Smart interactive tablet having virtual buttons

Abstract

The present application discloses a smart interactive tablet having virtual buttons, comprising a mainboard and a touch screen which are used for running an operating system, a first support, a frame and an actuator. The frame has an outer side and an inner side; a virtual button area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the virtual button area is used for receiving a touch operation of a user and responding to the touch operation of the user; a recessed vibration enhancement area is provided on the inner side of the frame; the vibration enhancement area corresponds to the virtual button area in position; when subjected to the same force, the vibration amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame; the vibration enhancement area is further provided with a pressure detection module; the actuator is communicatively connected to the pressure detection module; and when the actuator is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration enhancement area and the virtual button area are driven by means of the first support to vibrate. Button-based interactive operations can be achieved at different positions, without the need to provide holes, thereby achieving button functions while ensuring aesthetic appearance.

Description

A smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of smart interactive tablets, and in particular to a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons. Background Art

[0002] In some large-scale smart interactive tablets, mechanical buttons, including the power button and volume control button, are essential interactive tools that provide users with information confirmation input and tactile feedback. Since these mechanical buttons are usually deployed on the frame of the smart interactive tablet, the deployment of multiple mechanical buttons inevitably requires drilling holes in the frame structure, resulting in obvious gaps between the buttons, causing a discontinuous and unsightly appearance of the smart interactive tablet, affecting the integrated appearance of the smart interactive tablet product and reducing the product's dust and water resistance. In addition, the overall structural design of smart interactive tablets is gradually developing towards a lightweight and thinner trend. This trend has led to an increasingly narrow frame structure for smart interactive tablets, making it difficult to effectively assemble the module structure of the integrated mechanical buttons.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application aim to provide a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons, which can solve the problems of the mechanical buttons of existing smart interactive tablets causing the discontinuity and unsightliness of the appearance of the smart interactive tablets, affecting the integrated appearance of the smart interactive tablet products, reducing the dust and water resistance of the products, and failing to meet the requirements of the development trend of lightweight and thin smart interactive tablets.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the first embodiment of the present application provides a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons, including a motherboard and a touch screen running an operating system, a first bracket, a frame and an actuator; wherein:

[0006] The frame includes an outer side and an inner side;

[0007] A virtual key area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the virtual key area is used to receive a user's touch operation and respond to the user's touch operation;

[0008] A vibration enhancement area is provided on the inner side of the frame in the form of a depression. The vibration enhancement area is provided corresponding to the position of the virtual key area. When subjected to the same force, the amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame.

[0009] The vibration enhancement area is also provided with a pressure detection module;

[0010] The actuator is communicatively connected to the pressure detection module. When the actuator is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration reinforcement area and the virtual key area are driven to vibrate through the first bracket.

[0011] In one embodiment, the virtual key area is used to respond to the user's touch operation by vibrating under the drive of the actuator to achieve tactile feedback or sliding feedback.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner side of the frame extends in a direction away from the outer side of the frame to form a connecting rib, and the connecting rib and the frame form a T-shaped structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the virtual key area includes a left edge area, a middle effective area and a right edge area; the left edge area and the right edge area cannot be pressed and slid, and the middle effective area is for effective pressing and sliding operations, wherein the middle effective area includes several key function areas arranged continuously.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pressure detection module includes a circuit board and a plurality of pressure sensors, and the plurality of pressure sensors are respectively welded on the circuit board; the plurality of pressure sensors are coupled to a plurality of key function areas of the virtual key area.

[0015] In one embodiment, one end of the actuator is coupled to the virtual key area, and the other end of the actuator is electrically connected to a processing module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons further includes a back panel and a rear shell, and the rear shell is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first bracket includes a connecting portion, a first plane and a second plane parallel to each other, the first plane is fixedly connected to the second plane through the connecting portion, the first plane abuts the geometric center position of the vibration enhancement area, and the second plane passes through the avoidance area designed at the corresponding position of the back plate; the actuator is fixedly mounted on the second plane, and its vibration direction is parallel to the plane where the back plate is located.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first bracket further includes a reinforcement portion, and the reinforcement portion is fixedly connected to the second plane and the connecting portion respectively.

[0019] In one embodiment, there is a first gap between the back plate and the second plane of the first bracket, and a first elastic damping layer is provided in the first gap.

