Input device and electronic device
By using the magnetic connection and intelligent mapping mechanism of multifunctional components, the inefficiency and flexibility of traditional human-computer interaction methods are solved, achieving efficient and personalized input control, and improving creative efficiency and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Traditional human-computer interaction methods are difficult to meet the high-precision, multi-tasking needs of creators in terms of efficiency and flexibility. Complex operation processes affect creative efficiency and increase the learning burden on users.
An input device is provided, comprising multiple functional components, each having an operating area and a connection part, which are connected by magnetic attraction or plug-in connection, supporting multiple operating modes, and realizing intelligent mapping from input actions to target instructions in conjunction with a configuration unit.
It achieves flexible function combinations, adapts to diverse creative processes, improves operational efficiency and user experience, and avoids the functional deficiencies or redundancy issues of traditional peripherals.
Smart Images

Figure CN224287486U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and more particularly to an input device and an electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional human-computer interaction methods are no longer sufficient to meet creators' demands for high precision and multitasking in terms of efficiency and flexibility. Complex operation processes not only affect creative efficiency but also negatively impact user experience, especially hindering the skill development of novice users. To address this, the industry has attempted to optimize the interaction experience by introducing auxiliary input devices with keyboard shortcuts. However, these devices either fail to meet user needs due to insufficient number or variety of buttons, or are redundant due to an excessive number of buttons. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solutions:
[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an input device, comprising: at least two functional components, each functional component having an operating surface including at least one operating area for receiving input actions from an object; a first connecting portion disposed on the side wall of the functional component and signal-connected to the operating area, wherein each functional component is provided with at least one first connecting portion, and the functional components can be arbitrarily interconnected through the first connecting portions disposed on the side walls of the functional components; and a configuration unit for converting the input actions of each functional component into target instructions in target software or target device, and transmitting the target instructions to the target software or target device to realize the control of the target software or target device by the input actions.
[0005] In some modified embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the functional component includes one or more of the following: a first functional component, the operating area of which is provided with at least one knob and / or at least one push button; a second functional component, the operating area of which is provided with at least one toggle switch that can slide relative to its operating surface; and a third functional component, the operating area of which is provided with a touch screen.
[0006] In some embodiments, the configuration unit includes a memory having a mapping table that associates an input action received by an operation area with one or more target instructions of a target device, or associates input actions received by multiple operation areas with a target instruction of a target device.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first connection portion includes: a magnetic suction member disposed on the side wall, wherein two adjacent functional components are detachably connected by the magnetic suction member; and a conductive portion disposed on the side wall where the magnetic suction member is located, which includes a plurality of elastic contacts, wherein the plurality of elastic contacts of two adjacent functional components correspond one-to-one and contact each other to realize an electrical connection between the two adjacent functional components.
[0008] In some embodiments, the functional component is provided with a communication module for signal connection between the functional component and the target device.
[0009] In some embodiments, the input device further includes a prompting element disposed on the functional element, and the prompting element is capable of having different first states and second states based on the connection state of the first connection portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, at least one first connecting portion is used to connect to the target device and protrudes from the sidewall of the functional component in which it is located.
[0011] In some embodiments, the input device further includes: the functional component having an extension component, the interface of which is exposed on the outer surface of the functional component for electrical connection with an external device.
[0012] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, comprising: a device body having a second connecting portion; an input device comprising: at least two functional components, each functional component having an operating surface including at least one operating area for receiving input actions from a target; a first connecting portion disposed on the side wall of the functional component and signal-connected to the operating area, each functional component having at least one first connecting portion, the functional components being arbitrarily interconnected through the first connecting portions disposed on the side walls of the functional components, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion being adapted to enable the input device to be detachably connected to the device body; and a configuration unit for converting the input actions of each functional component into target instructions in target software or target device, and transmitting the target instructions to the target software or target device to realize the control of the target software or target device by the input actions.
