Sensor module, key switch structure, and control method for key switch

Abstract

We provide a sensor module that can simplify the circuit configuration of a keyboard. [Solution] The sensor module 110 comprises a magnetic sensor 2 and a first controller 1 connected to the magnetic sensor. The first controller comprises a first circuit element 11, a second circuit element 12, and a memory 14. The first circuit element is configured to adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor, and the second circuit element is configured to control the drive of the light-emitting element 120. The memory contains first data for adjusting the output signal from the magnetic sensor and second data used for controlling the light-emitting element. The first controller is configured to receive the output signal from the magnetic sensor and perform a first process to adjust the output signal based on the first data and a second process to control the light-emitting element based on the second data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor module, a key switch structure, and a method for controlling a key switch.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a keyboard incorporating a light emitter, such as a gaming keyboard. For example, CN21670381U discloses a keyboard including an LED driving circuit and a key detection module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a sensor module that can simplify the circuit configuration of a keyboard by integrating a sensor for key detection and a driver for driving a light emitter into one controller.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure provides the following description.

[0006] A sensor module according to the first embodiment comprises a magnetic sensor and a first controller connected to the magnetic sensor. The first controller comprises a first circuit element, a second circuit element, and a memory. The first circuit element is configured to adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor. The second circuit element is configured to control the driving of a light-emitting element. The memory has first data for adjusting the output signal from the magnetic sensor and second data used for controlling the light-emitting element. The first controller is configured to receive the output signal from the magnetic sensor and perform a first process of adjusting the output signal based on the first data, and a second process of controlling the light-emitting element based on the second data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sensor module according to the above embodiment can simplify the circuit configuration of the keyboard. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a keyboard according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a part of the key switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the key switch when it is replaced according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram schematically representing the data stored in the memory of the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the gain correction using the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the offset correction using the sensor module according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. For the sake of clarity, some drawings used in the following description may be enlarged, and the dimensional ratios of the components may differ from those of the actual objects. The materials, dimensions, etc., exemplified in the following description are examples only, and this disclosure is not limited to them. It is possible to modify and implement these examples as appropriate, within the scope of achieving the effects of this disclosure.

[0010] For the sake of explanation, the directions are defined as follows: The direction in which the main substrate 140 extends is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the XY plane of the main substrate 140 is defined as the Z direction.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a keyboard 200 according to this embodiment. The keyboard 200 comprises, for example, at least one key switch 100, a main board 140, and a controller 150. The keyboard 200 is an example of a key switch structure.

[0012] The main board 140 is configured to accommodate the key switches 100. The material, structure, size, etc. of the main board 140 are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the specifications required for the keyboard 200.

[0013] Controller 150 is a microcontroller (MCU) responsible for controlling the keyboard 200. Controller 150 may be composed of hardware including circuit elements such as integrated circuits. Controller 150 may be configured to execute software (specifically, instructions that constitute the software) using such hardware. Controller 150 is an example of a second controller. Controller 150 is configured to communicate signals to each of the key switches 100. Controller 150 is connected to the key switches 100, for example, by communication lines.

[0014] The key switch 100 may be a single unit or a multiple unit, as illustrated in Figure 1. Each key switch 100 corresponds to a key on the keyboard 200. Each key switch 100 is connected to the controller 150. Each key switch 100 may be serially connected to the controller 150. Alternatively, multiple serially connected key switches 100 may be connected in parallel to the controller 150. Depending on the specifications required for the keyboard 200, at least some of the key switches 100 may be connected in parallel to the controller 150.

[0015] Each key switch 100 comprises, for example, a sensor module 110, a light-emitting element 120, and a keytop 130. Note that Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrative purposes, and the arrangement of the sensor module 110 and light-emitting element 120 is not limited to this. Also, for the sake of clarity, only the outer frame of the keytop 130 is depicted so that the arrangement of the sensor module 110 and light-emitting element 120 is visible.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one key switch 100 of the keyboard 200 according to the present embodiment. The sensor module 110 and the light emitter 120 are fixed to the main substrate 140. The arrangement position of the sensor module 110 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected in consideration of the positional relationship between the light emitter 120 and the magnetic field generator 134 described later. For example, in the case of the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor module 110 is arranged on the upper surface side of the main substrate 140 (the side where the key top 130 is arranged), but the sensor module 110 may be arranged on the back surface side of the main substrate 140. Similarly, in the case of the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2, the light emitter 120 is arranged on the upper surface side of the main substrate 140 (the side where the key top 130 is arranged), but the light emitter 120 may be arranged on the back surface side of the main substrate 140. When the light emitter 120 is arranged on the back surface side of the main substrate 140, an optical path such as an opening or a light guide plate may be provided on the main substrate 140 so that the main substrate 140 does not block the light generated from the light emitter 120.