[0020] In one embodiment, there is a second radial gap between the actuator and the back plate, and a second elastic damping layer is provided in the second radial gap; there is a third radial gap between the actuator and the rear shell, and a third elastic damping layer is provided in the third radial gap.

[0021] In one embodiment, the smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons also includes a second bracket and a fourth elastic damping layer, the first bent end of the second bracket is coupled to an end face of the actuator through the fourth elastic damping layer, and the second bent end of the second bracket is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons further includes a display module, one side of the display module is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the other side of the display module is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the length of the vibration enhancement area on the inner side of the frame exceeds the length of the virtual key area on the outer side of the frame.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present application provides a smart interactive tablet with virtual keys, which includes a motherboard and a touch screen running an operating system, a first bracket, a frame and an actuator; wherein: the frame includes an outer side and an inner side; a virtual key area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the virtual key area is used to receive and respond to the user's touch operation; a vibration enhancement area is provided on the inner side of the frame in the form of a depression, and the vibration enhancement area is arranged corresponding to the position of the virtual key area. When subjected to the same force, the vibration amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame; the vibration enhancement area is also provided with a pressure detection module; the actuator is communicatively connected to the pressure detection module, and when the actuator is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration enhancement area and the virtual key area are driven to vibrate through the first bracket. By setting a vibration enhancement area on the inside of the frame and a virtual key area on the outside of the frame, the frame structure is avoided from being drilled, the appearance of the whole device is improved, and the dust and water resistance performance is increased, meeting the requirements of the development trend of thin and light intelligent interactive tablets; by fixing the pressure detection module in the vibration enhancement area, the actuator is in communication with the pressure detection module, and the vibration force is transmitted to the virtual key area through the vibration enhancement area, so that the vibration feedback and pressure detection technology can be combined to simulate the pressing and lifting feedback and touch positioning of mechanical keys. In addition, the setting of the vibration enhancement area formed by the depression can provide extra space to accommodate the pressure detection module, and on the other hand, the virtual key area is set in the vibration enhancement area, and the actuator transmits the vibration driving force to the vibration enhancement area formed by the depression, which can effectively drive the virtual key area to generate vibration feedback, which can greatly improve the user experience. This can solve the problem that the mechanical keys of the existing intelligent interactive tablets cause the appearance of the intelligent interactive tablets to be discontinuous and unsightly, affect the integrated appearance of the intelligent interactive tablet products, reduce the dust and water resistance of the products, and fail to meet the requirements of the development trend of thin and light intelligent interactive tablets.

[0025] Furthermore, by setting a virtual key area on the outside of the frame and continuously concentrating multiple key functions in the virtual key area, virtual key operations at different positions can be realized (for example, interactive operations such as pressing functions and continuous sliding at different positions can be realized), and vibration driven by the actuator can realize tactile feedback and sliding feedback. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a frame of a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a virtual key area in a smart interactive tablet with virtual keys provided by the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the division of virtual key areas in a smart interactive tablet with virtual keys provided by the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by the present application along the AA section;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a pressure detection module in a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by the present application;

[0034] [Corrected 29.10.2024 according to Rule 91] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the first bracket in a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons provided by this application.

[0035] [Corrected 29.10.2024 in accordance with Article 91]

[0036] [Corrected 29.10.2024 in accordance with Article 91]

[0037] [Corrected 29.10.2024 according to Rule 91] Explanation of main component symbols: Smart interactive tablet with virtual keys 1 Frame 11 Pressure detection module 12 Actuator 13 First bracket 14 Back plate 15 Back cover 16 Virtual key area 111 Vibration reinforcement area 112 Connection portion 143 First plane 141 Second plane 142 Avoidance area 151 Connecting rib 113 Left edge area 1111 Middle effective area 1112 Right edge area 1113 Key function area 11121 Circuit board 121 Pressure sensor 122 Reinforcement portion 144 First gap 171 Second radial gap 172 Third radial gap 173 First elastic damping layer 181 Second elastic damping layer 182 Third elastic damping layer 183 Display module 19 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application is described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there can be one or more centered elements therebetween. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or there can be one or more centered elements therebetween. The terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "bottom" and the like used in this specification indicate an orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this specification and in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0040] In addition, the technical features involved in different embodiments of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0041] In some large-scale smart interactive tablets, mechanical buttons, including the power button and volume control button, are essential interactive tools that provide users with information confirmation input and tactile feedback. Since these mechanical buttons are usually deployed on the frame of the smart interactive tablet, the deployment of multiple mechanical buttons inevitably requires drilling holes in the frame structure, resulting in obvious gaps between the buttons, causing a discontinuous and unsightly appearance of the smart interactive tablet, affecting the integrated appearance of the smart interactive tablet product and reducing the product's dust and water resistance. In addition, the overall structural design of smart interactive tablets is gradually developing towards a lightweight and thinner trend. This trend has led to an increasingly narrow frame structure for smart interactive tablets, making it difficult to effectively assemble the module structure of the integrated mechanical buttons.

