Multi-Host Keyboard with Dynamic Character Set Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards lack flexibility in character set customization and multi-host compatibility, limiting their adaptability to different devices and languages.
Innovation Solution
A wireless keyboard with multi-host capability and customizable character sets, featuring a compact design with three layers of functions, capacitive sensors, and an on-screen prompt system that allows users to switch between layers and access different key maps without visual confirmation, enabling efficient typing across various devices and languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional keyboards use fixed character sets, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different devices and languages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed to support multiple character sets and languages through a single device. The system includes memory storage for multiple character set definitions and a controller that can switch between different character sets based on selected language modes, allowing one keyboard to serve multiple linguistic and device compatibility functions
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard implements dynamic character set switching capability where the active character set can change based on selected language modes. The system dynamically reconfigures which characters are assigned to which keys by loading different character set definitions from memory, enabling adaptation to different languages without physical reconfiguration
2Productivity
If keyboard layers are switched without visual confirmation, then typing speed increases, but user accuracy may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides auditory feedback through distinct click sounds for different key press types. Different scanning rates produce different audible click characteristics, allowing users to confirm layer transitions and key press registration through sound rather than visual confirmation, maintaining accuracy while enabling closed-eye typing
3Speed
If keyboard scans at high rate, then response speed increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard implements variable scanning rates that are adjusted based on operational context. The controller can switch between different scan rates to optimize between responsiveness and power consumption, using higher scan rates when responsiveness is critical and lower rates during normal operation to conserve battery power
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
Enhances typing efficiency and adaptability by allowing seamless switching between devices and languages, reducing the need to look at the keyboard and minimizing screen real estate with on-screen legends, while maintaining ergonomic comfort and intuitive functionality.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a keyboard capable of supporting multiple hosts and changing character sets. A first host processor communicates with a display. A keyboard has a plurality of independently moveable physical keys with each letter of an entire alphabet accessible by a single strike actuation of one of the plurality of keys. The keyboard uses twelve or fewer keys provide single strike access to the entire alphabet. A map defining functions of the keys appears on the display responsive to a prompting action of a user's hand without requiring any finger to leave the keys that provide access to the alphabet. The map defines the spatial relationship of each function relative to a home position of a finger.