminal.
[0028] In some embodiments, some input keys are arranged as shoulder keys 11 on the upper part of the housing 1 to form an operation area 21. The shoulder key 11 conforms to the user's operating intuition and can effectively improve the user's operating efficiency. Some input keys are arranged on the front side of the housing 1 to form a function area 22 and an input area 23. The arrangement of the operation area 21, function area 22 and input area 23 can form a handle-like operation mode, making the user's operating experience better.
[0029] The input module 2 includes multiple input keys and at least one switch key. By combining and setting the input keys and switch key, it can be laid out as a nine-key layout, a full-key layout, or other layouts in the traditional mobile phone keyboard layout. The added switch key can provide more input options for the original input keys in the nine-key layout, full-key layout, or other layouts, thereby further increasing the possibility of input without changing the original keyboard layout, and meeting the compactness and portability requirements of the input module 2 and the input device.
[0030] Each input key has multiple input layers. The switching key is suitable for switching between multiple input layers. When the input key is switched to a different input layer, it is suitable for outputting the key value corresponding to the input layer. This allows each input key to have multiple input key value options. Users can switch input by memorizing the key value output by the input key in different input layers and clicking to trigger the switching key. This input method can be applied to all input scenarios of input terminals (electronic devices such as mobile phones) without the need for settings in the input terminal system, making the input process smoother and more efficient.
[0031] Understandably, since an input key can output multiple key values in the above manner, the input module 2 and the input device can arrange frequently used input keys and infrequently used input keys, or key values with conflicting or related operation logic, on different input layers of the same input key. This improves the key compactness and expandability of the input module 2 and the input device, and also optimizes the input logic to reduce the probability of erroneous input.
[0032] In some embodiments, a switch key corresponds to an input layer. When the switch key is clicked, the input key can be switched to the corresponding input layer. When the switch key is clicked again, the input key can be switched back to the initial input layer. This makes it easier for users to remember and reduces the probability of input layer switching errors.
[0033] In some embodiments, one switch key corresponds to multiple input layers. When the switch key is clicked, the input key can be switched to different input layers in sequence. After each input layer has been switched once, when the switch key is clicked again, the input key can be switched back to the initial input layer. This reduces the number of switch keys and allows the input module 2 and the input device to be designed more compactly.
[0034] like Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one input key is provided with a touch unit. The touch unit is adapted to transmit touch gestures to the input terminal. The touch unit can sense the user's touch within the touch unit, map the gesture to the input terminal, and control the pointer movement within the input terminal. This enables control operations and effects similar to a mouse pointer on the touch screen, thereby reducing the operational difficulty of the input module 2 and the input device in the input terminal. Compared to a traditional keyboard, it can achieve more functions in addition to the input function.
[0035] In some embodiments, at least some of the input keys are provided with light-emitting parts, and the light-emitting parts on the input keys are adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the input keys are switched to different input layers.
[0036] In some embodiments, the main form of the light-emitting part is as backlighting for the input keys, illuminating the identifiers on the input keys for easy observation and identification by the user.
[0037] In some embodiments, the input key is adapted to be set with multiple identifiers, each corresponding to the key value of the input key in a different input layer.
[0038] In some embodiments, the input keys themselves have multiple key value input methods, such as single-click input, double-click input, long-press input, etc., which can be used to prevent accidental touches and reduce the probability of user misoperation.
[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, some input keys cooperate to form an operation area 21, where the input keys are mainly used for shortcut operations, such as left and right mouse clicks, volume up / down, page up / down, etc. Some input keys cooperate to form a function area 22, where the input keys are mainly used for shortcut function control, such as Caps Lock, touch control, back button, screenshot button, device switching, etc. Some input keys cooperate to form an input area 23, where the input keys are mainly used for typing input, such as letters, numbers, characters, arrow keys, etc. The light-emitting parts of the input keys in the function area 22 are adapted to illuminate when the input keys switch to different input layers. By changing the illumination mode, since the input keys in function area 22 are used less frequently by the user, the area of function area 22 is usually smaller than the number of input keys in input area 23, and the number of input keys in function area 22 is usually smaller than the number of input keys in input area 23, thus having less visual impact on the user's input, the illumination mode of the light-emitting part of the input key in function area 22 can be used to display the state of the input layer. For example, in the initial input layer state, the light-emitting part of the input key in function area 22 is in a constantly lit state. After switching input layers, the light-emitting part of the input key in function area 22 can enter an off state or a breathing light state, so that the user can distinguish the input layers.