[0013] In some modified embodiments of the second aspect of this application, the number of second connecting parts is multiple, and the second connecting parts can be provided on any side wall of the device body. Attached Figure Description
[0014] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of this application are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, with the same or corresponding reference numerals denoteing the same or corresponding parts, wherein:
[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the working state of an input device provided in this application is shown.
[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the working state of another input device provided in this application is shown.
[0017] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of the first functional component of an input device provided in this application is shown.
[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second functional component of an input device provided in this application is shown.
[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third functional component of an input device provided in this application is shown.
[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another first functional component of an input device provided in this application is shown.
[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the target device provided in this application is shown.
[0022] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0023] 1. Functional component; 11. Operating surface; 12. Operating area; 2. First connecting part; 21. Conductive part; 22. Magnetic component; 3. Indicator; 4. Target device; 41. Second connecting part; 5. First functional component; 51. Knob; 52. Button; 6. Second functional component; 61. Toggle switch; 7. Third functional component; 71. Touch screen. Detailed Implementation
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.
[0026] It should be noted that in the description of this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure; the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0027] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0028] The inventors discovered that, to improve operational efficiency, various application software typically pre-set multiple keyboard shortcuts to allow users to quickly activate frequently used commands. For example, in Photoshop, users can quickly open the hue adjustment menu using the shortcut Ctrl+U, which is particularly useful for visual creators who need to frequently adjust colors. However, as the number of keyboard shortcuts in software increases, memorizing these combinations becomes difficult, and most shortcuts cannot be customized. Complex shortcuts (such as Ctrl+Tab+H) can also cause hand gesture discomfort. Furthermore, even software developed by the same company (such as Photoshop and Illustrator in the Adobe suite) has different keyboard shortcut systems, increasing the learning and memorization burden on users. To solve this problem, some small peripheral keyboards with customizable keys and knobs have appeared on the market. However, these peripherals often suffer from insufficient or excessive keys, making it difficult to accurately match the actual needs of users.
[0029] Reference Appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 6The first aspect of this application provides an input device, comprising: at least two functional components 1, each functional component 1 having an operation surface 11 including at least one operation area 12 for receiving input actions from an object; a first connecting portion 2 disposed on the side wall of the functional component 1 and signal-connected to the operation area 12, wherein each functional component 1 is provided with at least one first connecting portion 2, and the functional components 1 can be arbitrarily interconnected through the first connecting portions 2 disposed on the side wall of the functional component 1; and a configuration unit for converting the input actions of each functional component 1 into target instructions in target software or target device 4, and transmitting the target instructions to the target software or target device 4 to realize the control of the target software or target device 4 by the input actions.
[0030] In some possible cases, the input device is applied to electronic devices including, but not limited to, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. The input device includes at least two functional components 1, the number of which can be arbitrary, such as 2, 3, or 5. Functional components 1 are the core components of the input device and can be independent small control modules, such as: a button module providing physical buttons that support multiple triggering methods such as single click, double click, and long press; a knob module allowing users to adjust parameters such as volume and brightness by rotation; and supporting functions such as swiping, clicking, and gesture recognition. Each functional component 1 has at least one operating surface 11, and there can be multiple operating surfaces 11 on each functional component 1, such as one operating surface 11 on each of the two adjacent sidewalls of a functional component 1, or one operating surface 11 on each of the four sidewalls of a functional component 1. The operating surface 11 has one or more operating areas 12, which can be any one or more combinations of touchpads, physical buttons, rotary encoders, pressure-sensitive areas, and gesture recognition areas, used to receive user input actions. Input actions are the specific operations performed by the user on the operation area 12 of the functional component 1, and are the core method of interaction between the user and the device. Input actions are recognized by the device through different touch, pressing, rotation, and other methods, and are converted into corresponding digital signals, ultimately mapped to specific instructions or functions in the software or the target device. Examples include: single tap, double tap, long press, finger swipe, multi-touch, etc.
