Optical Key Input Using Light Coverage Instead of Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input methods, such as keyboards and touch screens, rely on pressure-induced state changes, leading to unresponsiveness and finger fatigue due to the need for manual pressing.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus utilizing light transmission windows and photosensitive devices to sense variations in light intensity, allowing for input information to be obtained without physical pressing, thereby reducing finger workload and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure-based manual input methods (keyboards, touch screens, buttons) are used, then input information can be obtained through physical pressing, but finger fatigue and unresponsiveness occur due to the need for continuous finger pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based input system with an optical detection system. Instead of using pressure buttons that require physical finger pressing, the invention uses light transmission windows and photosensitive devices to detect finger positioning through light intensity variations. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous finger pressing while maintaining fast input response, thereby reducing finger fatigue without sacrificing input speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the user's finger and the detection system. Rather than directly detecting finger pressure, the system uses light transmission through windows and photosensitive devices to indirectly detect finger position and input intent. This intermediary approach allows for non-contact or minimal-contact input while maintaining high detection speed and accuracy.
2Reliability
If pressure buttons are used in optical mice and keyboards, then input can be detected through pressure-induced state changes, but the system becomes unresponsive and causes finger fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure detection with optical detection. Instead of relying on pressure-induced state changes in mechanical buttons, the system uses photosensitive devices to detect light intensity variations caused by finger coverage of light transmission windows. This provides more responsive input detection without requiring continuous finger pressing or high finger dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the finger itself to serve as the input mechanism by simply moving to cover the light transmission window, rather than requiring the finger to press or manipulate separate buttons. The finger's natural movement and positioning directly trigger the input detection through light blockage, making the interaction more intuitive and less physically demanding.
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 quicker and more efficient input reactions with reduced finger dexterity requirements, as the apparatus can detect light coverage without the need for physical pressure, enhancing input efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The photosensitive device may be disposed on a light path behind the light transmission window, and the status thereof may be corresponding to the light intensity of the incident external light
Data Source
AI summary
An input device, comprising at least one key position (110) and a control and readout circuit (120). Each key position (110) is provided with a light transmission window (111) and a photosensitive device (112) thereon, the light transmission window (111) being used for the incidence of an external light, and the photosensitive device (112) being provided on the light path behind the light transmission window (111), the status of the photosensitive device corresponding to the light intensity of the incident external light. The control and readout circuit (120) is used for resetting and scanning each photosensitive device (112), and outputting, according to the scanned status of each photosensitive device (112), a key signal indicating whether the corresponding light transmission window (111) is covered or not. The input device obtains input information by means of sensing the variation of the light intensity, instead of the traditional press input method, enabling, on one hand, a quicker reaction speed and on the other hand requiring no finger press, not only reducing the workload of the finger, but also decreasing the requirement for finger dexterity.