CN117519490A

CN117519490A - Input device with adjustable hand feeling and input feedback method

Info

Publication number: CN117519490A
Application number: CN202211031593.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 谢育群; 周柏岳
Original assignee: Huaian Darfon Electronics Co ltd; Darfon Electronics Corp
Current assignee: Huaian Darfon Electronics Co ltd; Darfon Electronics Corp
Priority date: 2022-07-27
Filing date: 2022-08-26
Publication date: 2024-02-06
Also published as: CN117519491A

Abstract

The invention discloses an input device with adjustable hand feeling, which is coupled with an output device through a host. The input device comprises at least a physical key, an adjusting mechanism, a key circuit and a switching unit. When the key is pressed, an input signal is generated through the key circuit. When the switching unit is stressed to switch, the adjusting mechanism adjusts the hand feeling structure of the key to interfere or not interfere with an operation path, so that the input device enters a second hand feeling mode from the first hand feeling mode, wherein the key has different keystroke sound and volume in the second hand feeling mode and the first hand feeling mode.

Description

Input device with adjustable hand feeling and input feedback method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an input device with adjustable hand feeling and an input feedback method thereof, and more particularly, to an input device and an output device for changing input feedback in response to hand feeling mode switching, and a method thereof.

Background

Because of the popularity and increasing number of electronic competition games, various manufacturers push out a mechanical keyboard capable of providing strong hand feeling feedback when in knocking so as to promote better game experience of users. In general, when a user plays or works with a computer in an independent environment, the user needs a keyboard key or a mouse key to make a real click sound to confirm whether or not the user has actually input since there are no other people nearby. However, in environments where there are other people nearby, the user may prefer the keyboard or mouse not to make a click or to have only a tiny click. Although the mute function of a keyboard or mouse is already being introduced in the market, the key stroke feedback that the user should receive is sacrificed.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an input device with an adjustable touch, which enables a user to listen to a corresponding tapping sound effect in a mute mode of the input device.

Therefore, the present invention provides an input device directly or indirectly connected to an output device, wherein the input device comprises:

at least one key, the at least one key having a hand feel structure and/or a sound producing structure, the hand feel structure and/or the sound producing structure of the at least one key adjustably interfering with an operating path of the at least one key to produce an operating hand feel and/or an operating sound;

the switching unit is provided with an operation part for the operation of a user and is used for generating a switching signal which relates to the mode switching of the at least one key between a plurality of different hand feeling modes and/or a plurality of different sound modes; and

the adjusting mechanism is provided with at least one adjusting part which can move according to the mode switching so as to push the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure to adjust the interference proportion of the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure to the operation path of the at least one key;

After the mode switching occurs, the output device conforms to the operation feedback corresponding to the triggering output of the at least one key.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device is a keyboard, the adjusting mechanism comprises an adjusting plate, the adjusting plate is provided with at least one adjusting part, and the at least one adjusting part is abutted against the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure so as to push the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure along with the movement of the adjusting plate, so that the interference proportion of the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure to the operation path of the at least one key is adjusted.

As an optional technical scheme, the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises an electric driving module, wherein the electric driving module is connected with the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and the electric driving module directly or indirectly drives the at least one adjusting part to move according to the switching signal.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage assembly is connected with the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and when the operation part of the switching unit is forced to move, the linkage assembly directly or indirectly pushes the at least one adjusting part of the adjusting mechanism to move.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage assembly is connected with the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and when the operation part of the switching unit is forced to rotate, the linkage assembly directly or indirectly pushes the at least one adjusting part of the adjusting mechanism to move.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device is a mouse, the at least one key comprises a roller, the hand feeling structure and/or the sounding structure comprises a ratchet wheel coaxially arranged with the roller, the adjusting mechanism comprises a transmission arm, the transmission arm is connected with the at least one adjusting part, the at least one adjusting part is provided with a clamping block, and the clamping block is selectively clamped into or separated from at least one ratchet tooth of the ratchet wheel so as to realize the mode switching.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device is a mouse, the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism are at least partially positioned below the at least one key, wherein the switching unit comprises a linkage component in the form of a toggle button and a long rod body, the adjusting mechanism comprises a plurality of protruding blocks, and the protruding blocks are positioned at different positions of the linkage component at different angles;

when the switching unit is stressed to rotate, at least one of the plurality of protruding blocks abuts against the at least one key to switch the pressing fulcrum or the operating distance of the at least one key so as to realize the mode switching.

As an alternative technical scheme, the at least one key is a micro switch, at least one of the hand feeling structure and/or the sound generating structure comprises an elastic piece, the elastic piece is provided with a top end, the top end is close to or far away from the tail end of the elastic piece along with the pressing and releasing of the micro switch under the stress, and the tail end extends to a position between a first surface and a second surface in the micro switch;

the tail end of the elastic piece is at least temporarily fixed at one of the first surface or the second surface along with the pushing of the adjusting mechanism so as to realize the mode switching.

As an optional technical solution, the switching unit includes a switch, the switch is triggered to generate the switching signal, and the switch includes at least one of a single function key, a plurality of combination keys, a pair of conductive electrodes, a capacitive switch, an optical switch, a magnetic switch, and a piezoelectric switch.

As an optional technical scheme, the hand feeling structure comprises at least one of a torsion spring, a plate spring, a cantilever and a connecting rod structure; the sound producing structure comprises at least one of a torsion spring, a plate spring, a cantilever and a connecting rod structure.

As an alternative technical scheme, the input device and the output device are respectively connected with a host in a wired or wireless manner, and the host outputs the corresponding operation feedback to the output device for output after the switching signal is generated.

The invention also provides an input feedback method, which is suitable for an input device and an output device which are directly or indirectly connected, wherein the input device comprises at least one key, in a first hand feeling mode, the hand feeling structure of the at least one key can be used for adjustably interfering the operation path of the at least one key to generate a pressing hand feeling, but the at least one key is in a mute mode, and the input feedback method comprises the following steps:

in the first hand feeling mode, the switching unit of the input device generates a switching signal;

the adjusting mechanism of the input device adjusts the interference proportion of the hand feeling structure of the at least one key to the operation path of the at least one key to enable the at least one key to enter a second hand feeling mode, and meanwhile the at least one key is maintained in the mute mode;

the at least one key is triggered by pressing to generate an input signal; and

The output device conforms to a second operation feedback corresponding to the triggering output of the at least one key in the second hand feeling mode.