[0042] In the development of related technologies, the applicant has developed a virtual key system, the main structure of which includes a pressure detection module and an actuator. The pressure detection module detects the pressure of the finger on the surface of the shell, and the actuator excites vibration on the surface of the shell, so that the finger can obtain a tactile sensation similar to that of a physical key.

[0043] However, for narrow-framed smart interactive tablets, virtual buttons are typically placed inside the frame. However, due to the volume requirements of the pressure detection module and actuator, the narrow frame cannot accommodate these components. Furthermore, the actuator has certain thickness requirements for the casing (too thick will not vibrate or the vibration effect will be poor). The frame of a smart interactive tablet needs to support the corresponding components of the display module, resulting in a thick profile design. Developing a set of virtual buttons for a narrow-framed smart interactive tablet is a current technical challenge that needs to be solved.

[0044] To this end, in response to the above-mentioned technical problems discovered during the research and development process, an embodiment of the present application provides a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons for a narrow frame, including a motherboard and a touch screen running an operating system, a first bracket, a frame and an actuator. By setting a virtual button area on the outside of the frame and a vibration enhancement area on the inside of the frame, the frame structure is avoided from being opened, the appearance of the whole machine is improved, and the dust and water resistance are increased, meeting the requirements of the development trend of thin and light smart interactive tablets; by fixing the pressure detection module in the vibration enhancement area, the actuator communicates with the pressure detection module, and the vibration force is transmitted to the virtual button area through the vibration enhancement area, the vibration feedback and pressure detection technology can be combined to simulate the pressing and lifting feedback and touch positioning of mechanical buttons. In addition, the setting of the vibration enhancement area can, on the one hand, provide extra space to accommodate the pressure detection module, and on the other hand, the virtual key area is set in the vibration enhancement area. The actuator transmits the vibration driving force to the recessed virtual key area. Since the recessed virtual key area is thinner than other areas, most of the vibration is generated in the recessed virtual key area. The vibration amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas inside the frame, thus effectively driving the virtual key area to generate vibration feedback, which can greatly improve the user experience. This can solve the problem that the mechanical buttons of existing smart interactive tablets cause the appearance of smart interactive tablets to be discontinuous and unsightly, affecting the integrated appearance of smart interactive tablet products, reducing the product's dust and water resistance, and failing to meet the requirements of the development trend of thin and light smart interactive tablets.

[0045] In order to facilitate understanding of the above inventive concepts of the present application, the above inventive concepts of the present application are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 to FIG8 , the present application provides a smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons 1 includes: a mainboard running an operating system and a touch screen, a first bracket 14 , a frame 11 and an actuator 13 ; wherein:

[0047] The frame 11 includes an outer side and an inner side;

[0048] A virtual key area 111 is provided on the outer side of the frame 11, and the virtual key area 111 is used to receive a user's touch operation and respond to the user's touch operation;

[0049] A vibration enhancement area 112 is provided on the inner side of the frame 11. The vibration enhancement area 112 is provided corresponding to the position of the virtual key area 111. When subjected to the same force, the vibration amplitude of the vibration enhancement area 112 is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame 11.

[0050] The vibration reinforcement area 112 is also provided with a pressure detection module 12;

[0051] The actuator 13 is in communication with the pressure detection module 12 . When the actuator 13 is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration reinforcement area 112 and the virtual key area 111 are driven to vibrate via the first bracket 14 .

