Capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to programmable electronic product technical field discloses a capacitive touch type wireless graphical programming input control handle, including PCB circuit board, a plurality of touch input contact electrode, every touch input contact electrode all includes the contact electrode metal response area that exposes directly to outside, and every touch input contact electrode can be directly triggered when the human body of user contacts the contact electrode metal response area, or through the extension line, extension of exposed touch input contact electrode, is directly triggered when the human body of user contacts, a plurality of contact electrodes form touch point matrix direction PAD. The utility model discloses through the structural improvement design in many aspects, spares the shell, mechanical key, and every button all improves to the touch point matrix PAD that sets up directly on the PCB board from traditional press button, simplifies the structure, can be widely used in the signal input and control of various programmable electronic products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of programmable electronic product technology, and in particular to a capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile devices and internet technology, graphical programming has begun to expand to mobile and online platforms. Various online graphical programming platforms, such as Mind+ and Scratch, have made graphical programming more widespread. Current graphical programming tools are becoming more diverse and professional, not only used in education but also in fields such as industrial automation and robotics programming. This shift from professional fields to mass adoption has lowered the barrier to entry for learning programming, allowing non-professionals to participate in programming and innovation.

[0003] To support graphical programming learning, programming input controllers have begun to be sold on the market. These controllers closely align with current trends in children's graphical programming education, aiming to provide primary and secondary school students with a highly interactive and easy-to-use programming learning experience. Graphical programming meets the requirements of the new curriculum and helps improve students' scientific literacy and innovation abilities. However, most existing programming input controllers are derived from existing wired game controllers. Game controllers are often bulky and inconvenient to carry. Traditional push-buttons have limited lifespan and can easily lead to poor compatibility of button commands during graphical programming. Some programming input controllers use traditional Bluetooth controllers, which often have high power consumption. They save power by turning off the switch; if the switch is forgotten, students may encounter situations where the controller runs out of power and cannot be used during graphical programming, easily affecting their learning.

[0004] For example, in the prior art, Chinese Utility Model Patent Document No. CN210573679U discloses a programming handle, which includes a housing, directional control keys, an external analog input terminal, a USB cable, a switch button, a sound sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a vibration sensor, and a handle. The directional control keys are located in the upper left corner of the upper surface of the housing, and the switch button is located in the upper right corner of the upper surface of the housing. The housing contains a sound sensor, a photosensitive sensor, and a vibration sensor. The USB cable is located on the top of the housing, and the external analog input terminal is located on the top of the housing next to the USB cable. This prior art uses a USB connection, which solves the technical problem of charging the programming handle, but it requires the programming device, such as a tablet or mobile phone, to have an additional USB interface, which is very inconvenient and not very stable.

[0005] Therefore, existing programming handles all adopt a shell design, which is bulky, lacks a sense of style, and lacks transparency in product design. At the same time, the mechanical buttons such as the directional control keys are prone to poor contact or damage after long-term use. The use of USB cables makes connection and use inconvenient, and the control distance is strictly limited by the length of the connecting cable. The control form of existing handles is limited to traditional handles and cannot be externally expanded.

[0006] There is an urgent need to develop a programming input control handle that is based on wireless technology, can work for extended periods, is lightweight and convenient, and can be easily integrated with programming devices. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing a new, stylish, and structurally simplified capacitive touch-type wireless graphical programming input control handle. It eliminates the power button and outer casing, using a PCB board as the carrier. All buttons are replaced with touch dot matrix PADs directly mounted on the PCB board, utilizing Bluetooth wireless connectivity. This results in a compact, small, lightweight, and long-lasting design. All parts are exposed, creating a novel, stylish, and open design. No wiring is required during programming; paired Bluetooth connections reduce communication failures during use. The absence of cables increases the control distance and improves the overall lifespan, efficiency, and stability of the capacitive touch-type wireless graphical programming input control handle.

