Optical Finger Navigation Module for Game Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers face limitations in flexibility and cost due to their complex structure and physical feedback, which hinders seamless integration with touch screen operations for mobile games, affecting hand feeling, usage habits, and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A function key module incorporating an optical finger navigation (OFN) module with an infrared LED light source, photosensitive array, and optical lens, integrated on a flexible circuit board, providing precise directional control and reducing the need for complex mechanical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key and mechanical wheel are used to simulate directional operation, then physical feedback is provided, but the structure becomes complex requiring housing redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel and key structure with an optical finger navigation module that uses optical fields to detect finger movements. The OFN module includes an optical sensor, infrared LED, and processing unit that detects directional input through optical means rather than mechanical contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical housing redesign while maintaining operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the user's finger and the control system. The optical sensor detects finger position and movement through optical reflection, and the infrared LED provides optical feedback to the user's eye, creating a mediator that transmits control information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex structural changes.
2Ease of operation
If conventional keys are used, then directional control is achieved, but hand feeling and pressure sensitivity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical key structure with an optical detection system that senses finger presence and movement through optical fields rather than mechanical contact. This eliminates the pressure sensitivity issues and hand feeling problems associated with conventional mechanical keys while maintaining precise directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical pressure and displacement to optical reflection and light detection. The optical sensor detects finger position and movement by measuring changes in optical reflection patterns, providing directional control without the hand feeling and pressure sensitivity limitations of mechanical keys.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical structures are added for directional operation, then control functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (mechanical wheels, precision keys, specialized housing) with a more cost-effective optical detection system. The OFN module uses standard optical sensors and infrared LEDs that are cheaper to manufacture than precision mechanical components, while providing enhanced control functionality for mobile games.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical finger navigation module serves multiple functions: it provides directional control, detects finger position, and offers optical feedback to the user. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical components for each function, reducing overall manufacturing cost while improving control functionality.
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 OFN module enhances the game controller's flexibility and cost-effectiveness by enabling precise directional control, improving user experience and compatibility with mobile games, while reducing power consumption and maintaining performance under varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared LED light source module 11
Implementation Method 2
generates navigation signals in response to movement detected at a navigation surface based on light reflected from a user's finger
Implementation Method 3
an optical lens module 8... image data information is obtained by the photosensitive array module 12 screen by screen through refraction and focusing of the optical lens module 8
Implementation Method 4
a photosensitive array module 12... image data information is obtained by the photosensitive array module 12
Data Source
AI summary
A function key module of a game controller and a game controller are provided. The function key module includes a key housing, a lens component, a hollow packaging board, a circuit board, a flat cable, and a bottom casing. The flat cable is fixedly connected to the bottom casing. The circuit board is electrically connected to the flat cable, and the hollow packaging board is arranged above the circuit board. The lens component is arranged above the hollow packaging board. The key housing is fixedly connected to the bottom casing. The circuit board is provided with an OFN module, an infrared LED light source module, and a photosensitive array module. The OFN module, the infrared LED light source module, and the photosensitive array module are electrically connected to each other.