CN111309162A

CN111309162A - Touch control device

Info

Publication number: CN111309162A
Application number: CN201811516995.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 柯杰斌
Original assignee: Acer Inc
Current assignee: Acer Inc
Priority date: 2018-12-12
Filing date: 2018-12-12
Publication date: 2020-06-19

Abstract

The invention provides a touch device which comprises a touch panel, a positioning mechanism and a detection module. The touch panel is used for bearing a detachable keyboard module. The positioning mechanism is used for fixing the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel, wherein the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel partially covers the touch panel. The detection module detects the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel.

Description

Touch control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a touch device, and more particularly, to a touch device capable of providing a key function when a detachable keyboard module is mounted thereon.

Background

With the development of technology, people can operate personal computers (personal computers) through more and more diversified input devices. For example, in addition to a general mouse and keyboard, manufacturers have developed a computer mouse, a button and a shortcut key for drawing, and even a knob dedicated to adjusting sound effects.

As for a notebook computer (NB), existing input devices are, for the most part, a keyboard, a touch pad, a small red dot, and the like. With the maturity of touch related technologies in recent years, the design thinking of enlarging the touch pad of the NB or even changing the keyboard area of the NB into a touch screen has appeared.

Please refer to fig. 1, which is a schematic diagram of an NB with touch pads of different sizes. As can be seen from fig. 1, after the touch pad of the NB (which is shown as the diagonal area in fig. 1) is enlarged, although the user can operate the NB more conveniently and intuitively in some operation situations, the space available for configuring the keyboard on the NB is inevitably reduced accordingly. Therefore, it is an important issue for those skilled in the art how to design a mechanism for allowing a user to maintain the input experience of operating a keyboard under the condition of using a larger touch pad.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, the present invention provides a touch device, which can solve the above technical problems.

Based on the above, the touch device provided by the invention can be used in cooperation with various detachable keyboard modules. In this case, the user can place the detachable keyboard module having the corresponding keyboard pattern on the touch panel according to the requirement, so as to operate the touch device in a manner conforming to the common keyboard input habit.

In order to make the aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an NB having touch pads of different sizes.

Fig. 2 is a top view of a touch device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a number of possible implementations of a removable keyboard module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a side view of a detachable keyboard module with a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a side view of the detachable keyboard module provided with connectors according to fig. 4A.

Fig. 4C is a side view of the detachable keyboard module with a carrier and connectors according to fig. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a detection module for detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the detection module for detecting the detachable keyboard module shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating a detection module for detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram of the detection module for detecting the detachable keyboard module according to FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a detection module for detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the detection module for detecting the detachable keyboard module shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of the detection module for detecting the detachable keyboard module according to FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram of the detection module for detecting the detachable keyboard module according to FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating magnetic force based positioning and detection of a removable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating a key event according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating the generation of a key event according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10A-10F are diagrams illustrating application scenarios according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[ notation ] to show

211. 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 600, 700, 800, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, 1000d, 1000 e: touch control device

211a, 211b, 211c, 211d, 211e, 211f, 211g, 810: positioning mechanism

299. 499, 699, 899, 1010a, 1010b, 1010c, 1010d, 1010 e: touch panel

311. 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320: keyboard aspect

410a, 410b, 630, 720a, 720b, 720c, 830, 1020a, 1021b, 1022b, 1020c, 1031a, 1031b, 1031c, 1031d, 1041a, 1041b, 1041c, 1041 d: detachable keyboard module

411. 412, …, 41N, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d, 530a, 530b, 530c, 530 d: key unit

411a, 511a, 521a, 531 a: key body

411b, 511b, 521b, 531 b: deformable structure

411c, 511c, 521c, 531 c: support structure

420: support plate

430: connecting piece

511d, 521d, 531 d: conductive material

610. 650a, 650b, 710a, 710b, 820: detection module

640a, 640 b: graph table

721a, 721 b: extension segment

711a, 711 b: optical detection element

711 c: hidden slot

831: magnetic element

S910 to S960: step (ii) of

Detailed Description

Generally speaking, the touch device provided by the present invention can fix one or more detachable keyboard modules of different types at predetermined positions on the touch panel by a specially designed positioning mechanism. Then, the touch device of the invention can detect the detachable keyboard module through the detection module, and correspondingly convert the touch signal obtained in the coverage area of the detachable keyboard module into a key event after judging that the detachable keyboard module is detected. Therefore, the user can achieve the experience of the existing operation keyboard by operating the detachable keyboard module. Moreover, when the user only needs to use the touch function of the touch device, the detachable keyboard module can be directly removed from the touch device, so that the elastic operation experience can be obtained. The description is as follows.

