Abstract: A pressure sensitive electronic device has a display, a case, a processor, and a pressure sensor, such as one or more force sensitive resistors. When the pressure sensor detects pressure on the case, the information displayed on the display is changed. Pressure in one or more dimensions (X, Y, and/or Z) on the case is detected by the pressure sensor. Most commonly, the information that is changed on the display is the repositioning of a cursor on the display, although switching between various operating modes and/or writing on the device can also be performed. The cursor is repositioned corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the pressure detected on the case. Pressure can also be used to execute an operation corresponding to the position of the cursor on the display. Keys or other input devices (mouse, trackball, etc) are not required to control the movement of the cursor on the display, execute operations, or switch between various operating modes of the device.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling a host device, the controller including a housing, an electrical power source within the housing, electronic circuitry within the housing connected to the power source and including a radiation emitter to emit signals from the housing, a plurality of finger depressible buttons exposed on the housing and interfacing with sensors electrically associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of signals emitted for controlling a host device. At least some of the sensors are utilized only as momentary-On only On/Off sensors. At least one sensor(s) is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states or values. The readable states are dependant upon depressive pressure applied to the sensor(s) through finger depressible button(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile sensor comprising a base plate provided at a first side with a plurality of electrically conducting wires forming a row, and provided at a second side opposite to the first side of the base plate with a plurality of electrically conducting wires forming a column, each of these wires forming cross points with the electrically conducting row wires. Each of the column wires forms an electrical contact with the row wires near each cross point, which electrical contacts are located at the first side of the base plate. The first side of the base plate is provided with a covering having a pressure-dependent electrical resistance and which, together with the electrical contact of the column wires and the row wires, is suitable to form one or more current paths. The covering is divided into segments, with each segment covering at least two adjacent cross points.

Abstract: A touchpad is formed of an electrically insulating membrane (10) with a first series of spaced apart conductors (12) on a first face of membrane (10) and a second series of spaced apart conductors (14) on or proximal thereto, in which there is no electrical contact between the first and second series of conductors (12, 14) Each conductor in the first and second series of conductors is sensitive to the proximity of a finger to modify the capacitance of the proximate conductor to detect the presence of the finger positioned close to that conductor. A scanning system operative to sample one of the conductors in turn from both the first and second series of conductors (12, 14) in order to measure and store a capacitance value associated with that respective conductor. The scanning system is operative to maintain all conductors (12-n, 14-n) at a common potential equal to the potential of the conductor being sampled when the remaining conductors are not actively being sampled by the scanning system.

Abstract: A cursor control device is provided which has good operability and can reflect clearly an operator's natural motion in accordance with a qualified value (conversion coefficient). The cursor control device is constituted of an operation plate 5 with an operation surface 7, an operation pressure detecting detector with a pressure-sensitive sensor 3 arranged on the back surface of the operation plate 5 to detect a touch pressure by a control member, and an arithmetic circuit. The arithmetic circuit performs an arithmetic operation of both the coordinate position and the moving rate of the control member using a detection signal from the operation pressure detection detector, and the movement of a cursor based on a first qualified value and a second qualified value. The first qualified value is determined according to the movement and the moving rate of a coordinate position. The second qualified value is determined according to the touch pressure of the control member.

Abstract: A touch panel is made up of (a) an insulating substrate provided with a transparent conductive film, and (b) a flexible insulating substrate provided with a transparent conductive film. A double-sided adhesive tape combines together (a) and (b), between which is provided a spacer. Since the insulating substrate and the flexible insulating substrate are held apart by the spacer, there is a layer of air between the insulating substrate and the flexible insulating substrate. On the two transparent conductive layers are provided anti-reflective films, in the form, for example, of square islets 100 nm thick and with sides of 80 .mu.m, with a pitch Pd of 100 .mu.m and an interval Dw of 20 .mu.m. Instead of providing the anti-reflective films, holes may be selectively provided in the transparent conductive films. In this way, a touch panel can be realized which enables a bright display screen without impairing input sensitivity.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a member by which a user selects one of a plurality of functions. Operation of the member applies different amounts of pressure to a transducer that has an impedance which changes in response to the applied pressure. An input circuit produces an output voltage which varies in relation to changes in the impedance of the pressure transducer. A voltage comparator compares the output voltage to a plurality of voltage ranges and in response to the voltage comparison, an output driver produces at least one electrical signal that indicates which one of plurality of functions the user has selected.