[0031] Each functional component 1 has at least one first connecting part 2 on its side wall for physical connection and signal transmission with other functional components 1. Functional components 1 can be connected via the first connecting parts 2 in the form of magnetic or pluggable interfaces to form linear arrangements, ring layouts, or polygonal structures, thus completing the mechanical and signal connections between them. After connection, all functional components 1 can share power and data channels. Multiple functional components 1 can be combined to achieve mechanical and signal connections with the target device 4 through the first connecting part 2 of one of the functional components 1, or multiple functional components 1 can each achieve wireless Bluetooth connections with the target device 4 through their own first connecting parts 2.
[0032] The configuration unit, used for signal mapping and instruction conversion, converts the input actions of each functional component 1 into target instructions for the target software or target device 4. Specifically, the configuration unit receives operation signals from functional components 1 (e.g., button press, knob rotation, sliding, etc.), converts the input actions into control instructions recognizable by the corresponding target software or target device 4 according to preset or user-defined mapping rules, and sends these instructions to the target device, thereby controlling the target software or target device 4. Each functional component 1 can be equipped with a configuration unit to convert its operation actions into target instructions. Alternatively, a configuration unit can be set on one or more functional components 1. Multiple functional components 1 are signal-connected via the first connection part 2. The input actions, i.e., the operation signals, are concentrated in one or more functional components 1 for conversion, and then the converted target instructions are transmitted through the functional components 1 connected to the target device 4 or target software. Target instructions include, but are not limited to, continuous parameter adjustment instructions, numerical range selection instructions, and switch trigger instructions. Target software includes, but is not limited to, Photoshop, Premiere, etc.
[0033] A mapping rule can be a pre-defined or user-defined logical relationship that defines which software command or system function should be triggered by a specific input action (e.g., pressing a button 52 or rotating a knob 51) in a specific context. Mapping rules include the input source, such as function 1. Mapping rules also include the input action, such as rotation, long press, or single click. Mapping rules can include trigger conditions, such as the long press pressure reaching a preset value. Mapping rules can include the context, such as Photoshop mode or Premiere mode. Mapping rules can include the target command and the desired effect, such as Ctrl+"+" (zoom in), Ctrl+Z (undo), or Ctrl+T (free transform tool).
[0034] This application utilizes multiple freely combinable functional components 1, each with different types of operating areas 12 (such as buttons, knobs 51, touchpad areas, etc.). Users can select and combine the required functional components 1 according to specific operational needs. The functional components 1 are physically connected and transmit signals through a first connecting part 2 on the side wall. The configuration unit intelligently maps input actions according to the current application scenario. This input device avoids the functional deficiencies or operational inconveniences caused by fixed key layouts in traditional peripherals, as well as the redundancy and operational interference caused by excessive functionality. Furthermore, by cooperating with the configuration unit for instruction mapping, it achieves a flexible balance between functional coverage and ease of use.
[0035] In some modified embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the functional component 1 includes one or more of the following: a first functional component 5, whose operating area 12 is provided with at least one knob 51 and / or at least one push button 52; a second functional component 6, whose operating area 12 is provided with at least one toggle 61 that can slide relative to its operating surface 11; and a third functional component 7, whose operating area 12 is provided with a touch display screen 71.