[0008] This utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A capacitive touch wireless graphical programmable input control handle is a thin panel-shaped control handle with directly exposed touch input contact electrodes, including a PCB circuit board, a grip and multiple touch input contact electrodes disposed on the upper part of the PCB circuit board.

[0010] The PCB circuit board is a thin circuit panel with the touch input contact electrodes directly exposed to the outside; each touch input contact electrode includes a contact electrode metal sensing area that is directly exposed to the outside; and each touch input contact electrode can be directly triggered when the user's body touches the contact electrode metal sensing area, or can be directly triggered when the user's body touches it by connecting an extension line or extension to the exposed touch input contact electrode.

[0011] The plurality of touch input contact electrodes are formed as follows: a plurality of touch dot matrix direction PADs and a plurality of touch dot matrix control PADs are disposed on the PCB circuit board;

[0012] The PCB circuit board also includes an MCU, a battery, a DC-DC converter, a crystal oscillator, and a Bluetooth antenna; the MCU, battery, DC-DC converter, crystal oscillator, Bluetooth antenna, multiple touch dot matrix direction PADs, and multiple touch dot matrix control PADs are all electrically connected through the PCB circuit board.

[0013] The PCB circuit board is also equipped with multiple LED indicator lights; all of these LED indicator lights are electrically connected to the MCU. All of these LED indicator lights are light-emitting diodes.

[0014] The MCU includes a low-power Bluetooth module, and the Bluetooth antenna is integrally printed on the PCB circuit board; the Bluetooth module is electrically connected to the Bluetooth antenna.

[0015] It should be noted that:

[0016] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly placed when the product of this utility model is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0017] The capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. This utility model simplifies the overall structural design through various structural improvements, miniaturizes the entire device, and reduces power consumption. It eliminates the power switch and outer casing, transforming the overall design into a thin panel with directly exposed touch input contact electrodes. All buttons are replaced with touch dot matrix PADs (capacitive signal sensors) directly mounted on the PCB board, resulting in a compact, small, and lightweight structure. No wiring is required during programming; paired Bluetooth connectivity reduces communication failures during use. The control distance is long, and the device is flexible, thereby improving the overall lifespan, efficiency, and stability of the capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle. The touch dot matrix direction PAD3 and touch dot matrix control PAD5 are both directly exposed touch input contact electrodes, which can be directly triggered by the user's touch, or by connecting extension lines or extensions to the exposed touch input contact electrodes for direct triggering by the user's touch.

[0019] 2. This utility model has improved the structure in many ways. It can be powered by a button battery for a long time and can be used without a shell. The thickness of the handle is greatly reduced, which reduces the overall size and weight and makes it easy to store.

[0020] 3. The present invention features a set of directional PADs and a set of control PADs, both of which are dot matrix touch sensors with no physical buttons. Each PAD contains different commands, resulting in a compact structure, convenient operation, and sensitive response.

[0021] 4. This utility model can complete the indication of different functions by designing a set of monochrome or multicolor indicator lights.

[0022] 5. This utility model improves each button from a traditional push button to a capacitive touch dot matrix PAD, extending its lifespan; it uses a low-power Bluetooth 5.4 module with a button battery, enabling thousands of hours of standby time; it eliminates the power button, simplifying the structure; and it uses a secure Bluetooth pairing connection, greatly reducing signal interference and ensuring smooth input control of graphical programming software. It can be widely used for signal input and control of various programmable electronic products such as electronic building blocks and robots. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional shape of the handle according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the handle according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the handle's rear view structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional shape of the handle with LED display according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the handle with LED display according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit components and electrical connection structure on the PCB circuit board of this utility model embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the handle addition page in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of Bluetooth search for the gamepad in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0031] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of Bluetooth pairing of the gamepad in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the control code in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the game interface in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the control code in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment;

[0035] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the game interface in the graphical programming software of this utility model embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. PCB circuit board; 2. Grip; 3. Touch dot matrix direction PAD; 4. LED indicator; 5. Touch dot matrix control PAD; 6. Connection hole; 11. Touch input contact electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] See Figures 1 to 3 The capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle provided by this utility model is a thin panel-shaped control handle with directly exposed touch input contact electrodes, including a PCB circuit board 1, a grip 2, an LED indicator 4, and multiple touch input contact electrodes 11 disposed on the upper part of the PCB circuit board 1.

