WO2021123703A1 - Dispositif d'entrée - Google Patents

Dispositif d'entrée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021123703A1
WO2021123703A1 PCT/GB2020/000104 GB2020000104W WO2021123703A1 WO 2021123703 A1 WO2021123703 A1 WO 2021123703A1 GB 2020000104 W GB2020000104 W GB 2020000104W WO 2021123703 A1 WO2021123703 A1 WO 2021123703A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electronic device
pressure sensor
side wall
outer side
pressure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/000104
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Lv BING
You DAWEI
Xu Feng
Sun KUN
Original Assignee
Peratech Holdco Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Peratech Holdco Ltd filed Critical Peratech Holdco Ltd
Publication of WO2021123703A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021123703A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
    • H04M1/236—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof including keys on side or rear faces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G06F1/1671—Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/96—Touch switches
    • H03K17/964—Piezoelectric touch switches

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input device and an electronic device comprising an input device.
  • Electronic devices are well known in the art and include mobile devices which are electronic devices which are utilised when on the move. Typically, these include mobile telephones, notebooks, tablet computers and further include point-of-sale or card terminals and vehicle-mounted computers.
  • an input device for an electronic device comprising a frame, comprising: a pressure sensor arranged on an inner side of an outer side wall of said frame, abutting said frame; wherein said pressure sensor is arranged parallel to said outer side wall in a direction configured to receive an application of pressure or force when said application of pressure or force is applied to an outer surface of said outer side wall; and said pressure sensor is configured to be electrically connected to a main control unit of said electronic device.
  • an electronic device comprising: a frame, a main control unit, and an input device, said input device comprising: a pressure sensor arranged on an inner side of an outer side wall of said frame, abutting said frame; wherein said pressure sensor is arranged parallel to said outer side wall in a direction configured to receive an application of pressure or force when said application of pressure or force is applied to an outer surface of said outer side wall; and said pressure sensor is configured to be electrically connected to a main control unit of said electronic device.
  • Figure 1 shows an electronic device having an input device positioned on a side wall of the electronic device
  • Figure 2 shows an exploded schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device of the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an electronic device
  • Figure 4 shows a pressure sensor forming part of an input device of the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows an inner frame of an electronic device having receiving grooves
  • Figure 6 shows the pressure sensor Figure 4 fitted to the inner frame of
  • Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional schematic side view of a pressure sensor fitted to the outer side wall of an electronic device
  • Figure 8 shows graphical representations of the input device of the present invention on the outer side wall of an electronic device.
  • Electronic device 101 is shown in respect of Figure 1.
  • electronic device 101 is a mobile device in the form of a mobile telephone which is operable by user 102.
  • electronic device 101 comprises an input device 102 positioned on an outer side wall 103 of a frame 104 of electronic device 101.
  • Electronic device 101 further comprises a main control unit which will be described further in particular with respect to Figure 3.
  • a user 105 is able to operate electronic device 101 by activating input device 102 positioned on an outer side wall 103 of a frame 104 of electronic device 101.
  • electronic device 101 comprises frame 104 having an outer side wall 103 and an input device 102.
  • input device 102 comprises a plurality of pressure sensors which will be described further in Figures 3 and 4.
  • electronic device 101 further comprises a rear panel 201 and a display 202 which is electrically connected to main control unit 203.
  • main control unit 203 comprises a printed circuit board presenting electrical circuitry to enable operation of electronic device 101.
  • Frame 104 further comprises a mounting plate 204 which is disposed in a cavity 205 of frame 104. In the embodiment, when constructed, main control unit 203 is configured to be installed or mounted on mounting plate 204.
  • Rear panel 201 and display 202 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of mounting plate 204 and connected to frame 104. Rear panel 201, display 202 and frame 104 therefore together combine in the embodiment to define cavity 205.
  • an inner frame 206 is arranged around cavity 205 and mounting plate 204 is installed in cavity 205 connected to and on the inside of inner frame 206.
  • Main control unit 203 is fixed on mounting plate 204 to ensure a stable working environment for the main control unit 203.
  • display 202 is electrically connected to main control unit 203 and is configured to display images or other items when in use to a user.
  • FIG. 1 A schematic representation of electronic device 101 in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 3.
  • Electronic device 101 comprises main control unit 203, display 202 and input device 102.
  • input device 102 comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, and specifically, a first pressure sensor 301, a second pressure sensor 302 and a third pressure sensor 303. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, input device 102 comprises any suitable number of pressure sensors required in the application in question.
  • main control unit 203 is arranged in a cavity 205 of electronic or mobile device 101.
  • Input device 102 is connected to frame 104 and further, each pressure sensor 301, 302, 303 is electrically connected to main control unit 203.
  • a user may apply a pressure or force to one of the pressure sensors in the manner which will be described further with respect to Figure 7.
  • pressure sensor (301, 302 or 303) outputs a signal to main control unit 203
  • Main control unit 203 receives the signal from pressure sensor (301 , 302 or 303) and, following appropriate processing, outputs a control signal to provide a change to the output of electronic device 101.
  • this may include a variance in output from display 202 to the images on display 202.
  • each of the plurality of pressure sensors 301, 302 and 303 are electrically connected to main control unit 203, and each pressure sensor 301, 302 and 303 are configured to respectively control alternative output parameters of electronic device 101.
  • a user may apply a force or pressure to any one of pressure sensors 301 , 302 or 303 to provide the control signal to main control unit 203.
