GB2441340A

GB2441340A - Operator interface sensing a touch position on a movable portion

Info

Publication number: GB2441340A
Application number: GB0625807A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Stuart Brown
Original assignee: AB Automotive Electronics Ltd
Current assignee: AB Automotive Electronics Ltd
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2006-12-22
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0625807D0

Abstract

An operator interface has a movable portion 101 movable relative to a fixed portion 103, a sensor to determine where an operator first touched the movable portion (e.g which depression 102), and outputs providing information corresponding to the position or movement of the movable portion and the touch position. The operator interface maybe part of a system with a controller 108 which together act as a switch to select a device from a group of devices 109a-c to be controlled according to where the switch is touched, and then control functions of the selected device according to the movement of the movable portion. In some embodiments a single sensor (e.g. 121 fig 2) may detect touch position and movement, and sensor(s) may be in the movable or fixed portion. The movable portion may rotate (figs 1-3, 5a,5c,5d) or resemble a rocker switch (figs 4 and 5b). A standard universal switch could be programmed with different touch areas for differing applications. Displays, soft buttons or additional buttons may be provided. The devices can be air conditioning, ventilation, and electric windows in a vehicle.

Description

MULTIPLE FUNCTION HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE DEVICE

The present invention generally relates to human machine interface devices such as switches and controls. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to controls for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices or functions of devices in a vehicle.

With increased integration of technology in vehicles, manufacturers have to accommodate increasing numbers of functions and controls in car interiors.

The traditional solution is to simply provide addition controls such as rotary knobs, sliders, rocker switches and/or push buttons, to control the additional features or devices.

This is in conflict with the aim of the vehicle manufacturer to achieve smaller, simpler-looking control panels and uncluttered dashboard controls that are easy to use and do not distract the driver. This has led to multiple function knobs that for example require the user to sequence through a series of functions to select the desired one. Alternatively, complex mechanical arrangements with knobs within knobs have been used. However, these tend to be complicated to manufacture, difficult to use and may also have reliability issues.

Compact dashboard control panels that use a menu driven system are known.

With these controls, a function is selected, and then sub-functions may also be selected before the selected function may be adjusted. However, these controls tend to require multiple selections, and each extra stage of selection requires additional movements. It may also require the driver to look at the control to determine what responses to make to reach the correct menu. This makes the control panel less intuitive and more distracting to use, which, in automotive applications may compromise the task of safely driving the vehicle.

Other devices include touch screens which allow flexibility in the way in which they are used but are undesirable because they require the user to look at the panel to determine where to touch it, to control a desired feature. Again, because such panels tend to be featureless and provide no physical feedback, the user often has to continue to look at the panel to make sure the desired action has been carried out by virtue of a visual confirmation. In a vehicle, this means taking the driver's eyes away from the road for an undesirable period of time.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided an operator interface device compnsing: a fixed portion; a moveable portion, moveable relative to said fixed portion; a sensor adapted to determine where an operator touches the moveable portion; and an output adapted to provide information corresponding to the position of the moveable portion and where the operator touches the control.

The invention allows the operator to use the moveable portion which may be similar to a normal user interface device such as a switch or slider in a normal way. However, the single switch or the like can be used to control more than one device by virtue of where the operator touches the switch. Thus if an operator touches the switch in one position, one device is operated but if the operator touches the device in a different position, a different device is controlled. In both cases the switch may be operated in exactly the same way other than where the switch is touched. This allows the operator to have the reassurance of a positive mechanical feel to the operation of the switch to reassure them that the switch has been actuated and also allows variation in the device being controlled.

Whilst it may be preferable to use a single interface device to control different devices according to where it is touched, different functions of the same device could be controlled by touching the operator interface in different places.

The sensor may comprise a plurality of sensors or sensor regions corresponding to desired regions where an operator may touch the operator interface. Alternatively, the moveable portion may include a single large sensor covenng the whole area where a user may touch the operator interface and determine where the operator has touched the sensor and thus what that area corresponds to in terms of the device or function to be controlled.

