Power Saving Sensing Module for Computer Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch and detection technologies in computer peripherals, such as mice, are prone to error operations due to environmental light intensity variations and fail to reliably wake from a dormant state, leading to unstable detection and potential inability to return to operational mode.
Innovation Solution
A power-saving sensing module that includes a light source, first and second sensors, and a controller, which periodically turns the light source on/off, detects touch signals, and outputs control signals to manage the sensing state, enabling accurate detection of touch and displacement signals to differentiate between dormant and sensing states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mouse uses light intensity variation or fingerprint variation to detect touch action, then the detection function can be implemented, but environmental light intensity variation causes error operations and the detection function becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent electrode layer as an intermediary between the light source and the touch detection. This transparent electrode layer modulates the light intensity based on touch pressure, converting mechanical touch into optical signal variation. By using this intermediary, the system can distinguish between actual touch and environmental light changes, eliminating false detections while maintaining stable detection functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the mouse enters power-saving mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the mouse cannot reliably return to the previous operation state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary wake-up detection mechanism before fully activating the mouse. When the mouse is in power-saving mode, a light sensor continuously monitors for light changes. Upon detecting light variation, the system performs a preliminary check by activating the transparent electrode layer to detect touch pressure. Only after confirming actual touch does the system fully wake up and resume operation. This preliminary action ensures reliable state transition while maintaining power-saving benefits.
3Device complexity
If the touch action is detected by determining movement signal or image differential, then the detection can be simplified, but the detection function is not stable and error operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex image processing mechanisms with a simpler optical modulation approach. Instead of analyzing image differentials or movement signals, the system uses a light source and transparent electrode layer to directly detect touch pressure through light intensity modulation. This substitution simplifies the detection mechanism while improving stability by directly measuring mechanical pressure effects on the electrode layer rather than inferring from complex visual data.
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
This solution enhances the stability and accuracy of touch detection, reducing error operations and allowing peripherals to efficiently transition between power-saving and operational modes, improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for providing a light ray
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor for sensing a second sensing signal corresponding to the external object in response to the light ray
Data Source
AI summary
A power-saving sensing module includes a light source, a first and a second sensor, a first and a second detection unit, and a controller. The first sensor detects a touch of an external object to generate a first sensing signal corresponding to the touch. The first detection unit generates a touch signal corresponding to the first sensing signal. The second sensor senses a second sensing signal corresponding to the external object in response to the light ray. When the touch signal is greater than a touch threshold value, the second detection unit outputs a displacement signal corresponding to the second sensing signal. The controller outputs a control signal in response to the touch signal of the first detection unit and the touch threshold value, so that the second detection unit operates at a dormant state or a sensing state in response to the control signal.