HU191736B - Method and optoelectronic keyboard for generating input signals of electronic apparatuses - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method of generating input signals for electronic arrangements, comprising the steps of depressing keys one after another from a starting position to light sources, said keys being optically coupled with means for generating input signals, changing thereby the propagation conditions of the light emitted by the light sources, detecting the light or the light sources, generating the input signals corresponding to the depressed key and returning the key into the starting position when appropriate, the novelty lies in the steps of lighting up the light sources underneath the keys one after another cyclically in a predetermined sequence, covering one of the light sources by pushing the key, sensing the lack of the light emitted by the covered light source and generating the input signals on sensing the lack of light. An optoelectronic keyboard (1, 2) which can realise the method comprises in a closed housing more light sources (F) and keys (B) arranged in the way of the light emitted by the light sources (F), wherein a sensing unit (3) is applied for sensing the light of the light sources (F) and generating a control signal under given conditions for means for generating input signals for the electronic arrangement connected with the keyboard, wherein each key (B) is assigned to specific one of the light sources (F) and the key (B) includes an inner space (6) closed from lateral side, the inner space (6) having dimensions greater than that of the light source (F). The light sources (F) are connected to an electronic control (8) unit actuating them in a predetermined sequence.

Description

(57) ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and an optoelectronic keyboard for generating input signals for electronic equipment. In the process, the optically coupled keys are successively shifted from their initial position to the light sources by the input signal generating unit, thereby changing the propagation conditions of the light sources, sensing the light sources and generating the input signal when the key is depressed. The essence of the method is to light sources under the keys in a predetermined order cyclically, preferably at the same intervals, at a given frequency, to cover a light source by pressing a key, to detect the loss of light caused by the stroke and to generate an input signal when the keyboard is closed it comprises a lattice (F) and keys (B) in the path of light emitted by the light sources (F), and a sensing unit for receiving the luminance (F) and generating a control signal for the input signal generating unit. In essence, under each key (B), there is a light source (F), the lower part of the key (B) has a side-closed space (6) receiving the braiding (F), and the braiding (F) them in a predetermined order actuators are connected for electronic switching (Fig. 1).

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The present invention relates to a method and keyboard for generating input signals for electronic devices based on an optoelectronic principle. In the method of the present invention, the keys optically coupled with an input signal generating unit are successively shifted from their initial position to the light sources, thereby changing the propagation conditions of the luminescent light, sensing the light sources and generating the input signal when , while the keypad comprises a plurality of light sources and keys located in the path of light emitted by the light sources in a closed housing, and a sensing unit for generating a control signal for receiving light spinning light and controlling the input signal generating unit. The method and keypad of the present invention provide for the production of input signals by means of contactless operation with more advantageous means.

Known keyboards for making electrical contacts are generally unacceptable in high-demand equipment such as computing, data processing, especially due to switching uncertainties and many other factors. That's why contactless keyboards have been developed, one version of which is optoelectronic keyboards. They are less sensitive to various external disturbances than other contactless arrangements. Essentially, when the keys are pressed, they are interrupted by light from two light sources and are thus identifiable by a matrix-like arrangement. The design of the light paths requires relatively complicated buttons, the large number of sensor channels makes the keyboard expensive and labor intensive. A further disadvantage is that if a key is accidentally pressed for an extended period of time (this does not apply to function keys), it will cause malfunction, which can be avoided either by complicated electronic switching, data processing tools, or by further complicating the mechanical design of the keys. An example of a keypad based on an optoelectronic principle is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,278,965 published in 1981. U.S. Patent No. 4,198, which also proposes novel mechanical design of the keys.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of using optoelectronic keyboards.

My invention is based on the realization that, unlike previous solutions, the pressing of keys has to be assigned to specific points in a matrix not marked by light paths, and to detect flashes of a specific order.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing recognition and an optoelectronic keypad, which are characterized by simpler operation and construction than known.

