Mechanical Keyboard Touch Control with IR Finger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch control systems, such as touch pads and touch screens, suffer from ergonomic issues and lack of space for multi-touch control, leading to user fatigue and limited functionality in laptop computers.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with integrated touch control using IR LEDs and sensors, allowing for multi-touch control by reassigning keys for touch mode and providing a smooth surface for finger motion detection, with optional camera-based or deformable membrane detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch screen display is used for vertical display operation, then touch control functionality is provided, but user arm fatigue occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The display device allows dynamic reconfiguration between different display orientations and modes. The keyboard can be dynamically reassigned from typing mode to touch control mode, enabling the system to adapt to different user needs and reduce fatigue by allowing horizontal display positioning while maintaining touch functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional touch pads are used in standard laptop format, then touch control is provided, but the area is too small for multi-touch use
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a conventional typing keyboard or be reconfigured as a large-area touch control surface. By reassigning the keyboard keys to touch control functions, the system provides a much larger interaction area that supports multi-touch gestures, effectively combining the functionality of both keyboard and touch pad into a single multi-functional device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional touch control components are added to provide multi-touch control, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the keyboard and touch control functions into a single integrated system. Instead of adding separate touch control components, the existing keyboard structure is utilized and reconfigured for touch control operations. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional hardware components while providing enhanced multi-touch functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 ergonomic and efficient multi-touch control without additional space, reducing user fatigue and enhancing keyboard functionality with seamless transition between typing and touch modes.
Implementation Method 1
A keyboard with integrated touch control using IR LEDs and sensors
Implementation Method 2
IR LEDs and sensors, allowing for multi-touch control by reassigning keys for touch mode and providing a smooth surface for finger motion detection
Data Source
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.