GB2265440A

GB2265440A - Group function control system with multi-function keys.

Info

Publication number: GB2265440A
Application number: GB9206576A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond John Webster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-03-25
Filing date: 1992-03-25
Publication date: 1993-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2012-03-25
Also published as: GB9206576D0; GB2265440B

Abstract

A group function control system has a base 1 with a guide grid 2. Group function keys 3 of which 13 are shown of a hexagonal type are situated in the cavities 4 formed into the guide grid. Each group function key is retained by a supporting pivot system 5 so as to maintain a self centring position of each group function key. When a key is pressed in any of the available directions (four or six illustrated) the key actuates a contact 6. Mechanical clearance 4 is provided between the group function keys and the base. When a user's finger or thumb is placed on the guide grid visual location of group function keys is not required because the guide grid is a self contained positional reference. Inclusion of tactile feature(s) 7 to the guide grid improves this reference. <IMAGE>

Description

GROUP FUNCTION CONTROL SYSTEM This invention relates to a system of mechanical control used to actuate electrical functions for use in electrical and electronic remote control equipment.

Remote control units use mechanisms whereby actuation of a press-button or switch causes transmission of an electrical or electromagnetic signal to control a separate electrical device.

Control mechanisms as used in existing remote control devices possess individual buttons for each function to be controlled. Consequently being complicated and difficult to operate when possessing many functions, thus requiring additional visual referral to locate the position of the button chosen.

According to the present invention the necessity of providing individual control buttons or switches to control individual electrical functions of a remote control device is eliminated because the group function key is designed to provide actuation of three or more control functions by operating the key in multiple directions as governed by the surrounding guide grid. Control of electrical functions is achieved via multidirectionally functional pressable keys: (Herein referred to as GROUP FUNCTION KEYS) which are bounded at their periphery by a finger or thumb supporting guide in the form of a grid. The guide is positioned between rows and columns of keys forming a grid: (herein referred to as the GUIDE GRID).

The multi-directional operating capability of a group function key enables keys and that portion of the guide grid surrounding a key to be of multi-sided form : The number of sides present on a key therefore indicates the number of functions that are operable for any particular key. Thus associated individual control functions are physically grouped within the boundary of a designated group function key wherein actuation of each individual function so grouped is achieved by operating the key in a direction which corresponds to the position of an actuator positioned beneath the key. Thus numbers of individual functions are positioned in an array beneath each group function key.

The extent of multi-directionality of each group function key is manifested by angular surface features, pictorial symbols or tactile features or textures, and/or mechanical guides. The uppermost surface of the guide grid is set at a level so as to be flush to or above the uppermost surface of the group function keys.

The consequential availability of control of multiple functions by the action of each single group function key permits the key surface to be allocated "Braille" symbols without enlarging the area of a key surface and consequently the surface area of any remote control device to which the system herein is allocated to need not require enlarging to accommodate such symbols: As "Braille" symbols require a larger surface area than would be necessary to only actuate an individual function button of a remote control device.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig 1 shows in perspective the GROUP FUNCTION KEYS and GUIDE GRID mounted on a base.

Fig 2 shows an enlarged cross section of Fig 1 through the GUIDE GRID and GROUP FUNCTION KEYS.

Referring to the drawing the GROUP FUNCTION CONTROL SYSTEM comprises a rigid base 1. on to the upper surface of which is mounted the GUIDE GRID 2. The GUIDE GRID is optionally either separately assembled to the base or forms part of the base.

THE GROUP FUNCTION KEYS 3 are each located within the cavities 4 thus created by the juxtaposition of the GUIDE GRID to the rigid base.

The number of cavities formed in the GUIDE GRID being so as to correspond to the number of group function keys required. This drawing illustrates 13 group function keys.

The GROUP FUNCTION KEYS are retained in the cavities 4 by a retaining pivot system 5 which permits multi-directional movement of the group function keys corresponding to the number of functions designed to be operated by each group function key: this example illustrates 6 functions per key.

The group function keys in the example being hexagonal can be actuated in each of six directions. Thus with 13 group function keys a total of 13 x 6 = 78 separate functions can be initiated.

Each group function key overlays 6 (in this example) contactors 6.

Mechanical clearance is provided between the periphery of each group function key and the corresponding adjacent guide grid.

Figs 3 and 4 show alternative versions.

Claims

1. The necessity of providing individual control buttons or switches to control individual electrical functions of a remote control device is eliminated because the group function key is designed to provide actuation of three or more control functions by operating the key in multiple directions as governed by the surrounding guide grid.

Control of electrical functions is achieved via multi-directionally functional pressable keys: (Herein referred to as GROUP FUNCTION KEYS) which are bounded at their periphery by a finger or thumb supporting guide in the form of a grid. The guide is positioned between rows and columns of keys forming a grid: (herein referred to as the GUIDE GRID).

2. Inadvertent actuation of unchosen functions allocated to adjacent keys is eliminated by the provision of the guide grid which provides a supporting surround to the periphery of group function keys.

3. The GUIDE GRID acts as a means of operator thumb or finger transport rail enabling non visual dependant movement of the thumb or finger to all localities of keys wherever situated on the surface of a remote control unit. Thus providing tactile access to different regions and groupings of keys of the system.

4. Correct location of keys by a user is achieved by the use of tactile features formed onto the guide grid which take the form of protuberances, notches, indentations, textures or combinations of these.

5. when a users finger or thumb is placed on the guide grid then visual location of group function keys is not required because the guide grid is a self contained positional reference. which is assisted by CLAIM 4.

6. An array of actuating keys substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, 3 or 4 of the drawings.

6. The GROUP FUNCTION CONTROL SYSTEM described herein and with reference to Figures 1 - 4 of the accompanying drawings provides a means of reduced dimensional interspacing of operating functions within a remote control device so as to enable a greater number of functions to be actuated without inadvertent operation of adjacent functions which would otherwise occur without the system described herein.

Thus a greater number of operating functions can be installed in a remote control device for a given area resultant of the provision of group function keys and guide grid because the functions are enabled to be interspaced at distances apart less than that resolvable of the human fingertip.

7. The consequential availability of control of multiple functions by the action of each single group function key permits the key surface to be allocated "Braille" symbols without enlarging the area of a key surface and consequently the surface area of any remote control device to which the system herein is allocated to need not require enlarging to accommodate such symbols: As "Braille" symbols require a larger surface area than would be necessary to only actuate an individual function button of a remote control device.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An array of actuating keys each having three or more sides surrounding an upper press surface, in which each of the keys is mounted to pivot about a substantially central supporting pivot, and each of said sides is associated with respective electrical contacts arranged such that pivotal depression of the respective side of the key causes actuation of the respective contacts, and in which a fixed guide grid projecting substantially level with or higher than the press surface of the keys is arranged to surround the said keys and separate them one from another.

2. An array of actuating keys according to Claim 1, in which the keys are each four-sided and are arranged in rows and columns.

3. An array of actuating keys according to Claim 1, in which the keys are each of regular hexagonal shape and of similar size.

4. An array of actuating keys according to any preceding claim, in which the keys carry Braille symbols.

5. An array of actuating keys according to any preceding claim, in which the grid carries tactile key-identification features.