Fig. 2 is a top view of a touch device according to various embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 2, each of the

touch devices

211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 can be implemented as a touch pad or a touch screen of NB, a tablet, or other similar devices for a user to perform a touch input operation, but the invention is not limited thereto. Moreover, each of the touch devices 211 to 216 in fig. 2 can be provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the detachable keyboard module on a predetermined position of the touch panel.

Taking the touch device 211 as an example, it can include a touch panel 299 and

positioning mechanisms

211a, 211b, 211c, 211d, 211e, 211f, 211 g. In this embodiment, the positioning mechanisms 211a to 211g can be respectively implemented as positioning grooves and disposed at the side of the touch panel 299, which can be used to fix the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel 299.

It should be understood that, although the touch device 211 of fig. 2 is shown with a plurality of positioning mechanisms 211 a-211 g, it is only for exemplary purposes and is not intended to limit the possible embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments, the designer may change the touch device 211 to have only one or more of the positioning mechanisms 211 a-211 g, and the position of each of the positioning mechanisms 211 a-211 g may be adjusted according to the needs of the designer. In addition, the positioning mechanisms 211a to 211g can also be used to fix a plurality of detachable keyboard modules on the touch panel 299.

In addition, in order to fix the detachable keyboard module by the positioning mechanisms 211a to 211g, one or more raised walls corresponding to the positioning mechanisms 211a to 211g can be disposed on the detachable keyboard module. Therefore, when the raised wall of the detachable keyboard module is accommodated in one or more of the positioning mechanisms 211 a-211 g, the positioning mechanisms 211 a-211 g accommodating the raised wall can fix the detachable keyboard module at the predetermined position on the touch panel 299.

For example, if the positioning mechanism 211a is used to fix the detachable keyboard module, a protruding portion may be disposed on the left side of the detachable keyboard module, and the shape (e.g., rectangle) and size of the protruding portion may be identical to the shape and size of the positioning mechanism 211 a. In this case, when the user puts the protruding wall of the detachable keyboard module into the positioning mechanism 211a, the detachable keyboard module can be fixed to the left side of the touch panel 299. For another example, if the positioning mechanism 211b is used to fix the detachable keyboard module, a protruding portion may be disposed on the bottom side of the detachable keyboard module, and the shape (e.g., trapezoid) and size of the protruding portion may be completely the same as the shape and size of the positioning mechanism 211 b. In this case, when the user puts the protruding wall of the detachable keyboard module into the positioning mechanism 211b, the detachable keyboard module can be fixed on the bottom side of the touch panel 299.

In addition, if the

positioning mechanisms

211a and 211b are used to fix the detachable keyboard module, the left side and the bottom side of the detachable keyboard module can be respectively provided with the above two kinds of raised portions. Thus, when the two raised walls of the detachable keyboard module are respectively accommodated in the

positioning mechanisms

211a and 211b, the

positioning mechanisms

211a and 211b can cooperate to fix the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel 299.

Further, in fig. 2, the

positioning mechanisms

211f and 211g shown as dotted lines may be implemented as hidden positioning grooves, which may be understood as a kind of slot that cannot be seen from the top view of fig. 2. Therefore, if the positioning mechanism 211f and/or 211g is used to fix the detachable keyboard module, the detachable keyboard module can be provided with a raised wall that can be inserted into the positioning mechanism 211f and/or 211 g. In this case, when the user inserts the protruding wall of the detachable keyboard module into the positioning mechanism 211f and/or 211g, the detachable keyboard module can be fixed on the top side of the touch panel 299.

Based on the above teachings, one skilled in the art should be able to correspondingly fix one or more of the removable keyboard modules in the positioning mechanisms 211 c-211 e. Moreover, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the positioning mechanism (not labeled) in each of the touch devices 212-216 is used to fix the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel of each of the touch devices 212-216, and the details thereof are not described herein.

In other embodiments, the present invention also provides a positioning mechanism for magnetically fixing the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel, and the details thereof will be described later.