[0052] In this embodiment, an intelligent interactive tablet with virtual keys is provided, including a motherboard and a touch screen running an operating system, a first bracket, a frame and an actuator; wherein: the frame includes an outer side and an inner side; a virtual key area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the virtual key area is used to receive the user's touch operation and respond to the user's touch operation; a vibration enhancement area formed by a depression is provided on the inner side of the frame, and the vibration enhancement area is arranged corresponding to the position of the virtual key area. When subjected to the same force, the amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame; the vibration enhancement area is also provided with a pressure detection module; the actuator is communicatively connected to the pressure detection module, and when the actuator is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration enhancement area and the virtual key area are driven to vibrate through the first bracket. By setting the vibration enhancement area on the inside of the frame and the virtual key area on the outside of the frame, the frame structure is avoided from being drilled, the appearance of the whole device is improved, and the dustproof and waterproof performance are increased, meeting the requirements of the development trend of thin and light intelligent interactive tablets; by fixing the pressure detection module in the vibration enhancement area, the actuator is connected to the pressure detection module in communication, and the vibration force is transmitted to the virtual key area through the vibration enhancement area, so that the vibration feedback and pressure detection technology can be combined to simulate the pressing and lifting feedback and touch positioning of mechanical keys. In addition, the setting of the vibration enhancement area formed by the depression can provide extra space to accommodate the pressure detection module on the one hand, and on the other hand, the virtual key area is set in the vibration enhancement area, and the actuator transmits the vibration driving force to the vibration enhancement area formed by the depression, which can effectively drive the virtual key area to generate vibration feedback, which can greatly improve the user experience. This can solve the problem that the mechanical buttons of the existing intelligent interactive tablets cause the appearance of the intelligent interactive tablets to be discontinuous and unsightly, affect the integrated appearance of the intelligent interactive tablet products, reduce the dustproof and waterproof performance of the products, and fail to meet the requirements of the development trend of thin and light intelligent interactive tablets.

[0053] In one embodiment, the virtual key area is used to respond to the user's touch operation by vibrating under the drive of an actuator to achieve tactile feedback or sliding feedback.

[0054] In one embodiment, a vibration enhancement area 112 is formed as a depression on the inner side of the frame 11, and the length of the vibration enhancement area 112 on the inner side of the frame exceeds the length of the virtual key area 111 on the outer side of the frame; preferably, the vibration enhancement area 112 is formed by local subtractive processing and thinning.

[0055] On the other hand, after the intelligent interactive tablet is thinned, its supporting effect will inevitably decrease, especially for large-sized intelligent interactive tablets. The frame needs to support components such as the display module, and the frame will be deformed during use or transportation. In response to the above technical problems, the present application proposes to provide connecting ribs 113 on the frame. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the inner side of the frame 11 extends in a direction away from the outer side of the frame to form a connecting rib 113. The connecting rib 113 forms a T-shaped structure with the frame 11. The connecting rib 113 is used to ensure that the entire frame 11 has sufficient bending rigidity. For example, the entire frame 11 can be processed by an extrusion molding process.

[0056] The inner side or outer side of the frame is distinguished by the side facing the inside and outside of the smart interactive tablet. The side facing the inside of the smart interactive tablet is the inner side of the frame, and the side facing the outside of the smart interactive tablet is the outer side of the frame.

[0057] The vibration reinforcement area 112 is disposed inside the frame, occupying a portion of the surface inside the frame, thereby forming a recessed space inside the frame, as shown in FIG3 .

[0058] Furthermore, to address the issue of current virtual buttons having only a single tactile function, the present application also provides a virtual button smart interactive tablet with multiple interactive operations. Specifically, as shown in FIG4 , a virtual button area 111 is provided outside the frame. In response to a user's touch operation, the virtual button area 111, driven by the actuator 13, vibrates to the user, thereby providing tactile feedback or sliding feedback.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , due to the vibration of the actuator 13, the bending deformation of the center position of the virtual key area 111 is relatively the largest, and the bending deformation of the edge position is relatively small. In order to ensure a sufficiently large vibration amount and pressure detection accuracy, the virtual key area 111 includes a left edge area 1111, a middle effective area 1112 and a right edge area 1113; the left edge area 1111 and the right edge area 1113 cannot be pressed or slid, and the middle effective area 1112 can be effectively pressed. The middle effective area 1112 includes a number of key function areas 11121 arranged in succession, wherein each key function area 11121 is preset to correspond to a certain key function, for example, one key function area corresponds to the power key, one key function area corresponds to the volume or brightness adjustment key, or one key function area corresponds to the menu key, etc.; illustratively, when the volume or brightness adjustment is activated, sliding to the left means lowering the volume or brightness, and the actuator simultaneously gives tactile feedback during the sliding process, which can simulate the pressing or frustration of a physical key. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the middle effective area 1112 includes 5 key function areas 11121 arranged in succession. In addition, in order to ensure that different pressing positions have the same vibration sense, it is achieved by giving the actuator different driving voltages at different positions, that is, the voltage amplitude at the center position of the virtual key area is the smallest, and gradually increases to both sides.