As an optional technical scheme, the input device and the output device are respectively connected with a host in a wired or wireless manner, and the host outputs the second operation feedback to the output device for output after the switching signal is generated.

As an optional solution, the at least one key further comprises a sounding structure, and the sounding structure may or may not adjustably interfere with an operation path of the at least one key to selectively generate an operation sound.

The invention also provides an input feedback method, which is suitable for an input device and a near-ear device which are directly or indirectly connected, wherein the input device comprises at least one key, the at least one key is provided with a hand feeling structure and a sound generating structure, and in a first hand feeling mode, the hand feeling structure and the sound generating structure can be used for adjustably interfering the operation path of the at least one key so as to respectively generate a pressing hand feeling and a key beating sound, and the input feedback method comprises the following steps:

the switching unit of the input device generates a switching signal;

the sound producing structure is adjusted to be not interfered with the operation path of the at least one key by the adjusting mechanism of the input device;

the at least one key is pressed to trigger to generate an input signal, but the sounding structure is not triggered, so that the at least one key enters a second feel mode; and

The near-ear device plays a corresponding operation sound file according to the triggering of the at least one key in the second hand feeling mode.

As an optional technical scheme, the input device and the near-ear device are respectively connected with a host in a wired or wireless manner, and the host outputs the corresponding operation sound file to the near-ear device for playing after the switching signal is generated.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and specific examples, which are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a feedback system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of an input feedback method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an input feedback method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an input device according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5A is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism according to a variation of the present invention.

Fig. 6A and fig. 6B are schematic partial perspective views of the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism according to another variation of the present invention.

Fig. 7A and fig. 7B are schematic partial perspective views of a switch of a switching unit according to another variation of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device according to yet another variation of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a schematic partial perspective view of an input device according to a derivative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9B is an enlarged schematic view of the area B1 of the derivative example of fig. 9A.

Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a key of an input device according to another derivative of the present invention.

Detailed Description

For a further understanding of the objects, construction, features and functions of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1 of the present invention, fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a feedback system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, the feedback system 1000 mainly includes an output device 1200 and an input device 1300 that are coupled to each other wirelessly or by wires, directly or indirectly; if necessary, the output device 1200 may be indirectly coupled to the input device 1300 through the host 1100, wherein the output device 1200 and the input device 1300 are coupled to the host 1100 via a wired or wireless connection.

The host 1100 may be an electronic device with arithmetic processing capability such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a smart phone. The host 1100 includes a central processing unit 1101, a storage unit 1102, and an input-output interface 1103. The storage unit 1102 stores a plurality of key sound files 1102S (operation sound files), and the central processing unit 1101 controls the output device 1200 to play one of the corresponding key sound files 1102S (operation sound files) according to the switching signal N1 generated by the input device 1300.

The output device 1200 mainly includes a microprocessor 1201, a broadcasting device 1202 and an input/output port 1203. The output device 1200 may also store a part of the operation sound file, such as the above-mentioned key sound file 1102S (operation sound file), by using its own storage space.

The input device 1300 includes one or more keys 1310, a switching unit 1304, a microprocessor 1305, a key circuitry 1306, and an adjustment mechanism 1307. The User-operable switching unit 1304 and the key circuit 1306 are coupled to the microprocessor 1305, and the key circuit 1306 is coupled to a plurality of switches 1311, wherein each switch 1311 is triggered by a physical key (e.g., the key 1310) to generate an input signal K1 (e.g., an alphanumeric signal or other input command). Each physical key 1310 mainly includes a switch 1311, a trigger structure 1312, a hand feeling structure 1313, and a sounding structure 1314; see the examples which follow for specific structure and description. In various embodiments, the switching unit 1304 may be physically and/or pivotally connected to the adjusting mechanism 1307, or may be indirectly electrically connected to the adjusting mechanism 1307, so that the switching unit 1304 may directly move or indirectly drive the adjusting mechanism 1307 during switching, thereby adjusting the touch structure 1313 and/or the sounding structure 1314 of the key 1310, so that the key 1310 can change the pressing touch or switch the Mute state, i.e. Mute (mut On) or non-Mute (mut Off) modes. The key 1310 moves up and down along an operation path when pressed, and the hand feeling structure 1313 and the sounding structure 1314 are typically integrated or multiple elastic elements that interfere with the operation path when pressed by the key 1310, so that changing the relative positions of the hand feeling structure 1313 and the sounding structure 1314 and the operation path can change the hand feeling or sounding state.

For example, the input device 1300 may be a mouse device or a keyboard device, and the switching unit 1304 may adjust the touch structure 1313 and/or the sounding structure 1314 of the key 1310 when switching, so that the input device 1300 and the key 1310 thereof may be switched between the first touch mode and the second touch mode, or between the mute mode and the non-mute mode. Because sounding structure 1314 and touch structure 1313 can be selectively operated independently, switching between touch and mute of key 1310 can be performed simultaneously or independently, e.g., with or without a paragraph in mute. In other embodiments, the hand feeling is linked with the mute switch, for example, the first hand feeling mode includes a non-mute mode, so that the key 1310 has a normal hand feeling with a large striking sound and a high pressing pre-force or a distinct sectional feeling; in contrast, the second mode of feel includes a mute mode with the key 1310 at a low pre-press (or no-break feel) and at a mute or weak-strike mute feel, the physical tap volume of the key 1310 in the second mode of feel being at least lower than the physical tap volume of the first mode of feel. In addition, in different embodiments, the key 1310 may be a longitudinal pressing type input member, a rotational type input member, or other types of input members such as a transverse sliding type input member, so long as the key has an adjustable touch structure, the key is suitable for the apparatus and the method according to the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the key is not limited to a conventional key switch or button (button) in the embodiments of the present invention, and the key in the embodiments and claims of the present invention generally refers to a component of the input device for a user to operate by a finger to generate an input signal, and may generate an input signal (such as a key of a keyboard) by pressing operation, or may generate an input signal (such as a wheel on a mouse) by scrolling. In addition, the wheel-shaped key of the mouse wheel can generate an input signal (corresponding to page scrolling of browsing operation) by adopting a pressing mode, and can also generate the input signal (namely, a middle key of the mouse). Therefore, the operation sound file or the key sound file can be a prerecorded or simulated key-shaped switch key click sound, a mouse wheel rolling sound in a high-speed and paragraph mode and a mouse pressing left and right middle key clicking sound corresponding to different key types; these operating sounds may have different tone colors and characteristics due to different internal elements of the key (e.g., mechanical shaft, micro switch, scissor, butterfly, metal balance bar, bracket material, etc.), different hand feeling structures or sound producing structures and materials.

