Key Input Apparatus Touch Pressure Detection Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input apparatuses face design restrictions in detecting both touch and depression operations on keys due to the need to detect electrostatic capacitance variations during key displacement, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with a key that is displaceable, featuring a first detecting circuit for electrostatic capacitance variations and a second detecting circuit for electric connections, switching between detection statuses based on key displacement, allowing for exclusive detection of touch or stroke operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the first detecting circuit detects electrostatic capacitance variation during key displacement, then touch operation detection is enabled, but depression operation detection becomes unreliable due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two detection modes based on key displacement state. The control unit activates the first detecting circuit (electrostatic capacitance sensor) when the key is in the non-depressed state for touch detection, and switches to the second detecting circuit (electric connection sensor) when the key is depressed for stroke detection. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by ensuring each detection circuit operates only in its optimal detection state, eliminating interference between touch and depression detection.
2Device complexity
If a single detection method is used for both touch and depression operations, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy for both operations cannot be ensured simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two specialized circuits: the first detecting circuit (electrostatic capacitance sensor) dedicated to touch operation detection, and the second detecting circuit (electric connection sensor) dedicated to depression operation detection. Each circuit is optimized for its specific detection task, with the control unit managing which circuit is active based on the operation type. This segmentation allows both circuits to maintain high detection accuracy without mutual interference, while the overall system complexity remains manageable through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as a universal coordinating component that manages both detection circuits, enabling the system to perform multiple detection functions (touch and depression) through a single unified control mechanism. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to switch between different detection modes without requiring separate independent control systems, thereby balancing detection accuracy with acceptable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the electrostatic capacitance sensor continuously monitors during key displacement, then touch operation detection is maintained, but the detection system cannot distinguish between touch and depression operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback from the control unit that monitors key displacement state to determine which detection circuit should be active. When the key is in the non-depressed state, the control unit enables the electrostatic capacitance sensor for touch detection. When the key is depressed, the control unit switches to enable the electric connection sensor for stroke detection. This feedback-based switching ensures continuous detection capability while maintaining clear distinction between touch and depression operations, preventing information loss about operation type.
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 the detection of both touch and stroke operations on keys without interference, enhancing the design freedom and functionality of input apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first detecting circuit that comprises an electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects a variation of an electrostatic capacitance caused by a contact or a proximity of a pressing body with the key
Implementation Method 2
a second detecting circuit that comprises a first electrode, the second detecting circuit detecting an electric connection of the first electrode to a second electrode that is displaced along the direction as the key is displaced
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, there is provided an input apparatus comprising a key that is displaceable along a direction; a first detecting circuit that comprises an electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects a variation of an electrostatic capacitance caused by a contact or a proximity of a pressing body with the key; and a second detecting circuit that comprises a first electrode, the second detecting circuit detecting an electric connection of the first electrode to a second electrode that is displaced along the direction as the key is displaced, wherein the input apparatus switches a detecting status thereof exclusively between a first detecting status and a second detecting status to each other in accordance with a displacement variation of the key.