Fig. 3 shows a plurality of possible implementations of the detachable keyboard module according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the removable keyboard module of the present invention can be implemented as

keyboard aspects

311, 312, 313, 314, 315 having a particular configuration. Alternatively, the detachable keyboard module of the present invention can also be implemented as the keyboard pattern 316 having a full key configuration or the

keyboard patterns

317, 318, 319, 320 including only partial keys, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the detachable keyboard module can be a passive keyboard set. That is, the detachable keyboard module of the present invention can be used without a power source.

Fig. 4A is a side view of a detachable keyboard module with a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention. In fig. 4A, the detachable keyboard module 410a may include

key units

411, 412, …, 41N and a carrier plate 420. In the embodiment, the carrier 420 can be used for carrying the key units 411 to 41N and is disposed on the touch panel 499 of the touch device 400. The structure of each of the key units 411 to 41N is similar, and the key unit 411 is briefly described as an example below.

As shown in fig. 4A, the key unit 411 includes a key body 411a, a deformable structure 411b and a supporting structure 411 c. The key body 411a can be used for bearing pressing operation (e.g., pressing action of a finger of a user). The deformable structure 411b is connected to the key body 411a and can deform in response to the pressing operation. When the pressing operation is not performed, the deformable structure 411b can be restored. The supporting structure 411c may be disposed on the carrier 420 for supporting the key body 411a and the deformable structure 411 b. However, in other embodiments, the key units 411-41N can be implemented in other manners, and are not limited to the manner shown in FIG. 4A. In addition, in other embodiments, each of the key units 411 to 41N may further include a conductive material, which changes a capacitance between the touch panel 499 and the conductive material along with the deformation of the deformable structure 411 b. The relevant details will be explained later.

Please refer to fig. 4B, which is a side view of the detachable keyboard module with connecting elements according to fig. 4A. Compared to FIG. 4A, the detachable keyboard module 410B of FIG. 4B may include key units 411-41N and a connecting member 430. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 430 can be used to connect adjacent key units (e.g., the key units 411 and 412). Also, similar to the carrier 420 of fig. 4A, the connecting element 430 can also be used to be placed on a touch panel (not shown) of the touch device.

Fig. 4C is a side view of the detachable keyboard module with a carrier and a connector shown in fig. 4A and 4B. Compared to fig. 4A and 4B, the detachable keyboard module 410C of fig. 4C may include key units 411 to 41N, a carrier 420 and a connecting member 430. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 430 can be used to connect adjacent key units (e.g., the key units 411 and 412). The carrier 420 can be used to carry the key units 411-41N connected to each other by the connecting member 430, and can be used to be placed on a touch panel (not shown) of a touch device.

Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of key unit structures according to an embodiment of the invention. In fig. 5A,

key units

510a, 510b, 510c, and 510d are shown to have substantially the same structure.

Taking the key unit 510a as an example, it includes a key body 511a, a deformable structure 511b, a supporting structure 511c and a conductive material 511 d. The key body 511a is used for receiving pressing operation. The deformable structure 511b is connected to the key body 511a and is deformable in response to the pressing operation. The deformable structure 511b is also reset when the pressing operation is removed. The supporting structure 511c may be disposed on a carrier (not shown) for supporting the key body 511a and the deformable structure 511b, and the carrier may be disposed on a touch panel (not shown) of the touch device.

In this embodiment, the deformable structure 511b may include a first elastic segment, a second elastic segment and a third elastic segment. The two ends of the first elastic section can respectively push against the key body 511a and the supporting structure 511c, and the second elastic section and the third elastic section can respectively pivot on the first elastic section through the middle point to form an X-shaped structure. Thus, when the key body 511a is pressed, the first elastic section is pressed to be shortened. Moreover, the second elastic segment and the third elastic segment can be pressed to pivot relative to the first elastic segment, so that the key body 511a is closer to the supporting structure 511c, that is, closer to the touch panel of the touch device carrying the key unit 510 a.

In the key unit 510a, the conductive material 511d may be disposed on the bottom of the key body 511 a. Therefore, when the key body 511a is pressed to approach the touch panel of the touch device, the capacitance between the conductive material 511d and the touch panel is increased accordingly. When the capacitance is higher than a capacitance threshold, the touch device can detect a touch signal on the touch panel corresponding to the key unit 510 a. On the other hand, when the key body 511a is no longer pressed, the original position is returned along with the resetting of the deformable structure 511b, so that the touch device does not sense the touch signal.

