Analog Push Button Matrix With Proportional Lighting Feedback
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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 inputs, which is insufficient for applications requiring more nuanced control.
Innovation Solution
An analog input device with a matrix of force-sensitive or pressure-sensitive buttons that output analog signals based on the applied force, processed by a processor to generate corresponding application events and control a lighting arrangement for visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital switches are used in input devices, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the input granularity and precision are limited to binary signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital switches with force-sensitive or pressure-sensitive sensors that convert mechanical pressure into analog electrical signals. This substitution enables continuous measurement of input force magnitude, transforming binary input into multi-level analog input while maintaining sensor-based detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter of the input mechanism from binary (on/off) to analog (continuous voltage or resistance variation). By using force-sensitive resistors or pressure-sensitive capacitors, the system captures varying degrees of pressure as continuous electrical parameters, enabling precise control of character speed, direction, and action magnitude
2Adaptability or versatility
If analog sensors are implemented to detect pressure magnitude, then input granularity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analog input mechanism that can serve multiple gaming functions through a single pressure-sensitive button. The same sensor provides data for character speed control, direction adjustment, action magnitude, and even can be mapped to different game commands, reducing the need for multiple specialized controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analog-to-digital converter and microcontroller as intermediary components that bridge the analog pressure sensor and the digital gaming system. These intermediaries process the continuous analog signals into usable digital commands, managing the complexity transition between analog sensing and digital processing
3Ease of operation
If lighting arrangement is added for visual feedback, then user interface quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where LEDs provide visual confirmation of the pressure magnitude registered by the sensor. The lighting intensity or pattern responds dynamically to the user's input force, creating an intuitive visual interface that confirms system state without requiring additional energy-intensive continuous illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting arrangement operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, activating only when pressure is detected or during specific gaming states. This periodic operation provides necessary visual feedback while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous lighting
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 granularity and precision in user input, enabling more precise control and intuitive visual feedback through proportional lighting effects, addressing the limitations of binary input devices.
Implementation Method 1
an analog switch to receive an interaction with the interaction component, wherein the analog switch detects a property that is a function of the amount of depressing force or pressure applied by a user
Implementation Method 2
The light blocking element may be disposed between the light emitter and the light receiver and may be movable together with the plunger element. The light blocking element may be configured to move within the light path and affect the amount of light that passes through the light blocking element and that is received by the light receiver
Implementation Method 3
The light emitter may be configured to emit light in a light path substantially in parallel to a surface of the keycap
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
An analog input device may include at least one mounting panel; a matrix of analog push button assemblies mounted to the at least one mounting panel; a multiplexer with an input side is coupled to the matrix of analog push button assemblies; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to an output side of the multiplexer to convert an analog signal, from at least one of the matrix of analog push button assemblies, into a corresponding digital-step-value; a lighting arrangement including a plurality of light sources respectively associated with the matrix of analog push button assemblies for individually illuminating each analog push button assembly; and a processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to control the lighting arrangement to light the plurality of light sources based on the digital-step-value such that a number of the plurality of light sources being lit is proportional to the corresponding digital-step-value.