The sensor may be any one of a number of types of sensor capable of identifying where an operator has touched the moveable part. This could be a capacitive sensor, an array of mechanical sensors, an inductive sensor etc.-The sensor may be provided in the moveable portion or in the fixed part. The sensor may be used to detect the movement of the moveable part avoiding the need for separate parts to detect the movement of the moveable part.

The moveable part may be a conventional device, such as a rocker type switch, effectively modified to incorporate the sensor for detecting the position of the touch of the operator.

The movement of the moveable part may operate as a simple on and off type device or a two-way type device such as those typically used for electric windows in a vehicle. The invention is applicable to most types of switch where a user moveable part is used to allow a user to provide input. These may include rotary devices where an operator rotates a knob or plate to indicate amounts of adjustment or to indicate an absolute setting position, where the final position or orientation determines the selection. Equally the rotary device may have a fixed travel or may allow continuous rotation. Other devices may include automatic centre return switches. Other alternatives include linear slide switches The surface of the moveable portion, where the operator engages it, is preferably marked or provided with surface features to indicate to the user where to touch the moveable portion to control specific functions or devices. In this way, the operator can touch the correct part of the moveable portion to control the desired function. The markings may be simply printed on the surface. Where surface features are provided, these can be protruding from the surface such as domed protuberances or may be formed as recesses into which an operator may insert the tip of their finger.

As indicated above, the operator interface device may be similar to traditional devices but modified to include the sensor. Such devices may then be connected to a controller either within the interface device itself or as a separate unit. The controller can process the signals from the operation of the moveable part as well as the position information from the sensor to determine-which device is to be controlled and what functions are to be controlled. This can then either generate the control signals to go directly to the controlled devices or the controller may provide control signals to a central controller which in turn controls the devices. This may be useful where several interface devices can control one device. For example, a rear electric window is typically controllable by the passenger as well as the driver of the vehicle and so a central controller may be provided.

The present invention therefore provides an operator interface system comprising an operator interface device such as that described above along with a signal processor arranged to receive the output from the operator interface device and to provide a control signal for controlling one or more functions of one or more devices.

Preferably, the signal processor determines which of the one or more devices is to be controlled in accordance with where the sensor determines that the operator touches the moveable portion. The signal processor may also determine which of the one or more functions is to be controlled in accordance with where the sensor determines that the operator touches the moveable portion.

Once the device and function to be controlled is determined, that function and device is preferably controlled according to the operation of the moveable portion. This provides the user with a conventional feel to the operation of the interface but with the enhanced functionality.

The present invention also provides a controller for use with one or more operator interface devices, comprising a fixed portion, a moveable portion, moveable relative to said fixed portion, a sensor adapted to determine where an operator touches the moveable portion and an output adapted to provide information corresponding to the position of the moveable portion and where the operator touches the control, the controller comprising for each operator interface device a first input from the sensor; a second input from the moveable portion; a plurality of outputs for controlling the operation of one or more devices, each device having one or more functions, wherein the device or devices to be controlled is selected according to the first input from the sensor portion, and the functional mode of the selected device or devices is controlled according to the second input from the moveable portion.

The present invention may be provided as part of a console. The console may comprise a plurality of devices, along with the operator interface of the invention for controlling each of a plurality of devices.

The console may be provided in a vehicle, such as on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panel, roof panel, etc. The devices being controlled could be electric windows and mirrors, air conditioning, heating, etc, such that one multiple function switch can be used to control some or all of these devices.

The user merely has to place their finger against the desired function defined on the mechanical portion of the switch to indicate the device or function and uses their finger to move the mechanical portion to control the function.

For example, to increase the temperature in the interior of a car, the user places their finger against the area of the mechanical portion corresponding to the heater and moves it in the direction corresponding to increasing the temperature. Preferably, the mechanical portion includes icons or features corresponding to each device or function, the icons being located in the area defining each device.

The console may further include a display screen for displaying information about each device and its status.

