Capacitive Keyboard Input Surface With Force-Sensed Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as keyboards, face challenges in accurately detecting user inputs and providing haptic feedback without using independently movable parts, and struggle to differentiate between key presses and hand gestures effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a force sensor with piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials underneath the input surface, connected to a proximity controller, which measures capacitance changes to detect user inputs and send haptic feedback signals, allowing for the detection of key presses and hand gestures without relative movement between the input surface and key positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical switches are used in keyboards, then key press detection is reliable, but the device complexity increases and haptic feedback mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields to detect key presses. The force sensor with piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials detects mechanical stress from key presses and converts it to electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical switches and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary force sensor between the input surface and the detection circuitry. This sensor uses piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials to convert mechanical stress into electrical signals, serving as a mediator that translates physical key presses into detectable electrical changes without requiring direct mechanical switch contact.
2Measurement precision
If independently movable parts are used for haptic feedback, then feedback precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with an electrical signaling system. The force sensor generates electrical signals in response to key presses, and haptic feedback is provided through electrical actuation of the same or related components, eliminating the need for independently movable parts while maintaining feedback precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor with piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials serves multiple functions: it detects key presses, provides haptic feedback, and generates electrical signals for processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical components for detection and feedback, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitance measurement is used to detect key presses, then the ability to detect hand gestures is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor with piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials serves as an intermediary that converts both key presses and hand gesture-induced stresses into electrical signals. This intermediary layer simplifies the measurement process by providing direct electrical outputs that are easier to process and differentiate than raw capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials in response to different types of mechanical stress. By monitoring changes in electrical signal characteristics (voltage, current, frequency) generated by these materials, the system can differentiate between key presses and hand gestures with improved accuracy and reduced measurement difficulty.
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
This solution enables precise detection of user inputs and hand gestures, providing effective haptic feedback while minimizing the need for independently movable parts, thus enhancing the functionality and efficiency of input devices.
Implementation Method 1
The force sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
The active material may be selected from the group of piezoelectric materials, magnetostrictive materials, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
measuring capacitance between a first portion of a force sensor and a second portion of the force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include an input surface, a plurality of key positions on the input surface, a force sensor positioned underneath the input surface at at least one of the key positions, and a proximity controller in communication with a capacitance measuring circuit incorporated into the apparatus.