[0017] The key top 130 may be configured to be detachable or fixed to the main substrate 140, for example. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when the key top 130 is detached in an aspect where the key top 130 is configured to be detachable from the main substrate 140. The key top 130 can be fixed to the main substrate 140, for example, by fitting it into the housing plate 135. The fixing method between the key top 130 and the main substrate 140 is not limited to this case and is not particularly limited.

[0018] The key top 130 has a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The first portion 131 may be configured to be detachably fixed to the main substrate 140, for example. The second portion 132 is movable in the Z direction with respect to the first portion 131. A key pad may be provided on the surface of the second portion 132 that is far from the main substrate 140. The second portion 132 moves in the Z direction, for example, when the key pad is pushed in the Z direction.

[0019] The first portion 131 includes, for example, a transmissive portion 133 that transmits light emitted from the light emitter 120. The transmissive portion 133 is a light transmissive body such as a lens, for example.

[0020] The second part 132 includes, for example, a magnetic field generator 134. The magnetic field generator 134 is fixed to the second part 132. The magnetic field generator 134 can move in the Z direction together with the second part 132. The magnetic field generator 134 may include, for example, a magnet. When the magnetic field generator 134 includes a magnet, the material, magnetization direction, number of magnetic poles, etc. of the magnet are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected according to, for example, the specifications required for the key switch 100. The magnetic field generator 134 may be configured to include an electromagnet.

[0021] The light emitter 120 may include, for example, an LED. The driving of the light emitter 120 is controlled by a sensor module 110 provided for each key switch 100 (specifically, a controller 1 described later).

[0022] The sensor module 110 is a part of the key switch 100 that is communicably connected to the controller 150. The sensor module 110 of each key switch 100 is, for example, serially connected to the controller 150 via a communication line. For example, adjacent sensor modules 110 may be communicably connected by a communication line.

[0023] The sensor module 110 includes, for example, a controller 1, a magnetic sensor 2, a substrate 3, and a mold 4. The controller 1 is an example of a first controller. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor module 110. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sensor module 110.

[0024] The controller 1 and the magnetic sensor 2 are mounted on the substrate 3. The material, shape, size, etc. of the substrate 3 may be appropriately selected. The controller 1 and the magnetic sensor 2 are arranged at different positions within the XY plane in which the substrate 3 extends. By not laminating the controller 1 and the magnetic sensor 2, the generation of stress occurring at the lamination interface of different layers can be prevented. The stress occurring at the lamination interface may affect the performance of the controller 1. Also, such stress may affect the output of the magnetic sensor 2.

[0025] The controller 1 and magnetic sensor 2 are covered with a mold 4. The mold 4 is, for example, an insulator. By covering them with the mold 4, the sensor module 110 can be handled as a single package. By packaging the sensor module 110, the number of parts required when manufacturing the keyboard 200 can be reduced, and the handling of the sensor module 110 becomes easier.

[0026] Controller 1 and magnetic sensor 2 are connected, for example, by wiring W. Controller 1 is also connected by wiring W to terminals T arranged around controller 1 and magnetic sensor 2. One of the terminals T is electrically connected, for example, to light-emitting element 120. Light-emitting element 120 is controlled by controller 1 via wiring W and terminals T. One of the terminals T is connected, for example, to controller 150. Controller 1 may be configured to operate, for example, in response to instructions from controller 150. One of the terminals T is connected, for example, to a power supply.