In this specification, the term device' generally refers to that which is being controlled, for example a fan, an electric window, an actuator for controlling air flow, etc. References to the term function', relate to a functional operation of such devices. For example, a device such as an electric window generally has two functions, namely moving up and down. An electric wing mirror may have four functions, e.g. up, down, left and right.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multiple function switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a detailed construction of a multiple function switch similar to that shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic layout for the arrangement of figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a multiple function switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 5a to 5d show a number of arrangements of switches and devices providing different functions and modes of operation.

Figure 1 shows a multiple function switch 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A rotational control panel 101 is rotatable about axis 106 and fits into a base 103. The control panel is arranged in the base so that it can be rotated by an operator. It is provided with function identifiers such as depressions 102, which may be suitably marked to allow an operator to select a function or device to be controlled. The depressions are arranged in this embodiment to be the correct size and shape for receiving the end of an operator's finger.

The base 103 has a rotational movement detector 104 provided in asubstrate 105. The movement detector 104 is connected to a sensor signal processing unit 107. The movement detector is not described here in detail but could be one of a number of types currently used in the art. This could be a simple potentiometer with a keyed spindle, an optical detector or some other means.

The movement detector 104 monitors the rotational movement of the control panel 101 to provide signals to the sensor signal processing unit 107 indicative of the movement and/or position of the panel.

The control panel 101 also includes a position sensor (not shown) for determining the location of the operator's finger on the control panel. This determines where an operator's finger touches the control panel.

The signal processing unit 107 is connected to a control unit 108 for providing signals to indicate to the control unit which devices to operate and what functions, e.g. window up or window down to carry out. The control unit 108 is operable to control each of a number of devices 1 09a, I 09b, I 09c.

In the example of figure 1, the control is used for controlling a climate control in a vehicle. The control panel is marked with three different control functions of the climate control: temperature, fan speed and air flow distribution. Each of the depressions 102 corresponds to one of these functions. The devices 109 represent appropriate devices for adjusting the controlled parameters such as a fan speed controller 109a, an actuator 109b for moving vanes to adjust mixture of hot and cold air for temperature control etc. When an operator wishes to make an adjustment to one of the settings, they initially put their finger onto one of the depressions 102, the sensor arrangement 104 detects the location of the touch on the control panel 101, and thus the device desired by the operator. Then as the operator moves the control panel 101, in this case rotating it about the axis 106, the sensor arrangement 104 detects the rotation. The sensor arrangement then sends a signal to the sensor signal processing unit 107.

Thus if the operator touches the recess 102 corresponding to the fan control, the sensor signal processing unit 107 determines that fan speed is to be controlled. As the user then rotates the panel, the sensor signal processing unit 107 then determines whether the speed is to be increased or decreased.

Appropriate signals are then sent to the control unit 108.

The control unit 108 then adjusts or controls the function of the fan 109a according to the amount and direction of rotation of the control panel 101. For example, if the panel is rotated clockwise, the fan speed may be increased accordingly.

The above-described embodiment includes a sensor in the moveable panel 101 for detecting where the panel is touched. The sensor 104 for detecting rotational movement is in the fixed base 103. However, the sensors may be both located in the base part 103 or the moveable part 101. Furthermore, a single sensor may be used to detect both the point of contact of the users finger and the amount of rotation of the panel.

Figure 2 shows an arrangement similar to that of figure 1. It includes a rotary button cap 120 which is provided on the external part of the switch for the operator to use. The cap itself effectively provides the mechanical interface allowing the user to press it in axially or rotate it to indicate control operations.

The button cap 120 is connected to rotary mounting 124. This provides a mechanical mounting to allow rotational movement of the button cap as well as axial movement to allow the cap to be pressed by the operator. The mounting includes sensors or switches to detect rotation of the spindle on which the button cap is mounted. It also includes sensors or switches for detecting axial motion of the spindle during pressing of the button cap. In the example, the spindle is mounted as a centre return switch so that after rotation in either direction, the cap returns to its original centred position. However, the switch may have unlimited rotational travel or be provided with end stops but no centre return.

