Optical Analog Push Button Matrix for Granular Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices, such as gaming controllers and keyboards, rely on digital switches that only output binary signals, limiting the granularity and precision of user input, which is insufficient for applications requiring more nuanced control, such as gaming.
Innovation Solution
An analog input device featuring a matrix of analog push button assemblies with optical sensing sub-arrangements that measure pressure and output analog signals, coupled with a multiplexer, analog-to-digital converter, and processor to generate data packets for precise input processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital switches are used in conventional input devices, then the device structure is simple, but the input granularity is limited to binary signals only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical digital switches with an optical sensing system. A plunger element moves in response to applied pressure, modulating a light path between a light source and photodetector. This optical system converts mechanical displacement into analog electrical signals, enabling continuous pressure measurement instead of binary on/off states, thus improving input granularity while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter from binary (0 or 1) to continuous analog values by measuring the degree of light blockage. The plunger's position, which varies continuously with applied pressure, modulates the light intensity reaching the photodetector. This produces a range of analog voltage outputs corresponding to different pressure levels, enabling precise measurement of pressure magnitude rather than just presence/absence
2Measurement precision
If analog pressure sensors are implemented, then the input precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated sensor assembly. The plunger element serves both as the mechanical actuator and as part of the optical modulation system. The light source, light path, and photodetector are combined in a compact arrangement where the plunger's movement directly modulates the optical signal, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and simplifying the overall sensor structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the mechanical plunger displacement and the electrical output signal. Instead of direct mechanical-to-electrical conversion, the plunger's physical position modulates light intensity, which then converts to electrical voltage via the photodetector. This optical intermediary enables precise analog measurement while allowing for a cleaner separation of mechanical and electrical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If binary signals are used, then the processing is simple, but the user intent recognition is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static binary states to dynamic continuous analog signals. The output voltage varies continuously with pressure magnitude, providing a dynamic range of values that encode different levels of user intent. This enables the system to distinguish between gentle presses and firm presses, allowing for nuanced control and more sophisticated user intent recognition while maintaining relatively simple processing through analog-to-digital conversion
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
The analog input device provides enhanced input granularity, enabling more precise control and flexible user intent recognition by processing analog signals into digital data for the host computing system, allowing for continuous variable or discrete actions based on varying pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensing sub-arrangement configured to measure an amount of light varied according to a pressure sensed at the pressure reception arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An analog input device including at least one mounting panel and a matrix of analog push button assemblies mounted thereon. Each analog push button assembly including an analog pressure sensor including a pressure reception arrangement having an optical sensing sub-arrangement configured to measure an amount of light varied according to a pressure sensed at the pressure reception arrangement and an output terminal for outputting an analog signal corresponding to the amount of light measured, and a plunger element configured to exert the pressure on the pressure reception arrangement. The analog input device may include a multiplexer including an input side coupled to the push button assemblies and an output side; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the output side of the multiplexer; a processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to output a data packet; and a communication interface configured to transmit the data packet to a host computing device.