Optical Navigation Sensor in Keyboard Button
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical trackballs in input devices are prone to failure due to environmental contaminants, have limited tracking performance compared to optical devices, and occupy significant space, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a small form factor optical navigation sensor (ONS) into input devices such as keyboards and mouse buttons, which can toggle between a standard key function and an optical navigation mode, using a light source and photo-detector array to sense motion and gestures without physical contact, and adjust resolution dynamically based on motion speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical trackballs are used for navigation, then cursor movement control is achieved, but mechanical wear and malfunction due to contaminants occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trackball components with an optical navigation sensor that uses a light source and photo-detector array to detect finger motion optically, eliminating mechanical contact and wear between moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the mechanical components (balls, bearings, shafts) from the navigation system, retaining only the essential function of detecting finger motion through optical fields rather than mechanical contact
2Ease of operation
If mechanical trackballs are used for navigation, then cursor movement control is achieved, but tracking performance is limited compared to optical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical detection with optical detection using a light source and photo-detector array, enabling the system to achieve optical-level tracking precision comparable to dedicated optical mice while integrating into keyboard buttons
3Ease of operation
If mechanical trackballs are used for navigation, then cursor control function is provided, but significant space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The optical navigation sensor is nested within the existing keyboard button structure, utilizing the button's housing and surface area, thereby providing additional navigation functionality without requiring extra space on the keyboard
4Area of stationary object
If optical navigation sensor is integrated into button, then compact form factor is achieved, but button function needs to be toggled
Solution Approach 1:
The button is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard pressable key for traditional input and as an optical navigation sensor when activated, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles without requiring separate dedicated buttons
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 ONS provides reliable and efficient cursor navigation and gesture detection with a compact form factor, reducing mechanical wear and enhancing usability in various devices without consuming additional space.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-detector array to sense motion of an object in proximity to the button
Implementation Method 2
using a light source and photo-detector array to sense motion
Data Source
AI summary
Optical navigation sensors and methods are provided for use in an input device. In one embodiment, the input device comprises: (i) a button configured to in a first mode of operation of the input device receive user input when a surface of the button is pressed; (ii) an optical navigation sensor (ONS) configured to in a second mode of operation of the input device illuminate an object in proximity to the surface of the button and to sense and provide input related to motion of the object; and (iii) means for disabling input from the ONS in the first mode of operation. Other embodiments are also disclosed.