Abstract: With a view to bringing the cursor into a zone of the image displayed on a screen, the method embodying the invention uses a displacement mode comprising determination and indication on the screen of the orientation and relative direction of displacement one wishes to obtain, this stage being performed by varying the orientation of the index (C) by a first manual command until the required direction is obtained; relative displacement of the cursor (C) in relation to the image, in accordance with the orientation and direction thus determined until it reaches said zone, this displacement being performed by a second command distinct from the first; and validation of the position occupied by the cursor in relation to the image by a third command distinct from the first two. The invention relates equally to conventional management of a cursor, the plotting of the route of an aircraft or even to multidirectional scrolling of an image on a screen.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has a pointing stick integrally molded into and projecting from a surface of a plastic housing. Keyboard keys extend through holes in the same plastic housing. Strain-sensitive resistors are formed in a small location onto a circuit substrate. The same circuit substrate that carries the strain-sensitive resistors also carries conductive pads for the key switches. The strain-sensitive resistor location is bonded to the housing adjacent the pointing stick, but on an opposite surface of the housing from the pointing stick protrusion.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring and generating key pad status messages in a telecommunications network. A resistor ladder network is provided to generate distinct DC-level analog voltage signals in response to the pressing of any one of a plurality to keys of a key pad. A combiner circuit is employed to combine the DC-level analog voltage signals with an analog voice signal received from an audio transducer to form a composite analog signal, and a coder/decoder circuit is provided to convert the composite analog signal into a composite digital signal. A digital signal processing circuit executes a subtractive sample delta filtering algorithm to determine whether data indicative of a key press is included within the composite digital signal, and generates status messages indicative of a key press upon determining that a key has been pressed.

Abstract: Representatively using force sensing resistors as key switch elements, keys on a computer keyboard are each provided with pluralities of different keystroke output function signals which may be selectively varied in response to simply altering the user keystroke force imposed on the key. In addition to being provided with a default key force range/output signal correlation, the keyboard may be programmed by the user to customize the key depression force ranges associated with selected different keystroke output signals. Representatively illustrated additional uses of this key force/output signal correlation capability include a key force-based typing correction mode and a combination character and key force sequence-based user password access system. To further expand the individual key functionality of the keyboard, a combination of sensed key depression force and duration is used to generate an additional keystroke output function signal for a given key.

Abstract: A touch panel (4) and an operation part (30) are provided on display means (2). A permanent magnet (52) is mounted on a push button (32), and a magnetic metal plate (58) is mounted on a support frame (36). When the push button (32) starts to be pushed down toward the touch panel (4), the push button (32) moves toward the touch panel (4) against magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnet (52) and the magnetic metal plate (58), and an operation forward end part (46) operates a touch switch (4a). Stroke feeling results from this movement. Further, the aforementioned magnetic attractive force abruptly reduces in an initial period of this movement, and an operator of the push button (32) can attain click feeling. Since the stroke feeling and the click feeling are caused in the operation of the push button (32), operability is improved while making the best use of such an advantage that the touch panel (4) is of a thin type.

Abstract: A touch control potentiometer is formed of a lower lamina bearing on its upper surface a conductive trace of elongate outline, an upper lamina being flexible under digital pressure and bearing on its lower surface a second conductive trace aligned with the first trace and having the outline thereof, a central lamina being interposed between the upper and lower laminae and formed with an aperture aligned with the first and second traces and having an outline complementary to the outline common to them, one of the traces being formed of a material having relatively high electrical resistance, the other of the traces being formed of a material having relatively low electrical resistance, and a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending outwardly from the laminate and comprising first and second leads in contact with the said one trace at its ends, and a third lead in contact with said other trace at one end one of its ends.

Abstract: In a keypad for an ATM or the like, in addition to mechanical keys (14) which when operated press areas (24) on a pressure sensitive layer (22) against a backing plate (32), and thereby close a corresponding normally-open switch (S), additional areas (26) are arranged as normally-closed switches A, with pressure applied by protrusions (36) on the backing plate (32). If the backing plate is removed, the switches A open, and the change is sensed by a monitoring circuit (48).

