Signal transmitter and operating method adapted to operational actions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a signal transmitter and operating method adapted to operational actions. [Solution] The signal transmitter comprises a microcontroller and a signal transmission circuit. The signal transmission circuit is used to establish a connection for transmitting signals between the input device and the computer host. The microcontroller receives input signals transmitted from the input device and obtains operation data from the input signals. The operation data may be the click speed, rotation speed, or touch stroke when the user operates the input device. Based on the operation data, the user's operation can be obtained, and an operation command can be determined. The determined operation command is transmitted to the computer host through the signal transmission circuit. The operating system running on the computer host executes the operation command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for processing an input device operated by a user, and more particularly to a signal transmitter and an operating method adapted to an operating action of determining an operation command based on operation data provided by a signal transmitter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional wireless input devices such as wireless mice, trackpads, and keyboards need to be connected to a computer host through a communication port (e.g., a USB interface) via a signal transmitter (also called a wireless transceiver (dongle)). The main circuit of the signal transmitter includes a microcontroller for processing reciprocating signals, a transmission circuit for processing transmission signals, and an antenna. During operation, the signal transmitter receives an input signal generated by a wireless input device via the antenna, converts the signal into a specific transmission format by the microcontroller, and transmits it to the computer host, and the operating system of the computer processes it to form an input command.

[0003] Correspondingly, in a specific application, the operating system can generate a feedback signal to the wireless input device and transmit it to the wireless input device via the signal transmitter. This feedback signal is displayed through light, sound, or vibration on the wireless input device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Different from the technology of processing signals between the operating system of a computer and an input device as in the prior art, the signal transmitter and the operating method adapted to the operating action disclosed by the present invention determine an operation command directly based on operation data generated by a user operating an input device by executing an operating method in the signal transmitter, provide the operation command to an operating system operating in a computer host, and directly execute the operation command. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In an embodiment of a signal transmitter adapted to user actions, the main circuit of the signal transmitter includes a microcontroller and a signal transmission circuit. The signal transmission circuit is used to establish a connection for transmitting signals between an input device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, trackpad, etc.) and a computer host.

[0006] In its operation, the microcontroller acquires input signals transmitted by an input device via a signal transmission circuit and obtains operation data from these input signals. It then determines an operation command based on the operation data and transmits the determined operation command to the computer host via a specific communication port through the signal transmission circuit. The operation command is then executed by the operating system running on the computer host.

[0007] Preferably, the operation data generated by the user-operated input device may be the speed at which an input interface on the input device (e.g., keys, left / right buttons, or touch interface) is clicked, the speed at which an input interface (e.g., a wheel) is rotated, or the touch strokes of a trackpad.

[0008] Furthermore, the signal transmitter adapted to the operation action is equipped with additional memory. This memory stores a comparison table, which lists multiple operation data and corresponding multiple operation commands. This allows the microcontroller to determine the operation command based on the acquired operation data.

[0009] Here, the click speed refers to the number of times the button element of the input device is pressed within a unit of time. The rotation speed refers to the number of times the rotary input element of the input device is rotated, the number of divisions, or the length formed within a unit of time. The touch stroke refers to the distance that a gesture or control device slides across the input device within a unit of time.

[0010] Furthermore, the comparison table stored in memory as described above is editable, and the user is provided with the ability to edit the comparison table by running editing software on the operating system running within the computer host.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the memory further stores a product identifier, which allows the microcontroller to identify the input device based on the product identifier and determine the operation command based on the operation data of the input device.

[0012] Furthermore, the memory stores a velocity-time curve and operation commands corresponding to each curve segment. This allows the microcontroller to calculate the input velocity over time based on the acquired input signal and determine the operation command in light of the velocity-time curve.

