Deployable Key Mouse With Optical Tracking for Portable Pointing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer input devices, such as trackpads and trackballs, are cumbersome and take up valuable space in portable devices, while handheld mice require a proper surface and are not portable.
Innovation Solution
A removable key structure that functions as both a keyboard key and a pointing device, equipped with a position sensor, allowing it to be used as a mouse when detached from the keyboard, with features like optical tracking and button inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate mouse device is used for pointing tasks, then pointing precision is improved, but device portability deteriorates due to increased bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a keyboard and mouse into a single integrated device. The keyboard housing contains both key switch mechanisms for typing and an optical sensor system for mouse functionality. The removable key structure can function as either a keyboard key or be detached to serve as a standalone pointing device, merging two previously separate input devices into one unified system that reduces overall bulk while maintaining both typing and pointing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable key structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes: when attached to the keyboard housing, it functions as a keyboard key providing typing input; when detached, it becomes a standalone pointing device using its optical sensor. This universal design allows a single component to replace both a traditional keyboard and mouse, improving portability while maintaining pointing precision through the optical tracking capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trackpads or trackballs are used in portable devices, then pointing functionality is provided, but device portability deteriorates due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pointing functionality from a separate mouse device and integrates it into the keyboard structure through an optical sensor system. Instead of incorporating a bulky trackpad or trackball mechanism within the keyboard, the invention uses a lightweight optical sensor that can detect motion and position without requiring significant space. The removable key with optical sensor can be detached and used as a portable pointing device, providing full pointing functionality while minimizing the space required in the main device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable key structure with optical sensor is used, then device versatility is improved by combining keyboard and mouse functions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input device into modular components: a keyboard housing containing key switch mechanisms, and removable key structures that can be detached. Each removable key contains its own optical sensor and can function independently as a pointing device. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile input capabilities (both keyboard and mouse functions) while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design, where each component is relatively simple but combines to create a multifunctional system.
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
Provides a compact and portable input solution that combines keyboard typing and mouse functionality, enhancing usability and reducing device bulk.
Implementation Method 1
The removable key can comprise a position sensor... in the second configuration, the removable key structure can be operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.