Abstract: A touch sensor switch that responds to touching, or even to the proximity of an object, is disclosed. The switch includes a number of capacitance elements, or touch pads, that produce an effective capacitance dependent upon the physical proximity of the object. A microcontroller under control of a program stored in a read-only memory causes its I/O port to set a transient voltage on each capacitance element as a logic level. Each transient voltage is at variance with the capacitive element's preferred voltage level. The program then reads the I/O port, and hence the logic levels of the capacitance elements, as the capacitive elements revert to their preferred voltage levels, and calculates the proximity of the object, or touching, from relationships among recorded signals. The circuit may also be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit.

Abstract: A keyboard according to the present invention, which includes one or more keys and corresponding electromechanical converting elements, is characterized in that it includes a film construction (42) which includes an electret film with a bubble construction known as EMF by which said electromechanical converting elements corresponding to the keys are formed, and a solid, stiff cover plate (43) which covers the EMF construction (42) and in which an area (A-D) in the vicinity of each electromechanical converting element forms a key. In one embodiment of the present invention, a frame of the keyboard forms the cover plate and the EMF construction affixed behind the cover plate is covered with a sufficiently thick and stiff layer of plastic. The cover plate may be steel or aluminum, for example, and other materials such as plastic, glass or ceramic materials can be used. The thickness of the cover plate may be approximately 2 mm, for example.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method to prevent RSI symptoms when keys are operated, and it contains a measuring device (4) to determine the force acting on the key, a device to compare the measured force with a finger stress model, and a device to make critical finger impact values (14, 16) perceptible. The inventive device may be positioned directly on the keyboard (2) as a stand-alone device, or it may be designed as part of a data processing system.

Abstract: A communication device (100) incorporates a programmable function button (105) that operates in conjunction with a display (102). The button (105) operates in an execution mode when engaged for a time period less than a particular threshold (310, 320, 330, 340), and operates in a programming mode when continuously engaged for a time period greater than the threshold (310, 320, 330, 350). In the execution mode, the button causes execution of a preprogrammed function (340). When in the programming mode, continuous engagement of the button causes a successive presentation of a selectable programmable function on the display (410, 420, 430), and disengagement of the button automatically results in the button being programmed with the selectable programmable function (440, 450). Preferably, release of the button, when in programming mode, also causes automatic execution of the selectable programmable function (460).

Abstract: Keys forming a data inputting part to input such data as characters are formed of mechanical switches large in the operating stroke so that data of many inputting key operations may be input by a blind touch and keys forming a function executing part to execute preset functions are formed of flat switches having substantially no operating stroke and covered with a water-proof cover so as to be able to be simply cleaned even in case the functions are operated to be executed with dirty hands while the medical apparatus is being used.

Abstract: A touchpad, which may include a keypad array, digitizing tablet, touch screen or an electronic mouse, is operable through a suitable dielectric medium, operating by capacitive effect and suitable for use as a computer interface in conjunction with a monitor screen, or as a computer input device in a number of applications, for example, as a cash till keypad.

Abstract: An improved key and keyboard arrangement for a compact word processor, the keyboard arrangement consisting of only twelve toggle keys with each key capable of seven functions, six of the keys being operated in a tactile manner by the finger tips of each hand. Additional keys are provided along a vertical edge adjacent to the twelve keys for operation by the users thumbs. A second embodiment includes a pair of similar keyboards hinged together, each keyboard having a single row of six toggle keys movable in six directions and a center depressable function, and a plurality of keys perpendicular to the six toggle keys located along a vertical edge adjacent to the six toggle keys, each of the six toggle keys having seven functions operated by tactile manipulation. The six toggle keys on each keyboard portion and the associated perpendicular keys represent all of the functions of one half of a standard QWERTY computer keyboard.

