FR2475760A1 - DATA CAPACITIVE DATA KEYBOARD AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

A. CAPACITIVE KEYPAD FOR DATA INPUT AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS. B. KEYBOARD INCLUDING A 12 KEYPAD KEYBOARD CHARACTERIZED IN THAT, A BASE PANEL 14 IS MADE IN DIELECTRIC MATERIAL IN WHICH 16 COORDINATE ELECTRODES ARE INSERTED AND THAT THE PAIRS OF THE XNM INPUT AND YNM OUTPUT ELECTRODES MATCH THE ELECTRODES. OF COORDINATES 16. C. THE INVENTION IS INTENDED FOR COMPUTERS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION OR DATA PROCESSING FACILITY.

Description

The present invention relates to a capacitive keyboard aJIntroduction of

  data and a method of implementation of this keyboard. The keyboard is particularly intended for calc-ulators, desktop computers or any other data processing or data processing facility. In business, computers are used for sales management, inventory management, personnel management, hospital affairs and others; data that is frequently used such as product references, customer or user or staff names, unit costs, salaries or the like are recorded on a card or roll and the data is entered this card or sheet over a keyboard or data input unit so that each piece of data in the sheet or list corresponds to the respective key of the keyboard, one by one. Keyboards of the units

  introduction of data used up to now are carried out

  in an opaque and / or opaque material. Thus, a device such as a data sheet on the

  part of the keys on the keyboard or on the coordinates of the keys

  ches. In this system, motive energy such as magnetic flux, an electric field or ultrasonic waves

  who can cross this data sheet are essential.

  sand because the key must be controlled through the sheet.

  of data. You must also use a special tool such as a magnetic pen, a high-frequency pen or an ultrasonic pen. The use of entrainment energy creates a difficulty because this energy tends to generate noise during its passage to the sheet, and this noise is

  also introduced into one or other of the adjacent keys

those of the one who is commanded.

  There is also a system which is

  reading a neppe with keys having openings or windows made in the data sheet, in correspondence with the respective keys. Such an agreement includes information on the data on the parties

  of the sheet adjacent to the corresponding windows or openings

  dantes; this information is provided on the sheet so that

  the openings or windows correspond to the respective keys

  ves. Thus, in this case, it is maneuvering by pressing a button adjacent to the appropriate information corresponding to the data of the sheet or the data sheet. As a keyboard of this type generally has large dimensions, it is very bulky in an office. However, in the future we are looking for compact and portable keyboards for users who

  at their desks or for staff on the move.

  for example to take orders from customers.

  In this case, it is necessary that the data entry keyboard is not bulky and that it can be placed on-a desk or even be transported in a towel or the like. Yes

  the above-mentioned web was used as the unit of introduction

  duction, we could not reduce its dimensions to make it compact enough to place it on a desk or be

  carried away like any other working instrument.

To erase or correct information

  displayed on a cathodic tube display

  whereas, until now, a method consisting of

  put a light pen in contact with some of the

  training to be erased or corrected on the screen of the cathode

  than. The photo-sensitive element at the end of the light pen detects the light representing the position of the information concerned or the position of the coordinates; the signal obtained by detecting the light is applied by the luminous pen to the light source scanning unit

  of the cathode ray tube display device so that the information

  given by the luminous pen on the cathode ray tube

  be distinguished from other information.

  In a CRT display of this type, a long electrical cable is connected to the light pen to apply the signals.

  from the luminous pen to the light source that sweeps the

  tif display. The cable connected to the luminous pen creates various difficulties of use. The luminous pen also has the disadvantage of only being applicable to cathode ray tubes or the like, with successive or alternating light sweeping according to a chronological program; this pencil is also used when applying and cutting simultaneously: 3

  individual coordinates, or where there is no

  light. So, the light pen mentioned above

  can not be used in general for a display device

  chage, for example with electroluminescent diodes, or alternatively with liquid crystals. It is possible to use the pencil

  light for a diode display electroluminescent

  nescentes or liquid crystal if the pencil is placed for

  that the position of the coordinates generates light, succes-

  alternatively according to a chronological program.

  However, this technique can not be used in practice in

  because of the intensity of the instantaneous lighting of each posi-

  coordinates, lighting which must be sufficiently high at each moment of illumination of the coordinate positions and

  which is divided according to the total number of coordi-

born.

  The object of the present invention is to create a capacitive data input keyboard and a method of implementing this keyboard, resulting in a compact or small keyboard, even for a large number of coordinate key positions. resulting in a simple and thin structure, creating virtually no risk of influencing the positions of the key coordinates adjacent to the position of the key coordinates to be set

implemented.