[0027] The magnetic sensor 2 is a sensor that detects changes in the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator 134 (see Figure 3). When the key switch 100 is pressed and the position of the magnetic field generator 134 in the Z direction changes, the magnetic field applied to the position where the magnetic sensor 2 is located changes. Specifically, for example, the strength of the magnetic field at the position where the magnetic sensor 2 is located changes. The magnetic sensor 2 detects this change in the strength of the magnetic field and detects the state of the key top 130. The state of the key top 130 is, for example, the stroke amount (press amount) of the second part 132. However, the magnetic sensor 2 may be configured to detect the state of the key top 130 by detecting a change in the angle of the magnetic field, although this is not limited to the above.

[0028] The magnetic sensor 2 includes, for example, a magnetoresistive element. A magnetoresistive element is an element whose resistance changes when a magnetic field is applied. The magnetic sensor 2 may include multiple magnetoresistive elements. As the magnetoresistive element, for example, an anisotropic magnetoresistive element (e.g., an AMR (Anisotropic Magneto Resistance) element) may be used, or a spin valve type magnetoresistive element (e.g., a GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance) element or a TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) element) may be used. As another example, the magnetic sensor 2 may be a Hall sensor. A Hall sensor is an element that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the surrounding magnetic field by utilizing the Hall effect.

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a sensor module 110 according to the first embodiment. The controller 1 includes, for example, a first circuit element 11, a second circuit element 12, a third circuit element 13, a memory 14, and a temperature sensor 15. The first circuit element 11, the second circuit element 12, and the third circuit element 13 may be implemented as separate circuit elements, or they may be implemented as a circuit element in which at least a part is integrated. For example, if the controller 1 is implemented as a SoC (System on Chip), the first circuit element 11, the second circuit element 12, and the third circuit element 13 may be implemented as a circuit block constituting the SoC.

[0030] The first circuit element 11 is configured to receive an output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. The first circuit element 11 may also be configured to allow adjustment of the received output signal.

[0031] For example, variations in the magnetic sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 2 may occur due to manufacturing variations in the key switch 100. As an example, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 134 may vary due to individual differences in magnets, etc. Therefore, even if the amount of key switch 100 is pressed is the same, variations may occur in the amount of pressing detected by the magnetic sensor 2. For example, when the key switch 100 is replaced, the magnetic sensor 2 that detects the magnetic field after replacement may have a different resolution than the magnetic sensor 2 before replacement. The first circuit element 11 can adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 in order to reduce variations in the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2.

[0032] The second circuit element 12 is configured to control the driving of the light-emitting element 120. The second circuit element 12 may be configured, for example, to individually control multiple light-emitting elements 120 that emit light of different colors. In the controller 1, the second circuit element 12 may be mounted in a different location from the first circuit element 11, or, as described above, at least a part of it may be integrated with the first circuit element 11. By including the first circuit element 11 and the second circuit element 12, the controller 1 can perform sensing of the magnetic sensor 2 and control of the light-emitting element 120 for each key switch 100.

[0033] The third circuit element 13 is configured to send and receive communication data with an external controller 150. The transmission and reception of communication data is performed, for example, via a communication line. The third circuit element 13 is a communication interface with the external controller 150.

[0034] Memory 14 stores, for example, data used for various controls in the first circuit element 11 and the second circuit element 12. Memory 14 is connected to, for example, the first circuit element 11, the second circuit element 12, and the third circuit element 13 so that data can be exchanged between them. By storing this data as internal memory within the sensor module 110, communication with, for example, an external controller 150 can be reduced, and the processing speed of the sensor module 110 can be increased.

[0035] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the data stored in memory 14. Memory 14 stores, for example, first data D1 and second data D2. First data D1 is data used to adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. Second data D2 is data used to control the light-emitting element 120. The data stored in memory 14 is not limited to first data D1 and second data D2; memory 14 may store other data. For example, memory 14 may store third data that determines whether to set the key switch 100 to a first state corresponding to a power-saving state or to a second state different from the first state.

[0036] The first data D1 may include, for example, the first adjusted data D11 and the second adjusted data D12.

[0037] The first adjustment data D11 is data used to correct the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the gain correction using the sensor module according to the first embodiment. The solid line in Figure 8 schematically represents the ideal value of the output from the magnetic sensor 2 with respect to the applied magnetic field, and the dotted line schematically represents, for example, the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 of the key switch 100 in a certain embodiment.

