Mechanical Keyboard with Integrated Touch Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch control systems for computers, especially in laptop formats, suffer from poor ergonomics, mechanical complexity, and lack of space for effective multi-touch control.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard system with integrated touch control, featuring mechanically movable keys and tactile key entry, along with touch sensing systems that utilize IR LEDs and sensors, or camera-based position detection, to enable multi-touch control without the need for a separate touchpad.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate touchpad is added to provide multi-touch control, then multi-touch functionality is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-touch functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch control surface with the existing keyboard structure, integrating multiple functions (typing and multi-touch gestures) into a single device. The keyboard keys serve dual purposes as both mechanical input devices and touch-sensitive zones for gestures like zoom, drag, and rotate, eliminating the need for a separate touchpad.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional mechanical key input for typing and capacitive touch sensing for multi-touch gestures. Each key can respond to both mechanical pressing and capacitive touch, allowing the same physical structure to support diverse input methods without requiring additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate touchpad is added to provide multi-touch control, then multi-touch functionality is improved, but the available space in the device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-touch functionalityVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch control functionality is merged into the existing keyboard footprint, utilizing the same physical space for dual purposes. This integration approach allows multi-touch capabilities to be added without requiring additional area on the device, as the keyboard structure itself serves as the touch sensing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If conventional touch pads are used in standard laptop format, then space is saved, but multi-touch capability and ergonomics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmulti-touch capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional mechanical key input for typing and capacitive touch sensing for multi-touch gestures. Each key can respond to both mechanical pressing and capacitive touch, allowing the same physical structure to support diverse input methods without requiring additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch control functionality is merged into the existing keyboard footprint, utilizing the same physical space for dual purposes. This integration approach allows multi-touch capabilities to be added without requiring additional area on the device, as the keyboard structure itself serves as the touch sensing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If the monitor is positioned vertically for touch screen use, then display functionality is maintained, but user arm fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard with integrated touch control serves as an intermediary input device that allows users to perform gestures and control functions without directly touching the vertically positioned screen. Users can interact with the keyboard at a comfortable height and angle, which then translates commands to the display, reducing arm fatigue while maintaining vertical monitor positioning for optimal viewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides a seamless and ergonomic multi-touch control experience, allowing for intuitive gestures like zoom, drag, and rotate, while maintaining the functionality of a conventional keyboard.

Implementation Method 1

employing IR LEDs and sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

camera-based position detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS12314482B2Touch control system and method

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 I INTERACTIVE LLC

AI summary

A system and method for providing a touch control system are disclosed. In one aspect a touch screen interface on a mechanical keyboard is disclosed. A touch sensing area on a keyboard having mechanical key mechanisms also provides a touch sensing surface. Touch position on the keyboard is detected and used to control a user interface. Unique touch sensing systems are also disclosed.