[0060] From the above, it can be seen that the further technical contribution of this application lies in that by setting a virtual key area on the outside of the frame, multiple key functions are continuously concentrated in the virtual key area, so that virtual key operations at different positions can be realized (for example, interactive operations such as pressing functions and continuous sliding at different positions can be realized), and vibration driven by the actuator can realize tactile feedback and sliding feedback.

[0061] In this embodiment, a vibration enhancement area is provided on the inner side of the frame, a virtual key area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the pressure detection module is fixedly installed in the vibration enhancement area. The pressure detection module can detect the deformation of the virtual key area of ​​the frame to realize press event detection, thereby avoiding opening holes in the shell and leaving no gaps at the virtual key positions. This ensures that the appearance of the smart interactive tablet product is beautiful while also realizing the function of a key switch, which is different from the key switch in the prior art, which requires opening holes in the shell for installation and has key gaps on the appearance, and which is different from the prior art which uses mechanical keys and requires pressing the key to have a certain displacement stroke to activate the key switch.

[0062] In one embodiment, the smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons further includes a processing module (not shown) configured to determine whether the pressure value transmitted by the pressure detection module 12 exceeds a preset pressure threshold, and output a control signal to the actuator 13 in the smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons when the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold. The preset pressure threshold may be one or more, and the number of preset pressure thresholds may be set as needed. Furthermore, when there are multiple preset pressure thresholds, the actuator 13 may also be configured with multiple vibration modes, generating different vibration amplitudes and frequencies according to the control instructions output by the processing module, and the specific settings may be made according to actual needs.

[0063] The processing module has data processing capabilities and signal processing capabilities, and can be an integrated circuit chip. For example, the processing module can be a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic devices, and the general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, an MCU (Microcontroller Unit) or any conventional processor.

[0064] In one embodiment, the pressure detection module 12 is fixedly installed in the vibration reinforcement area 112 .

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the pressure detection module 12 includes a circuit board 121 and a plurality of pressure sensors 122 . The plurality of pressure sensors 122 are respectively soldered on the circuit board 121 .

[0066] A plurality of pressure sensors 122 are coupled to a plurality of key function areas 11121 of the virtual key area 111. The number of the pressure sensors 122 can be determined based on the number of key function areas 11121 of the virtual key area 111. The number of the pressure sensors 122 can correspond one-to-one with the number of key function areas 11121 of the virtual key area 111, or can not correspond one-to-one with the number of key function areas 11121 of the virtual key area 111. When the number of the pressure sensors 122 does not correspond one-to-one with the number of key function areas 11121 of the virtual key area 111, an algorithm can be used to determine the signal characteristics at different pressing positions between two pressure sensors to locate a greater number of key function areas.

[0067] When the user touches and presses the virtual key area 111, several pressure sensors 122 respectively detect the bending strain at their respective positions and output different pressure value voltage signals. The touch positioning and pressure detection functions can be achieved by calibrating and algorithmically controlling the multi-channel output signals.

[0068] For example, taking one of the plurality of pressure sensors as an example, the pressure sensor 122 is coupled to a corresponding key function area 11121 in the virtual key area 111, and the other end of the pressure sensor 122 is electrically connected to a processing module. When the pressure sensor 122 is in operation, it outputs a pressure value to the processing module, which determines whether the pressure value exceeds a preset pressure threshold. When the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold, it outputs a control signal to the actuator 13 to control the actuator to generate corresponding vibration. The preset pressure threshold can be one or more, and the number of preset pressure thresholds can be set as needed. When there are multiple preset pressure thresholds, the actuator 13 can also be set to multiple vibration modes accordingly, generating different vibration amplitudes and vibration frequencies according to the control instructions output by the processing module. The specific setting can be based on actual needs.

[0069] For example, the pressure sensor 122 is used for pressure and positioning detection, and may include a resistive strain gauge pressure sensor or a piezoelectric ceramic pressure sensor.

[0070] In this embodiment, the pressure detection module is fixedly mounted in the vibration-enhanced area, and the multiple pressure sensors in the pressure detection module are coupled one-to-one with the multiple key function areas in the virtual key area. When a user touches or presses the virtual key area, the multiple pressure sensors detect the bending strain at their respective locations and output voltage signals of different pressure values ​​to an external processing module for processing. By calibrating and algorithmically controlling the multi-channel output signals, touch positioning and pressure detection at different locations can be achieved.