The operation modes of the key units 510 b-510 d when pressed are all similar to the key unit 510a, and the difference is only that the positions of the conductive materials 511d are different, so the details thereof are not described herein again.

Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the invention. In fig. 5B, the

key units

520a, 520B, 520c, and 520d are shown to have substantially the same structure.

Taking the key unit 520a as an example, it includes a key body 521a, a deformable structure 521b, a supporting structure 521c and a conductive material 521 d. The key body 521a can be used for bearing pressing operation. The deformable structure 521b is connected to the key body 521a and can deform in response to the pressing operation. When the pressing operation is not performed, the deformable structure 521b can be reset. The supporting structure 521c may be disposed on a carrier plate (not shown) for supporting the key body 521a and the deformable structure 521b, and the carrier plate may be disposed on a touch panel (not shown) of the touch device.

In this embodiment, the deformable structure 521b may include a first elastic segment and a second elastic segment. The two ends of the first elastic section can be respectively connected with the supporting structure 521c, and the two ends of the second elastic section can be respectively connected with the first elastic section and the key body 521a, so as to form an inverted T-shaped structure. Thus, when the key body 521a is pressed, the second elastic section is pressed by the force to press the first elastic section, so that the first elastic section is pressed to be concave. Thus, the key body 521a can be closer to the touch panel of the touch device carrying the key unit 520 a.

In the key unit 520a, the conductive material 521d may be disposed at the bottom of the key body 521 a. Therefore, when the key body 521a is pressed to approach the touch panel of the touch device, the capacitance between the conductive material 521d and the touch panel is increased accordingly. When the capacitance is higher than a capacitance threshold, the touch device can detect a touch signal on the touch panel corresponding to the key unit 520 a. On the other hand, when the key body 521a is no longer pressed, the original position is returned along with the resetting of the deformable structure 521b, so that the touch device does not sense the touch signal.

The operation modes of the key units 520 b-520 d when pressed are similar to those of the key unit 520a, and the differences are only the positions of the conductive material 521d, so the details thereof are not described herein again.

Fig. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the invention. In fig. 5C, the

key units

530a, 530b, 530C, and 530d are shown to have substantially the same structure.

Taking the key unit 530a as an example, it includes a key body 531a, a deformable structure 531b, a supporting structure 531c and a conductive material 531 d. The key body 531a may be used to receive a pressing operation. The deformable structure 531b is connected to the key body 531a and is deformable in response to the pressing operation. When the pressing operation is removed, the deformable structure 531b is also reset. The supporting structure 531c may be disposed on a carrier (not shown) for supporting the key body 531a and the deformable structure 531b, and the carrier may be disposed on a touch panel (not shown) of the touch device.

In this embodiment, the deformable structure 531b may include a first elastic segment and a second elastic segment. The two ends of the first elastic section and the second elastic section can respectively push against the key body 531a and the supporting structure 531 c. In this way, when the key body 531a is pressed, the first elastic section and the second elastic section can be pressed and shortened, so that the key body 531a is closer to the supporting structure 531c, i.e., closer to the touch panel of the touch device carrying the key unit 530 a.

In the key unit 530a, the conductive material 531d may be disposed at the bottom of the key body 531 a. Therefore, when the key body 531a is pressed to approach the touch panel of the touch device, the capacitance between the conductive material 531d and the touch panel is increased accordingly. When the capacitance is higher than a capacitance threshold, the touch device can detect a touch signal on the touch panel corresponding to the key unit 530 a. On the other hand, when the key body 531a is no longer pressed, the original position is returned along with the resetting of the deformable structure 531b, so that the touch device does not sense the touch signal any more.

The operation modes of the key units 530 b-530 d when pressed are similar to those of the key unit 530a, and the difference is only that the positions of the conductive materials 531d are different, so the details thereof are not described herein again.

Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a detection module detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 6A, the touch device 600 can include a detection module 610, and the detachable keyboard module 630 can be magnetically attracted to a predetermined position on the touch panel 699 via a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the touch device 600. In the present embodiment, the detecting module 610 can be implemented as an infrared sensing module, which can be disposed on the top side of the touch panel 699. The detection module 610 may be configured to send an infrared signal toward the bottom side of the touch panel 699 and measure the signal strength of the reflected infrared signal.