With this arrangement, the operator can touch the button cap and then rotate the cap clockwise or anticlockwise. In addition, the operator can press the button in. Once the operator releases the button, the button cap re-centres itself and returns to the outermost axial position.

The arrangement above is similar to conventional buttons and may even be provided as a modified existing device. However, the embodiment of the invention also includes a sensor PCB 121. This includes four sensor areas 125 arranged on the PCB. The areas are formed of a conductive material to provide a plate to form a capacitor. The sensor areas are arranged to be coincident with depressions 126 or some other external indicators on the button cap. As the user brings their finger into the region of the depressions 126, the presence of the finger modifies the electric field generated by the plate and in effect modifies the capacitance of the capacitor formed partially by the conductive sensor area 125.

The PCB may be mounted with the button cap on the spindle so that the sensor areas are permanently aligned with the depressions. However, the PCB may be mounted on the base 123. In this way, because the device re-centres, the sensor areas will always be initially aligned with the depressions. This is sufficient for the sensor to detect where the button is touched initially and control the correct function. As the button is rotated, the initial sensor will no longer detect the finger and other sensors may detect the presence of the finger as it passes by but the microcontroller can be programmed to only control the function associated with the initial detection. Other arrangements of sensors are of course possible. The entire surface of the PCB 121 may be provided with an array of sensors to determine the position of the finger at any point.

This could even replace the rotational sensors in the rotary mounting 124.

Each of the sensor areas 125 are connected to a capacitive sensing unit 132 either on the PCB 121 or, as in this example, on the base of the switch 123. A cable 122 is provided to connect the sensing unit 132 and the sensor areas 125. The capacitive sensing unit 132 monitors the state of the capacitors formed by the sensor areas to determine when a finger or the like is brought into the proximity of the sensors. The capacitive sensing unit 132 is connected to a microcontroller 131. When the microcontroller determines that the capacitance of a sensor area has changed in accordance with a user's finger being inserted into one of the depressions 126, it then determines what device or function is to be controlled.

In this way, as the switches in the rotary mounting 124 are operated, the microcontroller can provide outputs corresponding to the determined adjustment and output that to the determined device or function to be controlled.

Referring to figure 3, operation of the device will be explained in more detail. As a user brings their finger into the proximity of one of the depressions on the button cap, the 4-channel capacitive sensor 132 detects this and provides an output to the microcontroller indicating which of the depressions is being touched. Then as the user starts to move the button cap either in a rotary manner or by pushing the cap, the switches in the rotary mounting 124 detect the movement and this is communicated either directly or via a switch unit 130, to the microcontroller 131.

As the microcontroller detects the movement of the switches, it determines which of the sensor areas has been touched prior to the movement and then controls that function accordingly. So if the user touches the button cap corresponding to function 1 and then turns the cap clockwise, the microcontroller provides an output on the function 1 -increase' output and so on.

In figure 2, a fifth depression is shown although this is not associated with a sensor as such. This can still be used to provide an additional function. If the user presses the button cap by touching this point, the microcontroller will detect the operation of the axial switch but with no indication from the capacitive sensor that one of the four monitored depressions has been touched. The microcontroller can then infer that it is the fifth depression that is being operated. The microcontroller can then provide a further output (select') to indicate the operator pressing the button cap on the fifth depression.

The microcontroller can be programmed to operate in a number of different ways according to the desired functions required. For example, some of the functions may only operate in response to a push whilst others only respond to rotation. Similarly, the central button may be the only push to operate button and the push function is disregarded if any of the other depressions are touched.

The above arrangement provides a simple device with only limited modification of existing mechanical devices but provides the advantage of being able to control many different functions from the single switch. In addition, the tactile functionality of a traditional mechanical switch is maintained to enhance the user feedback which is known to be advantageous where an operator does not or cannot divert their attention from other activities such as driving.

