Optically Transmissive Key Assembly with Resilient Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards lack dynamic user interfaces and provide inadequate tactile feedback, while touchscreens struggle with rapid user inputs, making them unsuitable for applications requiring fast and accurate input, such as gaming.
Innovation Solution
The development of optically transmissive tactile keys with a resilient structure and electromechanical switch actuators that allow for rapid and accurate user input while minimizing obstruction of light transmission, enabling tactile feedback and supporting high-frequency actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional keyboards are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but the interface is static and lacks dynamic information display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional keyboard key mechanism with a display element (such as an LED or LCD) into a single integrated key assembly. The display element is positioned within the key structure to show dynamic information, while the key mechanism remains functional for providing tactile feedback through mechanical actuation. This merging allows the key to simultaneously provide both static tactile feedback and dynamic visual information display.
2Productivity
If touchscreens are used, then dynamic interface is provided, but rapid user inputs are not supported due to lack of tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a mechanical key switch mechanism with a display element to create a hybrid input device. The mechanical key provides immediate tactile feedback through physical actuation, enabling rapid consecutive inputs, while the display element provides dynamic visual information. This combination allows the device to support fast input speeds comparable to conventional keyboards while maintaining the dynamic interface capabilities of touchscreens.
Solution Approach 2:
The key assembly incorporates a display element that can dynamically change its visual output based on the state and function of the key. The display can show different information such as key labels, status indicators, or contextual information, allowing the interface to adapt and change dynamically while the mechanical key provides consistent tactile feedback for rapid input operations.
3Illumination intensity
If optically transmissive keys are used, then light transmission is maximized, but structural support and tactile feedback mechanism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The key assembly is divided into separate functional components: a keycap portion that provides the optically transmissive surface for light transmission, a key mechanism portion that provides structural support and tactile feedback, and a display element portion. The keycap can be made from optically transmissive material to maximize light transmission, while the underlying mechanism provides the necessary structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.
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
These keys provide immediate and substantial tactile feedback, enabling rapid consecutive actuations with low latency, enhancing the user experience in applications like gaming by combining visual and tactile feedback effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element, structure, or mechanism configured to provide a tactile feedback to a user upon user-effectuated or user-directed actuation or displacement of said keys
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body. The resilient structure and/or the switch actuator is positioned and configured to minimize, reduce, or eliminate obstruction of light transmission through the light permeable region of the body.