[0013] To further understand the features and technical content of the invention, please refer to the detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings below. However, the accompanying drawings provided are for reference and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a signal transmitter adapted to operational actions. [Figure 2] This figure shows an embodiment of a circuit block for a signal transmitter adapted to user actions. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an embodiment of an operating method for a signal transmitter adapted to user actions. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an embodiment of determining an operation command in the operation method of a signal transmitter. [Figure 5] This figure shows an embodiment of the velocity-time curve referenced when determining an operation command in a signal transmitter and operating method adapted to an operation action. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments disclosed in this invention are described below. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the merits and effects of this invention from the information disclosed herein. This invention can be carried out or applied in other different embodiments. Each detail herein can also be modified and altered in equal measure from various viewpoints or applications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings of this invention are for simple and schematic purposes only and do not represent actual dimensions. The following embodiments further describe technical matters of the invention, but the information disclosed herein does not limit the invention.

[0016] Throughout this specification, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe various components and signals, but it should be understood that these components and signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein may, as appropriate, include any one or a combination of the relevant enumerated items, depending on the actual context.

[0017] This disclosure proposes a signal transmitter and operating method adapted to operational behavior. The signal transmitter is a transmitter for connecting various input devices to a computer host and may be a wireless transmitter (dongle) connected to a specific communication port (e.g., USB) of the computer host. Suitable input devices include computer mice, stylus pens, presenters, wireless keyboards, touch panels, or game handles (joysticks) connected wirelessly to the computer host. Furthermore, the present invention may also be used in transmission circuits applicable to input devices connected to the computer host via a wired connection.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a signal transmitter adapted to user actions.

[0019] The drawings show that the computer host 107 is connected to various input devices via specific communication ports. These input devices may be wired or wireless, and in a more preferred embodiment, they may be wireless input devices connected to the computer host 107 via a signal transmitter 105. Examples in the drawings include a first input device 101 (exemplified by a wireless computer mouse), a second input device 102 (exemplified by a wireless keyboard), and a third input device 103 (exemplified by a wireless trackpad). Herein, the examples in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the input devices connected to the signal transmitter 105 adapted to the operating behavior proposed in this disclosure are not limited to the examples in the drawings.

[0020] Furthermore, the operation method within the signal transmitter 105 is executed within the firmware. When a user operates the first input device 101, the second input device 102, or the third input device 103, signals are generated from them that are input to the computer host 107. The primary purpose of this is to operate software programs running within the computer host 107. The signal transmitter 105 can acquire operation data from the input signals. Different operation data is generated depending on the different input devices. For example, in the case of a computer mouse, the operation data includes the number of times the left and right buttons are pressed within a unit of time, which determines actions such as single clicks, double clicks, or rapid consecutive clicks. It is also possible to determine actions such as page turning or skipping multiple pages based on the number of rotations of the mouse wheel within a unit of time. All of these can reflect specific operation commands. In the case of a computer keyboard, the corresponding operation command is determined based on the number of times a specific key or combination of keys is pressed or held down within a unit of time. In the case of a trackpad, the corresponding operation command is determined based on actions such as the number of consecutive touches within a unit of time or the distance slid across the trackpad surface by a specific gesture within a unit of time.

[0021] Regarding the embodiment of the circuit of the signal transmitter, refer to the figure showing the embodiment of the circuit block of the signal transmitter adapted to the operation shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] The drawings show an embodiment of the circuit elements of the signal transmitter 20. Its main elements include a microcontroller 201 and a plurality of circuit elements electrically connected to the microcontroller 201. This includes a signal transmission circuit 205. The signal transmitter 20 is used to establish a connection for transmitting signals between an input device 23 (such as the first input device 101, the second input device 102, the third input device 103 shown in FIG. 1) and a computer host 25.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the signal transmitter 20 is provided with a memory 203, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller 201. This memory is used to store data necessary for the operation of the signal transmitter 20. For example, it includes comparison tables and speed-versus-time curves described in the following embodiments. Further, the signal transmitter 20 is provided with a power circuit 206, which is used to manage the power supplied from the connected computer host 25 to the signal transmitter 20.

