Key Switch Operating Points for Fast Repeated Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key switch devices face challenges in achieving high-speed repeated key presses due to delayed initial input detection with low threshold settings and delayed return detection with high threshold settings, making them unsuitable for e-sports applications.
Innovation Solution
A key switch device with a pressing amount detector, A/D converter, and output signal control unit that uses multiple operating points to quickly switch between ON and OFF states based on digital data, allowing for early detection of key operations and rapid repeated presses by setting distinct ON and OFF threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a small threshold value is set for the key, then the initial input operation (on-detection) is detected faster, but the distance for the key to reach the full-stroke point increases, causing delayed return detection (off-detection)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single threshold value into multiple threshold values (first threshold value and second threshold value). The first threshold value is used for on-detection when the key is pressed down, while the second threshold value is used for off-detection when the key returns. This segmentation allows each threshold to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between fast on-detection and fast off-detection.
2Speed
If a large threshold value is set for the key, then the return detection (off-detection) is faster, but the initial input operation (on-detection) is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single threshold value into multiple threshold values (first threshold value and second threshold value). The first threshold value is used for on-detection when the key is pressed down, while the second threshold value is used for off-detection when the key returns. This segmentation allows each threshold to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between fast on-detection and fast off-detection.
3Device complexity
If a single threshold value is used for key switching, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot achieve both fast on-detection and fast off-detection simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single threshold value into multiple threshold values (first threshold value and second threshold value). The first threshold value is used for on-detection when the key is pressed down, while the second threshold value is used for off-detection when the key returns. This segmentation allows each threshold to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between fast on-detection and fast off-detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A key switch device (100) includes: a key (Ky) that is configured to output a signal corresponding to a pressing amount; a pressing amount detector (51) that is configured to detect the pressing amount of the key (Ky); an A/D converter (14) that is configured to convert the pressing amount of the key (Ky) into digital data; and a RAM (122) that is configured to store multiple operating points for switching between ON and OFF states of the key (Ky) according to the digital data. In addition, the key switch device (100) includes an output signal control unit (11) that is configured to output an ON signal when the pressing amount exceeds any one of the operating points in a direction in which the pressing amount of the key (Ky) increases, and to output an OFF signal when the pressing amount falls below any one of the operating points in a direction in which the pressing amount of the key (Ky) decreases.