Optical Operating Apparatus Using Deformable Unit for Precision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating apparatuses, such as resistive and capacitive types, suffer from low sensitivity, ease of damage, high cost, and errors due to static electricity or humidity, while existing foot-controlled devices still rely on these technologies, lacking reliability and precision.
Innovation Solution
An optical operating apparatus comprising a soft plate, transparent supporting plate, deformable unit, light source, and image sensing module, which uses an optical method to sense pressure changes by reflecting a light beam off a deformable unit with a pattern configuration, determining motion based on deformation position and size, thus avoiding errors from static or humidity and ensuring the image sensing module is not directly pressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistive operating apparatus is used, then the device can sense pressure changes, but the device is prone to damage due to too much pressure and has low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resistive sensing system with an optical sensing system. Instead of using resistive materials that physically sense pressure through electrical resistance changes, the invention uses a deformable unit with patterned structures that optically deform under pressure, detected by an image sensing module. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and low sensitivity issues of resistive apparatus while maintaining pressure sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformable unit as an intermediary between the pressure input and the sensing mechanism. This deformable unit with patterned structures acts as a mediator that converts mechanical pressure into optical deformation, which is then detected by the image sensing module. This intermediary structure protects the sensing module from direct pressure while enabling precise measurement.
2Reliability
If capacitive operating apparatus is used, then the device can sense touch, but the device has high price and is easy to cause operating error because of static electronic force or humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical capacitive sensing system with an optical sensing system. Instead of detecting touch through electrical capacitance changes that are susceptible to static electricity and humidity, the invention uses optical detection of deformable unit patterns. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of capacitive apparatus while using simpler, more cost-effective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformable unit with patterned structures as an intermediary that converts touch input into optical signals. This physical intermediary structure provides a reliable sensing mechanism that is independent of electrical fields, thereby avoiding errors from static electricity and humidity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If conventional joystick is used, then the device can control operation motions, but the device lacks the precision and reliability of optical sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical joystick control with an optical sensing system. Instead of using physical mechanical components that are prone to wear and lack precision, the invention uses optical detection of deformable unit patterns to sense motion. This provides higher precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
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 optical operating apparatus provides high reliability by accurately sensing pressure forces optically, preventing operating errors and damage to the image sensing module, enabling both pointing and keystroke functions with enhanced precision and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured for providing a light beam to the transparent supporting plate and the deformable unit, and the light beam is reflected by the deformable unit
Implementation Method 2
The deformable unit is disposed between the transparent supporting plate and the soft plate, and has a pattern configuration. The deformable unit deforms as applying an external force on the soft plate and restores after the external force is removed
Data Source
AI summary
An optical operating apparatus includes a soft plate, a transparent supporting plate, a deformable unit, a light source, and an image sensing module. The soft plate is configured for being pressed. The transparent supporting plate is disposed under the soft plate. The deformable unit is disposed between the transparent supporting plate and the soft plate, and has a pattern configuration. The deformable unit deforms as applying an external force on the soft plate and restores after the external force is removed. The light source is configured for providing a light beam to the transparent supporting plate and the deformable unit, and the light beam is reflected by the deformable unit. The image sensing module is arranged on a transmitting path of the light beam reflected by the deformable unit, and a visual field of the image sensing module covers the whole deformable unit. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for determining operation motion.