Virtual Button Keyboard with Point Stick for Compact Design

The patent uses a touch-sensitive surface that displays virtual representations of function buttons and cursor control interfaces on the operation surface itself, rather than requiring separate physical buttons. The touch-sensitive surface copies the functionality of physical buttons through optical or capacitive sensing, allowing users to interact with virtual buttons that are rendered directly on the operation surface.

The patent replaces the mechanical point stick with a touch-sensitive surface that detects finger movements and gestures. Instead of mechanical components, the system uses electrical fields or optical patterns to detect touch positions and movements, substituting mechanical cursor control with electronic sensing and display technologies.

The patent merges the function button operations and cursor control functionality into a single integrated touch-sensitive surface. Instead of having separate physical buttons and a point stick occupying different spaces, both functionalities are combined into one unified interface that responds to touch inputs and displays virtual elements on the operation surface.

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mechanical interface (physical buttons arranged on a flat surface) to a multi-dimensional interaction model where the touch-sensitive surface can display virtual buttons in various positions, sizes, and configurations. The interface can adapt its layout dynamically, utilizing the full area of the operation surface and allowing elements to be positioned in optimal locations rather than fixed mechanical positions.