The switching unit 1304 includes a button or an operation knob, and switches the adjusting mechanism 1307 according to a switching operation, so as to switch the input device 1300 and the key 1310 thereof between the first and second hand feeling modes and/or between the mute mode and the non-mute mode. When the switching unit 1304 generates the switching signal N1, the switching unit 1304 may drive and control the adjusting mechanism 1307 with electric energy through the microprocessor 1305 according to the switching signal N1, or the switching unit 1304 may be physically connected to the adjusting mechanism 1307 and switch the adjusting mechanism 1307 through a physical mechanism. For the host 1100 and the output device 1200, the switching signal N1 relates to a mode switching of the key 1310 between different operation feedback modes, for example, a mode switching between a plurality of different hand modes, or a mode switching between a plurality of different sound modes (mute and non-mute, or different operation sounds).

In the following embodiments, a near-ear device (near-ear device) such as a sound conduction or bone conduction earphone is mainly used as an example of the output device 1200, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the output device 1200 may be any other type of sound source device such as a wired speaker or a wireless speaker (such as a bluetooth speaker, a Wi-Fi speaker, etc.), as long as the playing volume can be adjusted according to the hand feeling or the sound switching requirement.

Referring to fig. 1 and fig. 2, fig. 2 is a flowchart of an input feedback method according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the output device 1200 outputs a corresponding key tone in response to a mode switch of the input device 1300. The method of fig. 2 may be performed by the feedback system 1000 of fig. 1, although the steps are not necessarily performed in the order of execution shown in fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the touch and mute switch are not linked, for example, only mute switch is performed, but the touch structure 1313 is normally in the first touch mode, and has a state of paragraph touch and a felt preload.

Step S101: the switching unit 1304 generates (mutes) a switching signal N1. The switching unit 1304 may be caused to generate (mute) the switching signal N1 according to the user's operation of the switching unit 1304.

Step S102: the adjustment mechanism 1307 switches the key 1310 to a mute mode. When the switching unit 1304 generates the (mute) switching signal N1, the adjusting mechanism 1307 is selectively driven simultaneously to make the sounding structure 1314 of the key 1310 enter the mute mode from the non-mute mode. Since the adjustment mechanism 1307 does not adjust the touch structure 1313, the key 1310 can be in a low-noise or noiseless state (e.g., a first touch mode) with a paragraph feeling and a sensed pre-force, or in a state without a paragraph feeling and a low-pressing pre-force (a second touch mode), so as to provide different paragraph feeling or pressing pre-force feedback on the touch of the finger. As for a specific manner in which the switching unit 1304 drives the adjustment mechanism 1307, it may include: the electric driving module is driven by electric energy, or various linkage components are connected with the switching unit 1304 and the adjusting mechanism 1307, and the user applies force to the switching unit 1304 to drive the adjusting mechanism 1307. After the switching signal N1 is generated, the structure of the input device is changed, so that the volume of the external tapping from the user is changed to a certain extent, for example, the external tapping from the first hand-feeling mode is changed into the second hand-feeling mode, or the external tapping from the second hand-feeling mode is changed into the first hand-feeling mode.

Step S103: the key 1310 is depressed and triggers no sounding structure 1314. When the user presses the key 1310, the sounding structure 1314 is not triggered when the key 1310 is pressed because the key 1310 and the sounding structure 1314 are in the mute mode. At this time, the input signal K1 is also generated in response to the pressing of the key 1310, and is transmitted to the host 1100.

Step S104: the button sound file 1102S (operation sound file) in the mute mode is played by the earphone (output device 1200). Since the key 1310 and the sounding structure 1314 are in the mute mode, there is no mechanism sound of key-press in the whole environment, but in response to the key 1310 being pressed (and the input signal K1 being generated), the earphone (output device 1200) can play a corresponding key sound file 1102S (operation sound file) belonging to the mute mode, so as to provide the user with feedback on sound.

In an embodiment, the earphone (output device 1200) is directly wired or wirelessly connected to the input device 1300, such as a keyboard or mouse with an earphone hole directly connected, or connected wirelessly with a Wi-Fi/bluetooth/ZigBee/MQTT/CoAP protocol, the connection between the two does not need to go through the host 1100. Therefore, the earphone (output device 1200) can directly receive (mute) the switching signal N1 and the input signal K1; meanwhile, the earphone (output device 1200) may store the key sound file 1102S (operation sound file) itself, so that the earphone (output device 1200) may directly receive (mute) the switching signal N1 and play a corresponding key sound file 1102S (operation sound file) belonging to the mute mode in response to the pressing of the key 1310 (and the generation of the input signal K1). However, in fig. 1 and 2, the earphone (output device 1200) may be indirectly coupled to the input device 1300 through the host 1000, so the method further includes:

Step 105: corresponding key sound file 1102S is extracted in response to the (mute) switch signal N1 and the input signal K1. The (mute) switch signal N1 generated by the switch unit 1304 is sent to the microprocessor 1305, and the microprocessor 1305 may send the same or corresponding signal to the host 1100 in response to the generation of the switch signal N1, so that the host 1100 changes the state setting of the input device 1300 to the mute mode. When the key 1310 is pressed to trigger the switch 1311, and the input signal K1 is transmitted to the host 1100 through the key circuit 1306 and the microprocessor 1305, the cpu 1101 of the host 1100 can control and capture the corresponding key sound file 1102S in the storage unit 1102, where the key sound file 1102S corresponds to the switching input signal K1 and the (mute) switching signal N1 (i.e. corresponds to the first hand feeling mode).

