Dual Protocol Input Device Seamless Wired Wireless Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices face limitations with cumbersome wired connections and battery-powered wireless protocols, which can result in device unavailability during battery replacement or recharging, and lack seamless switching between communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A dual protocol input device with a single chip architecture that integrates an optical navigation sensor, wired and wireless protocol blocks, a micro-controller, and a power controller, enabling seamless switching between wired and wireless communication protocols and power sources without interruption, using a single chip to manage data communication and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired protocol is used for communication, then data communication reliability is improved, but device portability and ease of movement deteriorate due to the cable being cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The input device dynamically switches between wired and wireless communication modes based on operational needs. The system can transition from wired mode (when reliability is prioritized) to wireless mode (when portability is prioritized), making the device adaptable to different usage scenarios rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device incorporates dual communication capabilities, supporting both wired and wireless protocols simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate in wired mode for reliable data transmission during active use, and switch to wireless mode for portable storage or transport, eliminating the need to choose one mode over the other.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless protocol is used for communication, then device portability is improved, but device availability deteriorates due to battery replacement or recharging interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by maintaining a wired connection during active use, which allows simultaneous charging of the battery. This ensures that the battery is recharged in advance during periods when the device is being used, so it remains ready for wireless operation without interruption to availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual protocol capability ensures continuous useful action by allowing the device to switch between wired and wireless modes without interruption. When wireless mode is active, the device can transition to wired mode for charging without losing functionality, and vice versa, maintaining continuous operational availability.
3Device complexity
If a single chip architecture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (optical navigation sensor, wired protocol block, wireless protocol block, micro-controller, and power controller) into a single integrated chip. This consolidation reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate components and their interconnections, while the manufacturing precision challenges are addressed through advanced semiconductor fabrication processes.
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 solution allows for uninterrupted data communication and power management, enabling the input device to switch seamlessly between wired and wireless protocols and power sources, enhancing user convenience and device usability by eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical navigation sensor (ONS) to sense movement of the ONS relative to a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A dual protocol input device for use with a host system is provided. In one embodiment, the input device comprises a chip with a number of semiconductor devices integrally formed thereon, including: an optical navigation sensor (ONS) to sense movement of the ONS relative to a surface; a wired protocol block to communicate data from the ONS to the host system by a wired communication protocol; a wireless protocol block to communicate data from the ONS to the host system by a wireless communication protocol; and a micro-controller coupled to the ONS, the wired protocol block and the wireless protocol block, to switch the input device between the wireless communication protocol and the wired communication protocol.