[0024] Taking the signal transmitter 20 as an example of a wireless input device, the signal transmission circuit 205 is connected to the input device 23 in a wireless communication manner via an antenna unit 207 and is connected to the computer host 25 via a transmission interface 209. The examples given here are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention of the present disclosure. When the signal transmission circuit 205 is a transmission circuit that operates the Bluetooth (trademark) communication protocol, it is connected to the input device 23 via an antenna based on the Bluetooth communication protocol and processes the input signal of the Bluetooth communication protocol transmitted from the input device 23. Also, when the signal transmission circuit 205 is a transmission circuit that operates a wireless signal in the 2.4 GHz band, it is connected to the input device 23 via an antenna corresponding to the band and processes the wireless signal in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0025] On the other hand, in one embodiment, when the signal transmission circuit 205 is connected to the computer host 25 via a transmission interface 209 such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), the signal transmission circuit 205 converts the radio signal received from the antenna unit 207 into a signal conforming to the Universal Serial Bus specification and transmits it to the computer host 25. Similarly, it converts the signal conforming to the Universal Serial Bus specification transmitted from the computer host 25 into a radio signal and feeds it back to the input device 23.

[0026] The microcontroller 201 processes signals transmitted and received between the input device 23 and the computer host 25 via the signal transmission circuit 205, and processes signals generated based on different communication protocols and specifications. According to the operation method of the signal transmitter 20 adapted to the operation behavior proposed in this disclosure, the microcontroller 201 receives input signals transmitted by the input device 23 from the signal transmission circuit 205 and obtains operation data from the input signals. Based on the operation data, it determines an operation command and transmits the determined operation command to the computer host 25 via the signal transmission circuit 205. This operation command is executed by the operating system running within the computer host 25.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the operation data obtained from the input signal by the microcontroller 201 may include click speed (e.g., number of button presses / second), rotation speed (e.g., number of rotations / second, rotation length / second), and touch stroke (e.g., touch movement length / second). This allows the microcontroller 201 to determine the purpose of the operation and recalculate the operation data if the interval between consecutive operations reaches a threshold.

[0028] Taking click speed as an example, the purpose of a user's computer mouse operation can be determined based on whether they press either the left or right button on a computer mouse (or a touch-enabled trackpad or keyboard) alone, or both buttons simultaneously, or the number of times they press a particular button within a single time frame. This purpose may include single clicks, double clicks, or consecutive clicks.

[0029] Operation data may indicate the rotation speed of an input device. For example, the distance a user moves the computer mouse wheel within a unit of time is calculated based on the number of rotations per unit of time. From the distance the wheel is rotated in a short period of time, it is possible to determine the purpose of the user's wheel operation. For example, based on a threshold set by the system, a low rotation speed is determined to be an operation to scroll through the content of a web page or document one page at a time. A medium rotation speed indicates an operation to scroll through multiple pages at once. Furthermore, a high rotation speed is determined to be an operation to scroll all the way to the last page in one go.

[0030] Operation data may indicate touch strokes on an input device. For example, it may represent the operation distance formed during a user's gesture-based operation of a trackpad within a given time. Continuous finger movements on the trackpad can correspond to the user's intended operation. For example, if a user touches the trackpad slowly for a fixed distance once within a given time, it is determined that the user is slowly browsing the content of a webpage or document. If a user touches the trackpad slowly for a fixed distance multiple times within a given time, it is determined that the user is quickly scrolling through the content. If a user touches the trackpad quickly for a fixed distance once within a given time, it is determined that the user is scrolling through multiple pages at once.

[0031] In the case of televisions and computer game consoles, the input device may be an electronic game controller. For example, it is possible to calculate acceleration based on the number of times the user moves the stick on the controller in a specific direction within a unit of time, and thereby determine the acceleration motion command in the game.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the operation commands determined based on the various operation data described above are created as a comparison table. This comparison table is stored in memory 203, and the comparison table contains multiple operation data and multiple corresponding operation commands. As a result, the microcontroller 201 can immediately determine the operation commands based on the acquired operation data.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the comparison table stored in memory 203 is editable, and the user can edit the comparison table by running editing software using an operating system running on a computer host. In this way, the user can freely define operation commands corresponding to various operation actions.