Abstract: A thermally stable, mass-producible pointing device (10) producing an analog signal proportional to an applied force comprises actuator (20), including an arm (22) and a force transfer member (26), a connector (44), and a sensor (50). The connector maintains the force transfer member in contact with the sensor yet allows the force transfer member to change dimensions with ambient temperature without inducing stresses detectable by the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises an elastomeric adhesive and the sensor comprises a force-sensing resistor. The force transfer member is prevented from coming out of the assembly either by a retainer (12) comprising a shell or a potting compound retaining the force transfer member but permitting thermal expansion or contraction of the force transfer member. The force transfer member typically has a rounded or bevelled bottom surface (28) so the actuator rocks under an applied force.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for emulating keyboard input. In one embodiment, the invention provides a contact sensitive graphical data input-output field for receiving graphical user input and for displaying graphical output. The graphical data input-output field includes multiple contact sensitive data input fields. The embodiment also provides a keyboard overlying the graphical data input-output field. The keyboard includes multiple keys, each of which corresponds to a data input field of the graphical data input-output field. Each key, when pressed by a user, contacts the data input field that corresponds to that key, thereby causing the data processing system to provide an electrical signal of a predetermined value that corresponds to the key pressed by the user.

Abstract: A family of controllers incorporate multiple force/touch sensitive input elements to provide intuitive input in up to six degrees of freedom, including position and rotation, in either a Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. Six dimensions of input can be generated without requiring movement of the controller, which provides a controller suitable for controlling cursors and display objects in an interactive computer system and for equipment such as heavy cranes and fork lift trucks. Positional information is obtained either by use of a "pushing" or "dragging" metaphor. Rotational information is provided by either a "pushing," "twisting," or "gesture" metaphor. In certain embodiments, the same sensor is used for both positional and rotational inputs, and the two are differentiated by the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor.

Abstract: A keyboard (54) includes a plurality of keys (30). As during a keystroke, the sidewall (34) of the keys (30) deform, causing a change in an electrical property for that key. If the sidewalls (34) are formed of a piezoelectric material, a voltage will be generated. The keys are scanned by a keyboard controller (60) to determine whether a key is being pressed or released.

Abstract: The padless touch sensor is used for detecting a touch at a sensing location onto a dielectric element by a user coupled to earth. The sensor comprises a conductive plate attached under the dielectric element and in registry with the sensing location. A predetermined potential is applied on the conductive plate. Simultaneously, test pulses are produced into earth. When the user touches the dielectric element at the sensing location, a potential variation in the conductive plate is produced during a test pulse due to a capacitive circuit formed between earth, the user and the sensor. No deposition of conductive pads on the dielectric element or other special processes are required. Foreign matter or objects placed directly on top of the dielectric element will not erroneously produce a touch condition.

Abstract: A coordinate input device comprises a column-shaped body erected on a base, a plurality of sensors produced in a film form, a flexible cable for leading out sensor signals from the sensors, and a transparent heat-shrinkable tube. In this coordinate input device the sensors are affixed with a thermosetting resin on the side surfaces of the column-shaped body; and the tube is put on the sensors and then heated for shrinking, thereby pressing to affix the sensors on the side surfaces of the column-shaped body with the thermosetting resin and also covering the surfaces of the sensors. Then the cap is mounted on the top of the column-shaped body and the tube is fitted in a recess section inside the cap.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which, during operation of the computer, the keys are held in extended operating positions by the force of a pressurized fluid-filled flexible mat member having spaced apart orificed compartments against which bottom ends of vertically movable plunger portions of the keys downwardly bear. Position sensors monitor the stroke positions of the keys and, as the keys are depressed during computer use, responsively transmit corresponding position signals to a control system which utilizes the position signals to alter the fluid pressure within the mat member in a manner providing the keys with predetermined, selectively variable stroke force/distance characteristics. When the computer is turned off, fluid pressure within the mat member is relieved in a manner permitting the keys to collapse to retracted storage/transport orientations, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the keyboard until subsequent operation of the computer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, pressurizable keyboard made of resilient layers of plastic material, with molded keys which are deformable when pressed so as to send a signal to an electrical device. The keys are arranged with a flexible electrical circuit thereattached, which when depressed, establish a proper complete circuit.

Abstract: A selective call radio (10), including a housing (12), has a display (18) and touchpad (22) of the same size. The display is mounted to a surface on one side of the housing, and the touchpad is mounted to another surface on an opposite side of the housing, directly opposite the display. A screen surface of the display and a touch surface of the touchpad are parallel and have a same number of edges. Sliding of a user's fingertip on the touchpad in a right-to-left direction causes movement of a pointer (26) in a left-to-right direction, and vice versa. Movement on the touchpad causes movement in an identical amount on the display.

