Magnetic Cursor Input Structure Integrated Into Laptop Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of laptop computers without a touch panel face inconvenience as they cannot control the cursor without an external mouse.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a support structure, cover, magnetic members, and sensors that generate control signals for cursor movement without external connection, integrated into electronic devices like laptops, keyboards, and tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external mouse is connected to control the cursor, then cursor control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and port requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mouse functionality directly into the keyboard by integrating a cover structure with magnetic members and a magnetic sensor. The cover can be moved relative to the keyboard body, and the magnetic sensor detects the movement of magnetic members to generate control signals for cursor movement, eliminating the need for an external mouse device.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the main input device for text entry and as a mouse controller. The cover structure integrated into the keyboard can detect movement in multiple directions and generate corresponding control signals, allowing the keyboard to replace both itself and an external mouse.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic members are positioned closer to magnetic sensors, then sensing sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor is divided into multiple sensing regions corresponding to different directional movements. Each sensing region detects magnetic force changes in specific directions, allowing the system to achieve high sensitivity without requiring extremely precise positioning of magnetic members, as the segmented sensing areas provide directional discrimination.
3Ease of operation
If the cover moves freely relative to the substrate, then operational flexibility is improved, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to allow dynamic movement of the cover relative to the substrate in horizontal directions for mouse control functionality, while maintaining structural stability through the fixed connection at one end. The support structure acts as a hinge or pivot point, enabling controlled movement in operating directions while preventing unwanted displacement in other directions.
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 cursor control and direction manipulation within electronic devices without an external mouse, reducing device size and enhancing sensitivity through magnetic force detection.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one magnetic sensor senses a magnetic force change and correspondingly generates a sensing signal
Data Source
AI summary
An input device and an electronic device are provided. The input device includes a support structure, a cover, a magnetic member, and a magnetic sensor. One end of the support structure is fixed to a substrate, and the cover is fixed to another end of the support structure. The magnetic member is disposed on the cover. The magnetic sensor is positioned within an orthogonal projection area of the magnetic member on the substrate. The cover is operable to move relative to the substrate via the support structure, and the magnetic member is movable with the cover, such that the magnetic sensor senses and converts a magnetic force change into a control signal. The electronic device receives the control signal for controlling movement, a single click, or a double click of a mouse, or for direction control of an application program.