Keyboard Sensor Light Module for Low-Light Typing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyboard technologies face challenges in data typing in low-light environments, as cameras struggle to capture clear images of finger positions on the keyboard, leading to inefficient data entry and inability to function effectively in dark conditions without supplemental lighting.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard device with a built-in sensor and light source module that automatically detects ambient light levels and turns on supplemental lighting when necessary, ensuring the second sensor can capture clear finger position data for accurate typing, even in low-light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a camera is used to capture finger position data on the keyboard, then the typing function can be monitored, but in low-light environments the camera cannot capture clear images leading to failed data acquisition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyping function reliabilityVSAvoidambient light requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of ambient light levels using a light sensor before attempting image capture. When insufficient light is detected, the supplemental light source is activated in advance to ensure proper illumination conditions for the camera, preventing capture failures before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A light sensor acts as an intermediary between the environmental light conditions and the camera system. The sensor detects ambient light levels and triggers the supplemental light source when needed, mediating the transition from inadequate to sufficient lighting conditions for reliable image capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a supplemental light source is always on to ensure clear image capture, then the camera can always capture finger position data, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the supplemental light source operates periodically based on detected light conditions. The system continuously monitors ambient light levels and activates the light source only during periods when illumination is insufficient, creating an on-demand operation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining capture reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard includes both a light sensor and supplemental light source, then low-light typing is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting condition adaptabilityVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light sensor serves multiple functions: it detects ambient light levels for the supplemental lighting control and also provides information for the control unit to adjust camera operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light detection and lighting control functions into an integrated system managed by a single control unit. The control unit coordinates the light sensor, supplemental light source, and camera operations, merging multiple functions into a unified control architecture that reduces system complexity despite adding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable data typing in various lighting conditions, including dark environments, by providing automatic supplemental lighting, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art in low-light situations.

Implementation Method 1

a light source module (13), disposed on the base (11), to provide a light source for the plurality of keys (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a first sensor (14), disposed on the base (11), to detect an ambient luminance of the plurality of keys (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminance detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10365723B2Keyboard device with built-in sensor and light source module

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 MITAKE INFORMATION

AI summary

A keyboard device includes a base, a plurality of keys, a light source module, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control module. An ambient luminance of the plurality of keys is detected by using the first sensor. When the ambient luminance is less than an ambient luminance at which the second sensor can capture a required image, the control module turns on the light source module to provide a light source for the plurality of keys to improve the ambient luminance, so that the second sensor to can clearly capture the required image and obtain the required data by means of analysis.