[0038] Depending on the configuration of the magnetic sensor 2 and the environment in which the key switch 100 is located (e.g., temperature, presence or absence of an external magnetic field), the output (dotted line) when a certain magnetic field is applied may differ from the ideal output value (solid line), as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, if the key switch 100 is replaced, the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 may not be identical between the key switch 100 before replacement and the key switch 100 after replacement.

[0039] Taking this situation into consideration, the controller 1 (first circuit element 11) is configured to correct the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 so that the output value of the magnetic sensor 2 approaches the ideal value. When correcting the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2, the controller 1 (first circuit element 11) may, for example, multiply the output signal by a gain coefficient and adjust it so that the slope of the graph in Figure 8 falls within a certain range. The gain coefficient may be adjustable in increments of 0.5, for example, within a range of 2 to 9.5 times.

[0040] The first adjustment data D11 may be, for example, a collection of multiple data summarizing the relationship between the output value from the magnetic sensor 2 and the gain coefficient, or it may be table data representing that data in tabular format. Based on the first adjustment data D11, the controller 1 (first circuit element 11) can determine, for example, what gain coefficient is appropriate to multiply by when a certain output value is obtained from the magnetic sensor 2 under conditions where a specific magnetic field is applied (when the key switch is pressed by a specific stroke width).

[0041] The second adjustment data D12 is data used to correct the offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. Figure 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the offset correction using the sensor module according to the first embodiment. The solid line in Figure 9 schematically represents the ideal value of the output from the magnetic sensor 2 with respect to the applied magnetic field, and the dotted line schematically represents, for example, the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 of the key switch 100 in a certain configuration. Note that the ideal value may be given in advance by settings or the like.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, for example, even when the key switch 100 is in the reference position (when the key switch is not pressed), the output from the magnetic sensor 2 may differ from (below) the ideal value. For example, the controller 1 (first circuit element 11) can adjust the output offset so that a specific output is obtained from the magnetic sensor 2 when the key switch 100 is in the reference position.

[0043] When correcting the offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2, the controller 1 (first circuit element 11) adds an offset coefficient to the output signal, for example. The offset coefficient may be adjustable in 10mV increments within the range of 0V to 1.5V.

[0044] The second adjustment data D12 may be, for example, a collection of multiple data summarizing the relationship between the output value from the magnetic sensor 2 and the offset coefficient, or it may be table data representing that data in tabular format. The controller 1 (first circuit element 11) may, for example, adjust the offset coefficient based on the second adjustment data D12 so that the output from the magnetic sensor 2 becomes 0mV when the key switch 100 is in the reference position (the state in which the key switch is not pressed).

[0045] The first data D1 stored in memory 14 is not limited to the first adjustment data D11 and the second adjustment data D12. For example, as the first data D1, memory 14 may have third adjustment data that summarizes the relationship between the temperature of the magnetic sensor 2 and the output from the magnetic sensor 2. The third adjustment data may include data for gain adjustment associated with temperature and data for offset adjustment associated with temperature.

[0046] The data stored in memory 14 may differ for each key switch 100. For example, if there are 101 key switches 100, 101 different sets of data may be prepared and stored in each memory 14. In this case, different characteristics can be set for each key switch according to its intended use and user requirements. Alternatively, the data stored in memory 14 may be the same for all key switches 100.

[0047] The settings for the data stored in memory 14 may be configured, for example, at the time of shipment of the sensor module 110, each time the sensor module 110 is powered on, or at the user's discretion. For example, the user may change the settings for the key they want to increase the sensitivity of compared to the settings for other keys.

[0048] The temperature sensor 15 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor capable of measuring temperature. By providing a temperature sensor 15 for each key switch 100, the temperature of each key switch 100 can be measured. Temperature is a parameter that affects the output from the magnetic sensor 2 and the light emission characteristics of the light emitter 120. By measuring the temperature of each key switch 100, the output from the magnetic sensor 2 and the light emission characteristics of the light emitter 120 can be adjusted according to the temperature.