In order to solve this problem, I have developed a process for the production of input signals for electronic devices, in particular mass-produced high-power microprocessor units, devices such as telephones, cash registers, and computers and similar devices, and an optoelectronic keyboard.

In the proposed method, the keys optically coupled to the input source are successively shifted from their initial position to the light sources, thereby changing the propagation conditions of the lattice light, detecting the luminosity of the lattice, According to the present invention, under the keys, light beams are flashed cyclically, preferably at equal intervals, at a predetermined frequency, and a light source is obscured by pressing a key, detecting the absence of light caused by the bounce, and generating an input signal when a failure is detected. Preferably, when an outage of light is detected, the input signal is generated only after at least one further outage. For example, according to a given sonend, the next spin is not flashed until we have made sure that the outage was not the result of accidental exposure. Therefore, the input signal is only generated if the outage is detected at least one further, preferably 8 to 10 flashes. Another possibility is to observe whether the same key has missed flash detection in successive flash cycles.

The proposed optoelectronic keyboard, comprising a plurality of light sources in a closed housing and keys in the path of light emitted by the light sources, is provided with a sensor unit for receiving light sources and controlling the input signal generating unit and according to the invention There is a lattice, the lower part of the key has a side enclosed space receiving the light source, and the lattice is connected to a control electronic circuit that operates them in a predetermined sequence.

The structure is facilitated by the light sources being placed in openings in a layer of light-transmitting material, formed in a sheet.

The control electronic circuitry is made up of known elements and is designed to provide a specific sonic cycle of phonemes. For this purpose, drive circuits with multiple inputs and a number of outputs,

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in connection with an embodiment and exemplary embodiments. In the drawing it is

Figure 1 is a plan view of an optoelectronic keyboard according to the invention, a

Figure 2 is a side elevational view, A-A, of the optoelectronic keyboard of the present invention, illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exemplary embodiment of a control electronic circuit, a

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a light sensor channel while

Figure 5 is a diagram of control and timing signals.

In carrying out the method of the present invention, one of the light sources in a given order is flashing in a closed space by pressing a button arranged above. The flashes follow each other cyclically. The light spinning and the keys are assigned to each other, so the flash! During cycles, the key for the masked spinning can be identified from the given sequence. According to the identification, the electronic circuit provides an input signal to the electronic equipment. In order to avoid accidental errors, when using a high frequency, it is expedient to generate the input signal after the first detection of the overlay. Thus, it is possible that we do not flash the next light source in order, but the source of the undetected flash, either until the flash is detected again (if there was something wrong with the system, such as a very short power failure) or 8-10 times this would also make sure the identification. The same is possible by observing in successive flash cycles whether the same key was always pressed.

The proposed optoelectronic keypad (Figures 1 and 2) includes B keys and F light backs arranged below them. The keys B are arranged in a dark opaque cover plate 2, supported by springs 5, while the light sources F are mounted on a base plate 1. The space delimited on both sides by the cover plate 2 and the base plate 1 is closed laterally by a suitable wall having one or more light sensors 3. Preferably, there is a light-transmitting plate 4, such as a plexiglass or glass plate, between the base plate 1 and the cover plate 2, in which openings 7 receive light sources F which engage in a closed space 6 at the bottom thereof. From the closed space 6, no light can reach the light sensor 3 when the B key is depressed,

During operation of the keypad according to the invention, one or more light sensors 3 located in the enclosed space or on the boundary wall thereof can detect the light sources F illuminated at a given frequency in the order below the B keys, or when they are obscured. Experience has shown that the use of simple batteries can increase the frequency of flashes up to 10 kHz, but this value can be increased with proper choice of material and other conditions. In addition, the use of the lOkllz frequency of 80 ... 100 keys also gives full security to the live signals corresponding to the keys.

