Optical Analog Push Button Matrix for Variable Pressure Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices, such as gaming controllers and keyboards, rely on digital switches that output binary signals, limiting the granularity of user input and precision in applications like gaming, where more nuanced control is desired.
Innovation Solution
An analog input device featuring a matrix of analog push button assemblies with optical sensing sub-arrangements that measure pressure and output analog signals, coupled with a multiplexer, analog-to-digital converter, and processor to generate data packets for a host computing system, enabling more precise control through variable force-sensitive inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital switches are used in conventional input devices, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the input granularity is limited to binary signals only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital mechanical switches with an optical sensing system. A light source emits light through a modulator that responds to pressure applied to the button, and a photodetector converts the modulated light into an analog electrical signal. This optical-mechanical substitution enables continuous analog output proportional to the applied pressure, achieving fine-grained input measurement without the binary limitation of digital switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter from binary (0 or 1) to continuous analog values. The optical sensing system produces an output signal whose amplitude varies continuously with the magnitude of pressure applied to the button. This parameter transformation allows the input device to convey not just whether a button is pressed, but also how hard it is pressed, thereby achieving higher measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If analog pressure sensors are implemented in each push button assembly, then input precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical sensing mechanism that can be replicated across multiple push button assemblies. Each button assembly contains the same core components (light source, modulator, photodetector) arranged in a standardized configuration. This modular universal design allows for consistent manufacturing processes and quality control across all buttons, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a replicable optical sensing template that can be copied across multiple button assemblies. The light source, modulator, and photodetector arrangement serves as a master template that can be manufactured and assembled repeatedly with consistent performance characteristics. This copying approach ensures uniform pressure measurement accuracy across all buttons while streamlining the manufacturing process through standardization.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensing sub-arrangements are used in each push button assembly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, modulator, and photodetector into an integrated optical sensing sub-arrangement within each push button assembly. The modulator is positioned to directly interact with the light path between the source and detector, creating a compact unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining high measurement precision through the coordinated operation of the optical elements.
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 analog input device provides enhanced user intent recognition with greater precision and control, allowing for continuous variable actions and customizable responsiveness, while reducing latency and enhancing user feedback through proportional lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensing sub-arrangement configured to measure an amount of light varied according to a pressure sensed at the pressure reception arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An analog input device including at least one mounting panel and a matrix of analog push button assemblies mounted thereon. Each analog push button assembly including an analog pressure sensor including a pressure reception arrangement having an optical sensing sub-arrangement configured to measure an amount of light varied according to a pressure sensed at the pressure reception arrangement and an output terminal for outputting an analog signal corresponding to the amount of light measured, and a plunger element configured to exert the pressure on the pressure reception arrangement. The analog input device may include a multiplexer including an input side coupled to the push button assemblies and an output side; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the output side of the multiplexer; a processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to output a data packet; and a communication interface configured to transmit the data packet to a host computing device.