[0036] In some possible cases, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the functional component 1 can be of any shape, such as rectangle, circle, arc, etc. The functional components 1 are physically connected and transmit signals through the first connecting part 2 located on the side wall. For example, multiple functional components 1 can be connected sequentially along a straight line to form a "one-line" structure; or two functional components 1 can be connected at 90°; or multiple functional components 1 can be connected end-to-end around a central point to form a closed-loop structure, etc. The functional component 1 may include one or more of the first functional component 5, second functional component 6, and third functional component 7. The quantity of each functional component 1 can be selected according to user needs. For example, the input device may include one first functional component 5 and two second functional components 6; or the input device may include two first functional components 5 and two third functional components 7, etc. The operating area 12 of the first functional component 5 may be provided with at least one knob 51 and / or at least one push-button 52, such as: its operating area 12 has one knob 51 and one push-button 52, or its operating area 12 has two knobs 51; or its operating area 12 has two push-buttons 52, etc. The first functional component 5 can be used for adjusting parameters (such as volume, brush size, saturation, etc.) or quickly triggering commands (such as undo, confirm, etc.). For example, knob 51 can be used to adjust image hue, and button 52 can be used to switch tool groups. The second functional component 6 has an operation area 12 with at least one dial 61 that can slide relative to its operation surface 11. Users can perform continuous adjustment operations by sliding the dial 61 horizontally or vertically, such as adjusting the timeline position, controlling layer transparency, adjusting audio track volume, etc., which has intuitive and efficient operation characteristics. The third functional component 7 has an operation area 12 with a touch screen 71 that supports multiple interaction methods such as clicking, swiping, and gesture recognition. It can not only serve as a multi-functional operation area, but also dynamically display interface information (such as current mode, shortcut key prompts, status feedback, etc.), improving the visualization and intelligence level of human-computer interaction. Multiple functional components 1 are physically connected and interconnected through the first connecting part 2 set on the side wall. Users can freely combine them according to their own workflow needs to build a personalized input control panel.
[0037] In some embodiments, the configuration unit includes a memory containing a mapping table that associates an input action received by an operation area 12 with one or more target instructions of the target device 4, or associates input actions received by multiple operation areas 12 with a target instruction of the target device 4.
[0038] In some cases, the configuration unit includes a memory for storing preset or user-defined mapping tables, i.e., mapping rules. The mapping table can associate an input action received by an operation area 12 with a target instruction from the target device 4. For example, if the input action is pressing a key, the corresponding target instruction is Ctrl+A (select all). The mapping table can associate an input action received by an operation area 12 with multiple target instructions from the target device 4. For example, if the input action is pressing and holding knob 51 for 2 seconds, the corresponding target instruction is Ctrl+A (select all) + Ctrl+C (copy). The mapping table can associate multiple input actions received by operation areas 12 with a single target instruction from the target device 4. For example, if the input action is rotating knob 51 clockwise one full turn or rotating knob 51 counterclockwise one full turn, the corresponding target instruction is Ctrl+"+" (zoom in on the canvas). Both physical buttons on different functional components 1 can be set to trigger a "confirm" operation (Enter key), or different gesture actions can trigger the "partial redraw" function in the AI painting tool.
[0039] The configuration unit can dynamically load corresponding mapping rules based on the current usage scenario (such as image processing, video editing, AI creation, etc.), enabling precise control over the target software. Simultaneously, users can edit and update the mapping table through the accompanying software to meet personalized operation needs. This flexible mapping mechanism not only improves the adaptability and intelligence of input devices but also effectively solves problems such as the fixed functions of traditional peripherals and their difficulty in matching diverse creative workflows.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first connection part 2 includes: a magnetic suction member 22 disposed on the side wall, wherein two adjacent functional components 1 are detachably connected by the magnetic suction member 22; and a conductive part 21 disposed on the side wall where the magnetic suction member 22 is located, which includes a plurality of elastic contacts, wherein the plurality of elastic contacts of two adjacent functional components 1 correspond one-to-one and contact each other to realize the electrical connection between the two adjacent functional components 1.