In the keyboard according to the invention, light F is transmitted to the light sensor (3) by reflection on reflective layers in the light transmission plate 4 and / or reflective layers on opposite surfaces of the base plate 1 and the cover plate 2. If the intensity of the light sources F is high and the space under the B keys is small, it is not necessary to install the light transmitting plate 4. If, on the other hand, we are designing a larger keyboard with a complicated shape, it is preferable to use a light-transmitting plate 4. In this case, the base board 1 is preferably a printed circuit board.

An important aspect of the invention is the controlled operation of light sources F measured. For example, the electronic circuit 8 shown in FIG. 3 is suitable for this purpose, but other circuits may also be provided. In the circuit shown, light sources F arranged in rows and columns have a total of sixteen light braids. One corner of the light sources F is connected to the output driver Mj from the input lines Sj, S ₂ , Sj and S «, while the other is connected to the multicolor input driver Mj from the input lines Oj, Ö _a , O ₃ and O ₄ . The M ₍ row-drive unit ') or the column-drive unit Mj is provided with an enable input E through which the corresponding light source F in the array can be enabled,

The light sensors 3 are suitably connected in series or in parallel when more than one of them is applied (Fig. 4) and their summed signal is applied to the input of the amplifier and signaling unit. At the output P of the latter, it generates a signal suitable for initiating the next spin-off of F. The lack of a signal at the output of P, when the spinning light F flashes at the same time, is the basis for generating an input signal to be output to the electronic device.

Figure 3 shows the circuit arrangement shown Si, S2, S _3, S4, Ο ,, Oj, O ₃ and 0 ₄ input lines, permitting input E the signals are transmitted to the corresponding lines of Figure 5. Detected signals from F light sources are down. As can be seen, the flash of J, possibly the sixth key of B, could not be detected.

The control circuitry 8 of the optoelectronic keyboard according to the invention may also be placed on the base plate 1 in the form of a printed circuit.

By the method of the present invention, the keypad is able to reliably control the generation of signals. The keypad's low-cost, sensor-based high-mass relay emitting diodes can be used as a light source. It has a single channel for common light, which makes production easier, simpler and less expensive.

PATENT CLAIMS

Claims (8)

A method for generating input signals for electronic equipment, wherein the optically coupled keys with an input signal generating unit are successively shifted from their initial position to the light sources, thereby changing the propagation conditions of the light sources, sensing the light sources and generating the input signal. moving the push button back to its initial position as needed, characterized in that the light sources under the keys are cycled in a predetermined sequence at a given frequency, preferably at equal intervals, by pressing a key, a light source is covered, the light is lost and the input signal is detected . Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the input signal is generated when multiple outages are detected. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein, when light is detected, the obscured light source is flashed at least once before the next light source in that order is fired. 4. An optoelectronic keypad for generating input signals for electronic equipment comprising a plurality of light sources and keys in the path of light emitted by the light sources, and a sensing unit for generating a control signal for the light source to receive the input signal. 191,736, characterized in that under each key (B) there is a single filament (F), in the lower part of the key (B) there is a laterally closed space (6) receiving the interlacing (F) and the light sources (F) they are connected in a predetermined sequence to an electronic circuit. The keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that the light sources (F) are located in openings (7) formed in the light-transmitting plate (4). The keypad of claim S, characterized in that at least one sensor unit (3) is disposed on the edge of the pass-through plate (4Ί). Keyboard according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sensor light (3) is arranged below the surface area defined by the keys (B). 8. A keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control electronic circuit (8) comprises a row drive unit (Mi) and a column drive unit (M ₂ ) having an input input (E), the outputs of which are arranged in a matrix and ) are connected to the input. 3 drawings Published by: National Office of Inventions Responsible; Zoltán Himmer CODE -4191.736 International Classification: G 06 F 3/02 A-A / 4 \ Figure 2 -5191.7.16 International Classification; G 06 F 3/02 -6191.736 International Classification: G 06 F 3/02 I ^S > r ~ .___ J S; S ₃ s < ί 0 : LJ L