Step 106: the corresponding key sound file 1102S is output to the output device 1200. Thereafter, the audio signal N2 (the encoded key sound file 1102S) is transmitted to the output device 1200 through the i/o interface 1103 and the i/o port 1203. Finally, in step 104, the broadcast element 1202 of the near-ear device (output device 1200) (earphone) plays, while in the absence of a key stroke mechanical sound, the user's audible feedback is provided with a mute switch of the key 1310.

Referring to fig. 3, a flowchart of an input feedback method according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The method of fig. 3 may be performed by the feedback system 1000 of fig. 1, although the steps are not necessarily performed in the order of execution shown in fig. 3. FIG. 3 also relates to an embodiment in which the hand is not linked to the mute switch, but in contrast to FIG. 3, the sound portion is not switched; for example, the hand is switched from the first hand mode to the second hand mode, but the sounding structure does not interfere with the operation path of the key 1310, so that the mute mode is maintained before and after the hand mode is switched. In addition, in the first hand-feeling mode, the hand-feeling structure 1313 of the key 1310 is in a high-pressing pre-force or obvious paragraph feeling, and the corresponding (first) key sound file 1102S can be played at a preset or on-demand first volume; the second touch structure 1313 in the second touch mode is at a low pre-press or no-break, and its corresponding (second) key sound file 1102S may be played at a preset or on-demand second volume.

Step S201: the switching unit 1304 generates (feel) a switching signal N1. Here, the generation of the switching signal N1 means that all or part of the keys 1310 of the input device 1300 will be switched from the first hand feeling mode to the second hand feeling mode, but the keys 1310 and the sounding structure 1314 are still in the mute mode.

Step S202: the adjustment mechanism 1307 switches the key 1310 to a second feel mode. The switching unit 1304 may physically interlock or power-drive the adjusting mechanism 1307, for example, the microprocessor 1305 may determine (feel) the switching signal N1 and control the power-driven motor to drive the adjusting mechanism 1307; alternatively, the switching unit 1304 may be physically coupled to the structure or pivotally coupled to the adjustment mechanism 1307 so as to mechanically urge the adjustment mechanism 1307 when the user applies force to operate the switching unit 1304. The key 1310 is switched to the second touch mode, that is, the touch structure 1313 is adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 1307 so as not to interfere with the operation path of the key 1310, so that the key 1310 reduces the pressing pre-force or loses the feel of the paragraph, and the specific method will be described in the following embodiments. In a different embodiment, the adjustment of the hand feeling mode basically adjusts the interference ratio of the hand feeling structure 1313 to the operation path of the key 1310 by the adjusting mechanism 1307, wherein the higher the interference ratio is, the higher the pressing pre-force will be, and the lower the interference ratio is, the lower the pressing pre-force will be; the presence or absence of the design of the trip relief with the handle 1313 allows the key 1310 to adjust the feel of the paragraph. Similarly, adjusting the interference ratio of sounding structure 1314 to the operational path may also adjust the mute mode or the non-mute mode.

Step S203: the key 1310 is depressed and triggers no sounding structure 1314. When the user presses the key 1310, the key 1310 and the sounding structure 1314 thereof are in the mute mode, that is, the sounding structure 1314 does not interfere with the operation path of the key 1310, so that the key 1310 is pressed to trigger the sounding structure 1314 to generate the clicking sound. At this time, the input signal K1 is also generated in response to the pressing of the key 1310, and is transmitted to the host 1100.

Step S204: the (second) key sound file 1102S is played by the output device 1200 at the second volume. Since the key 1310 and the sounding structure 1314 are in the mute mode, there is no mechanism sound of key stroke in the whole environment, but in response to the key 1310 being pressed (and the input signal K1 being generated), the output device 1200 can play a corresponding (second) key sound file 1102S to provide the user with the feedback on the sound. The output device 1200 plays the corresponding (second) button sound file 1102S at a second volume that may be preset or may be adjusted in real time. The second volume corresponding to the second hand-feel mode can be set according to the selection of the user, and compared with the first volume of the first hand-feel mode, the second volume can be louder than the first volume, after all, the hand-feel feedback of the second hand-feel mode is lighter (low pressing pre-force or no section sense), and the larger second volume can provide larger feedback. However, if the use scenario is that a quiet environment is desired, the second volume may be smaller or approaching silence. Of course, before the switching signal N1 is generated, that is, in the first hand-feeling mode, the output device 1200 can play the first operation sound file in response to the input signal K1.

In one embodiment, the output device 1200 (e.g., a headset or speaker) is directly wired or wirelessly connected to the input device 1300, and the connection between the two does not need to be through the host 1100. Therefore, the output device 1200 can directly receive the switching signal N1 and the input signal K1; meanwhile, the output device 1200 may store the (second) key sound file 1102S, so that the output device 1200 may directly receive the (mute) switching signal N1, and play a corresponding (second) key sound file 1102S at the second volume in response to the pressing of the key 1310 (and the generation of the input signal K1). However, in fig. 3, the output device 1200 may be indirectly coupled to the input device 1300 through the host 1000, so the method further includes:

step 205: corresponding (second) key sound file 1102S and second volume are extracted in response to the (hand) switching signal N1 and the input signal K1. The (hand) switching signal N1 generated by the switching unit 1304 may be determined by the microprocessor and transmitted to the host 1100 (or directly transferred), so that the host 1100 changes the state setting of the input device 1300 to the second hand mode (corresponding to the setting of the second volume).

