Adaptive Input Row With Force Sensing For Keyboard Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards lack flexibility to accommodate the expansive features of newer devices, operating systems, and software, with limited functionality and an intuitive user experience.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive input row with a touch sensor and force sensor, integrated with a display, allowing for programmable user input modes and versatile command interpretations, including touch gestures and variable force inputs, positioned adjacent to the alpha-numeric keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyboard keys are used with dedicated functions, then the keyboard structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different software and features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input row transitions from static dedicated keys to dynamic touch-sensitive regions with force sensing capability. The same physical location can represent different functions (numbers, letters, symbols) depending on the current input mode, allowing the keyboard to adapt to different software requirements without adding physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive input row serves multiple functions: it can detect light touches for character selection, hard presses for number input, and serve as a display area for indicators. This multi-functionality replaces traditional separate components (number row, function keys, display) with a single unified interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys are used to perform alternative functions with shift/button combinations, then some functionality expansion is achieved, but the operation becomes awkward and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the adaptive input row can have different touch sensitivity thresholds and response characteristics. The force sensor enables local differentiation between light touches (for letter mode) and hard presses (for number mode), making the operation intuitive without requiring shift key combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides immediate tactile feedback to the user about the detected input type. The system can visually indicate on the display whether it is in letter or number mode, and the force-sensitive response gives users intuitive control over input interpretation without complex key combinations
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed keyboard layout is used, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but the flexibility to accommodate expansive features of newer devices is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-switch system with a touch-sensitive surface combined with force sensing. This substitution maintains the simple physical structure ease of manufacture while enabling sophisticated digital functionality through software-controlled touch and force detection regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the input row dynamically. By adjusting touch sensitivity thresholds, force detection levels, and display indicators based on the current input mode, the same physical structure can accommodate expansive features without requiring physical reconfiguration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user input flexibility and intuitive operation by enabling a wide range of commands and functions, adapting to different input modes and software-dependent controls, improving user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor configured to detect the location of the touch
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor configured to detect a magnitude of a force of the touch
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.