Keyboard Resonant Key Sensing for Adjustable Analog Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer input devices such as keyboards, gaming controllers, and mice face limitations with binary response switches, which lack fine control and are prone to switch-bounce, contamination, and environmental sensitivity, while existing analogue switch technologies suffer from reliability, haptic feel issues, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system utilizing active and passive resonant circuits with RF drive signals and detectors to sense position and velocity, allowing for adjustable actuation points, non-binary responses, and resistance to contamination and environmental factors, enabling interchangeable key responses and fine control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used for key sensing, then binary on/off response is achieved, but switch-bounce and limited response speed occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a magnetic sensing system using Hall effect sensors. The magnetic field changes detected by the Hall probe correspond to key position, eliminating mechanical contacting and switch-bounce while achieving faster response speeds without mechanical wear or contact degradation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Hall effect sensors with permanent magnets are used for each key, then sensitivity to contamination is reduced, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field generation function into a shared component beneath the keyboard rather than requiring permanent magnets at each key. The Hall effect sensors detect magnetic field changes from this shared source as keys are pressed, reducing component count and assembly complexity while maintaining contamination resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The shared magnetic field generating component serves multiple keys simultaneously, providing a universal solution that eliminates the need for individual permanent magnets at each key position. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the contamination-resistant properties of magnetic sensing
3Device complexity
If mechanical switches are used, then simple construction is achieved, but actuation distance cannot be adjusted without changing the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of actuation distance through software configuration of the Hall effect sensor's trigger thresholds. The magnetic field strength at different key positions can be programmed to correspond to different actuation points, allowing flexible adjustment of key press detection without any mechanical modifications to the switch construction
4Ease of operation
If binary switches are used in game controllers, then simple control is achieved, but fine control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides both binary and analogue control modes from the same magnetic sensing system. The Hall effect sensors can detect subtle variations in magnetic field strength to provide fine-grained analogue control when needed, while still maintaining simple binary on/off detection for basic controls, giving users partial binary action with the option for excessive precision when required
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 system provides fast, reliable, and sensitive key responses with adjustable actuation points, improved haptic feel, and resistance to contamination and environmental factors, enabling fine control and efficient operation in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an active resonant circuit configured to excite the passive resonant circuit at the resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
a passive resonant circuit configured to be moved by the actuator and having a resonant frequency
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A sensing system for a computer input device. The sensing system comprises an actuator to attach to a key top or button. The actuator is moveable along an axis or hinged. The sensing system further comprises a biasing element to exert a biasing force on the actuator directed along the axis. The sensing system further comprises an actuator motion sensor associated with the actuator. The actuator motion sensor comprises a passive resonant circuit configured to be moved by the actuator and having a resonant frequency, an active resonant circuit configured to excite the passive resonant circuit at the resonant frequency, a sensor driver to drive the active resonant circuit with an RF drive signal at the resonant frequency, and a detector to detect a level of RF signal from a driven actuator motion sensor for sensing a position and/or velocity of the actuator.