Wireless Power and Data Transfer to Bistable Display Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as keyboards, lack customizable and tactile feedback experiences, especially when compared to traditional mechanical keyboards, as virtual keyboards on touchscreens do not provide the same tactile experience and are hindered by physical wiring which can compromise reliability after millions of keystrokes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication system that uses near-field communication (NFC) or capacitive coupling to provide power and data to bistable displays on input device keys, allowing for customizable and tactile feedback without the need for physical wiring, enabling the use of bistable ePaper displays that retain images without power and can change content wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical wiring is used to connect displays to power sources in input devices, then power and data can be reliably transmitted, but the wiring compromises reliability after millions of keystrokes and impedes tactile experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes physical wiring from the input device by extracting the power and data transmission function to a wireless system. The display is completely decoupled from physical connections, allowing the key to move freely and provide tactile feedback without wire constraints, while wireless power and data are transmitted through the air to energize the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of physical copper wires transmitting power and data, the invention uses wireless electromagnetic signals to energize the display, eliminating mechanical constraints on key movement while maintaining power and data transmission capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual keyboards are used on touchscreens, then customization is enabled, but tactile feedback inherent in mechanical travel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both physical and virtual keyboards by combining the mechanical key structure that provides tactile feedback with the wireless display technology that enables customization. The physical key maintains its mechanical travel for tactile sensation, while the wireless display on top provides customizable visual feedback, creating a hybrid input device that offers both tactile and adaptive capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented to eliminate physical wiring, then tactile experience is improved, but power and data transmission to the display must be achieved without physical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a wireless communication system that performs multiple functions simultaneously - transmitting both power and data without physical connections. The wireless system is designed to handle both energy transfer and information communication through integrated protocols, reducing the need for separate systems and managing the complexity through multi-functional design.
4Use of energy by moving object
If bistable displays are used that retain images without power, then energy consumption is reduced, but power must be provided wirelessly to initiate operations and change content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the bistable nature of the display by using periodic wireless power transmission only when state changes are needed. The display maintains its state without power (bistable retention), and wireless power is transmitted periodically or on-demand to switch between states, rather than continuous power transmission, reducing overall energy consumption while managing the wireless power system efficiently.
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 enables customizable and tactile feedback experiences for input devices like keyboards and mice, enhancing user interaction while maintaining reliability and eliminating the limitations of physical wiring, allowing for millions of keystrokes without compromising the tactile experience.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing a wireless communication system that uses near-field communication (NFC) or capacitive coupling to provide power and data to bistable displays on input device keys
Implementation Method 2
Implementing a wireless communication system that uses near-field communication (NFC) or capacitive coupling to provide power and data to bistable displays on input device keys
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques related to wireless communication of an input device are described herein. An apparatus may include a display at the input device, a wireless transmission architecture, and a wireless receiver. The wireless transmission architecture is to broadcast a signal to the display, and wireless receiver to receive the broadcast signal at the display. The broadcast signal is configured to provide a power signal to initiate operations of the display, a data signal to provide content to be displayed at the display, or any combination thereof.