  The invention also relates to such a device and a method for providing information relating to the position of the coordinates of the display part of the display device, for example a cathode ray tube device with electroluminescent diodes or

liquid crystal.

  The invention also aims to create a capacitive data input keyboard and a method of implementing such a keyboard does not require a particular control device such as a pen or pencil

  magnet, a high frequency pencil or an ultrasonic pencil

  sounds, or any other device connected to a cable and which

  Maneuver using a separate conductive element.

  The invention also aims to create a device and a method for which it is not necessary to actuate a touch of a panel at the time of

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  the command, so as to give a very reliable device.

  The present invention will be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of an embodiment of a capacitive keyboard;

  introducing data, according to the invention, and whose

the top has been removed.

- Figure 2 is a trans-

  versale on an enlarged scale along the line II-II of the figure

  1, the upper layer has not been removed.

FIG. 3 is a plan view

  schematic of another embodiment of the keyboard keyboard.

  citif according to the invention, and whose upper layer has been removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a variant of the upper layer of a keyboard

capacitilsaccording to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENTS

PREFERENTIAL EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 and 2 show a mode

  preferred embodiment of a capacitive keypad for introduc-

  of data, according to the invention. The capacitive keyboard 10 comprises a panel 12 which consists of a base panel 14, several coordinate electrodes generally carrying the

  reference 16 and a surface layer 18.

The base panel 14 is made

  by depositing or incorporating c.Ordonated electrodes 16.

  The base panel 14 may be made of a dielectric material

  transparent or translucent, hard or soft. As the hard dielectric material, an acrylic resin or glass is contemplated as a soft dielectric material, a pyloolefin, a polyester, polyvinyl chloride, a fluorine-containing resin or a rubber are contemplated. The base panel 14 may have a thickness ranging generally from, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, although this particular thickness is not a limit and may be varied depending on

  capacitive keyboard input data or the like.

  For example, the thickness may be chosen so that the surface layer 18 is provided on the upper surface of the base panel on which the electrodes of

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coordinates 16.

  Coordinate electrodes 16 are

  comprise at least one pair comprising an electrode of

  trea with the general reference x and the output electrode S with the general reference y .. In the references xn, Ynm, the index n applies to the order number of the stacks or rows of input electrodes or output side by side one behind the other, in line; the index m applies to the order number of the batteries or rows of input or output electrodes arranged side by side or one behind the other

in rows or columns.

  The number of coordinate electrodes corresponds to the number of coordinates keys of the panel 12

  of the capacitive input data keyboard according to the invention.

  The coordinate electrodes 16 are arranged in width, side by side in rows or rows; at the same time, the electrodes are distributed longitudinally one behind the other in columns. In other words, the coordinate electrodes

16 are divided into checkers.

  As best seen in FIG. 1, each of the coordinate electrodes 16 is composed of a combination of input electrode x and output ynm pairs. The input and output electrodes can be

  in a substantially transparent or transmissive conductive material

  lucid acid such as a metal oxide, generally an indium oxide tin oxide (ITO) mixture or an oxide tin-oxide mixture

  antimony. The electrodes have an appropriate shape, in particular

  a rectangular shape, for example 1 x 3 mm, 1.5 x 6

  mm, 2 x 5 mm or 2.5 x 5 mm. It is preferable that the electro-

  inlets are of substantially the same size as the output electrodes. The input and output electrodes x 1, y are provided on the upper surface of the base panel 14 in the form of a thin film, for example by vapor deposition. The thickness of the input and output electrodes is between 500 and 2,000 angstroms and

preferably 1,000 angstroms.

  Each pair of input electrodes

  xnm and output ynm is provided so that the electrode of

  xnm either facing or parallel to the output electrode

  4 ynm in the area where the electrode is located

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  data 16 or the corresponding key. An input electrode may be disposed side by side or behind the adjacent input electrode at a corresponding key coordinate,

  the output electrode can under the same conditions be

  placed side by side or behind the adjacent inlet electrode

of the adjacent key.

  In particular, when

  the input electrodes xnm are arranged parallel to the

  above the output electrodes Y (FIG. 1), for example the input electrode x22 is arranged side by side with both the input electrode X21 and X23, and at the same time one behind the other compared to the output electrodes Y12 and

  Y22 Similarly, the respective output electrode Y22 is

  next to the output electrodes Y21 and Y23 while being both behind the feed electrodes.