In fig. 6A, the detection module 610 may convert the measured signal strength into a distance and generate the graph 640a accordingly. Based on the curve shown in the graph 640a, the outline of the side of the detachable keyboard module 630 closer to the detection module 610 (i.e., the outline of the top side) can be known.

In this embodiment, after measuring the profile of the detachable keyboard module 630, the detecting module 610 can determine the identity of the detachable keyboard module 630 accordingly. Taking the aspect shown in fig. 3 as an example, assuming that the keyboard aspects 311-314 can all be used with the touch device 600, the detection module 610 can determine which keyboard aspect is currently disposed on the touch panel 699 based on the detected profile. That is, the detecting module 610 can know the identity of the detachable keyboard module 630.

Please refer to fig. 6B, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the detachable keyboard module detected by the detecting module shown in fig. 6A. As shown in fig. 6B, when the detachable keyboard module 630 is placed at another predetermined position on the touch panel 699, the detecting module 610 can still generate the graph 640B accordingly based on the measured signal strength. Based on the curve shown in graph 640b, the outline of the side of removable keyboard module 630 closer to detection module 610 (i.e., the outline of the top side) can also be seen.

Fig. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating a detection module detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 6C, the touch device 600 can include a detection module 650a, and the detachable keyboard module 630 can be magnetically attracted to a predetermined position on the touch panel 699 via a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the touch device 600. In the present embodiment, the implementation manner of the detecting module 650a can be the same as the detecting module 610 of fig. 6A, except that the detecting module 650a is disposed on the left side of the touch panel 699.

In FIG. 6C, the detection module 650a can also know the outline of the side of the detachable keyboard module 630 closer to the detection module 650a (i.e., the outline of the left side) based on the measured signal strength.

Please refer to fig. 6D, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the detachable keyboard module detected by the detecting module shown in fig. 6C. As shown in fig. 6D, the touch device 600 may further include a detection module 650b disposed on the right side of the touch panel 699.

In FIG. 6D, the detection module 650b can also know the profile of the side of the detachable keyboard module 630 closer to the detection module 650b (i.e., the profile of the right side) based on the measured signal strength. In other words, in the configuration of FIG. 6D, the detecting

modules

650a and 650b can respectively detect the profiles of the two sides of the detachable keyboard module 630.

Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a detection module detecting a detachable keyboard module according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 7A, the touch device 700 may include a detection module 710a, such as an optical detection element disposed on one side of the touch panel, for example, an infrared sensing module. In this embodiment, the detecting module 710a can emit an infrared signal to detect whether an object is approaching the detecting module 710 a. When the detachable keyboard module 720a is placed at a predetermined position close to the detecting module 710a, the detecting module 710a can receive the reflected infrared signal with a certain intensity. Based on this, the detecting module 710a can determine that the detachable keyboard module 720a has been detected. On the other hand, when the removable keyboard module 720a is removed, the detecting module 710a can determine that the removable keyboard module 720a is not detected because the reflected infrared signal is no longer received.

In short, since the detecting module 710a only needs to detect whether the detachable keyboard module 720a is placed at the predetermined position, it can be implemented at a low cost.

Please refer to fig. 7B, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the detachable keyboard module detected by the detecting module shown in fig. 7A. The difference from fig. 7A is that the detachable keyboard module 720B in fig. 7B further includes an extension section 721a, which can be dedicated for the detection module 710a to detect whether the detachable keyboard module 720B is placed at a predetermined position. Therefore, the carrier plate of the detachable keyboard module 720b carrying the key units does not need to extend to the side of the touch device 700 for the detection module 710a to detect, thereby increasing the flexibility of the design.

Please refer to fig. 7C, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the detachable keyboard module detected by the detecting module shown in fig. 7B. In fig. 7C, the detection module 710b includes

optical detection elements

711a and 711b and a hidden slot 711C. In addition, compared to fig. 7B, the extension section 721B of the detachable keyboard module 720C in fig. 7C is shorter and can be used to insert the hidden slot 711C.