[0034] In another embodiment, the memory 203 stores product identifiers (Product IDs). Each product identifier corresponds to an input device, and the microcontroller 201 can identify the input device 23 based on this product identifier. This allows the microcontroller 201 to accurately determine operation commands for input devices 23, such as a computer mouse, trackpad, or keyboard, based on their operation data.

[0035] In other embodiments, memory 203 stores a velocity-versus-time curve. Refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 for this curve. Here, a velocity-versus-time curve 500 is shown, based on the determination of an operation command in a signal transmitter and operating method adapted to an operation action. In this figure, the vertical axis represents velocity and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0036] The horizontal axis of the drawing shows multiple time points t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, and t6, and displays multiple curve segments. For example, time points t1 to t2 include the first curve segment, time points t3 to t4 include the second curve segment, and time points t5 to t6 include the third curve segment. Each curve segment corresponds to a specific operation command, and the microcontroller 201 can calculate the input velocity over time based on the acquired input signal and obtain the operation command by comparing it with the velocity-time curve 500.

[0037] For example, the system calculates the acceleration generated by pressing a button on the input device 23, rotating a wheel, or touching the input device 23 by a gesture, based on the input signal. If the resulting click speed or rotation speed matches the speed-time relationship of a specific curve segment within the speed-time curve 500, the corresponding operation command can be determined.

[0038] For a flowchart of the main embodiment of the operation method of a signal transmitter adapted to user actions, please refer to Figure 3.

[0039] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the signal transmitter establishes a connection between the input device and the computer host and determines the connected input device based on the product identifier. Subsequently, it receives an input signal generated by the user operating the input device (step S301). Operation data can be obtained from this input signal (step S303). For example, operation data generated by the user operating the input device may include the speed at which an input interface on the input device (keys, left / right buttons, touch interface, etc.) is clicked, the speed at which an input interface (wheel, etc.) is rotated, or touch strokes on a trackpad.

[0040] Next, the operation data is analyzed (step S305). By referring to comparison table 30, the microcontroller immediately determines an operation command based on the operation data (step S307). This operation command is transmitted to the computer host via a signal transmission circuit and a specific communication port (step S309). This operation command is then executed by the operating system running on the computer host.

[0041] One method for determining an operation command from operation data is to refer to a comparison table 30 stored in the signal transmitter's memory based on the operation data. The comparison table 30 contains various operation data and multiple corresponding operation commands. Alternatively, the speed and acceleration of various operation actions can be calculated based on the operation data, and the operation command can be obtained by comparing them with the speed-time curve described in the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0042] For related embodiments, please refer to the flowchart of the operation command determination method in the signal transmitter operation method shown in Figure 4.

[0043] In the flow shown in Figure 4, a signal transmitter connected to a computer host acquires operation data from an input device (step S401). The operation data includes click speed, rotation speed, or touch strokes when the user operates the input device. Click speed represents the number of times the button element of the input device (e.g., mouse or keyboard keys / buttons, or touches on the surface of a trackpad) is pressed within a unit time. Rotation speed represents the number of rotations, divisions, or lengths formed by the rotation input element of the input device (e.g., mouse wheel or trackball) within a unit time. Touch stroke represents the distance generated by continuous touch signals as the user slides a gesture or control device (e.g., stylus) across the input device within a unit time.

[0044] The model number of the connected input device can be obtained from the product identifier. Then, the microcontroller in the signal transmitter determines the operation data from each received input signal. In the case of a computer mouse, keyboard, or trackpad, it is possible to calculate the number of clicks or touches on the left and right mouse buttons, keyboard keys, or trackpad surface within a unit time. For the computer mouse wheel, the number of rotations can be calculated. For gesture operations on the trackpad, the operation distance can be calculated (step S403). Next, a comparison table is consulted based on the operation data obtained from the above calculations (step S405). This allows the operation command to be determined (step S407).

[0045] In summary, this disclosure proposes a signal transmitter and operating method adapted to operational actions. Unlike conventional signal processing methods between computer operating systems and input devices, the method proposed in this disclosure obtains operational data immediately from an input signal through firmware within the signal transmitter, or through the cooperation of software and hardware, and determines an operational command based on that data. As a result, the computer operating system can directly obtain executable operational commands.