  X22 and X.2- For the most ex-

  The interior of a set of coordinates, such as, for example, the input electrode X 1, is placed side by side with respect to the single input electrode X 12 and parallel to the output electrode Y 1; on the other hand, the output electrode Y1l is placed parallel between the input electrodes Xil, X21 and ctté of the electrode Y12. Similarly, the input electrode X12 is placed between the input electrodes X1, X13 and above the respective output electrode Y12 the electrode Y12 is placed next to each other between the output electrodes Y1, Y13 as well as between the input electrodes X12 X--. All X, Y output input electrodes are 32 nmnm distributed respectively in the same manner as those described

  above. We also note that any change or modification

  between the distribution of the input electrodes and

output X, Y is possible.

nm nm

  The input electrode X and the electro-

  Ynm of respective output Ynm corresponding to the same coordinate electrode 16 are spaced relative to each other by a distance ranging from about 0.25 to 1.5 mm and preferably about 0.75 mm, although the distance is not limited to a particular value and can be modified in

  function of the number and dimensions of the coordinate electrode

  born 16 or the like. The distances between a coordinate electrode and the adjacent coordinate electrodes are not

  not limited to particular values and may be

  according to the dimensions of the base panel and the

number of coordinate keys.

  As best seen in FIG. 2, the base terminal 14 on which the input and output electrodes X and Y are arranged or deposited is covered with a surface layer 18 to allow one of

  its faces to stick on the entire surface of the electrodes of

  exit and a base panel whose outer surface remains open. The surface layer 18 can be

  made of a substantially transparent dielectric material

  rent or translucent, which is not hard as indicated

  The surface layer 18 is made in a known manner in the form of a thin film or a layer with a thickness generally ranging from 1 to 30

  microns and preferably from 2 to about 20 microns.

  In return, in Figure 1, elec-

  input trodes Xnm are electrically connected to a signal source 22 via the input signal lines generally carrying the reference 20Xn; in this reference, the index n applies to the number of orders of the stacks or rows of the input electrodes arranged side by side or one behind the other in series. More particularly, the input electrodes X, X, ... Xm, that is to say the electrodes in the first line or stack are electrically connected to a common line of input signal X1 . Similarly, the input electrodes X21, X22, X2, ie those in the second line, are electrically connected to the input signal line 20X2 * All other input electrodes X m are electrically connected in a similar manner as described above for the line 20Xn. The signal source provides an identical signal pulse to the input electrodes Xnm of the same line or column at the common input line 20Xn as well as a different signal to the different lines or columns by the input signal line. respective commune 20Xn. Similarly, the output electrodes Ynm are connected to a converter

  impedance 26 and to a data processor 28 through

  In the middle of the 24Ym signal output lines, the reference m applies to the order number of the batteries or electrode lines

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  output Ynm arranged side by side or one behind the other in series. According to FIG. 1, the output electrodes Y1, Y21 1 '- Yn11, that is to say the electrodes of the first

  line, are electrically connected to the common line of

  output signal 24Y1. The output electrodes Y12, Y22 ... Yn2 X, ie those in the second line, are electrically connected to the common output signal line 24Y2 in the same manner as above. Thus, all the other output electrodes 16Yn can be connected in the same manner as above by the common signal or output line 24Y, which is connected to each of the converters.

  impedance 26, then to the data processor, common, 28.

  The impedance converter 26 is formed of field effect transistors (FETs) with input to the gates; the processor

  data 28 may be a computer.

Figure 3 shows another mode of

  preferential embodiment of a capacitive keyboard according to the invention.

  tion; for the essential parts, this example corresponds to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 except that this embodiment comprises electrodes of mass Z m in addition to the electrodes

  input and output X and Ynm. The description given below

  after the structure and characteristics according to FIG. 3, the parts similar or identical to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 bear the same references and

  the detailed description will not be repeated.

  According to FIG. 3, the ground electrodes Znm are distributed to constitute screen electrodes between the various input electrodes X and nm the output electrodes Yn. The ZnM ground electrodes may be made of the same material as the X, Y input and output electrodes and may be nm nm deposited or placed in substantially the same manner as the input and output electrodes. Mass electrodes

  can have any suitable form; i- is all-

  it is preferable to give them a rectangular shape slightly larger in length than that of the output and input electrodes Y and X. The electrodes nm nm of mass Znm are placed parallel between the electrodes

  d: input and output X, Y substantially equid

  aunt. More particularly, the ground electrode Zil is placed parallel between the input electrodes Xil and

  Y1l output. Likewise, the ground electrode Z12 is placed parallel to

  the electrodes X12, Y * all other Znm ground electrodes are arranged side by side or one behind the other in a row without interruption

  interference between adjacent ground electrodes.

  Znm which are connected to each other and grounded.

