Keyboard With Fabric Touch Sensor Overlapping Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards face challenges in integrating effective touch sensor functionality due to space constraints, making it difficult to provide desired touch input capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design that incorporates overlapping keys with capacitive touch sensor circuitry, utilizing a fabric touch sensor with conductive strands as electrodes, which allows for both keypress and touch input without the need for a separate trackpad, by integrating the touch sensor functionality into the key structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate trackpad is added to provide touch input functionality, then touch input capability is improved, but device area and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor functionality with the existing keyboard key structure. The touch sensor is integrated into the key members or key switches, allowing the same physical space to serve both as a key for pressing and as a touch sensor for contactless input, thereby eliminating the need for a separate trackpad area.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard keys are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as mechanical switches for traditional keypress input and simultaneously as capacitive touch sensors for contactless touch input. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide both typing and touch gesture capabilities within the same footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If touch sensor circuitry is integrated into the key structure, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor circuitry is merged with the existing key switch circuitry. The capacitive sensing electrodes are integrated into the key member or switch structure, and the same signal processing infrastructure is used to detect both mechanical keypresses and capacitive touch events, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The key switch assembly is designed to perform dual detection functions: mechanical switch closure detection for traditional keypresses and capacitive coupling detection for touch gestures. The control circuitry processes both types of input through unified signal processing paths.
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 efficient space utilization and effective multitouch input capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate trackpad while maintaining keypress functionality, thus enhancing user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensor circuitry may be capacitive touch sensor circuitry that monitors capacitive electrodes in the touch sensor for touch input from the user
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard may be provided that has keys overlapped by a touch sensor. The keyboard may have key sensor circuitry for monitoring switching in the keys for key press input. The keyboard may also have touch sensor circuitry such as capacitive touch sensor circuitry that monitors capacitive electrodes in the touch sensor for touch sensor input such as multitouch gesture input. The touch sensor may be formed from a layer of fabric. The fabric may be woven fabric or other fabric in which conductive strands of material serve as the electrodes for the touch sensor.