[0041] In some possible cases, such as Figures 3-6As shown, the first connecting part 2 may include a magnetic suction element 22 and a conductive part 21. The magnetic suction element 22 and the conductive part 21 can be encapsulated together in a structural unit to form a composite connection interface; or the magnetic suction element 22 and the conductive part 21 can be respectively disposed in different areas of the functional component 1. The magnetic suction element 22 is used to achieve mechanical adsorption, while the conductive part 21 is solely responsible for electrical signal transmission. The magnetic suction element 22 is disposed on the side wall of the functional component 1 to achieve mechanical adsorption and positioning connection between two adjacent functional components 1. The magnetic suction element 22 can be a combination of materials with mutual adsorption capabilities, such as permanent magnets, electromagnets, or magnetic metal sheets. Through magnetic attraction, users can quickly assemble multiple functional components 1 into the required layout (such as linear arrangement, ring structure, etc.) and ensure that the structure is stable and not easily detached after assembly. At the same time, the magnetic connection method supports quick assembly and disassembly, making it easy to flexibly adjust the form of the input device according to the usage scenario. The conductive part 21 can also be disposed on the side wall of the functional component 1 and can be located on the same side as or adjacent to the magnetic suction element 22. The conductive part 21 may include multiple elastic contacts, which can be arranged in an array or symmetrically, possessing good conductivity and elastic reset capability. When two functional components 1 are tightly attached by the magnetic attraction member 22, the elastic contacts in their corresponding conductive parts 21 correspond and contact one-to-one, thereby forming a stable electrical connection path. This electrical connection not only provides a power transmission channel between the functional components 1, but also enables data communication (such as transmitting operation signals, status feedback information, etc.). The arrangement of the elastic contacts ensures that good contact is maintained even after multiple insertions and removals, improving the durability and stability of the device.
[0042] The first connecting part 2 structure provided in this embodiment achieves mechanical connection through the magnetic suction part 22 and realizes electrical signal transmission through the elastic contacts in the conductive part 21. This allows multiple functional components 1 to be firmly connected and efficiently interconnected, thereby constructing a highly modular, easily expandable, and conveniently operated intelligent input device.
[0043] In some embodiments, the functional component 1 is provided with a communication module for signal connection between the functional component 1 and the target device 4.
[0044] In some possible scenarios, one functional component 1 of the input device may be equipped with a communication module. Other functional components 1 can be connected to this functional component 1 via a first connecting part 2 and can communicate uniformly through it. This functional component 1 can receive operation signals from all functional components 1 and send them to the target device 4 (such as a computer, AI platform, etc.). Additionally, each functional component 1 can integrate an independent communication module. Functional components 1 can be physically connected or operate wirelessly independently. Each functional component 1 can establish a connection with the target device 4 independently (such as Bluetooth point-to-point communication). Functional components 1 are physically connected and share power through the first connecting part 2. Communication paths can be independent, and each functional component 1 communicates directly with the host, forming a distributed control interface. Multiple functional components 1 can work in parallel, avoiding data aggregation delays. The communication module may include one or more of the following components: wireless communication unit: such as Bluetooth module, Wi-Fi module, ZigBee, etc.; wired communication interface: such as USB Type-C interface, Micro USB interface, HDMI interface, etc.; data processing unit: used for encoding, encrypting, and protocol converting input actions; power management unit: used for power supply control and energy consumption optimization.
[0045] In some embodiments, the input device further includes a prompting element 3 disposed on the functional element 1, and the prompting element 3 is capable of having different first states and second states based on the connection state of the first connecting part 2.
[0046] In some possible cases, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, each functional component 1 or part of the functional components 1 may be equipped with a prompting component 3. The prompting component 3 can be used to provide feedback to the user on the operation status or connection status. Its form can be of various types depending on the functional requirements, such as: LED light, LED light strip, OLED display, buzzer, miniature speaker, vibration motor, linear actuator, LED + sound prompt synchronous feedback, etc. On the first functional component 5, the prompting component 3 can be an LED light strip, surrounding the knob 51, and the length of the light strip can be changed according to the rotation of the knob 51. Alternatively, the prompting component 3 can be set on the button 52. On the second functional component 6, the prompting component 3 can be an LED light strip, which can be set on its operating surface 11, and the length of the light strip can be changed according to the movement of the toggle switch 61. On the third functional component 7, the prompting component 3 can be integrated into the touch display screen 71.