  However, it should also be noted that the Znm ground electrodes are not necessary when the distance between the input and output electrodes Xnm t Yn is sufficiently large or if the voltage of the pulse signal applied to the input electrodes Xnm is low enough to ensure complete isolation between the respective input and output electrodes X, Y nm nm Although the keyboard panel 12 may be used for a capacitive touch data input device, according to FIG. invention, and that a substantially transparent or translucent material is provided,

  it is clear that the panel 12 may be sufficiently transparent

  or translucent, taken as a whole, to reveal the indications or signs of the data information of the data sheet (not shown) or any other appropriate means for placing or securing the panel 12 above the sheet of data. It may be difficult to match the positions of the key coordinates with those of the data information through the panel 12 or to identify the coordinate position (s) on the data sheet or other suitable means. To remedy this situation, we have done various

  proposals for capacitive touch input devices

  according to the invention. It should be noted that all means for overcoming these disadvantages are provided for setting the coordinate electrodes 16 of the panel 12 in order to locate the coordinates of the keys on the corresponding input of

  data sheet or on appropriate means.

  Figure 4 shows an example of the means for solving the disadvantages; according to this solution, the lines 30 are taken as indications of the representation on the layer 18 of the panel 12, at the

  checkerboard, so as to enclose each of the coordinates

  born of keys in divisions 32 formed by the lines one can have square or rectangular shapes; other examples of divisions, such as the subdivisions 34 surrounding the zones of the divisions 32, may also be envisaged to co-report at the surface with the input and output electrodes.

  respective output Xnm, Ynm or lines drawn

  below to indicate or represent the positions of the

  key data on the data sheet or other. In addition, to identify or determine the position or positions of the coordinates of the keys, it is possible to provide markers in pastel shades or very visible colors such as black, red, blue or white, printed or fixed on the surface 18 of the panel 12 correspondingly to the positions of the coordinates of the data or information keys on the

  data sheet; the areas corresponding to the subdivisions

  34 can be colored in light or bright colors such as red, orange, blue or green, to be able to read the information or the indications of the key coordinates of

  the data sheet through the panel 12.

  According to Fig. 2, the operation of the capacitive key data input unit including the panel 12 described above will be described. The panel 12 comprises coordinate electrodes 16 distributed in correspondence with the position of the information data necessary to be introduced by means of the unit 10. The data sheet is placed or placed below the panel 12 so that the coordinates of the keys correspond to the position of the respective data information on the data sheet. The data information of the sheet to be inserted is read through the panel 12. In addition to the data sheet, it is possible to use a card of sufficient size, as large as the surface of the panel 12, or even a sheet wound on a pair of rollers or any other means usable for this purpose. For example, the display division of the display device may be constituted by a cathode ray tube, an LED display, a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescent display or a fluorescent screen. In the case of a cathode ray tube, the capacitive touch data input device according to the invention can be fixed or placed on the display division. In this case, the base panel 14 of the keyboard panel 12 is not necessary and the display panel to the display division can also play the role of panel 1i4 According to Figure 2, the introduction can be done by putting an operating or other device in contact with the surface layer 18 in correspondence with the coordinate electrodes 16 or the key coordinates, according to the given information necessary that is read through the panel 12 on the sheet of data or any other appropriate means carrying indications or representations concerning the data information. Since the necessary data information is read through the panel 12, the constituent materials of the panel 12 can be chosen to keep the panel 12 generally transparent or sufficiently transparent.

  translucent in order to allow transparent information to be

  data of the sheet or the like. The operation of the device can be done using an operating rod whose structure corresponds to Figure 2. The operating rod 40 consists of a cylindrical body 42, for example an insulating material, one end comprises an elastic material and for example a foam such as a polyurethane foam. The end 44 may be covered with a conductive layer 46 such as a sheet of metal, in particular aluminum. The maneuvering device is such that the rod 40

  does not require any wiring. It should be noted that the

  This actuator provides the capacitive coupling of the input electrode Xrm to the output electrode Ynm. Any device or means ensuring this operation can thus replace the operating device. For example, aluminum foil or any other suitable material for this purpose may be used; the user can thus simply wind up a piece

  of aluminum foil around his finger.

  When the operating means is brought closer to or contacted with the surface layer 18 of the coordinate electrode 16, this input electrode X nm is capacitively coupled to the output electrode YIM through the layer conductor 44 of the operating rod 40

  or any other conductive material of the other operating means.

  Thus, a pulse signal applied to the input electrode

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  Xrm of the corresponding coordinate electrode 16 through the input signal line 20X provided by the signal source 22 is outputted by the capacitive coupling on the respective output electrode Ynm. The output signal is then supplied through the line 24Ym on the output electrode Yn to the impedance converter 26 which provides the impedance conversion of the output signal as well as to the data processor 28. The processor 28 distinguishes the type of input signal pulses and the output signal line through which this signal passes to determine the position of the key coordinate or electrode 16 from which the signal originates.