[0049] Next, the control method for the key switch 100 will be described. When the key switch 100 is pressed, the magnetic field generator 134 moves relative to the magnetic sensor 2, changing the magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor 2 (for example, the strength and angle of the magnetic field), and accordingly, the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 changes. The key switch 100 converts the stroke amount of the key switch 100 into an output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. The relationship between the stroke amount and the output signal can be affected by various factors. For example, the relationship between the stroke amount and the output signal may change if the ambient temperature in which the magnetic sensor 2 is used changes, or if the key switch 100 is replaced. In the control method for the key switch 100 according to this embodiment, the relationship between the stroke amount and the output signal can be appropriately adjusted.

[0050] When a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic sensor 2, an output signal is output from the magnetic sensor 2. The output signal is sent to an external controller 150 via the third circuit element 13 of the controller 1. The controller 1 may also send temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 15 to the external controller 150.

[0051] The controller 150 determines the deviation of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 from the ideal value. The ideal value may be pre-set or arbitrarily set by the user.

[0052] The controller 150 determines whether or not to adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 according to the degree of deviation of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 from the ideal value. The controller 150 transmits the result of this determination to the first circuit element 11 as communication data via the third circuit element 13.

[0053] For example, if the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 needs to be adjusted, the controller 150 transmits first communication data to the first circuit element 11 instructing it to adjust the gain. For example, if the offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 needs to be adjusted, the controller 150 transmits second communication data to the first circuit element 11 instructing it to adjust the offset.

[0054] The controller 150 may also set a correction value based, for example, on the relationship between the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 and the temperature, and the temperature information received from the temperature sensor 15. The correction value may be pre-set in the controller 150 as, for example, a function or table representing the relationship between the temperature and the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. In that case, the controller 150 can select a correction value based on that function or table. For example, if the amount of temperature change is small, the controller 150 may send an adjustment instruction for the gain or offset based on this correction value.

[0055] The first circuit element 11 adjusts the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2 based on the communication data.

[0056] Here, we have provided an example where the controller 150 is used to give instructions for adjusting the gain, adjusting the offset, and setting the temperature-based correction value, but this is not the only example. For example, data may be sent to a computer connected to the keyboard 200, and the computer may then give instructions for adjusting the gain, adjusting the offset, and setting the temperature-based correction value.

[0057] Alternatively, for example, the controller 1 may perform at least some of the following actions based on data stored in the internal memory 14 of the sensor module 110: adjusting the gain, adjusting the offset, and setting temperature-based correction values. In this case, the exchange of information with the external controller 150 is reduced, and the processing speed can be increased. The controller 1 may, for example, periodically monitor the output of the magnetic sensor 2 and the output of the temperature sensor 15, and perform gain adjustment, offset adjustment, and temperature-based correction based on their outputs.

[0058] The processing by the controller 1 described above may be performed by each circuit element, for example, as follows. For example, the first circuit element 11 may access the first data D1 in the memory 14 and select an appropriate combination of data from the first adjustment data D11 and the second adjustment data D12. Based on the selected combination of data, the first circuit element 11 adjusts at least one of the gain and offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2. Alternatively, for example, the first circuit element 11 may access the first data D1 in the memory 14 and set a temperature correction value from the third adjustment data.

[0059] Furthermore, if a particular key switch 100 has not been used for a long period of time, the sensor module 110 may switch this key switch 100 to a power-saving state.

[0060] If the key switch 100 is not operated, for example, no output signal is output from the magnetic sensor 2, or the output value does not change. In this case, the controller 1 of the key switch 100 does not send a signal to the controller 150 regarding the operation of the key switch 100. For example, if the controller 150 does not receive an output signal from a key switch 100 for a certain period of time or longer, it may send an instruction to the key switch 100 (particularly the controller 1 of the key switch 100) to set the key switch 100 to a power-saving state (first state). When the controller 1 of the key switch 100 receives such an instruction, it may control, for example, the magnetic sensor 2 and the light-emitting element 120 to switch to a power-saving state. Specifically, based on this instruction, the first circuit element 11 of the controller 1 switches the magnetic sensor 2 to a power-saving state, for example, reducing the power supply to the magnetic sensor 2. Also, the second circuit element 12 of the controller 1 reduces the power supply to the light-emitting element 120, for example.