[0041] The PCB circuit board 1 is a thin circuit panel with the touch input contact electrodes directly exposed to the outside; each touch input contact electrode 11 includes a contact electrode metal sensing area that is directly exposed to the outside; and each touch input contact electrode 11 can be directly triggered when the user's human body touches the contact electrode metal sensing area, or can be directly triggered when the user's human body touches it by connecting the extension line or extension of the exposed touch input contact electrode.

[0042] The plurality of touch input contact electrodes 11 are formed by: a plurality of touch dot matrix direction PAD3 and a plurality of touch dot matrix control PAD5 disposed on the PCB circuit board 1;

[0043] The PCB circuit board 1 also includes an MCU, a battery, a DC-DC converter, a crystal oscillator, and a Bluetooth antenna; the MCU, battery, DC-DC converter, crystal oscillator, Bluetooth antenna, multiple touch dot matrix direction PAD3, and multiple touch dot matrix control PAD5 are all electrically connected through the PCB circuit board 1.

[0044] This utility model features several structural improvements. The buttons have been upgraded from traditional push buttons to touch-matrix PADs, utilizing capacitive sensing signals for control. This avoids the lifespan limitations and poor contact issues associated with mechanical buttons. A low-power Bluetooth module paired with a button battery allows for thousands of hours of standby time. It requires no casing, making the product open, transparent, and innovative, eliminating the need for a mechanical power button and significantly simplifying the overall structure. Based on graphical programming software settings, Bluetooth pairing greatly reduces signal interference and significantly improves the stability of the input control handle. The touch pads used are all directly exposed touch input electrodes, which can be directly triggered by the user's touch, or by connecting extension lines or extension devices to the exposed touch input electrodes. This allows for wide application in signal input and control of various programmable electronic products.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] See Figures 4 to 5 This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1. The PCB circuit board 1 is further provided with multiple LED indicator lights 4; all of the multiple LED indicator lights 4 are electrically connected to the MCU.

[0047] Preferably, the LED indicator 4 is configured as two groups, with two LEDs in each group, and each LED indicator 4 is electrically connected to the MCU.

[0048] Preferably, the LED indicator 4 is a light-emitting diode; the light-emitting diode is a monochrome diode;

[0049] In other embodiments, the LED indicator 4 are all multi-color diodes; when the graphical programming input control handle is in operation, the two sets of multi-color diodes work together to display different patterns, including triangles, quadrilaterals, etc., which can bring a better user experience.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] See Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1. The MCU includes a low-power Bluetooth module, and the Bluetooth antenna is integrally printed with the PCB circuit board 1. The Bluetooth module is electrically connected to the Bluetooth antenna.

[0052] Preferably, the Bluetooth 5.4 module model is one of STM32WB55, STM32WB50, nRF54H20, and nRF54L15. Compared with previous Bluetooth versions, the Bluetooth 5.4 module has a significant improvement in transmission speed, lower power consumption, and stronger signal stability.

[0053] Preferably, the battery is a button cell battery, which is electrically connected to the DC-DC converter, and the button cell battery model is one of CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032.

[0054] Preferably, the DC-DC converter includes a power supply IC, one end of which is electrically connected to the battery and the other end of which is electrically connected to the MCU. The power supply IC is one of the following: BD70522GUL, SCT2325, or TPS62745DSSR.

[0055] Example 4

[0056] See Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1. The touch dot matrix direction PAD3 is set to 4, and they are arranged in a combination according to the conventional directional key arrangement. The combined shape is roughly cross-shaped. Each touch dot matrix direction PAD3 is electrically connected to the MCU and is a capacitive signal sensor.

[0057] In other embodiments, the touch dot matrix direction PAD3 can be set into four groups, corresponding to up, down, left, and right respectively, with each group including two touch dot matrix direction PAD3 with the same function, to further improve the stability of touch feedback.

