Optical Sensor Keypad for Glove-Friendly Gesture Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keypads in mobile devices lack effective gesture-based input capabilities compared to touch screens, and existing solutions are not well-suited for use with gloved hands or in environments with conducting surface contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A keypad with integrated optical sensors and light guides that detect gestures by emitting and receiving light, allowing for gesture-based input and proximity detection, and can be used with or without bare hands, even in cold climates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen is used for gesture-based input, then gesture input capability is improved, but usability with gloved hands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/capacitive touch screen system with an optical detection system using light guides and optical sensors. This substitution enables the system to detect gestures through light reflection and interruption, making it functional with gloved hands while maintaining gesture-based input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical capacitance (touch screen) to optical properties (light reflection and interruption). This parameter change allows the system to detect gestures regardless of whether the user is bare-handed or wearing gloves, as optical detection works through most materials including fabric.
2Ease of operation
If a touch screen is used for gesture-based input, then gesture input capability is improved, but sensitivity to conducting surface contaminants worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the capacitive touch detection mechanism with optical detection using light guides and sensors. This replacement eliminates sensitivity to conducting contaminants like water or sweat, as optical detection measures light properties rather than electrical characteristics that are affected by conductive substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the user's gesture and the detection system. The light guide transmits light through the keycap, and the optical sensor detects changes in light properties caused by gestures. This intermediary approach makes the detection process insensitive to conducting contaminants on the surface.
3Ease of operation
If optical sensors are integrated beneath keycaps, then gesture detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensor, light guide, and keycap structure into an integrated assembly. The light guide is positioned within or alongside the keycap, and the optical sensor is mounted beneath the keycap, creating a compact integrated unit that reduces overall device complexity compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical sensor system to serve multiple functions: detecting key presses, recognizing gesture patterns, and potentially providing haptic feedback through the light guide structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing gesture 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
Enables efficient gesture-based input and proximity detection, enhancing usability with gloved hands and reducing sensitivity to contaminants, while integrating seamlessly with mobile devices for both wireless voice and data communications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light guides, each of the one or more light guides configured to: channel light from the light emitter towards the top surfaces of the adjacent keycaps; and, channel the light reflected back to the light sensor for detection
Implementation Method 2
channel the light reflected back to the light sensor for detection
Data Source
AI summary
A keypad with optical sensors is provided. The keypad comprises keycaps, each keycap having a top surface. One or more optical sensors are located beneath top surfaces of adjacent keycaps. One or more light guides extend from a respective optical sensor towards the top surfaces.