[0061] If the key switch 100 is operated while in power-saving mode, the controller 1 of the key switch 100 switches the key switch 100 from the first state to the second state (a state that is not in power-saving mode). The second state is a state different from the power-saving state, and may be, for example, the normal operating state. In this case, the first circuit element 11 resumes supplying power to the magnetic sensor 2, for example, and the second circuit element 12 resumes supplying power to the light-emitting element 120, for example.

[0062] Here, we have illustrated a case where the controller 150 makes the decision to switch to a power-saving state, but this decision may also be made by the computer to which the keyboard 200 is connected, or by the controller 1 based on data stored in the memory 14 inside the sensor module 110.

[0063] Furthermore, since the key switch 100 emits light, the sensor module 110 also controls the emission of light from the light-emitting element 120. The second circuit element 12 can, for example, control the emission of light from the light-emitting element 120 by specifying the emission intensity for each color.

[0064] Furthermore, the light emission characteristics of the light emitter 120 may be affected by temperature. The second circuit element 12 may change the control current to the light emitter 120 depending on the temperature. For example, the controller 150 receives temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 15 and data regarding the control current of the light emitter 120 from a key switch 100, and calculates temperature correction data based on this data. The controller 150 transmits the calculated correction data to the key switch 100. A function or table representing the relationship between temperature and the control current of the light emitter 120 may be pre-set in the controller 150, for example. The controller 1 of the key switch 100 (particularly the second circuit element 12 in the controller 1) that receives the correction data from the controller 150 adjusts the control current to the light emitter 120 based on the correction data.

[0065] The keyboard 200 according to this embodiment can reduce the difference in resolution of the key switch 100 even when the key switch 100 is replaced. When the key switch 100 is replaced, the resolution may change. This is because the magnetic field generator 134 is also replaced when the key switch 100 is replaced. The magnets and other components that make up the magnetic field generator 134 have individual differences, and the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 134 may also change when it is replaced. In this embodiment, the key switch 100 can maintain a constant resolution because the sensor module 110 corrects the output signal from the magnetic sensor 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the keyboard 200 has a first circuit element 11 for controlling the magnetic sensor 2 and a second circuit element 12 for controlling the light-emitting element 120, both of which are incorporated into their respective sensor modules 110. This simplifies the design of the main board 140 of the keyboard 200. Also, since a sensor module 110 is incorporated into each key switch 100, any key switch 100 can be replaced (hot-swapped).

[0067] Furthermore, in the keyboard 200 according to this embodiment, the first circuit element 11 for controlling the magnetic sensor 2 and the second circuit element 12 for controlling the light-emitting element 120 are incorporated into their respective sensor modules 110, making it easy to adjust the characteristics of each key. For example, if the light-emitting element drive circuit and the key detection sensor circuit are separate circuits using a key matrix method, it becomes difficult to adjust only the characteristics of a specific key after key replacement, and the configuration of the sensor module controlling the keys often becomes complex. In gaming keyboards, users may request key replacement, but if the characteristics of the key change before and after replacement, it can affect operability and usability. The keyboard 200 according to this embodiment makes it easy to adjust the characteristics of each key, and the impact on operability and usability can be minimized even after hot-swapping.

[0068] Furthermore, since the keyboard 200 according to this embodiment incorporates a temperature sensor 15 for each sensor module 110, the influence of temperature on each key switch 100 can be reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the keyboard 200 has a memory 14 built into the sensor module 110, access to the controller 150 can be reduced, and processing speed can be increased.

[0070] Furthermore, the keyboard 200 according to this embodiment can also be switched to a power-saving mode.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the keyboard 200 does not have a first circuit element 11 for controlling the magnetic sensor 2 and a second circuit element 12 for controlling the light-emitting element 120 stacked together, which suppresses the generation of internal stress at the stacking interface. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1 Controller 2 Magnetic Sensor 3 circuit boards 4 molds 11 1st circuit element 12 Second circuit element 13 Third circuit element 14 memory 15. Temperature sensor 100 Key Switches 110 Sensor Module 120 Luminous elements 130 keycaps 131 Part 1 132 Part 2 133 Transparent part 134 Magnetic field generator 135 enclosure panel 140 Main board 150 controllers 200 keyboards D1 First Data D11 First Adjustment Data D12 Second Adjustment Data D2 Second Data T terminal W wiring