[0047] The indicator 3 can be used to provide feedback on the connection status of the first connecting part 2. When two functional components 1 are connected via the first connecting part 2 (e.g., magnetic attraction + elastic contact): if the physical adsorption is in place and the electrical signal conduction is normal, the indicator 3 enters the first state (e.g., solid green). If it is not fully attached or has poor contact, the indicator 3 enters the second state (e.g., flashing red). The indicator 3 can also be used to provide feedback on the connection status of the communication module. When functional component 1 supports wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth): if it has been successfully paired and communication established, the indicator 3 displays a blue light; if it has not been paired or the connection is lost, the indicator 3 emits an audible alert or the light strip flashes. The indicator 3 can also be used to provide feedback on the working mode or battery status of functional component 1. When functional component 1 enters different operating modes (e.g., AI painting mode, video editing mode), the indicator 3 can switch colors to distinguish them; when functional component 1 has low battery, the indicator 3 triggers a low battery warning (e.g., flashing yellow light); users can quickly understand whether functional component 1 is currently available or needs charging through the indicator 3. By setting up prompts 3, visual, auditory, or tactile feedback can help users quickly determine whether functional component 1 is connected correctly, improving operational efficiency and avoiding operational interruptions caused by poor connections. This is especially suitable for complex splicing scenarios.
[0048] In some embodiments, at least one first connecting portion 2 is used to connect the target device 4 and protrudes from the side wall of the functional component 1 in which it is located.
[0049] In some possible cases, such as Figure 6 As shown, at least one first connecting part 2 is used to connect to the target device 4 (such as a computer, tablet, AI creation terminal, etc.), and the connecting part protrudes outward from the side wall of the functional component 1 to facilitate user identification and operation. One first connecting part 2 on one of the functional components 1 is used to connect to the target device 4, or each functional component 1 has a first connecting part for connecting to the target device 4.
[0050] In some embodiments, the input device further includes: the functional component 1 is provided with an extension component, the interface of which is exposed on the outer surface of the functional component 1 for electrical connection with an external device.
[0051] In some possible scenarios, expansion components can take the form of integrated interfaces, modular expansion slots, or all-in-one docking stations. These interfaces can be of various types, including data transmission interfaces, video output interfaces, audio interfaces, network communication interfaces, and power interfaces. Each functional component 1 can have one or more interfaces. These interfaces can be used to electrically connect to external devices (such as USB flash drives, headphones, monitors, networks, etc.). Functional component 1 itself can also connect to the target device 4 (such as a computer, AI platform, etc.) via the first connection part 2 or a communication module. Therefore, external devices can ultimately establish a connection with the target device 4 through functional component 1 as an intermediary. By setting up expansion components, the functional expansion capabilities of input devices are enhanced, allowing users to flexibly connect various peripherals according to actual needs. It also simplifies external cable layout, enhances the synergy and compatibility between devices, and improves the maintainability and upgradeability of the devices through modular structure, significantly improving ease of operation, flexibility of use, and overall user experience.
[0052] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, comprising: a device body having a second connection portion 41; an input device comprising: at least two functional components 1, each functional component 1 having an operating surface 11 including at least one operating area 12 for receiving input actions of a target; a first connection portion 2 disposed on the side wall of the functional component 1 and signal-connected to the operating area 12, wherein each functional component 1 is provided with at least one first connection portion 2, and the functional components 1 can be arbitrarily interconnected through the first connection portions 2 disposed on the side walls of the functional components 1, and the first connection portion 2 is adapted to the second connection portion 41 so that the input device can be detachably connected to the device body; and a configuration unit for converting the input actions of each functional component 1 into target instructions in target software or target device 4, and transmitting the target instructions to the target software or target device 4 to realize the control of the target software or target device 4 by the input actions.