In this embodiment, the

optical detection elements

711a and 711b in the hidden slot 711c can be disposed at different heights and can detect in the same direction. As shown in fig. 7C, the optical detection element 711a disposed at a higher position can be used to detect whether the key unit of the detachable keyboard module 720C is approaching, and the optical detection element 711b disposed at a lower position can be used to detect whether the extension section 721b is inserted into the hidden slot 711C. In this embodiment, the detecting module 710b can be designed to determine that the detachable keyboard module 720c has been placed at the predetermined position when the optical detecting

elements

711a and 711b simultaneously detect the object. Therefore, the accuracy of detection can be increased.

Please refer to fig. 7D, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the detachable keyboard module detected by the detecting module shown in fig. 7C. The difference from fig. 7C is that the optical detection element 711a in fig. 7D can detect downward. Thus, when the extension section 721b is inserted into the hidden slot 711c, it can be detected by the optical detection component 711 a. Thus, the detection module can determine that the detachable keyboard module 720c is placed at the predetermined position.

Please refer to fig. 8, which is a diagram illustrating positioning and detecting a detachable keyboard module based on magnetic force according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 8, the touch device 800 includes a positioning mechanism 810 and a detection module 820. In the present embodiment, the positioning mechanism 810 is, for example, a first magnetic element, which can be disposed below the touch panel 899. The detection module 820 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) disposed adjacent to the positioning mechanism 810, and can be used to detect whether a magnetic force nearby has changed to some extent.

In this embodiment, the detachable keyboard module 830 may include a second magnetic element 831, which may be disposed in a carrier (not shown) for being attracted by the first magnetic element.

As shown in the lower part of fig. 8, when the second magnetic element 831 of the detachable keyboard module 830 is attracted to the first magnetic element due to the proximity of the positioning mechanism 810, the detachable keyboard module 830 can be positioned at the predetermined position shown in fig. 8. Meanwhile, the detection module 820 may also determine that the detachable keyboard module 830 has been detected due to the detection of a large magnetic force. Thus, the positioning and detection of the detachable keyboard module 830 can be completed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element 831 can be implemented as magnets. In another embodiment, one of the first and second magnetic elements 831 can be implemented as a magnet, and the other can be implemented as a magnetized material (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, etc.).

After the removable keyboard module is located and detected via the various mechanisms taught in the previous embodiments, the present invention can also convert the pressed key on the removable keyboard module into a corresponding key event based on the two mechanisms mentioned in fig. 9A and 9B. Generally, before the detachable keyboard module is placed on the touch panel, the touch device should perform a corresponding operation according to the touch coordinates touched by the user on the touch panel. However, after the removable keyboard module is placed on the touch panel to partially cover the touch panel, if the touch device obtains touch coordinates within the coverage area of the removable keyboard module, it means that a certain key on the removable keyboard module has been pressed. Therefore, the touch device can convert the touch coordinate into a corresponding key event according to the keyboard mode of the detachable keyboard module.

Fig. 9A is a flowchart illustrating a key event generation process according to an embodiment of the invention. First, in step S910, in response to the detection module detecting the detachable keyboard module, the touch device can obtain touch coordinates from the touch panel, wherein the touch coordinates are located within a coverage area of the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel. In step S920, the touch device can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the pressed key on the detachable keyboard module. In short, in the mechanism of fig. 9A, after the touch device detects the removable keyboard module, one or more touch coordinates acquired later in the coverage area of the removable keyboard module on the touch panel can be directly converted into corresponding key events.

On the other hand, if the detachable keyboard module is not detected, the touch device can execute the original operation according to the acquired touch coordinates.

Referring to fig. 9B, a flowchart of generating a key event according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. First, in step S930, the touch device may obtain touch coordinates from the touch panel, wherein the touch coordinates are located within a coverage area of the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel. In step S940, the touch device can determine whether the detection module detects the detachable keyboard module. If so, the touch device may continue to perform step S950 to convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the pressed key on the detachable keyboard module. On the other hand, if the detecting module does not detect the detachable keyboard module, the touch device can continue to perform step S960 to output the touch coordinates.

In short, in the mechanism of fig. 9B, after detecting each touch coordinate, the touch device determines whether a detachable keyboard module is detected. If the detachable keyboard module is detected and the touch coordinate is located in the coverage range of the detachable keyboard module, the touch device can convert the touch coordinate into a corresponding key event. On the contrary, if it is determined that the detachable keyboard module is not detected after the touch coordinates are obtained, the touch device may perform the original operation according to the obtained touch coordinates.