  • first pressure sensor 301 is configured to control an increase in volume output from electronic device 101
  • second pressure sensor 302 is configured to control a reduction in volume output from electronic device 101
  • third pressure sensor 303 is configured to control a power supply such that electronic device 101 can be switched on or off.
  • the functions of first pressure sensor 301, second pressure sensor 302, and third pressure sensor 303 are not limited to the functions described.
  • the control signal to main control unit 203 can be configured to provide alternative outputs, such as, for example, providing a response on display 202, operating a camera incorporated into electronic device 101 to take photographs, or prompting electronic device 101 to activate a designated program. It is appreciated that this list is non-exhaustive any one of the pressure sensors included in electronic device 101 can be utilised in any manner to provide appropriate outputs to electronic device 101.
  • pressure sensor 401 comprises a connector 402 and a pressure sensing element 403.
  • Connector 402 is electrically connected to pressure sensing element 403. Further, connector 402 is further configured to be electrically connected to main control unit 203.
  • connector 402 of pressure sensor 401 provides an electrical connection with main control unit 203, while pressure sensing element 403 is utilised for sensing a force or pressure applied by a user.
  • pressure sensor 401 is configured to transmit a signal to main control unit 302 by means of connector 402.
  • pressure sensor 401 comprises a piezoresistive film sensor.
  • a suitable piezoresistive film sensor which is operable in accordance with the present invention operates in the following manner.
  • the piezoresistive film sensor comprises a diaphragm which, in response to a pressure applied to the diaphragm, the diaphragm is displaced by a displacement value which is proportional to the pressure of the medium.
  • the resistance of the pressure sensor consequently changes providing an output signal which corresponds to the pressure change. In this way, an applied pressure can be calculated.
  • a piezoresistive film sensor of this type is chosen due to its small range, high sensitivity and positive characteristics for avoiding interference.
  • frame 104 comprises an inner frame 206 arranged around cavity 205 as shown in Figure 5.
  • electronic device 101 comprises a plurality of pressure sensors 401 which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the circumference of an inner side of the outer side wall 103 of frame 104. Additionally, main control unit 203 is arranged in cavity 205 such that the plurality of pressure sensors 401 can be electrically connected to main control unit 203.
  • frame 104 comprises inner frame 206 and outer side wall 103 is sleeved on the outside of inner frame 206.
  • inner frame 206 is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves 501 having a corresponding plurality as the number pressure sensors 401.
  • three receiving grooves 502, 503 and 504 are provided to receive three pressure sensors, such as pressure sensors 301, 302 and 303.
  • outer side wall 103 comprises a box-shaped rectangular structure surrounded by four straight sides.
  • Receiving grooves 501 are arranged on inner frame 206 at intervals along the circumference of inner frame 206 to correspond to the positioning of the pressure sensors.
  • each pressure sensing element 403 of the respective pressure sensor 301, 302, 303 can therefore be accommodated in the corresponding receiving groove 502, 503, 504 and each connector 402 of each pressure sensor 301, 302, 303 is configured to protrude from its corresponding receiving groove 502, 503, 504.
  • Connector 402 is configured to protrude from its corresponding receiving groove so as to prevent direct contact between each connector 402 and receiving groove 501 itself. This ensures that connector 402 does not affect the sensitivity of pressure sensing element 403 to transmit signals under an applied force or pressure.
  • the protrusion of connector 402 facilitates electrical connection between connector 402 and main control unit 203.
  • Pressure sensors 301, 302, 303 are shown fitted to inner frame 206 in Figure 6. Each pressure sensor 301, 302, 303 is disposed on an inner side 601 of outer side wall 103 of frame 104 of electronic device 101. Each pressure sensor is arranged at a circumferential interval as previously indicated. When fitted, pressure sensors 301, 302 and 303 abut frame 104.
  • each of the plurality of pressure sensors 501 are arranged at circumferential intervals along circumference of inner frame 206.
  • outer side wall 103 comprises a box-shaped rectangular structure surrounded by four straight sides 602, 603, 604 and 605.
  • First pressure sensor 301 is installed on inner side 601 of first side 602 of outer side wall 103.
  • outer side wall 103 may be pressed at a position corresponding to first pressure sensor 301 such that pressure sensor 601 receives the applied pressure and outputs a signal to main control unit 203, which sends a control signal to increase the volume output from electronic or mobile device 101. This process is illustrated further with respect to Figure 7.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an application of pressure applied to first pressure sensor 301 which in the example embodiment described herein produces an output of increased volume.
  • pressure sensor 501 is arranged parallel to outer side wall 103 in a direction configured to receive an application of pressure or force when the application of pressure or force is applied to an outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • frame 104 is configured to transmit the applied pressure to pressure sensor 501.
  • pressure sensor 501 abuts frame 104, pressure sensor 501 receives a pressure 702 to outer surface 701. Pressure 702 is consequently transmitted to the pressure sensing element 403 of pressure sensor 301 such that the pressure sensing element 403 located in receiving groove 502 is compressed. Due to the electrical connection between connector 402 and pressure sensing element 403, a signal is sent to main control unit 203 due to its respective connection to connector 402. In this way, a signal is output to main control unit 203 in response to applied pressure 702.
  • Main control unit 203 therefore receives a corresponding signal which enables a control signal to be output to provide a change to the output of electronic or mobile device 101.
  • pressure sensor 501 is a piezoresistive film sensor
  • the diaphragm of the piezoresistive film sensor abuts against frame 104 in the direction of pressure 702, such that, when a user applies the pressure to frame 104, frame 104 generates a deformation, resulting in deformation of the diaphragm such that the resistance of the piezoresistive film sensor changes.
  • a signal corresponding to this change is output to main control unit 203 and subsequently provides an appropriate response.
