Optical Analog Push Button Matrix for Precise 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 input and precision of user intent, particularly in applications requiring more nuanced control.
Innovation Solution
An analog input device featuring a matrix of analog push button assemblies with integrated analog pressure sensors, which utilize optical sensing to measure pressure and output analog signals, processed by a multiplexer, analog-to-digital converter, and processor to generate data packets for transmission to a host computing device.
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 and user intent precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical digital switches with an optical sensing system. A light source emits light through a membrane, and a photodetector measures light intensity variations caused by membrane displacement under pressure. This optical system substitutes the mechanical switching mechanism, enabling continuous analog pressure measurement instead of discrete binary states, thereby achieving fine input granularity while maintaining structural simplicity through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from discrete binary states (pressed/not pressed) to continuous analog pressure values. By measuring the degree of membrane displacement through light intensity variations, the system captures a range of pressure magnitudes. This parameter transformation from categorical to continuous enables precise user intent recognition while the membrane-optical sensor integration keeps the device structure compact.
2Measurement precision
If analog pressure sensors are integrated into each push button assembly, then input precision and user intent recognition are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensing mechanism where a single type of optical pressure sensor assembly serves multiple push buttons. Each assembly comprises a light source, membrane, and photodetector that work together as an integrated unit. This multi-functional design allows the same structural template to be replicated across multiple buttons, achieving precise individual pressure measurement for each button while avoiding the complexity of designing different sensing mechanisms for each button type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light source, membrane, and photodetector into a single integrated sensor assembly for each push button. Instead of separate components, these elements are combined into one compact unit where the membrane acts as both the mechanical interface and the optical modulator. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts, simplifies assembly, and achieves precise pressure sensing without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensing is used to measure pressure, then input granularity and control precision are enhanced, but processing time and latency may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning of the optical sensors to detect pressure changes. The light source and photodetector continuously or periodically measure light intensity, and the system scans through multiple buttons in sequence. This periodic measurement approach allows the system to maintain ready-to-detect sensing state without requiring continuous full-system activation, achieving fast response times while processing analog pressure data with high precision through repeated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system is prepared in advance with the light source continuously emitting and the photodetector ready to detect. The membrane is pre-positioned in its neutral state, and the optical path is established before pressure is applied. This preliminary preparation ensures that when pressure is applied, the system can immediately capture the light intensity change without delay, achieving low latency while maintaining the precision benefits of analog optical measurement.
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 input granularity and precision by converting varying pressure inputs into analog signals, allowing for more nuanced control and reduced latency in processing, thereby improving user intent recognition and device responsiveness.
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.