Figure 4 shows another arrangement using a more traditional rocker type switch to provide a multiple function switch 200. The moveable part of the switch mechanism, referred to herein as the control panel 201 is operable to move in a rocking motion about axis 206 defined by a pivot arrangement 210a, 210b.

Depressions 202 are provided in the control panel 201. Each depression 202 corresponds to a device 209a, 209b and is the correct shape and size to receive the end of a user's finger. In particular, the depression is to aid in locating the finger in the correct position to identify and control a specific device.

The base 203 has a sensor arrangement 204 provided in the substrate 215.

This sensor arrangement detects when the rocker switch has been pushed in either direction and provides an output accordingly. This sensor arrangement may comprise a pair of simple switches of the type commonly used in the art.

Other alternatives are possible such as microswitches, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, optical sensors, etc. In the example shown a pair of microswitches are used.

The switch may not be a simple on/off type arrangement but may instead include pressure or distance measurement to allow the user to provide a variable input. Thus if the user wants a small adjustment, only light pressure is applied or a small movement made, whereas if a gross adjustment of the device being controlled is needed then more pressure can be applied or a larger movement made.

The sensor arrangement 204 is connected to a sensor signal processing unit 207. The signal processing unit 207 is connected to a control unit 208, which is operable to control each of the devices 209a, 209b.

The arrangement shown in figure 4 can be used to control two separate devices which need two inputs. For example, an electric window needs two inputs for up and down or a volume control needs higher and lower. In this way, the operator can identify which device is to be controlled by initially moving their fingertip to the right position to identify the device to be controlled. Then when they operate the switch, the correct device is controlled.

When an operator touches one of the two depressions 202 marked A, the sensor arrangement 205 detects the location of the touch on the control panel 201. The sensor signal processing unit 207 can thus determine that device A 209a has been selected by the operator. Then as the user presses down on the switch, the control panel 201 is moved, in this case rocked about the axis 206. The movement of the control panel 201 is detected by the sensor arrangement 204. This sends a signal to the sensor signal processing unit 207.

The sensor signal processing unit 207 uses the information on where the panel is touched to determine which device is to be controlled. It also determines which way the panel has been pushed. This allows the signal sensor processing unit to provide an output indicative of the device to be controlled and the function to be applied, e.g. the device may be the driver's window and the function may be to move it up.

Where the switch has a variable input, as mentioned above, sensor signal processing unit 207 converts the degree of movement of the control panel 201 by the operator into an amount of adjustment or control of the device 209a,b selected by the operator and sends a signal to the control unit 208 to adjust the setting of the device 209a,b accordingly.

In this way, just one switch can be used to control a plurality of devices. The sensor signal processing unit 207 and the control unit 208 can be microcontrollers, ASICs or any other suitable signal processing and control devices.

The sensor signal processing unit 107, 207 may be integrated into the switch unit body or be provided separately. The unit 107, 207 may be used for just one switch or it may be used for several. Similarly, the control unit 108, 208 may be integrated into the switch body or be a separate unit, which may control some or all of the functions and devices in a vehicle. The sensor signal processing unit 107, 207 and the respective control unit 108,208 may be integrated into a single unit and this may again be integrated into the user interface unit.

The sensor arrangement 205 may be one or a number of types of sensor but is preferably a capacitive sensor. The sensor can be provided under the skin of the switch surface. It can be provided as a simple capacitive sensor in each location where a device/function can be selected, e.g. under each of the depressions 202. Alternatively, it can be a larger sensor which effectively monitors all or a large part of the switch surface to provide an indication of where the button was touched and this can then be used to determine which function this relates to. This allows the easy reprogramming of the switch for other functions, for example, by simply varying the printing on the external surface, the same universal switch can be used for many functions with different numbers of buttons.

Capacitive sensors that can determine where on an area they are touched are well known in the art and so are not described here in detail.

Figure 5a shows a console 300 provided with a switch panel 301 for controlling the heating and ventilation system in the interior of a car. Each of the depressions 302 corresponds to a different function.