[0053] In some possible cases, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7As shown, the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, laptops, mobile phones, digital drawing tablets, and other electronic devices. The device body can be the main structure of the electronic device, and at least one second connecting part 41 can be provided on one side frame. The second connecting part 41 can be a composite structure of a magnetic suction member 22 adapted to the first connecting part 2 and an elastic conductive contact. In addition, when the first connecting part 2 is a protruding structure protruding from the surface of the functional component 1, the second connecting part 41 can be integrated into the groove of the device body to cooperate with the protruding first connecting part 2 to quickly and accurately align the functional component 1 with the target device 4. The electronic device provided in this application sets multiple freely combinable functional components 1, each functional component 1 has different types of operating areas 12 (such as buttons, knobs 51, touchpads, etc.). Users can select and assemble the required functional components 1 according to specific operating needs. The functional components 1 are physically connected and transmit signals through the first connecting part 2 on the side wall. The configuration unit intelligently maps the input actions according to the current application scenario. This input device avoids the functional deficiencies or operational inconveniences caused by the fixed key layout of traditional peripherals, as well as the redundancy and operational interference caused by excessive functions. In conjunction with the configuration unit for instruction mapping, it achieves a flexible balance between functional coverage and ease of use.
[0054] In some modified embodiments of the second aspect of this application, the number of second connecting portions 41 is multiple, and the second connecting portions 41 can be provided on any side wall of the device body.
[0055] In some possible cases, the device body has multiple second connection parts 41, which can be located on any side wall of the device body. For example, if the device body has second connection parts 41 on both the left and right sides, one or more functional components 1 can be connected to the second connection part 41 on the left side of the device body via the first connection part 2, and one or more functional components 1 can be connected to the second connection part 41 on the right side of the device body via the first connection part 2. This configuration improves the connection flexibility between the input device and the device body, and also enhances the user's ability to personalize the configuration during use. By setting multiple adapter interfaces on different sides of the device body, users can freely connect each functional component 1 to any available position on the device body according to their own operating habits and task requirements, thereby constructing an efficient, intuitive, and ergonomic distributed control interface.
[0056] It should be noted that in the description of this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure; the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0057] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An input device, characterized in that, include: At least two functional components, each of which has an operating surface including at least one operating area for receiving input actions from an object; A first connecting part is disposed on the side wall of the functional component and is signal-connected to the operation area. Each functional component is provided with at least one first connecting part, and the functional components can be arbitrarily connected to each other through the first connecting part disposed on the side wall of the functional component. The configuration unit is used to convert the input actions of each functional component into target instructions in the target software or target device, and transmit the target instructions to the target software or target device to realize the control of the target software or target device by the input actions.
2. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional components include one or more of the following: The first functional component has at least one knob and / or at least one push button in its operating area; The second functional component has at least one toggle switch that can slide relative to its operating surface in its operating area. The third functional component has a touch screen display in its operating area.
3. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration unit includes: The memory contains a mapping table that associates an input action received by one of the operation areas with one or more target instructions of the target device, or associates input actions received by multiple operation areas with a single target instruction of the target device.
4. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting part includes: A magnetic suction element is provided on the side wall, and two adjacent functional components are detachably connected through the magnetic suction element. A conductive part is disposed on the side wall where the magnetic attractor is located. It includes multiple elastic contacts, and the multiple elastic contacts of two adjacent functional parts correspond to and contact each other to realize the electrical connection between the two adjacent functional parts.
5. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional component is equipped with a communication module for signal connection between the functional component and the target device.
6. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A prompting element is disposed on the functional element, and the prompting element can have different first states and second states based on the connection state of the first connecting part.
7. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first connecting portions is used to connect to the target device and protrudes from the side wall of the functional component in which it is located.
8. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The functional component is provided with an expansion component, the interface of which is exposed on the outer surface of the functional component for electrical connection with external devices.
9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The device body has a second connecting part; Input device, comprising: At least two functional components, each of which has an operating surface including at least one operating area for receiving input actions from an object; A first connecting part is disposed on the side wall of the functional component and is signal-connected to the operation area. Each functional component is provided with at least one first connecting part. The functional components can be arbitrarily connected to each other through the first connecting part disposed on the side wall of the functional component. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are adapted to enable the input device to be detachably connected to the device body. The configuration unit is used to convert the input actions of each functional component into target instructions in the target software or target device, and transmit the target instructions to the target software or target device to realize the control of the target software or target device by the input actions.
10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of the second connecting parts is multiple, and the second connecting parts can be provided on any side wall of the device body.