Step S206: a second volume (setting) and a (second) key sound file 1102S corresponding to the second hand feel mode are output. When the key 1310 is pressed to trigger the switch 1311, and the input signal K1 is transmitted to the host 1100 through the key circuit 1306 and the microprocessor 1305, the central processing unit 1101 of the host 1100 can control and capture the corresponding (second) key sound file 1102S and the second volume (setting) in the storage unit 1102, where the (second) key sound file 1102S and the second volume (setting) correspond to the switching input signal K1 and the (touch) switching signal N1 (i.e. correspond to the second touch mode). Thereafter, the audio signal N2 (the encoded (second) key sound file 1102S) is transmitted to the output device 1200 via the i/o interface 1103 and the i/o port 1203. Finally, in the step 204, after the (mute) switching signal N1 is generated, the broadcasting element 1202 of the near-ear device (output device 1200) performs broadcasting according to the generation of the input signal K1, but in the case of no key-press mechanical sound (key-press sound), different feedback on sound is provided for the user along with the switching of the hand feeling of the key 1310, and the sound output of the near-ear device is provided only for the user, so that the original quiet environment is not disturbed.

In addition, in different embodiments, the method of fig. 3 may also be applied to switching the first hand feeling mode to a third hand feeling mode, where the pressing pre-force or the paragraph feeling of the hand feeling structure 1313 in the third hand feeling mode exceeds the first hand feeling mode, or the resistance curve in the pressing stroke has peaks and valleys with different forms, and the output device 1200 may play the corresponding third key sound file at the corresponding third volume according to the input signal K1 after the switching signal N1 is generated.

The following embodiments briefly describe how the switching unit 1304 drives the adjustment mechanism 1307 and how the switching unit 1304 generates the switching signal N1. Fig. 4 is an embodiment of an electro-driving module 400, please refer to fig. 1 and fig. 4 together. The input device 1300 of the present invention is implemented as a keyboard, and in this example, the input device 1300 includes a key module 300 and an electric driving module 400. The key module 300 includes a key 310 (corresponding to the key 1310 in fig. 1), a switching unit, a microprocessor, a key circuit, and an adjusting mechanism 320 (corresponding to the adjusting mechanism 1307 in fig. 1); the switching unit, microprocessor, key circuitry are not shown in fig. 4 except for keys 310 and adjustment mechanism 320. The adjusting mechanism 320 in this example includes an adjusting plate, and is disposed parallel to all or part of the keys 310, and the adjusting mechanism 320 may locally protrude or recess corresponding to each key 310 so as to be abutted against the touch structure or the sounding structure of the key 310. The electric drive module 400 is indirectly electrically connected to the microprocessor of fig. 1, and the electric drive module 400 may include a battery, a motor, and a transmission structure (not shown), wherein the transmission structure physically connects the motor and the adjustment mechanism 320. When the switching unit generates the switching signal N1, the microprocessor controls the electric driving module 400 to output the motor torque force so as to push the adjusting mechanism 320 to adjust the touch structure or the sounding structure of the key 310, and switch the touch mode or the sounding mode. In addition, the input device 1300 may include an indicator 360 to change indication status with mode switching. The indicator 360 may be a display light, changing the indication state such as on or off; in other embodiments, the indicator 360 may be implemented as a sound device and may generate a sound indication in response to a mode switch so that the user may know the current hand mode or sound mode.

The embodiment of fig. 5A is an exploded view of the key module 300, and the key module 300 mainly includes a plurality of keys 310, a key circuit 314 (i.e. a circuit board), an adjusting mechanism 320 and a switching unit. The adjusting mechanism 320 includes an adjusting plate 322 and a linkage assembly 340. The linkage assembly 340 includes a first connecting rod 342 and a second connecting rod 344 connected to each other, and the linkage assembly 340 is pivotally connected to the adjusting plate 320 and the housing 330, so as to drive the adjusting plate 320 to move along a specific direction relative to the key 310 when being stressed. The adjusting plate 322 has a plurality of adjusting portions 324 corresponding to each of the keys 310, and the keys 310 have a touch structure and a sound generating structure (such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a cantilever or a link structure that can be elastically deformed), and one or more of the adjusting portions 324 can be moved to abut against the touch structure and/or the sound generating structure, so as to push against the touch structure and/or the sound generating structure of the keys 310 along with the movement of the adjusting plate 320, so as to switch the touch or sound modes. Although the adjustment portion 324 is a long rod that can extend into the key 310 in fig. 5A, in other embodiments, the adjustment portion 324 may be a short tab or even a notch structure; alternatively, key 310 may have a notch to expose a portion of the feel structure and/or sound emitting structure; or a portion of the feel structure and/or sound emitting structure may extend beyond the keys 310. As long as the adjustment portion 324 can abut against the hand feeling structure and/or the sound generating structure, various embodiments can be realized. In this example, the switching unit (corresponding to the switching unit 1304 of fig. 1) for generating the switching signal N1 may be implemented by, for example, a single or multiple specific keys 310 and corresponding local key circuits 314, and the corresponding function key codes or the combined key codes generated by pressing the specific keys 310 are examples of the switching signal N1.

The switching unit of the present invention (e.g., switching unit 1304 of fig. 1) may be implemented in different configurations from embodiment to embodiment. In principle, the switching unit includes an operation portion for operation by a user, and a switch for generating a switching signal. When the switching unit is physically connected to the adjusting mechanism, a connecting rod or other engaging element for connecting the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism may be disposed on the switching unit or on the adjusting mechanism, for example, fig. 5B described later; when the switching unit is not physically connected to the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism may be electrically driven, for example, as in the embodiment of fig. 4 described above. Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the switching unit 15A and the adjusting mechanism 320 according to a variant embodiment of the present invention, in which the switching unit 15A is physically connected to the adjusting mechanism 320. The switching unit 15A includes an operation portion 151, a linkage assembly 152 and a switch (not shown), wherein the switching unit 15A is connected to the adjusting plate 322 of the adjusting mechanism 320 through the linkage assembly 152, and the operation portion 151 having a rectangular block shape is generally exposed on an outer surface of a keyboard (input device). When the user linearly applies force to the operation portion 151 of the switching unit 15A, the switching unit 15A can drive the adjusting mechanism 320 to move through the linkage assembly 152, so that the adjusting portion 324 of the adjusting mechanism 320 can push the touch structure and/or the sounding structure of the key 320 (as shown in fig. 4 and 5A) to switch the touch or sounding modes. Meanwhile, the movement of the switching unit 15A can trigger the switch thereof to generate a switching signal, so that the host or the output device can learn the change of the hand feeling or the sound mode, and capture and play the volume and the key sound file corresponding to the hand feeling/sound mode after switching.