[0071] Furthermore, the smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons further includes a fixing assembly (not shown). The pressure detection module 12 is fixedly mounted in the vibration enhancement area 112. Specifically, the circuit board 121 of the pressure detection module 12 is fixedly mounted in the vibration enhancement area 112 via the fixing assembly.

[0072] For example, the fixing component is glue, and the circuit board 121 of the pressure detection module 12 is fixedly installed in the vibration enhancement area 112 by gluing the glue, so that the circuit board 121 of the pressure detection module 12 can be more firmly installed in the vibration enhancement area 112 by gluing.

[0073] For another example, the fixing component is a screw, and the circuit board 121 of the pressure detection module 12 is fixed to the vibration enhancement area 112 by the screw. At this time, the screw is fixed from the inside of the vibration enhancement area 112. The length of the screw is greater than the thickness of the circuit board 121 and less than the sum of the thickness of the circuit board 121 and the vibration enhancement area 112, so that the screw cannot pass through the vibration enhancement area 112. The circuit board 121 of the pressure detection module 12 can be more firmly installed in the vibration enhancement area 112 by screw locking, and disassembly and assembly are more convenient.

[0074] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 , the smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons further includes a back panel 15 and a rear shell 16 , and the rear shell 16 is fixedly mounted on the back panel 15 .

[0075] The first bracket 14 includes a connecting portion 143, a first plane 141 and a second plane 142 parallel to each other. The first plane 141 is fixedly connected to the second plane 142 through the connecting portion 143. The first plane 141 abuts against the geometric center of the vibration enhancement area 112, and the second plane 142 passes through the avoidance area 151 designed at the corresponding position of the back plate 15.

[0076] The actuator 13 is fixedly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 , and its vibration direction is parallel to the plane where the back plate 15 is located.

[0077] Specifically, one end of the actuator 13 is coupled to the virtual key area 111, and the other end of the actuator 13 is electrically connected to a processing module. The actuator 13 is used to provide a vibration driving force, generating corresponding vibrations according to the control signal output by the processing module. The vibration direction is parallel to the plane of the back plate 15, driving the virtual key area 111 to generate bending vibrations, thereby producing a tactile feedback effect and enhancing the user experience.

[0078] The pressure detection module 12 can detect the force applied by the user to the virtual key area 111, determine the user's pressing intention, and output a pressure value voltage signal, and the actuator 13 generates vibration when the pressure value exceeds a preset pressure threshold. Specifically, when the pressure sensor 122 of the pressure detection module 12 is in operation, it outputs the pressure value to the processing module, which determines whether the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold. When the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold, it outputs a control signal to the actuator 13 to control the actuator 13 to generate corresponding vibration, driving the virtual key area 111 to generate bending vibration to produce a tactile feedback effect and enhance the user experience. Among them, the preset pressure threshold can be one or more, and the number of preset pressure thresholds can be set as needed. When there are multiple preset pressure thresholds, the actuator 13 can also be set to multiple vibration modes accordingly, generating different vibration amplitudes and vibration frequencies according to the control instructions output by the processing module, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0079] The shape of the actuator 13 includes a cylinder or a square, and the vibration direction thereof is parallel to the plane where the back plate 15 is located.

[0080] For example, the actuator 13 may include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) or a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic actuator may include a single-layer piezoelectric ceramic actuator to reduce the voltage of the driving electrical signal; or may include a multi-layer piezoelectric ceramic actuator to further reduce the voltage of the driving electrical signal.

[0081] Furthermore, the actuator 13 is fixedly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 . Specifically, the actuator 13 is fixedly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 via a fixing assembly.

[0082] For example, the fixing component is glue, and the actuator 13 is fixedly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 by gluing the glue, so that the actuator 13 can be more firmly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 by gluing.

[0083] For another example, the fixing component is a screw, and the actuator 13 is fixed on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 by the screw, so that the actuator 13 can be more firmly installed on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14 by screw locking, and disassembly is more convenient.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first bracket 14 abuts against the vibration reinforcement area 112 .

[0085] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 6 and 8, the first bracket 14 includes a connecting portion 143, a first plane 141 and a second plane 142 parallel to each other. The first plane 141 is fixedly connected to the second plane 142 through the connecting portion 143. The first plane 141 abuts against the geometric center of the vibration enhancement area 112. For example, the first plane 141 can be bonded to the geometric center of the vibration enhancement area 112 by glue.

