Keyboard With Dedicated Teleconferencing Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards lack dedicated keys and efficient mechanisms for seamlessly integrating teleconferencing functions within electronic devices, especially when the teleconferencing application is running in the background, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency in controlling teleconferencing operations.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring a printed circuit board, a controller, and dedicated physical teleconferencing keys that generate signals to perform specific functions in a teleconferencing application, even when the application is running in the background, along with an elastic member to reduce sound and fluid ingress, enhancing usability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional keyboards are used without dedicated teleconferencing keys, then the keyboard structure remains simple, but teleconferencing control efficiency deteriorates when the application runs in the background
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into different key types: standard keys for general input and dedicated teleconferencing keys for specific teleconferencing functions. This segmentation allows the teleconferencing keys to independently control background applications without interfering with standard keyboard operations, thereby improving control efficiency while maintaining overall keyboard simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated teleconferencing keys are designed to perform multiple functions: they can control teleconferencing applications whether running in foreground or background, and can handle various teleconferencing operations (mute, unmute, end call, etc.). This multi-functionality improves operational efficiency without requiring separate controls for each scenario.
2Ease of operation
If teleconferencing application must be in foreground to respond to keyboard signals, then keyboard control is effective, but application switching and multitasking are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by registering keyboard shortcuts and teleconferencing keys in advance with the operating system. This allows the keys to directly trigger teleconferencing functions even when the application is running in the background, eliminating the need to switch to the foreground and maintaining both responsiveness and multitasking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism (operating system level signal routing) is introduced to forward teleconferencing key signals directly to the teleconferencing application regardless of its foreground/background state. This intermediary enables communication between the keyboard and background application without requiring the application to be visible, thus supporting both effective control and multitasking.
3Device complexity
If standard keyboard keys are used for teleconferencing control, then fewer dedicated keys are needed, but control precision and function specificity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Specific regions of the keyboard are assigned dedicated teleconferencing keys with distinct functions (mute, unmute, end call, pause). This local specialization ensures that each key has a specific, unambiguous function for teleconferencing control, improving precision without requiring the entire keyboard to be reconfigured.
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 keyboard effectively integrates teleconferencing controls into standard keyboard operations, allowing seamless function control regardless of the application's foreground or background status, while minimizing noise and fluid exposure to the circuitry, thus enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
A portion the elastic member is positioned between each of switch and the shell of each key cap to inhibit fluid from contacting the printed circuit board and to reduce a sound emitted when the shell of each key cap moves to the actuated position
Implementation Method 2
A portion the elastic member is positioned between each of switch and the shell of each key cap to inhibit fluid from contacting the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard for use with an electronic device including an electronic processor. The keyboard includes a printed circuit board that is configured to communicate with the electronic processor of the electronic device, a first plurality of physical keys, and a second plurality of dedicated physical keys. Each of the first plurality of physical keys is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. When in the actuated position, each of the first plurality of physical keys is configured to generate a first signal that inserts a character on the electronic device. Each of the second plurality of dedicated physical keys is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. When in the actuated position, each of the second plurality of dedicated physical keys is configured to generate a second signal that performs a function in a teleconferencing application running on the electronic device.