In practical applications, a hand feeling structure and/or a sounding structure of hundreds of keys on a keyboard (input device) need to be pushed, and at this time, an operation portion of the switching unit can be designed into a more labor-saving knob type. Fig. 6A and fig. 6B are partial perspective views of the switching unit 15B and the adjusting mechanism 320 according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, which is suitable for keyboard input devices. The knob-type switching unit 15B includes an operation unit 151, a linkage assembly 152, and a switch 153. The operating part 151 is a handle structure with a certain length, and a longer force arm can generate a larger moment to save labor for users; the change-over switch 153 is an annular knob switch surrounding the operation portion 151. The linkage assembly 152 includes a base 1521 disposed on the top surface of the adjusting plate 322 of the adjusting mechanism 320 and a linkage plate 1522 disposed on the lower surface of the adjusting plate 322; the base 1521 is fixed to a housing (not shown), and the operation portion is exposed outside the housing. The operation part 151 is fixedly connected with a linkage piece 1522 through a rotating shaft C, and the linkage piece 1522 is provided with an arc chute H; the base 1521 has a coupling post P passing through the adjustment plate 322 and into the chute H. When the operation portion 151 is forced to rotate in a certain direction, the switch 153 can generate a switching signal along with the rotation of the operation portion 151, and the linking piece 1522 will rotate along with the operation portion 151, and push one of the two ends H1 and H2 of the chute H through the linking post P to drive the adjustment plate 322 to move. At this time, the adjusting portion 324 of the adjusting mechanism 320 can push the touch structure and/or the sounding structure of the button 310 (as shown in fig. 4 and 5A) to switch the touch or the sounding mode. Finally, the input device may further utilize the magnet 154 to magnetically fix the two states before and after the switching of the linking plate 1522, so as to ensure the structural stability of the individual states, and improve the positioning feedback when the user operates the switching unit 15B.

The switch of the switching unit for generating the switching signal N1 may be implemented in various ways, such as a switch on a key circuit (e.g., a single function key or a plurality of combination keys), a pair of conductive electrodes, a capacitive switch, an optical switch, a magnetic switch, a piezoelectric switch, etc., regardless of a keyboard, a mouse, or other input devices. Fig. 7A and fig. 7B are schematic perspective views of a switch of a switching unit according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. In this example, the switching unit of the input device may include an operation portion (not shown), a linkage assembly (not shown), and a switch 370 in the form of an optical switch; the switch 370 includes a pair of an optical transmitter 315 and an optical receiver 316. The switching unit further includes a shielding piece 329 movable with the switching of the switching unit; the shielding sheet 329 may be located on the switching unit or the adjusting mechanism, for example, on the adjusting plate 322 of the adjusting mechanism 320 of fig. 5A and 5B, or on the interlocking member 152 of the switching unit 15A of fig. 5B, or on the interlocking sheet 1522 of the interlocking member 152 of the switching unit 15B of fig. 6B. The shielding sheet 329 in fig. 7A moves to the light emitter 315 and the light receiver 316 to block the light path and the optical signal according to the switching of the switching unit; in fig. 7B, the shielding piece 329 is moved to avoid the optical paths of the optical transmitter 315 and the optical receiver 316 along with the switching of the switching unit, so that the optical signal is transmitted and received smoothly. The interruption or non-interruption of the optical path and the optical signal can be used to generate a switching signal.

The following describes several embodiments of the input device of the present invention as a mouse, and switching between the hand feeling modes of the mouse may be realized by switching between the high-speed rotation of the wheel and the rotation of the segment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the input device 5 is a mouse, and the wheel 162 has a ratchet 164 coaxially disposed to be rotatable in the axial direction 16a synchronously; the rolling of the roller 162 generates an input signal through a grating disk and an encoder (not shown), the roller 162 can be regarded as a key of the present invention, and the ratchet 164 can be regarded as a touch structure and/or a sounding structure of the key of the present invention. The input device 5 further includes a switching unit 6244, an electric driving module 6242 (such as a motor and a transmission element), and an adjusting mechanism 20. The switching unit 6244 includes an operation portion 6244a and a switching switch 6244b, the operation portion 6244a is exposed on the surface of the housing 122, when the user presses the operation portion 6244a, the switching switch 6244b can be triggered and a switching signal is generated to switch the hand feeling modes, at this time, the electric driving module 6242 can drive the driving arm 202/204/206 and the adjusting portion 182 of the adjusting mechanism 20 through the linkage assembly 622, so as to clamp the clamping block 184 of the adjusting portion 182 into or out of the ratchet 1644 of the ratchet 164 (hand feeling structure), and achieve the switching of the hand feeling/sound modes. When the clamping block 184 of the adjusting part 182 is clamped into the ratchet teeth 1644 of the ratchet wheel 164, the rolling of the roller 162 performs the rolling of the sectional sense along with the entering and exiting of the clamping block 184 into and out of the ratchet teeth 1644; when the latch 184 of the adjusting portion 182 is normally disengaged from the ratchet 1644 of the ratchet 164, the rolling resistance of the roller 162 is greatly reduced and the roller can rotate at a high speed. The interference of the adjustment portion 182 with the ratchet 164 of the roller 162 corresponds to the interference with the rolling path (operation path) of the roller 162. The output device 12a is a speaker, and the circuit board 126 of the input device 5 is provided with a storage unit 126a electrically connected to the output device 12a, and may store a plurality of key sound files 1102S or a plurality of roller sound files (both of which are operation sound files). In this way, in the case that the host machine shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3 is not provided, the input device 5 is built with the output device 12a, and can play the operation sound files such as the wheel sound file or the key sound file corresponding to the current wheel hand feeling or the key hand feeling, including playing at a preset or optional volume, according to the wheel hand feeling switching of the mouse or the key hand feeling switching of the mouse key, along with the rolling of the wheel or the pressing of the key, on the built-in output device 12a of the mouse. The input device is built with an output device, and the output device plays the corresponding sound file according to the current hand feeling mode and the sounding mode of the input device.

