Multi-Device Input Switch with Adaptive Backlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic input devices lack the ability to seamlessly switch communication between multiple electronic devices, such as desktop computers, without manual reconfiguration, and do not provide clear visual or haptic feedback to users about the current device in use.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a frame, manually depressible input members, a communication module, and a switch that allows switching between electronic devices, along with a light source or haptic feedback device to provide visual or tactile cues indicating the active device, ensuring seamless communication and user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an input device is designed to communicate with multiple electronic devices, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching mechanisms and multiple communication interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed with a universal communication module that can interface with multiple types of electronic devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) through a single unified architecture. The switch enables this single device to perform multiple communication functions by selecting different target devices, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate input devices for each electronic device type.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch is introduced as an intermediary component between the communication module and multiple electronic devices. This mediator enables seamless transitions between different communication targets by routing signals appropriately, thereby managing the complexity of multi-device communication through a dedicated control element rather than requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire communication system.
2Ease of operation
If a switch is added to enable device switching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is designed to provide self-service functionality by automatically indicating its current state through visual (LED indicators) and haptic (tactile feedback) mechanisms. This eliminates the need for users to mentally track which device is currently active, as the switch itself communicates its state back to the user, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch incorporates feedback mechanisms including LED indicators and haptic feedback devices that provide real-time information about the current switching state and active communication target. This feedback loop allows users to immediately confirm which electronic device is currently receiving input, thereby improving operational ease by eliminating ambiguity without requiring additional complex control systems.
3Loss of information
If visual and haptic feedback mechanisms are added to indicate active device, then the loss of information is reduced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual and haptic feedback mechanisms operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. LED indicators are activated only during switching transitions or when device selection changes, and haptic feedback is provided only at the moment of switching. This periodic operation maintains clear information communication while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanisms are localized to specific regions of the input device where they are most needed - LED indicators are positioned near the switch and haptic feedback is provided at the actuation point. This localized approach concentrates energy consumption only where information communication is most critical, rather than distributing energy consumption throughout the entire device, thereby reducing overall energy use while maintaining effective information delivery.
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
Enables effortless switching between multiple electronic devices and provides clear visual or haptic feedback, enhancing user experience by ensuring correct input registration and device communication without manual reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to the switch and positioned at least partially within the frame. The light source is operable to provide a backlight for the plurality of input members. The backlight is modified in response to actuation of the switch.
Implementation Method 2
a haptic feedback device coupled to the switch and supported by the frame. The haptic feedback device provides tactile feedback in response to actuation of the switch.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device for use with a first electronic device and a second electronic device includes a frame, a plurality of manually depressible input members supported by the frame, a communication module supported by the frame and operable to selectively communicate with the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and a switch supported by the frame and coupled to the communication module. The switch is operable to change whether the communication module communicates with the first electronic device or the second electronic device. The input device also includes a light source coupled to the switch and positioned at least partially within the frame. The light source is operable to provide a backlight for the plurality of input members. The backlight is modified in response to actuation of the switch.