[0086] The second plane 142 passes through the avoidance area 151 designed at the corresponding position of the back plate 15. Specifically, the back plate 15 is designed with a avoidance area 151 at the corresponding position, so that the second plane 142 can pass through the avoidance area 151 of the back plate 15.

[0087] On the other hand, an actuator 13 is fixedly mounted on the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14. During operation, the actuator 13 vibrates, transmitting the vibration to the second plane 142, the connecting portion 143, the first plane 141, and the virtual key area 111. When the inventor designed the related structures of the virtual key area 111, the second plane 142, the connecting portion 143, and the first plane 141 of the first bracket 14, when the actuator vibrates, the first bracket will also deform when it vibrates. Under the deformation, the vibration waveform transmitted to the virtual key area 111 will change. Although the virtual key and sliding functions can still be realized at this time, the vibration tactile feeling is not optimal, which will affect the user's touch experience. In response to the above technical problems, the present application proposes to set a reinforcement portion 144 on the first bracket. As shown in Figure 8, the first bracket 14 also includes a reinforcing portion 144, which is fixedly connected to the second plane 142 and the connecting portion 143 respectively, for ensuring that the bending stiffness of the first bracket 14 is much greater than the bending stiffness of the virtual key area 111, thereby avoiding deformation of the first bracket 14 itself under the action of the actuator 13.

[0088] Specifically, the reinforcing portion 144 is fixedly connected to the second plane 142 and the connecting portion 143 respectively. Specifically, one side angle of the reinforcing portion 144 is a right angle, the second plane 142 is vertically connected to the connecting portion 143, and the two sides of the reinforcing portion 144 at a right angle are fixedly connected to the second plane 142 and the connecting portion 143 respectively, and the surface where the reinforcing portion 144 is connected to the second plane 142 is the positive and negative sides of the surface where the actuator 13 is arranged on the second plane 142, so that the reinforcing portion 144 is tightly pressed against the second plane 142 and the connecting portion 143, ensuring that the bending stiffness of the first bracket 14 is much greater than the bending stiffness of the virtual key area 111, thereby avoiding deformation of the first bracket 14 itself under the action of the actuator 13.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, there is a first gap 171 between the back plate 15 and the second plane 142 of the first bracket 14, and a first elastic damping layer 181 is provided in the first gap 171 to reduce the pressing bending and limiting effect of the virtual key area 111.

[0090] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 6 , a second radial gap 172 is defined between the actuator 13 and the backplate 15. A second elastic damping layer 182 is disposed in the second radial gap 172 to constrain the actuator 13 and improve the user's tactile experience. A third radial gap 173 is defined between the actuator 13 and the rear housing 16. A third elastic damping layer 183 is disposed in the third radial gap 173 to constrain the actuator 13 and improve the user's tactile experience. Because the torque exerted by the actuator 13 on the vibration enhancement area 112 through the first bracket 14 can cause the virtual key area 111 to twist, thereby affecting the vibration sense, a second elastic damping layer 182 and a third elastic damping layer 183 are disposed in the second radial gap 172 and the third radial gap 173, respectively, to constrain the actuator 13 and improve the user's tactile experience.

[0091] [Corrected 29.10.2024 according to Rule 91] In one embodiment, the second embodiment of the present application provides a smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons.

[0092] [Corrected 29.10.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] The structure of the smart interactive tablet with virtual keys described in this second embodiment differs from the structure of the smart interactive tablet with virtual keys described in any of the above embodiments in that the smart interactive tablet with virtual keys described in this second embodiment further includes a second bracket and a fourth elastic damping layer. The fourth elastic damping layer is disposed between the second bracket and the actuator 13. The second bracket has a bent L-shaped structure, with the first bent end of the second bracket coupled to one end face of the actuator 13 via the fourth elastic damping layer, and the second bent end of the second bracket fixedly mounted to the backplate 15, thereby constraining the actuator 13 from axial motion and improving the vibration effect. Furthermore, the smart interactive tablet with virtual keys described in this second embodiment may optionally exclude the first elastic damping layer 181, the second elastic damping layer 182, and the third elastic damping layer 183. This makes the assembly structure of the smart interactive tablet with virtual keys described in this second embodiment simpler and more convenient to assemble.