To make the spirit of the present invention clearer, the following further description is made with reference to fig. 10A to 10F, wherein fig. 10A to 10F are application context diagrams according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 10A to 10F, it is assumed that the available detachable keyboard modules have 5 keyboard aspects as shown in table 1 below (i.e., detachable keyboard modules having 5 identities are available).

Identity	Type (B)	Function(s)
			ID 1	General keyboard	A to Z, function key
ID 2	Digital keyboard	1～0,+-*/＝
			ID 3	Game keyboard (left)	U/D/L/R
ID 4	Game keyboard (Right)	A/B

TABLE 1

In fig. 10A, it is assumed that a removable keyboard module 1020A with ID2 is placed on the touch panel 1010A of the touch device 1000A. In this case, if a key on the removable keyboard module 1020a is pressed (e.g., the Enter key) to generate a touch coordinate (which should be located at the lower right corner of the touch panel 1010 a), the touch device 1000a can know that the touch coordinate corresponds to the Enter key according to the identity of the removable keyboard module 1020 a. Based on this, the touch device 1000a can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the Enter key.

In fig. 10B, it is assumed that the removable keyboard module 1021B with ID3 and the removable keyboard module 1022B with ID4 are disposed on the touch panel 1010B of the touch device 1000B. In this case, if the key on the removable keyboard module 1021b is pressed (e.g., the left direction key (L)) to generate the touch coordinate, the touch device 1000b can know that the touch coordinate corresponds to the left direction key according to the identity of the removable keyboard module 1021 b. Based on this, the touch device 1000b can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the left direction key.

In addition, if the key on the removable keyboard module 1022b is pressed (e.g., the a key) to generate the touch coordinate, the touch device 1000b can know that the touch coordinate corresponds to the a key according to the identity of the removable keyboard module 1022 b. Based on this, the touch device 1000b can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the a key.

In fig. 10C, it is assumed that the removable keyboard module 1020C with ID1 is placed on the touch panel 1010C of the touch device 1000C. In this case, if the key on the removable keyboard module 1020c is pressed (e.g., the Esc key) to generate the touch coordinate, the touch device 1000c can know that the touch coordinate corresponds to the Esc key according to the identity of the removable keyboard module 1020 c. Based on this, the touch device 1000c can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the Esc key.

In fig. 10D, it is assumed that the

detachable keyboard modules

1031a, 1031c with ID3 and the detachable keyboard modules 1031b, 1031D with ID4 are placed on the touch panel 1010D of the touch device 1000D, and the touch coordinates obtained on the touch panel 1010D may be designed to be located between (0,0) and (1920,1200). In the present embodiment, the

detachable keyboard modules

1031a and 1031b may be configured to correspond to player 1, and the detachable keyboard modules 1031c and 1031D may be configured to correspond to player 2, and their corresponding touch coordinate ranges are shown in fig. 10D.

In this case, if the key on the detachable keyboard module 1031a is pressed (e.g. left direction key) to generate the touch coordinate, the touch device 1000d can know that the touch coordinate corresponds to the left direction key inputted by the player 1 according to the identity of the detachable keyboard module 1031 a. Based on this, the touch device 1000d can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the left direction key input by the player 1. For another example, if a key on the detachable keyboard module 1031d is pressed (e.g., key a) to generate touch coordinates, the touch device 1000d can know that the touch coordinates correspond to the key a input by the player 2 according to the identity of the detachable keyboard module 1031 d. Based on this, the touch device 1000d can convert the touch coordinates into a key event corresponding to the a key input by the player 2.

In fig. 10E, it is assumed that the detachable keyboard module 1041a with ID4 and the

detachable keyboard modules

1041b, 1041c, 1041d with ID4 are disposed on the touch panel 1010E of the touch device 1000E, and the touch coordinates acquired on the touch panel 1010E can be designed to be located between (0,0) and (1800,450). In this embodiment, the touch coordinate ranges corresponding to the detachable keyboard modules 1041a to 1041d are as shown in fig. 10E, wherein the touch coordinate range corresponding to the detachable keyboard module 1041d can also be changed correspondingly because the detachable keyboard module 1041d is configured to rotate 90 degrees.

