Optical Sensing Mechanism for Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as track pads, are limited in the number and type of inputs they can receive due to the limited parameters they can detect, restricting user interaction with electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing mechanism is introduced in the input device, which includes a movable user input surface, a light source, and optical sensors. This mechanism detects displacement, force, velocity, and other parameters by varying light reception based on the surface's position, allowing for a wider range of inputs through gestures and force variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical sensing is used in input devices, then the device structure is simple, but the number and type of detectable inputs are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing mechanisms with an optical sensing system. A light source emits light that reflects off a movable surface, and optical sensors detect changes in light position or intensity. This substitution enables detection of multiple parameters (position, velocity, acceleration, force) without complex mechanical structures, thereby increasing adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light position, intensity, reflection angle) to detect multiple input parameters. By monitoring how light interacts with the movable surface under different conditions (position, velocity, acceleration, force), the system can distinguish between various types of user inputs using a single optical sensing mechanism, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensing components are added to increase input detection capability, then the number of detectable inputs increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical sensing mechanism to perform multiple functions with a single integrated system. The same light source and optical sensors that detect surface position also enable detection of velocity, acceleration, and force through analysis of light position changes over time. This multi-functionality approach increases input detection capability without requiring separate sensing systems for each parameter, thereby controlling the increase in device 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 sensing mechanism enables the input device to provide multiple inputs to electronic devices, including gestures, force variations, and click classifications, enhancing user interaction by correlating movement and force data with specific commands and operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor positioned to receive light from the light source... when the user input surface is in a first position the at least one light sensor receives a first value of light from the light source and when the user input surface is in a second position the at least one light sensor receives a second value of light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A computer or other electronic device including a processor and an input device, such as a track pad. The track pad being in communication with the processor and including a movable surface, a light source in communication with the processor, and an optical sensor in selective optical communication with the light source and in communication with the processor. The optical sensor detects movement of the movable surface by receiving light from the light source.