[0040] In some embodiments, the input layer and light-emitting part of the input key in function area 22 are associated with the device connection mode. The light-emitting part of the input key in function area 22 is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the device is connected and the connection mode is switched, so that the light-emitting part can effectively provide feedback on the connection status of the input module 2 and the input device.
[0041] In some embodiments, the light-emitting modes of the light-emitting parts of the input keys in the function area 22 include a constant dark mode, a constant light mode, and a breathing mode. In this application, different light-emitting modes can be set in different input layers to provide prompts for the input layers.
[0042] like Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the input keys with touch-sensitive parts are located in the middle of the function area 22, and the remaining input keys without touch-sensitive parts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the input keys with touch-sensitive parts, making the layout of the function area 22 more intuitive and easy to use.
[0043] In some embodiments, the light-emitting modes of the light-emitting part of the input key in the input area 23 include a normally dark mode, a delayed off mode, and a multi-level brightness mode.
[0044] In some embodiments, the light emission mode of the light-emitting part is also suitable for being changed by triggering a partial input key, such as... Figure 3 As shown, in this application, the key values of individual keys in the input area 23 can be set to adjust the light-emitting part in the input layer, thereby realizing the constant dark mode, delayed off mode and multi-level brightness mode of the light-emitting part.
[0045] In this application, the delayed shutdown mode can be set to automatically shut down when no input key is detected within 30 seconds, and the difference between each brightness level in the multi-level brightness mode is 10%.
[0046] In some embodiments, the toggle key is adapted to enable all input keys to switch between multiple input layers. In addition to setting different key values, input keys can also be set with the same key value or even no key value, which can switch the control logic between the toggle key and all input keys and reduce the probability of errors.
[0047] In some embodiments, the touch unit has multiple touch modes, and at least one input key and / or switch key is adapted to enable the touch unit to switch touch modes, so that the touch unit can obtain a more logical operation mode through different touch modes in different input scenarios, thereby reducing the difficulty of input and operation and reducing the occurrence of misoperation.
[0048] In some embodiments, the touch mode includes direction-recognition touch and trajectory-recognition touch. Direction-recognition touch refers to the touch unit transmitting a state command similar to the scrolling direction of a mouse wheel to the input terminal according to the user's sliding direction when the user slides within the touch unit. Trajectory-recognition touch refers to the touch unit transmitting the same sliding trajectory command to the input terminal according to the user's sliding trajectory when the user slides within the touch unit, so as to control the mouse pointer.
[0049] In some embodiments, at least one input key is provided with a light-emitting part and a touch part, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting part and the touch mode of the touch part are linked. In this case, the light-emitting part on the input key is used to provide feedback on the status of the touch part. For example, the light-emitting part can be used as a Caps Lock indicator. When Caps Lock is on, the light-emitting part emits light, and the touch part switches from trajectory recognition touch to direction recognition touch.
[0050] The touch area is located on the input keys within the function area 22. The connection module is adapted to connect to the input terminal. The input layer and the light-emitting part of the input keys within the function area 22 are associated with the connection mode of the connection module.
[0051] In some embodiments, the connection module is a Bluetooth connection module, which enables the input module 2 and the input terminal to connect wirelessly, making the use of the input device more convenient and flexible, and removing spatial limitations.