To adjust the temperature of the climate control in the car, the operator touches the depression, as shown, corresponding to climate control and rotates the panel 301 clockwise to increase the temperature and anti-clockwise to decrease the temperature. One of the other depressions 302 could correspond to the volume of the car stereo or any other function. To change the volume of the stereo, the driver touches the depression 302 corresponding to the volume control and rotates the panel 301 to increase or decrease the volume. The console may further include display panels 303 for displaying, for example, temperature and volume. The depressions may also be labelled by displays which can be changed to allow the same control and depression to be used for different functions.

The display may also be used to indicate the selected function and perhaps other information about that function such as the current level,adjustment options, etc. In this way, as soon as an operator touches the panel or switch, indicating the function they want to control, the information about that function can be displayed. Thus if the operator has selected to control volume, this may be indicated on the display, along with the current volume level. Then as the user actually moves the switch panel etc. the level can be adjusted. During adjustment, the display may simply continue to display that volume is the function being controlled or provide a real time indication of the level, e.g. numerically or graphically.

The display may be separate from the switch itself. This function can assist in helping the driver to select the correct function. For example, in a control for electric windows, there may be four touch points for up and four touch points for down. The bumps or recesses on the surface of the switch help to locate the correct positions of the touch points for each window. Information on the selected touch point may also be displayed on a display on the dashboard or a head-up display. In this way, the operator, can move their finger to what they think is the desired position and they receive a visual confirmation without having to look down at the switch.

Figure 5b shows an arrangement similar to that of figure 4 for controlling electric windows. However, this arrangement includes five markings 304 on each half of the switch face. This allows the user to select any one of four windows to move up or down or, using the fifth button, move all of the windows at the same time. However, using the present invention, if the operator touches the panel with two fingers, two windows can be operated simultaneously. The sensor signal processing unit simply detects that there are two points of contact and controls both the corresponding devices to have the same function, e.g. move the window up.

Figure 5c shows a wing mirror control panel. Again, the user can select one or both of the wing mirrors by touching either one of the left or the right or both the corresponding contact points. The user then slides the panel up, down, left or right to move the mirrors to the correct position. Alternatively, the user can press the panel to fold the selected mirror or mirrors in.

Where a user touches a control with two or more fingers to simultaneously operate two devices, they may remove one finger if sufficient adjustment of one device has been completed but further adjustment of another device is needed.

Then only the device corresponding to the remaining finger is operated.

Figure 5d shows a further variation of a climate control panel. This includes additional buttons 305 on the inner part of the control. These may be integrated into the rest of the panel and simply provide switches which when touched initiate or stop some function or device. In figure 5d, functions of the climate controi can be controlled. By touching the part of the panel labelled "AC", the air conditioning function can be turned on or off. As these operations do not require adjustment over a range, the mechanical part of the switch does not need to be operated. In other words, the switch does not have to be pressed.

Thus, the invention provides for the touch sensing part to operate independently of the mechanical part if desired. However, it may be preferable to have some mechanical action to provide a degree of user feedback.

Alternatively, the central portion formed by the four segments 305 could be a single moveable part which is used for all four functions. Thus by determining in which segment the user has pressed or touched the part, the appropriate function can be provided.

The examples in figures 5a to 5d above all show arrangements with predetermined functions which are indicated by the printed markings on the mechanical part of the switch or around it. However, the switches could be arranged to provide the possibility of modifying the function provided by the switches under different circumstances. For example, in a vehicle, different options may be provided in different types of vehicle. For example some of the vehicles may be provided with air conditioning whereas other may not be.

In this situation, it may be convenient to provide a standard switch but where the front plate of the mechanical part of the switch can be changed. Each plate could be provided with suitable markings to correspond to the desired or available functions. Again, the plates may be specially moulded to provide depressions or surface features to help the user in identifying the location of the available functions. Changing the front plates has no direct effect on the operation of the mechanical part and only the position where the switch is touched might change. Some of the plates may simply have a reduced subset of the total number of features.