  • pressure sensor 501 In contrast with conventional physical buttons movably connected to an outer wall of prior art electronic devices, pressure sensor 501 being arranged on inner side 601 of outer side wall 103, pressure sensor 501 is able to receive applied pressure 702 by means of a pressure applied to outer side wall 103. This removes the need to include physical buttons on the outer side wall of the frame of the electronic device, thereby improving the integrity of the frame and its appearance.
  • pressure sensor 301 In the example embodiment described, reference is made to pressure sensor 301 and an output of increased volume. It is appreciated that the previous description is applicable to any one of the pressure sensors described herein and further applies to any other operation output described in relation to the present invention.
  • input device 102 is provided with graphical representations of input device 102 on outer side wall 103 as shown in Figure
  • a first graphical representation 801 is provided at a position on outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103 corresponding to first pressure sensor 301 of input device 102.
  • a second graphical representation 802 is also provided on outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103 corresponding to second pressure sensor 302 of input device 102.
  • a third graphical representation 803 is provided on outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103 corresponding to third pressure sensor 303 of input device 102.
  • first graphical representation 801 provides a display of a control parameter associated with first pressure sensor 301.
  • a user can simply apply a pressure or force at the position of first graphical representation 801 on frame 104 to provide a signal to the main control unit 203 to achieve a response in relation to the control parameter in question.
  • the parameter in question is adjusted in line with the process previously described in Figure 7.
  • second graphical representation 802 provides a display of an alternative control parameter associated with second pressure sensor 302.
  • a pressure or force may be applied at the position of second graphical representation 802 on frame 104 to achieve a response in relation to the control parameter in question.
  • the parameter in question may be adjusted in line with the process described in Figure 7.
  • third graphical representation 803 provides a display of a further control parameter associated with third pressure sensor 303.
  • a pressure or force can be applied at the position of the third graphical representation 803 on frame 104 to provide a signal to the main control unit 203 to achieve a response in relation to the control parameter in question thereby triggering the process of Figure 7.
  • first graphical representation 801, second graphical representation 802, and third graphical representation 803 facilitate a user to accurately locate the positions of first pressure sensor 301, second pressure sensor 302, and third pressure sensor 303, such that the user can accurately press the corresponding positions to control the corresponding parameters.
  • first graphical representation 801 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which protrudes from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • first graphical representation 801 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which is recessed from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • the protruding or recessed mark is utilised to indicate a volume increase.
  • the first graphical representation 801 comprises a mark in the shape of a plus (+) sign, which provides the indication that pressing at this position can increase the volume output from the electronic or mobile device.
  • second graphical representation 802 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which protrudes from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • second graphical representation 802 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which is recessed from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • the protruding or recessed mark is utilised to indicate a reduction in volume.
  • second graphical representation 802 comprises a mark in the shape of a minus (-) sign, which provides an indication that pressing at this position can reduce the volume output from the electronic or mobile device.
  • third graphical representation 803 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which protrudes from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • third graphical representation 803 comprises a structural element comprising a mark which is recessed from outer surface 701 of outer side wall 103.
  • the protruding or recessed mark is utilised to indicate a power supply, such as a conventionally recognised power supply symbol.
  • a power supply such as a conventionally recognised power supply symbol.
  • this indicates that pressing at this position can control the power supply or on/off switch of the electronic or mobile device.
  • this can indicate that control of display 202 can be made to switch the display on or off.
  • each pressure sensor 301, 302 and 303 are electrically connected to main control unit 203 of electronic device 101. Additionally, each pressure sensor 301, 302 and 303 are installed on the inner side of frame 104 and spaced apart from each other.
  • third pressure sensor 303 can be operated in a substantially similar manner such that display 202 can be switched on or off by pressing the position of graphical representation 803 corresponding to the position of pressure sensor 303.
  • buttons on conventional electronic devices are replaced with a simple surface and corresponding internal pressure sensors which respond to an application of force or pressure on the outer surface. This removes the need for physical buttons and consequently improves the overall appearance of the frame and aesthetics of the electronic or mobile device, and therefore the user experience.
  • the arrangement of the present invention avoids the mechanical friction caused by pressing the physical button, which in turn reduces mechanical wear thereby improving the service life of the electronic or mobile device.
  • a further advantage is that the lack of physical buttons on the frame also removes the assembly process of the physical buttons and the frame which improves assembly efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'entrée (102) pour un dispositif électronique (101), tel qu'un dispositif mobile qui comprend un cadre (104). Le dispositif d'entrée comprend un capteur de pression (501) disposé sur un côté intérieur (601) d'une paroi latérale extérieure (103) du cadre, en butée contre le cadre. Le capteur de pression est disposé parallèlement à la paroi latérale extérieure dans une direction configurée pour recevoir l'application de pression ou de force (702) lorsqu'une pression ou une force est appliquée à une surface extérieure (701) de la paroi latérale extérieure. Le capteur de pression est conçu pour être connecté électriquement à une unité de commande principale (203) du dispositif électronique.
PCT/GB2020/000104 2019-12-17 2020-12-16 Dispositif d'entrée WO2021123703A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CNZL201922272275.1 2019-12-17
CN201922272275.1U CN210666541U (zh) 2019-12-17 2019-12-17 移动设备边键及移动设备