[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, when connecting multiple input terminals via Bluetooth, to connect an unpaired input terminal, first enter the corresponding input layer and press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 1". The connection module will then pair with the input terminal. Double-click the input key with the touch panel to clear the input terminal's contents. The Bluetooth device should then be detected on the input terminal. After connecting, input and control operations can be performed. To connect a second input terminal, use the same method: enter the corresponding input layer, press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 2", and double-click the input key with the touch panel to confirm. Then connect to the second input terminal. This process can be repeated to connect a third and fourth input terminal. To switch to the first input terminal, enter the corresponding input layer and press the input key corresponding to "Switch Bluetooth Device 1". Do not operate the input key with the touch panel during this process to avoid the connection module clearing previously paired information.
[0053] In some embodiments, the housing 1 is provided with a charging port 12 and a connection port. In order to save space, the charging port 12 and the connection port can also be integrated into one unit, preferably using a type-c interface.
[0054] In some embodiments, a specific input key can be configured to switch between the connection module and the connection port, enabling switching between the connection methods of the input device and the input terminal. To prevent accidental touches, the input key can be configured to switch by long press, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the third input layer of the space bar can be arranged to allow long presses to switch between the connection module and the connection port.
[0055] In some embodiments, the housing 1 is further provided with a storage module to store firmware information of the input device. The key value in a certain input layer of the input key can be set as the control of the connection port. When the key value is input, the information in the storage module can be displayed in the input terminal to facilitate the user to update the firmware.
[0056] In some embodiments, a switch 13 is provided on the housing 1 to control the opening and closing of the input module 2 and the connection module.
[0057] In some embodiments, a charging indicator light 14 is provided on the housing 1. The user can be prompted whether charging is complete by the state change of the charging indicator light 14. In this application, the charging indicator light 14 is lit when charging and is turned off when fully charged.
[0058] In some embodiments, the housing 1 is provided with an openable battery compartment to ensure the input device's battery life by replacing the battery.
[0059] In some embodiments, the battery compartment can be opened by opening a cover or by opening the entire housing 1.
[0060] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An extended input device, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, on which a connection module and an input module are disposed. The connection module is adapted to connect to an input terminal, and the input module is adapted to send key values to the input terminal. The input module includes an operation area, a function area, and an input area formed by multiple input keys and at least one switch key. Each input key is configured with multiple input layers, and the switch key is adapted to switch the input key between multiple input layers. When the input key is switched to a different input layer, it is adapted to output the key value corresponding to the input layer. At least one input key is provided with a touch area, which is adapted to transmit touch gesture actions to the input terminal. The operating area is located on the upper part of the housing in the form of shoulder keys.
2. An extended input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: At least some of the input keys are provided with a light-emitting area, and the light-emitting area on the input key is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the input key is switched to a different input layer.
3. An extended input device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Some of the input keys cooperate to form an operation area, some of the input keys cooperate to form a function area, and some of the input keys cooperate to form an input area. The light-emitting area of the input keys in the function area is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the input keys are switched to different input layers.
4. An extended input device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The input layer and the light-emitting area of the input key within the functional area are associated with the device connection mode, and the light-emitting area of the input key within the functional area is adapted to change the light-emitting mode when the device is connected and the connection mode is switched.
5. An extended input device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The illumination mode of the illumination area is also suitable for being changed by triggering some of the input keys; the illumination mode of the illumination area of the input keys in the function area includes a constant dim mode, a constant bright mode, and a breathing mode; the illumination mode of the illumination area of the input keys in the input area includes a constant dim mode, a delayed off mode, and a multi-level brightness mode.
6. An extended input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The touch area has multiple touch modes, and at least one of the input keys and / or the switching key is adapted to switch the touch mode of the touch area; the touch modes include direction recognition touch and trajectory recognition touch; at least one of the input keys is provided with a light-emitting area and a touch area, and the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting area and the touch mode of the touch area are linked.
7. An extended input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching key is adapted to enable all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.
8. An extended input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching key is adapted to enable all the input keys to switch uniformly between multiple input layers.
9. An extended input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connection module is a wireless connection module; the housing is provided with a charging port; the housing is provided with a connection port; the housing is provided with a switch; the housing is provided with a charging indicator light; and the housing is provided with an openable battery compartment.