Referring to fig. 10F, it can be seen as a variation of fig. 10D. In fig. 10F,

removable keyboard modules

1031a and 1031b corresponding to player 1 and

removable keyboard modules

1031c and 1031d corresponding to player 2 may be tilted in the manner shown. In this case, the touch coordinate ranges corresponding to the detachable keyboard modules 1031a to 1031d may also be changed accordingly.

In summary, the touch device provided by the invention can be used with various detachable keyboard modules by the positioning mechanism and the detection module. In this case, the user can place the detachable keyboard module having the corresponding keyboard pattern on the touch panel according to the requirement, so as to operate the touch device in a manner conforming to the common keyboard input habit. Moreover, when the detachable keyboard module is not needed, the user can easily remove the detachable keyboard module from the touch panel to perform the required touch operation by using the touch panel.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A touch device, comprising:

the touch panel is used for bearing the detachable keyboard module;

the positioning mechanism is used for fixing the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel, wherein the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel partially covers the touch panel; and

and the detection module is used for detecting the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel.

2. The touch device as defined in claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning groove disposed at one side of the touch panel and corresponding to the protrusion of the detachable keyboard module, wherein the positioning groove receives the protrusion to fix the detachable keyboard module at a predetermined position on the touch panel.

3. The touch device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a first magnetic element disposed in the touch panel and corresponding to a second magnetic element on the detachable keyboard module, wherein the first magnetic element attracts the second magnetic element to fix the detachable keyboard module at a predetermined position on the touch panel.

4. The touch device of claim 3, wherein the detection module comprises a magnetic sensor disposed in the touch panel and adjacent to the first magnetic element, wherein the magnetic sensor determines that the detachable keyboard module is detected in response to a change in magnetic force caused by the first magnetic element attracting the second magnetic element.

5. The touch device of claim 3, wherein one of the first and second magnetic elements is a magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic elements is a magnetized material.

6. The touch device of claim 1, wherein the detection module comprises at least one optical detection element disposed on at least one side of the touch panel for detecting the profile of the removable keyboard module and accordingly determining the identity of the removable keyboard module.

7. The touch device of claim 1, wherein the detection module comprises at least one optical detection element disposed on a side of the touch panel, wherein when the signal strength measured by the at least one optical detection element is higher than a strength threshold, it is determined that the detachable keyboard module is detected.

8. The touch device of claim 7, wherein the detection module further comprises a hidden slot disposed on the side of the touch panel, and the at least one optical detection element is disposed in the hidden slot.

9. The touch device of claim 1, configured to:

acquiring touch coordinates from the touch panel in response to the detection module detecting the detachable keyboard module, wherein the touch coordinates are located in a coverage area of the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel; and

converting the touch coordinates into a key event, wherein the key event corresponds to a key pressed on the detachable keyboard module.

10. The touch device of claim 1, configured to:

acquiring touch coordinates from the touch panel, wherein the touch coordinates are located in a coverage range of the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel;

judging whether the detection module detects the detachable keyboard module;

and in response to the detection module detecting the detachable keyboard module, converting the touch coordinates into a key event, wherein the key event corresponds to a pressed key on the detachable keyboard module.

11. The touch device of claim 1, wherein the detachable keyboard module is a passive keyboard module.

12. The touch device of claim 1, wherein the detachable keyboard module comprises a plurality of key units, wherein each of the key units comprises:

the key body is used for bearing pressing operation;

the deformable structure is connected with the key body, generates a deformation phenomenon in response to the pressing operation and resets after the pressing operation disappears;

the conductive material is arranged on the key body or the deformable structure, moves along with the deformation phenomenon and correspondingly changes a capacitance value between the conductive material and the touch panel; and

and the supporting structure supports the key body and the deformable structure.

13. The touch device of claim 12, wherein the detachable keyboard module further comprises at least one of a connecting member and a carrier plate, the connecting member is connected between the key units, and the carrier plate is used for carrying the key units and placing the key units on the touch panel.

14. The touch device of claim 13, wherein the detachable keyboard module further comprises an extension section connected to the carrier, the extension section being used for the detection module to detect whether the detachable keyboard module is placed on the touch panel.

15. The touch device of claim 14, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning slot, and the extension segment is further configured to be received in the positioning slot to fix the detachable keyboard module at a predetermined position on the touch panel.