However, with the present invention, where the sensor is able to detect a contact anywhere on the surface of the moving part, the device could be completely reprogrammed depending upon the front plate with which it is to be used. In this way, the front plates need not be constrained to have selections in specific places, giving a further degree of flexibility to the manufacturer and installer of such a device.

The above arrangement provides a convenient way for an installer of the devices to modify the switching functions available. However, after installation with a specific front plate, the functions are fixed.

In a further alternative, the device could be provided with "soft" button selections. In other words, the device would have a set of functions or control a selection of devices which can be controlled by reprogramming the way in which operation of the device controls the equipment being controlled. For example, the front plate of the mechanical part of the switch could be provided with illuminated sections or LCD/LEP type displays to indicate the function currently associated with a particular part of the front plate.

In this way, the user may, in effect, be presented with a selection of controls which they can alter or operate at one point in time but those controls may be completely changed by reprogramming the indications on the front plates using the variable displays to indicate different functions. The controller which is

S

connected to the sensor and mechanical part of the switch would then adjust the way in which the external devices are controlled.

In the foregoing description, it has been indicated that the mechanical part of S the switch would be operated using an operator's finger. However, it is conceivable that the devices may be operated by a touch other than a finger and the present invention should not be considered to be limited to being operated using a finger.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. It is intended that the invention may be applied to other arrangements apparent to the skilled person and which lie within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An operator interface device comprising: a fixed portion; a

moveable portion, moveable relative to said fixed portion; a sensor adapted to determine where an operator touches the moveable portion; and an output adapted to provide information corresponding to the position of the moveable portion and where the operator touches the control.

2. An operator interface device according to claim I further comprising position measuring means for determining position information of the moveable portion.

3. An operator interface device according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising position measuring means for determining the movement of the moveable portion.

4. An operator interface device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the position measuring means is selected from the group comprising a toggle switch, a push switch, a rocker switch, a thumbwheel switch, a linear slider and

a rotatable slider.

5. An operator interface device according to claim I wherein the sensor means determines the position of the moveable portion.

6. An operator interface device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is provided in the moveable portion.

7. An operator interface device according to any one of claims I to 5 wherein the sensor is provided in the fixed portion.

8. An operator interface device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is adapted to determine the position or positions where an operator touches the moveable portion.

9. An operator interface device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor.

10. An operator interface device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the moveable portion includes surface markings or features identifying predetermined locations corresponding to specific devices.

11. An operator interface device according to any of the preceding claims wherein said position information is one or more of: absolute position information and relative movement information.

12. An operator interface system comprising: an operator interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a signal processor arranged to receive the output from the operator interface device and to provide a control signal for controlling one or more functions of one or more devices.

13. An operator interface system according to claim 12 wherein the signal processor determines which of the one or more devices are to be controlled in accordance with where the sensor determines that the operator touches the moveable portion.

14. An operator interface system according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the signal processor determines which of the one or morefunctions in accordance with where the sensor determines that the operator touches the moveable portion.

I

15. An operator interface system according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the determined device and determined function to be carried out are controlled according to the position of the moveable portion.

16. An operator interface system according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the determined device and determined function to be carried out are controlled according to the movement of the moveable portion.

17. A controller for use with one or more operator interface devices comprising a fixed portion, a moveable portion, moveable relative to said fixed portion, a sensor adapted to determine where an operator touches the moveable portion and an output adapted to provide information corresponding to the position of the moveable portion and where the operator touches the control, the controller comprising, for each operator interface, device: a first input from the sensor; a second input from the moveable portion; a plurality of outputs for controlling the operation of one or more devices, each device having one or more functions, wherein the device or devices to be controlled is selected according to the first input from the sensor portion, and the functional mode of the selected device or devices is controlled according to the second input from the moveable portion.

18. A controller according to claim 17 wherein the function to be controlled is selected according to the first input from the sensor portion.

19. A controller according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the second input receives information on the position of the moveable portion.

20. A controller according to claim 17, 18 or 19 wherein the second input receives information on the relative movement of the moveable portion.

21. An operator interface device substantia fly as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. An operator interface system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.