[0058] Preferably, there are four touch dot matrix control PAD5s arranged symmetrically in a central configuration, and each touch dot matrix control PAD5 is electrically connected to the MCU; the number of touch dot matrix control PAD5s can be increased or defined later according to the needs of the graphical programming software.

[0059] Preferably, the touch dot matrix direction PAD3 or the touch dot matrix control PAD5 is a capacitive touch switch; both the touch dot matrix direction PAD3 and the touch dot matrix control PAD5 are provided with multiple connection holes 6 for connecting external expansion lines; preferably, two connection holes 6 are provided on the same PAD to facilitate quick connection using clips or other connectors; the capacitive touch switch is electrically connected to the MCU; the capacitive touch switch has the characteristics of low power consumption and good waterproof performance.

[0060] The specific method for connecting and communicating between various parts (workstations and processes) using the capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle provided by this utility model adopts the conventional process flow in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] Example 5

[0062] See Figures 1 to 13 This example demonstrates a graphical programming input control test based on the above embodiments. The graphical programming software used is the existing tdprogram programming software (https: / / tdprogram.td-robot.com / v2 / index.html). After entering the tdprogram programming software main page, see... Figure 7 Locate the controller addition page in the graphical programming software, click to begin the controller's Bluetooth search process, see [link / reference]. Figure 8 If the match is successful, the pairing process can be completed by clicking; alternatively, the pairing process can be initiated during the programming phase, see [link to documentation]. Figure 9 Once paired successfully, the input control handle can be used to perform operations such as moving, selecting, canceling, and confirming.

[0063] Example 6

[0064] See Figures 10 to 11 This example utilizes graphical programming based on the above embodiments. It implements a programming game control for the astronaut's return to the capsule. This embodiment can use a game controller or connect an external dance mat. The directional keys on the dance mat are connected to the directional keys on the touch dot matrix PAD3. By quickly moving around on the dance mat, the game can be controlled, further enhancing the fun of programming. This embodiment also adds a "loudness" code block, allowing users to experience the movement process through different volume controls. This embodiment cleverly transforms program control into a dance mat control mode, broadening the possibilities for diverse interactive operations.

[0065] Example 7

[0066] See Figures 12 to 13 This example utilizes graphical programming based on the above embodiments to implement the game control of the "Dodge Master" program. This embodiment recommends using a touch-matrix PAD3 connected to an external dance mat mode. In this embodiment, stepping on the up button on the dance mat allows for jumping to dodge, while stepping on the down button allows for crouching to dodge, increasing the game's fun and providing a greater physical activity, thus promoting exercise. This embodiment also includes a mechanic where the character dodges obstacles and slides down, enhancing the game's interactivity and challenge. A coin generation mechanism and scoring system are added to stimulate players' desire to explore and their sense of accomplishment. The game ends when an obstacle is hit, standardizing the game flow and ending settings.

[0067] In summary, this utility model achieves several structural improvements. The buttons are upgraded from traditional push buttons to touch-matrix PADs, utilizing capacitive sensing signals for control, thus avoiding the lifespan limitations and poor contact issues associated with mechanical buttons. A low-power Bluetooth module paired with a button battery allows for thousands of hours of standby time. It requires no casing, making the product open, transparent, and innovative, eliminating the mechanical power button and significantly simplifying the overall structure. Based on graphical programming software settings, Bluetooth pairing greatly reduces signal interference and significantly improves the stability of the input control handle. The touch pads used are all directly exposed touch input electrodes, which can be directly triggered by the user's touch, or by connecting extension lines or extension devices to the exposed touch input electrodes, allowing for direct triggering by the user's touch. This design can be widely used in various programmable electronic products. Input and control; powered by a button battery for extended periods; significantly reduced handle thickness, lowering overall size and weight for easy storage; features a set of directional pads and a set of control pads, both with dot-matrix touch sensors, eliminating physical buttons; each pad contains different commands, resulting in a compact structure, convenient operation, and sensitive response; a set of single-color or multi-color indicator lights provides indication of different functions; buttons have been upgraded from traditional push-buttons to touch-matrix pads, extending their lifespan; a low-power Bluetooth 5.4 module paired with a button battery allows for thousands of hours of standby time; the mechanical power button has been eliminated, simplifying the overall structure; secure Bluetooth pairing greatly reduces signal interference, extends control distance, and ensures smooth input and control of graphical programming software, making it widely applicable to signal input and control of various programmable electronic products such as electronic building blocks and robots.

