Optical Operating Unit for Pressing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch pads, such as capacitive and resistive touch pads, are not suitable for portable electronic devices due to high costs, susceptibility to misoperation from electrostatic forces or humidity, and inability to provide a pressing function, leading to increased size and production costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical method and unit that detects user pressing actions by analyzing deformation of a forcing object with a texture structure using an image sensor, allowing for both pressing and pointing functions without physical deformation of the touch pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive touch pad is used, then pressing function is provided, but cost increases and misoperation occurs due to electrostatic force or humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing mechanism with an optical detection system. An image sensor captures images of the forcing object through a transparent element, and pressing actions are detected by analyzing changes in the captured images, thereby eliminating reliance on electrostatic field sensing that is prone to misoperation from humidity and electrostatic forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent element as an intermediary between the user's forcing object and the image sensor. This transparent element allows optical detection while protecting the internal components, enabling reliable pressing detection without direct contact between the sensing mechanism and the forcing object
2Ease of operation
If a resistive touch pad is used, then pressing function is provided, but the touch pad is damaged with strong force exerting thereon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resistive touch pad structure with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on physical contact and deformation of conductive layers, the system uses an image sensor to detect pressing actions optically, eliminating the mechanical wear and damage issues inherent in resistive touch pads
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent element serves as a protective intermediary that bears the forcing object's pressure while allowing optical detection. This mediator protects the internal image sensor and other components from direct exposure to strong forces, preventing damage while maintaining pressing detection capability
3Ease of operation
If a pointing device with separate pressing key is used, then pressing function is provided, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pointing function and pressing function into a single optical operating unit. The image sensor detects both the position of the forcing object for cursor movement and the deformation of the transparent element for pressing detection, eliminating the need for separate physical components and reducing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent element and image sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cover, an optical transmission medium for pointing detection, and a deformation sensor for pressing detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device volume
4Ease of operation
If a pointing device with separate pressing key is used, then pressing function is provided, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressing detection and pointing functions into a single optical operating unit with shared components. The image sensor and transparent element serve both functions, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the manufacturing process, thereby lowering production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system provides multi-functionality, with the image sensor and transparent element performing both pointing and pressing detection. This reduces component count and assembly complexity, leading to lower production costs compared to systems requiring separate pressing keys
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 reliable detection of pressing actions without damage from excessive force, reducing device size and production costs by integrating both pressing and pointing functions within a single optical operating unit.
Implementation Method 1
The forcing object reflects the light beam into the housing
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor is capable of detecting the light beam, converting the light beam to an image data
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting users' pressing action is applied to an electronic apparatus which has at least an optical operating unit for an user to operate the electronic apparatus. The method includes the steps of detecting a deformation of a forcing object which forces the optical operating unit; and determining whether the user performs a pressing action according to a deformation degree of the forcing object. Further, an optical operating unit using the method is provided.