[0046] The information disclosed above represents only preferred embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, all equivalent technical modifications made based on the specifications and accompanying drawings of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 101 First Input Device 102 Second input device 103 Third input device 105 Signal Transmitter 107 Computer Hosts 20 Signal Transmitter 201 Microcontroller 203 memory 205 Signal transmission circuit 206 Power circuit 207 Antenna Unit 209 Transmission Interface 23 Input device 25 Computer Hosts 30 Comparison table 500 Speed ​​vs. Time Curve Time points t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6 S301~S309: Step S401~S407: Step

Claims

1. Microcontroller and A signal transmission circuit, electrically connected to the microcontroller and used to establish a connection for transmitting signals between an input device and a computer host, The microcontroller is electrically connected to a memory that stores a speed-versus-time curve, and the microcontroller is equipped with a memory. The speed-time curve shows multiple curve segments corresponding to multiple operation commands, and each curve segment shows an operation command corresponding to one of the click speed, rotation speed, or touch stroke of the input device. The microcontroller acquires an input signal transmitted by the input device from the signal transmission circuit, acquires operation data from the input signal which is the click speed, rotation speed, or touch stroke over time calculated based on the acquired input signal, determines the operation command by comparing the speed-to-time curve stored in the memory with the operation data, transmits the operation command to the computer host via the signal transmission circuit, and causes the operating system running on the computer host to execute the operation command. A signal transmitter adapted to operational actions, characterized by the following features.

2. The signal transmitter adapted to an operation action according to Claim 1, wherein the memory stores a comparison table, the comparison table contains a plurality of operation data and a plurality of operation commands corresponding to the plurality of operation data, and the microcontroller immediately determines the operation command based on the operation data.

3. The comparison table stored in the memory is editable, and editing software is executed by the operating system running within the computer host and used to edit the comparison table, the signal transmitter adapted to the operation behavior of claim 2.

4. The memory stores a product identifier, and the microcontroller identifies the input device based on the product identifier, thereby determining the operation command based on the operation data of the input device, as described in claim 2, for the operation action-adapted signal transmitter.

5. A method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to operational actions, which is executed by a microcontroller within the signal transmitter. The aforementioned operating method is The signal transmission circuit acquires the input signal transmitted by the input device, Based on the acquired input signal, operation data, which is the click speed, rotation speed, or touch stroke over time, is acquired from the input signal. The operation command is determined by comparing the speed-to-time curve stored in the memory electrically connected to the microcontroller with the operation data, The operation command is transmitted to the computer host via the signal transmission circuit, and the operating system running within the computer host is instructed to execute the operation command. The speed-time curve shows multiple curve segments corresponding to multiple operation commands, and each curve segment shows an operation command corresponding to one of the click speed, rotation speed, or touch stroke of the input device. A method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to operational actions, characterized by the following features.

6. The aforementioned click speed is the number of times the button element of the input device is pressed within a unit of time. A method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to the operation behavior described in claim 5.

7. The method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to an operating action according to claim 5, wherein the rotation speed is the number of times the rotation input element of the input device is rotated within a unit time, the number of divisions, or the length formed.

8. The method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to an operating action according to claim 5, wherein the touch stroke is the distance slid on the input device by a gesture or control device within a unit of time.

9. A method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to an operation action according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a comparison table is stored in the memory, and the comparison table contains a plurality of operation data and a plurality of operation commands corresponding to the plurality of operation data, so that the microcontroller immediately determines the operation command based on the operation data.

10. A method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to the operation behavior of claim 9, wherein the comparison table stored in the memory is editable, and editing software is executed by an operating system running within the computer host and used to edit the comparison table.

11. The method for operating a signal transmitter adapted to an operation action according to claim 9, wherein a product identifier is stored in the memory, and the microcontroller identifies the input device based on the product identifier, thereby determining the operation command based on the operation data of the input device.

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