[0068] The applicant has conducted multiple graphical programming teaching application tests on the prototype of the capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle of this utility model under confidential conditions. Actual tests were also conducted in some internal graphical programming teaching classes. The actual tests showed that the average standby time of the capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle was no less than 2000 hours, and the average teaching usage time was no less than 500 hours. The capacitive touch wireless graphical programming input control handle of this utility model has a fast response speed, a moderate control distance, and a reliable and stable connection. The touch dot matrix PAD is sensitive and operates stably and reliably, ensuring the accuracy of input results and improving the efficiency of programming teaching.

[0069] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model; any substitutions and improvements made without departing from the concept of this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle, characterized in that, It is a thin panel-shaped control handle with directly exposed touch input contact electrodes, including a PCB circuit board (1), a grip (2) located on the upper part of the PCB circuit board (1), and multiple touch input contact electrodes (11). The PCB circuit board (1) is a thin circuit panel with the touch input contact electrodes directly exposed to the outside; each touch input contact electrode (11) includes a contact electrode metal sensing area directly exposed to the outside; and each touch input contact electrode (11) can be directly triggered when the user's human body touches the contact electrode metal sensing area, or can be directly triggered when the user's human body touches it by connecting the extension line or extension of the exposed touch input contact electrode. The plurality of touch input contact electrodes (11) are formed as: a plurality of touch dot matrix direction PADs (3) and a plurality of touch dot matrix control PADs (5) disposed on the PCB circuit board (1); The PCB circuit board (1) also includes an MCU, a battery, a DC-DC converter, a crystal oscillator, and a Bluetooth antenna; the MCU, battery, DC-DC converter, crystal oscillator, Bluetooth antenna, multiple touch dot matrix direction PADs (3), and multiple touch dot matrix control PADs (5) are all electrically connected through the PCB circuit board (1).

2. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB circuit board (1) is also provided with multiple LED indicator lights (4); all of the multiple LED indicator lights (4) are electrically connected to the MCU.

3. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 2, characterized in that, All of the multiple LED indicator lights (4) are light-emitting diodes.

4. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MCU includes a low-power Bluetooth module, and the Bluetooth antenna is integrally printed with the PCB circuit board (1); the Bluetooth module is electrically connected to the Bluetooth antenna.

5. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The Bluetooth module is a Bluetooth 5.4 module, and its model is one of STM32WB55, STM32WB50, nRF54H20, or nRF54L15.

6. The touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery is a button cell battery, which is electrically connected to the DC-DC converter. The button cell battery model is one of CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032.

7. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DC-DC converter includes a power supply IC, one end of which is electrically connected to the battery and the other end of which is electrically connected to the MCU. The power supply IC model is one of BD70522GUL, SCT2325, or TPS62745DSSR.

8. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch dot matrix direction PAD (3) is set to 4, and each touch dot matrix direction PAD (3) is electrically connected to the MCU.

9. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are four touch dot matrix control PADs (5) arranged symmetrically in a central position, and each touch dot matrix control PAD (5) is electrically connected to the MCU.

10. The capacitive touch-sensitive wireless graphical programmable input control handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch dot matrix direction PAD (3) or touch dot matrix control PAD (5) is a capacitive touch switch; the touch dot matrix direction PAD (3) or touch dot matrix control PAD (5) is provided with multiple connection holes (6) for connecting external expansion lines; each capacitive touch switch is electrically connected to the MCU.

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