In addition, the hand feeling mode switching of the mouse can realize the hand feeling switching of keys such as a left key, a right key, a middle key (a roller) and the like; in detail, the pre-force of the hand of the mouse button comes from the button above the mouse shell (the hand/sound-producing structure is, for example, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, etc. acting between the button and the shell), and the micro-switch on the circuit board (the hand structure, the sound-producing structure is, for example, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, etc. acting inside the micro-switch). Referring to fig. 9A to 9B, fig. 9A is a schematic partial perspective view of an input device according to a derivative embodiment of the present invention; fig. 9B is an enlarged schematic view of the area B1 of the derivative example of fig. 9A. The input device 5 is a mouse, the key 2 is movably pivoted on the upper surface of the housing 50 of the input device 5, and the switching unit 3 and the adjusting mechanisms 322, 323, 321 are at least partially located below the key 2. The pressing portion 224 extending below the pressing portion 22 of the key 2 passes through the housing 50 and abuts against the micro switch 200, and the pressing of the key 2 triggers the micro switch 200 to generate an input signal. The switching unit 3 of the input device 5 includes an operation portion 3211 in the form of a tapered knob, a linkage assembly 325 in the form of a long rod, and an array switch 3212, and the plurality of adjusting mechanisms 322, 323, 321 are respectively disposed at different positions and at different angles of the linkage assembly 325 in the form of bumps. When the operation portion 3211 of the switching unit 3 is turned by a force of a user, one of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms 322, 323, 321 may or may not abut against one of the blocks 221, 222, 223 on the lower surface of the key 2, so as to change the operation distance h between the pressing fulcrum of the key 2 and the lower surface of the key 2 to the micro switch 200. The interference of the adjustment mechanisms 322, 323, 321 to the blocks 221, 222, 223 on the lower surface of the key 2 corresponds to the interference to the operation path of the key 2, and the pressing feeling and the operation feeling of the key 2 can be changed. In addition, when the switching unit 3 rotates, one of the sets of switches 3212 is correspondingly triggered to generate a switching signal. The subsequent output device plays the corresponding operation sound file according to the current hand feeling mode/sound producing mode after the key 2 is switched, refer to fig. 1/2/3 and fig. 8, and are not repeated here.

Referring to fig. 10, a schematic cross-sectional view of a button (micro switch 200) of an input device according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The micro switch 200 includes a top post 210, a trigger structure (composed of links 212, 214, 216), an optical switch 410, a hand feeling structure 81 (e.g., implemented by an elastic member such as a torsion spring or a leaf spring), a switching unit 450, an adjusting mechanism 460, and a key circuit 430. When the top post 210 is pressed by the pressing portion 224 (fig. 9A) under the key 2, the top post 210 presses the links 212, 214, 216 of the rotatable triggering structure to rotate, so as to trigger the optical switch 410 on the key circuit 430 to generate an input signal. The front end 812 of the hand feeling structure 81 is propped against the connecting rod 214 of the trigger structure, and can be close to or far from the tail end 816 along with the pressing and releasing of the micro switch 200 under the stress; the tail end 816 of the hand-feeling structure 81 extends between the first surface 651 and the second surface 652, and the pivoting end 814 is rotatably fixed in the micro-switch 200; the first surface 651 and the second surface 652 may be 2 surfaces of any structure within the input device 5. When the operation portion 451 of the switching unit 450 exposed on the bottom surface of the housing 51 is forced by a user to move the switching unit 450 and the adjusting mechanism 460 in the X direction, the adjusting mechanism 460 with the inclined upright hook body can push the end 816 of the touch structure 81, and fix the end 816 at least temporarily at one of the surface 651 or the surface 652. The tip 816 of the handle structure 81 will have a greater preload when secured to the surface 651; the feel 81 when the tip 816 is secured to the surface 652 imparts a small preload to the links 212/214/216 of the trigger structure. In addition, the switching unit 450 further includes a switching switch 451, and the switching switch 451 may generate switching signals when the switching unit 450 moves back and forth in the X direction, respectively. Then, the subsequent output device can play the corresponding operation sound file according to the current hand feeling mode/sound producing mode after the micro switch 200 is switched, and reference is made to fig. 1, 2, 3 and 8, which are not repeated herein. In addition, the hand feeling structure 81 may also be a sound generating structure, for example, in a non-mute mode, the end 816 of the hand feeling structure 81 may deform and then reset along with the movement of the connecting rods 212, 214, 216 of the trigger structure, so as to freely strike the surface 651 to generate an operation sound; conversely, in the mute mode, tip 816 is secured to surface 652 and cannot strike surface 651 to produce an operating sound. Therefore, the micro switch 200 of the mouse as the input device can have an adjustable touch structure and a sound structure to switch the touch or sound mode, so as to play the corresponding operation sound corresponding to the current mode of the micro switch 200 by the output device. The hand feeling adjustment of the micro switch 200 can be applied to a left key, a right key and a middle key (a pressing roller) of a mouse, and can also be applied to a key-shaped mechanical key of the micro switch 200 on a keyboard.