[0093] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear shell 16 is fixedly mounted on the back plate 15. Specifically, the rear shell 16 is fixedly mounted on the back plate 15 by screws.

[0094] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , FIG2 and FIG6 , the smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons further includes a display module 19 , one side of the display module 19 is fixedly mounted on the frame 11 , and the other side is fixedly mounted on the back panel 15 .

[0095] Specifically, one side of the display module 19 is fixed to the frame 11 by bonding, and the other side is fixed to the back plate 15 by screws.

[0096] The display module 19 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0097] The present application provides a smart interactive tablet 1 with virtual buttons, which is applied to a smart interactive tablet with a narrow frame. The specific working process is as follows:

[0098] When the user presses a key function area 11121 in the virtual key area 111, the key function area 11121 is deformed and detected by the pressure sensor 122 of the pressure detection module 12 coupled thereto. The pressure sensor 122 outputs the detected pressure value to the processing module, which determines whether the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold. When the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the processing module outputs a control signal to the actuator 13 to control the actuator to generate corresponding vibration, thereby driving the virtual key area 111 to generate bending vibration, thereby producing a tactile feedback effect and enhancing the user experience.

[0099] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0100] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Based on the idea of ​​the present application, the technical features in the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other changes in different aspects of the present application as described above. For the sake of simplicity, they are not provided in detail. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An intelligent interactive tablet with virtual buttons, comprising a motherboard running an operating system and a touch screen, characterized in that: Also includes: The first bracket, the frame and the actuator; wherein: The frame includes an outer side and an inner side; A virtual key area is provided on the outer side of the frame, and the virtual key area is used to receive a user's touch operation and respond to the user's touch operation; A vibration enhancement area is provided on the inner side of the frame in the form of a depression. The vibration enhancement area is provided corresponding to the position of the virtual key area. When subjected to the same force, the vibration amplitude of the vibration enhancement area is greater than that of other areas on the inner side of the frame. The vibration enhancement area is also provided with a pressure detection module; The actuator is in communication connection with the pressure detection module. When the actuator is triggered to generate vibration, the vibration reinforcement area and the virtual key area are driven to vibrate through the first bracket.

2. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The virtual key area is used to respond to the user's touch operation by vibrating under the drive of the actuator to achieve tactile feedback or sliding feedback.

3. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the frame extends in a direction facing away from the outer side of the frame to form a connecting rib, and the connecting rib and the frame form a T-shaped structure.

4. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The virtual key area includes a left edge area, a middle effective area and a right edge area; the left edge area and the right edge area cannot be pressed or slid, and the middle effective area is for effective pressing and sliding operations, wherein the middle effective area includes several key function areas arranged continuously.

5. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure detection module includes a circuit board and a plurality of pressure sensors, and the plurality of pressure sensors are respectively welded on the circuit board; the plurality of pressure sensors are coupled to a plurality of key function areas of the virtual key area.

6. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the actuator is coupled to the virtual key area, and the other end of the actuator is electrically connected to a processing module.

7. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons further includes a back panel and a rear shell, wherein the rear shell is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

8. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first bracket includes a connecting portion, a first plane and a second plane parallel to each other, the first plane is fixedly connected to the second plane through the connecting portion, the first plane abuts the geometric center position of the vibration enhancement area, and the second plane passes through the avoidance area designed at the corresponding position of the backplate; the actuator is fixedly installed on the second plane, and its vibration direction is parallel to the plane where the backplate is located.

9. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first bracket further includes a reinforcing portion, which is fixedly connected to the second plane and the connecting portion respectively.

10. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 9, characterized in that: A first gap is defined between the back plate and the second plane of the first bracket, and a first elastic damping layer is disposed in the first gap.

11. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 10, characterized in that: There is a second radial gap between the actuator and the back plate, and a second elastic damping layer is provided in the second radial gap; there is a third radial gap between the actuator and the rear shell, and a third elastic damping layer is provided in the third radial gap.

12. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 7, characterized in that: The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons also includes a second bracket and a fourth elastic damping layer. The first bent end of the second bracket is coupled to an end face of the actuator through the fourth elastic damping layer, and the second bent end of the second bracket is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

13. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 7, characterized in that: The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons also includes a display module. One side of the display module is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the other side of the display module is fixedly mounted on the back panel.

14. The smart interactive tablet with virtual buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the vibration reinforcement area on the inner side of the frame exceeds the length of the virtual key area on the outer side of the frame.

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