Composite Keyboard Electrode Layout for Touch Sensing and Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating touch functionality into a physical keyboard without a touch panel has been unsuccessful in terms of operation and structure, especially when attempting to incorporate this feature into a luminous keyboard, due to challenges with keyswitch arrangement, varying key sizes, and inconsistent touch sensing data.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard composite electrode module is developed, integrating a touch sensing circuit and a light source circuit within a single electrode module, featuring interlaced electrode strings and light sources, which allows for non-pressing movement sensing and light emission through keycaps, improving operability and reducing electrode complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If touch sensing circuit and light source circuit are integrated in a single electrode module, then device complexity is reduced and thickness is decreased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to interlaced electrode and light source arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensing circuit and light source circuit into a single composite electrode module. The first electrode strings serve dual functions as both touch sensing elements and light source mounting structures, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining functional independence through precise spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional interlaced arrangement of electrode strings and light sources. By utilizing vertical stacking and interlacing in the thickness direction, the design achieves compact integration without compromising touch sensing area or light emission effectiveness
2Measurement precision
If interlaced electrode strings are used for touch sensing, then touch sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrode string arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensing circuit is segmented into multiple first electrode strings arranged in interlaced patterns, where each electrode string independently contributes to touch detection. This segmentation allows for enhanced touch sensing accuracy through distributed sensing points while maintaining manageable complexity through modular electrode design
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode strings serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as touch sensing elements for detecting non-pressing movements, provide structural support for mounting light sources, and function as conductive pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the interlaced arrangement
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
This solution enhances the operability and functionality of the keyboard, improves touch sensing accuracy, and reduces the thickness of the keyboard by integrating touch sensing and light source circuits in a single layer, addressing the complexities of keyswitch arrangement and varying touch sensing data.
Implementation Method 1
The light source circuit is disposed on the bearing structure and includes a plurality of light sources
Implementation Method 2
The touch sensing circuit is disposed on the electrode bearing structure and includes a plurality of first electrode strings and a plurality of second electrode strings, wherein the plurality of first electrode strings extend along a first direction and are arranged at intervals in a second direction, and the plurality of second electrode strings extend along the second direction and are arranged at intervals in the first direction to be interlaced with the plurality of first electrode strings
Data Source
AI summary
A luminous touch keyboard includes a baseplate, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of support mechanisms connected between the baseplate and the keycaps, and a keyboard composite electrode module disposed between the baseplate and the keycaps and configured to sense a non-pressing movement over the keycaps and to provide light emitting through the keycaps. The support mechanism supports the keycap to move relative to the baseplate and the keyboard composite electrode module. The keyboard composite electrode module includes a light source circuit and a plurality of electrode matrices arranged along a first direction and a second direction. Two of the electrode matrices adjacent in the second direction are mis-aligned. The light source circuit includes a plurality of light sources disposed in the plurality of electrode matrices in a one-to-one manner, and the position of the light source in the electrode matrix is correspondingly the same.