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021123703A1 true WO2021123703A1 (fr) 2021-06-24

Family

ID=70815185

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2020/000104 WO2021123703A1 (fr) 2019-12-17 2020-12-16 Dispositif d'entrée

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CN (1) CN210666541U (fr)
WO (1) WO2021123703A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090312051A1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2009-12-17 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Mobile electronic device
US20160225568A1 (en) * 2015-02-02 2016-08-04 Uneo Inc. Embedded button for an electronic device
CN107589787A (zh) * 2017-09-21 2018-01-16 珠海市魅族科技有限公司 终端设备
CN108632427A (zh) * 2018-04-04 2018-10-09 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 电子设备及存储介质
CN110062092A (zh) * 2019-04-22 2019-07-26 贵阳高新网用软件有限公司 一种全面屏虚拟侧边按键装置
CN209562594U (zh) * 2019-01-18 2019-10-29 北京钛方科技有限责任公司 智能设备按键控制装置

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090312051A1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2009-12-17 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Mobile electronic device
US20160225568A1 (en) * 2015-02-02 2016-08-04 Uneo Inc. Embedded button for an electronic device
CN107589787A (zh) * 2017-09-21 2018-01-16 珠海市魅族科技有限公司 终端设备
CN108632427A (zh) * 2018-04-04 2018-10-09 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 电子设备及存储介质
CN209562594U (zh) * 2019-01-18 2019-10-29 北京钛方科技有限责任公司 智能设备按键控制装置
CN110062092A (zh) * 2019-04-22 2019-07-26 贵阳高新网用软件有限公司 一种全面屏虚拟侧边按键装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN210666541U (zh) 2020-06-02

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