Optical Switch Keyboard Proximity Sensing for Lower Idle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical switch keyboards face high power draw in idle states, leading to shorter battery life and poor power management due to constant light emission required for input detection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a magnetic field proximity sensor to detect user presence or absence, enabling and disabling light emitters in optical switches on a mounting plate, such as an aluminum plate, to reduce power consumption when the user is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light emitters are constantly transmitted in optical switch keyboards, then input detection responsiveness is maintained, but power draw increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting light only during brief intervals when key press detection is needed, rather than continuously. The optical switches transmit light energy periodically when triggered by key press events, allowing the system to maintain input detection capability while dramatically reducing power consumption during idle states.
2Speed
If optical switches remain powered on for rapid input detection, then input response time is rapid, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic light transmission triggered by key press events rather than continuous transmission. This allows the optical switches to maintain rapid response capability when needed while consuming minimal power during idle periods, thereby extending battery life without sacrificing input speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switches are designed to activate light transmission automatically in response to key press events without requiring continuous power supply. The system serves itself by only consuming power when input detection is actually needed, eliminating the need for constant power delivery while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If light emitters are shut off in sleep mode to reduce power draw, then power consumption decreases, but input detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic light transmission triggered by key press events rather than continuous transmission. This allows the system to maintain input detection capability during active use while dramatically reducing power consumption during idle states, effectively resolving the contradiction between power savings and detection capability.
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
This approach reduces power consumption by powering down optical switches when the user is absent, extending battery life without impacting input detection responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A typical optical switch transmits an infrared or other spectrum light energy at a light receptor sensor that is blocked by an extension from the switch
Implementation Method 2
Implementing a magnetic field proximity sensor to detect user presence or absence
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system keyboard, or other type of input device, detects end user input presses with plural optical switches coupled to an aluminum plate. A magnetic field proximity sensor interfaced with the aluminum plate radiates a magnetic field through the aluminum plate to detect end user proximity based upon disruptions to the magnetic field. The optical switches power down their emitters when user absence is sensed and power up the emitters when the user presence is sensed. In alternative embodiments, the aluminum plate mounting of optical switches as described above may detect press inputs at mouse buttons or joystick triggers.