Claims

1. The system comprises a magnetic sensor and a first controller connected to the magnetic sensor, The first controller comprises a first circuit element, a second circuit element, and a memory. The first circuit element is configured to allow adjustment of the output signal from the magnetic sensor. The second circuit element is configured to control the drive of the light-emitting element, The memory includes first data for adjusting the output signal from the magnetic sensor and second data used for controlling the light-emitting element. The first controller is a sensor module configured to receive the output signal from the magnetic sensor and perform a first process of adjusting the output signal based on the first data, and a second process of controlling the light-emitting element based on the second data.

2. The memory has first adjustment data as the first data, The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to correct the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the first adjustment data as a first process.

3. The memory has, as the first data, second adjustment data, The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to correct the offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the second adjustment data as a first process.

4. The first controller further comprises a third circuit element, The third circuit element is configured to send and receive communication data with an external second controller. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the third circuit element is configured to perform a process of sending the correction signal adjusted in the first process to the second controller.

5. The first controller further comprises a third circuit element, The third circuit element is configured to send and receive communication data with an external second controller. The first data has multiple data as first adjustment data, The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to select one data from the first adjustment data based on first communication data from the second controller and to perform a process of correcting the gain of the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the selected data.

6. The first controller further comprises a third circuit element, The third circuit element is configured to send and receive communication data with an external second controller. The first data has multiple data as second adjustment data, The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to select one data from the second adjustment data based on second communication data from the second controller, and to perform a process to correct the offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the selected data.

7. The first controller further includes a temperature sensor, The memory has at least one third adjustment data as the first data, The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to perform a process of correcting the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, based on the third adjustment data.

8. The first controller further comprises a temperature sensor and a third circuit element, The third circuit element is configured to send and receive communication data with an external second controller. The first controller is, The process involves sending data related to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to the second controller. The process of receiving third adjustment data as third communication data from the second controller, The sensor module according to claim 1, configured to perform a process of correcting the output signal from the magnetic sensor according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, based on the third adjustment data.

9. The first controller further comprises a third circuit element, The third circuit element is configured to send and receive communication data with an external second controller. The first controller is, The process of receiving status data as fourth communication data from the second controller, The sensor module according to claim 1, configured to perform a process of determining, based on the state data, whether to set the first state to a first state corresponding to a power-saving state or to a second state different from the first state, and adjusting the operation of the first controller.

10. It further includes a circuit board and a mold, The magnetic sensor and the first controller are mounted at different positions in the plane of the substrate. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the mold covers the magnetic sensor and the first controller.

11. It comprises a main board, a second controller, a sensor module, a light-emitting element, and a keytop. The sensor module is the sensor module described in claim 4, The second controller, the sensor module, the light-emitting element, and the key top are mounted on the main board. The light-emitting element is configured to be controllable by the second circuit element of the sensor module. The second controller is communicated with the third circuit element of the sensor module, The keytop is detachable from the main board and includes a transparent portion that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a magnetic field generator whose position changes when the keytop is pressed. The key switch structure is configured such that the magnetic sensor of the sensor module detects changes in the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator and detects the state of the key top.

12. The system has a plurality of sensor modules, including the aforementioned sensor module, Each of the plurality of sensor modules is a sensor module according to claim 4, The aforementioned plurality of sensor modules comprises a first sensor module and a second sensor module, The key switch structure according to claim 11, wherein the first sensor module and the second sensor module are communicated together via a communication line.

13. The first controller processes the output signal that the magnetic sensor outputs when it detects a magnetic field, The first controller performs a process to adjust the output signal from the magnetic sensor based on the first data stored in memory, The first controller performs a process to control the driving of the light-emitting element based on the second data stored in memory, A method for controlling a key switch, comprising the process of the first controller outputting a correction signal to the second controller after adjusting the output signal.

14. The method for controlling a key switch according to claim 13, wherein the process for adjusting the output signal from the magnetic sensor includes a process for adjusting the gain or offset of the output signal from the magnetic sensor.

15. The control method for a key switch according to claim 13, further comprising the process of the first controller receiving the first data and the second data transmitted by the second controller.

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