Optical Input Module Rotary Knob for Versatile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input modules, such as keyboards, are limited by mechanical key structures that occupy large volumes and only allow push-type operations, restricting their applications.
Innovation Solution
An input module incorporating a knob, a first circuit board, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver, which enables rotary input operations by emitting and receiving detecting light to and from the knob's peripheral surface, allowing for increased application versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical key structures are used in conventional keyboards, then push-type operation is enabled, but the volume occupied is large and rotary operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key structures with an optical detection system consisting of an optical transmitter, optical receiver, and knob. The optical transmitter emits light that reflects off the knob's peripheral surface to the optical receiver, enabling rotary operation detection without mechanical contacts. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical key structures while providing both push-type and rotary operation capabilities, thereby increasing adaptability while reducing volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical key structures are used in conventional keyboards, then push-type operation is enabled, but additional electronic mouse is required for rotary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of a keyboard and mouse into a single integrated input module. The module combines a knob with push-type capability and rotary operation detection into one unified structure. The optical transmitter and receiver work together with the knob to detect both linear pressing and rotational movements, eliminating the need for separate keyboard and mouse devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The input module is designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same knob structure to perform both push-type operations (detecting linear displacement) and rotary operations (detecting rotational angle). The optical detection system universally handles both types of input through the same hardware components, enabling a single device to replace multiple specialized input devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional keyboard structures are used, then simple push operation is achieved, but application scope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical detection technology to replace conventional mechanical key structures. The optical transmitter emits light that reflects off the knob's peripheral surface, and the optical receiver detects the reflected light to determine both linear and rotational displacement. This non-contact optical system maintains operational simplicity while dramatically expanding application scope to include rotary encoders, position sensing, and multi-dimensional input control that mechanical keys cannot provide.
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 optical input module provides rotary input capabilities, enhancing the functionality of electronic devices like mice and keyboards, and allows for the analysis of rotation direction and amount, thereby expanding their application possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
The optical transmitter is configured to emit a detecting light to the peripheral surface, and the optical receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detecting light reflected from the peripheral surface
Data Source
AI summary
An input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The knob has a peripheral surface. The optical transmitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral surface, wherein the optical transmitter is configured to emit a detecting light to the peripheral surface. The optical receiver is disposed on the first circuit board and configured to receive a reflected light of the detecting light reflected from the peripheral surface.