Finally, although the key operation feedback of the input device in the above embodiments is described with reference to the operation sound file, the operation feedback method of the present invention is not limited to the sound output. The output device may also output visible light or vibration, for example, the indicator of fig. 4 may be one or more indicator lights or a vibration element (e.g., a piezoelectric element or vibration motor) to provide visual or tactile feedback to the user. Thus, the visual operation feedback can be implemented by a light signal outputting different colors/brightness/frequencies/periods/positions/numbers/patterns, and the tactile operation feedback can be implemented by a vibration outputting different amplitudes/frequencies/periods/positions/numbers, corresponding to the first operation sound file, the second operation sound file or the third operation sound file (the first operation feedback, the second operation feedback or the third operation feedback) in the different modes. The touch operation feedback can be used in a mode of matching with the key hand feeling feedback, and can also be selectively used when the hand feeling structure of the key is adjusted to be low in pretightening force or free of section sense; for example, when the touch structure of the key is disabled in synchronization with the sounding structure, the user may still rely on the haptic operational feedback when the key is free of physical acoustic feedback, free/low touch feedback. In this case, the output device may be directly connected to the input device (including a built-in device), and the vibration element is preferably disposed on the housing of the input device, such as a mouse or a keyboard, and the position of the vibration element does not need to overlap the pressed key, so long as the vibration element can feel vibration at any position of the palm of the finger of the user.

In summary, in the external quiet environment, when the key of the input device is switched to the mute mode, the user can still listen to the operation sound file corresponding to the first hand-feeling mode through the near-ear device (such as the earphone) to maintain the corresponding sound feedback or visual/tactile operation feedback. In addition, when the keys of the input device are in a mute mode and do not emit key-striking sounds (operation sounds), the output device can still switch according to the hand feeling modes of the keys, and play corresponding operation sound files and volume or visual/tactile operation feedback in different hand feeling modes, so that the feedback requirements of users in different operation situations are met. Whether the input device is built in or directly externally connected with the output device, or the input device is connected with the output device through a host, the output device can play an operation sound file or visual/tactile operation feedback corresponding to the current hand feeling mode/sound generating mode of the input device according to the switching event of the hand feeling mode and/or sound generating mode of the input device, namely according to the switching signal and the input signal.

Of course, the present invention is capable of other various embodiments and its several details are capable of modification and variation in light of the present invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An input device, directly or indirectly coupled to an output device, the input device comprising:

2. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard, the adjusting mechanism comprises an adjusting plate, the adjusting plate is provided with the at least one adjusting part, and the at least one adjusting part abuts against the touch structure and/or the sounding structure so as to push the touch structure and/or the sounding structure along with the movement of the adjusting plate, so as to adjust the interference ratio of the touch structure and/or the sounding structure to the operation path of the at least one key.

3. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises an electric driving module, the electric driving module connects the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and the electric driving module directly or indirectly drives the at least one adjusting portion to move in compliance with the switching signal.

4. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly connects the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and when the operation portion of the switching unit is forced to move, the linkage assembly directly or indirectly pushes the at least one adjusting portion of the adjusting mechanism to move.

5. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard, and the input device further comprises a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly connects the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism, and when the operation portion of the switching unit is forced to rotate, the linkage assembly directly or indirectly pushes the at least one adjusting portion of the adjusting mechanism to move.

6. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a mouse, the at least one button comprises a roller, the handle structure and/or the sound generating structure comprises a ratchet wheel coaxially arranged with the roller, the adjusting mechanism comprises a transmission arm, the transmission arm is connected with the at least one adjusting part, the at least one adjusting part is provided with a clamping block, and the clamping block is selectively clamped into or separated from at least one ratchet tooth of the ratchet wheel to realize the mode switching.

7. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device is a mouse, the switching unit and the adjusting mechanism are at least partially located under the at least one key, wherein the switching unit comprises a linkage assembly in the form of a toggle button and a long rod, and the adjusting mechanism comprises a plurality of protrusions located at different positions of the linkage assembly at different angles;

8. The input device of claim 1, wherein the at least one key is a micro switch, at least one of the touch structure and/or the sound structure comprises an elastic member having a tip that approaches or separates from a tip of the elastic member as the micro switch is pressed and released by a force, the tip extending between a first surface and a second surface within the micro switch;

9. The input device as in claim 1, wherein the switching unit comprises a switch, the switch is triggered to generate the switching signal, and the switch comprises at least one of a single function key, a plurality of combination keys, a pair of conductive electrodes, a capacitive switch, an optical switch, a magnetic switch, and a piezoelectric switch.

10. The input device as in claim 1, wherein the feel structure comprises at least one of torsion springs, leaf springs, cantilevers, and linkage structures; the sound producing structure comprises at least one of a torsion spring, a plate spring, a cantilever and a connecting rod structure.

11. The input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device and the output device are connected to a host respectively by wire or wireless, and the host outputs the corresponding operation feedback to the output device for output after the switching signal is generated.

12. An input feedback method, which is suitable for an input device and an output device which are directly or indirectly connected, is characterized in that the input device comprises at least one key, in a first hand feeling mode, a hand feeling structure of the at least one key can be adjusted to interfere an operation path of the at least one key to generate a pressing hand feeling, but the at least one key is in a mute mode, and the input feedback method comprises the following steps:

the at least one key is triggered by pressing to generate an input signal; and

13. The input feedback method of claim 12, wherein the input device and the output device are connected to a host computer respectively by wire or wireless, and the host computer outputs the second operation feedback to the output device for outputting after the switching signal is generated.

14. The input feedback method of claim 12, wherein the at least one key further comprises a sounding structure that adjustably interferes or does not interfere with an operating path of the at least one key to selectively generate an operating sound.

15. An input feedback method, which is suitable for an input device and a near-ear device which are directly or indirectly connected, is characterized in that the input device comprises at least one key, the at least one key is provided with a hand feeling structure and a sound generating structure, and in a first hand feeling mode, the hand feeling structure and the sound generating structure can adjustably interfere with an operation path of the at least one key so as to respectively generate a pressing hand feeling and a key beating sound, and the input feedback method comprises the following steps:

The switching unit of the input device generates a switching signal;

16. The input feedback method of claim 15, wherein the input device and the near-to-ear device are respectively connected to a host in a wired or wireless manner, and the host outputs the corresponding operation sound file to the near-to-ear device for playing after the switching signal is generated.