Optical Keypad Light Guides for Accurate Gesture Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyboards with optical sensors are needed to enhance gesture-based input functionality, particularly in mobile devices, where existing technologies lack effective integration of optical sensors for accurate detection and conversion of keypad inputs into gesture-based events.
Innovation Solution
A keypad design incorporating optical sensors with light guides between keycaps, where each sensor includes a light emitter and sensor, and light guides channel light for detection, enabling gesture-based input recognition and proximity detection, and can be integrated with a processor to convert detection events into displayable gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are integrated into the keypad with light guides between keycaps, then gesture recognition accuracy and proximity detection capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the keypad structure: the light guides are integrated between keycaps, and the optical sensors are positioned beneath keycap surfaces to detect both gestures and proximity. This merging approach enables gesture recognition and proximity detection within the existing keypad footprint without requiring separate components, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects gestures (swiping, scrolling), detects proximity (for call functions), and can potentially detect other interactions. By making the keypad structure universal for multiple detection purposes, the system improves various measurement capabilities simultaneously without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors with light guides are integrated between keycaps, then gesture-based input functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guides are pre-positioned between the keycaps during keypad assembly, and the optical sensors are pre-positioned beneath the keycap surfaces. This preliminary positioning ensures that the optical path is established before final assembly, reducing the need for high-precision adjustments during manufacturing and facilitating easier assembly while maintaining gesture detection versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If light guides are placed between adjacent keycaps, then light channeling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding function is segmented into individual light guide elements positioned between adjacent keycaps. Each light guide operates independently to channel light from its associated optical sensor, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation improves light channeling efficiency for each sensor while enabling easier assembly compared to a single integrated light guide system.
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 design allows for accurate gesture recognition and proximity detection, enabling enhanced input functionality on mobile devices, including gesture-based inputs and improved usability, such as swiping and scrolling, while allowing gloved interactions and resistance to contaminants like water.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light guides, each of the one or more light guides extending from a respective optical sensor towards the top surfaces
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.