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Claims (14)

  1) capacitive introduction keyboard comprising a keypad (12), characterized in that a base panel (14) is made of a transparent or translucent dielectric material, by depositing or integrating coordinate electrodes (16), these electrodes (16) having coordinate key positions and each of the electrodes is composed of an input electrode (Xnm) and an output electrode (Ynm), the input electrode (Xnm) and the output electrode (Ynm) are both transparent and translucent material, and in that the surface layer (18) provided on the surfaces of the two   coordinate electrodes (16) and the base panel (14),   when the outer surface is opened and the other surface adheres to it,   the surface layer (18) being made of transparent dielectric material   parent or translucent, the keyboard (12) being substantially   substantially transparent or translucent to view through the data positions, and the coordinate electrodes (16) being made such that the pairs of the input (Xnm) and output (Ynm) electrodes corresponding to the coordinate electrodes (16 ), are coupled reciprocally by an element separate maneuvering device (40).   2) capacitive insertion keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that a ground electrode (Znm) is placed between the pair of the input electrode (Xnm) and the output electrode (Ynm) and the electrode (Znm) is in   substantially transparent or translucent material.   3) Capacitive introduction keyboard according to one   any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the   input and output electrodes (Xnm and Ynm) and / or the ground electrode (Znm) are metal oxides including indium, tin or antimony.   4) Capacitive introduction keyboard according to one   any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that   surface layer (18) is of soft, transparent or translucent.   Capacitive insertion keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that the soft material is a polymer comprising a polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride,   a polyester, a fluororesin or a rubber.   6) Capacitive input keyboard according to one   any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the   base panel (14) is made of hard material.   7) capacitive insertion keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that the hard material is in   acrylic resin or fiberglass.   8) Capacitive input keyboard according to one   any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the   base panel (14) is of transparent or translucent soft material. 9) capacitive insertion keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that the soft material is a polymer comprising a polyolefin resin, polyester,   vinyl chloride, a fluororesin or a rubber.   ) Capacitive introduction keyboard according to   any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that   that the surface layer (18) has a thickness of between   1 to 30 microns and preferably between 2 to 10 microns.   l1) Capacitive input keyboard according to   any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that   at least one surface layer (18), the coordinate electrodes (16) and the base panel (14) are provided with a mark or several markers to indicate the places and   positions of the coordinate keys.   12) capacitive insertion keyboard according to claim 11, characterized in that the lines (30) are placed in square marks, so that each   division (32) squared corresponds to each coordinate key   subdivisions (34) to divisions (32) in square, to correspond to each coordinate or line key, for   indicate or represent each corresponding coordinate key dante.   13) Capacitive input keyboard according to   any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that   the positions or positions of the base panel (12) correspond to   Coordinate keys are colored in pale color or weak.   14) capacitive introduction keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the input electrodes (Xnm) placed side by side or one behind the other in series, row or line, are electrically connected to a common input signal line (2OXn) and the output electrodes (Ynm) placed side by side or one behind the other in series, in a row or in line are electrically connected   to a common signal line (24Yn).   Capacitive input keyboard according to Claim 14, characterized in that the input electrodes (Xnm) and the output electrodes (Ynm) are arranged in such a way that the input electrodes (Xnm) situated side by side in one row are electrically connected to a common input signal line (2OXn) while the output electrodes (Ynm) located one behind the other in column corresponding to each input electrode (Xnm) are electrically connected to a common output signal line (24Yn) and vice versa.   16) Method for implementing the keyboard keyboard   citif of introduction according to any one of the claims   1 to 15, comprising the steps of: placing and inserting the data indicating means under the keypad panel (12) to map the keys of the keypad panel to the respective data of the means indicating the data; actuating the operating body (40) to close or open the contact on each of the coordinate keys corresponding to the layer surface (18) to couple the input electrode (Xnm) to the output electrode (Ynm) respectively.   17. Process according to claim 16, characterized   in that the means indicating the data is a sheet of a data card having a size corresponding to the keyboard key panel (12).   18) Process according to any one of the   16 and 17, characterized in that the actuating body   is a rod (40) with at least one conductive tip.   19. A method according to claim 18, characterized   risé in that the stem consists of an iso cylindrical body   lant (42), one end of which comprises an elastic material   (44), covered with a conductive layer (46).   Method according to claim 19,   characterized in that the elastic body is of foam.