Abstract: A keypad configuration for an electronic device has a housing (180) with one or more push buttons (110) having centers (113), a maximum radius (115), and a maximum height (215). A specific area (118) surrounds each push button and has a minimum radius (129) that is at least five times as long as the maximum radius of the push button or at least three times as long as the maximum height of the push button. No additional push buttons are within this specific area. The size, height, and spacing of the push buttons provide a point contact sensation to a user's fingertip, which prevents a user from pressing more than one key at a time and provides space for alphanumeric labels beside each push button. This keypad configuration is particularly suited for portable electronic devices where a small keypad is desirable, such as cellular telephones.

Abstract: An integrated manual control input device is provided for use in a computer system having a graphical user interface. The device comprises a keyboard unit having a plurality of keys, a pointing actuator mounted to the keyboard between preselected ones of the keys for engagement by a user's index finger, at least one click button assembly pivotably mounted to the keyboard unit adjacent the keys and a normally open momentary switch beneath the click button assembly. The click button assembly has a button moveable downwardly by a user's thumb to select an ON state and subsequently releasable to select an OFF state. The button is also moveable downwardly and slidable laterally in a rearward direction to select a locked ON state to facilitate a drag operation.

Abstract: A touch sensitive switch is fabricated from a substrate having a touch region on a first surface and a piezoelectric element on a second surface of the substrate. The piezoelectric element is driven by a signal configured so that an ultrasonic wave generated by the element is transmitted into the substrate and is reflected back and forth into the substrate at both surfaces. A touch changes the reflectivity at the first surface, and influences the impedance of the transducer assembly which is comprised of the piezoelectric element and the substrate.

Abstract: A cursor control device is provided which has good operability and can reflect clearly an operator's natural motion in accordance with a qualified value (conversion coefficient). The cursor control device is constituted of an operation plate (5) with an operation surface (7), an operation pressure detector with a pressure-sensitive sensor (3) arranged on the back surface of the operation plate (5) to detect a touch pressure by a control member, and an arithmetic circuit. The arithmetic circuit performs an arithmetic operation of both the coordinate position and the moving rate of the control member using a detection signal from the operation pressure detector, and the movement of a cursor based on a first qualified value and a second qualified value. The first qualified value is determined according to the movement and the moving rate of a coordinate position. The second qualified value is determined according to the touch pressure of the control member.

Abstract: A thumbpad input device that enables a user to generate direction and speed by manipulating a round elastic pad. The underside of the pad is lined with a set of uniformly spaced contacts positioned in a circular pattern. Each contact is paired with a corresponding switch that is coupled to a circuit board. When a user presses down on the pad, one or more contacts close their respective switches. The pad contacts and switches are designed so that the number of closed switches varies with the magnitude of the force applied to the pad. The thumbpad input device has a micro controller that monitors the switches. It determines the most clockwise closed switch and the most counter-clockwise closed switch. Presumptively, these two closed switches define the two endpoints of an arc of all closed switches. These endpoints are then forwarded to a host processor.

Abstract: A system for using a touch-sensitive computer input touchpad for computer cursor control and keypad emulation in which the system senses a touch on the touchpad surface, resolves lateral touch movement after the touch, and establishes cursor control on resolution of sufficient lateral movement.

Abstract: A thermally stable, mass-producible pointing device (10) producing an analog signal proportional to an applied force comprises actuator (20), including an arm (22) and a force transfer member (26), a connector (44), and a sensor (50). The connector maintains the force transfer member in contact with the sensor yet allows the force transfer member to change dimensions with ambient temperature without inducing stresses detectable by the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises an elastomeric adhesive and the sensor comprises a force-sensing resistor. The force transfer member is prevented from coming out of the assembly either by a retainer (12) comprising a shell or a potting compound retaining the force transfer member but permitting thermal expansion or contraction of the force transfer member. The force transfer member typically has a rounded or bevelled bottom surface (28) so the actuator rocks under an applied force.

Abstract: A keypad dialog terminal in particular for dialog with a programmable automatic controller, comprising a casing (1) carrying a dialog screen (12) and a set of contacts (32) associated with a keypad (22), characterised in that the casing (1) comprises a casing body (11) carrying the fixed contacts and a removable dialog module (2) comprising a frame (21) closed by a visible top membrane (22) which forms various projecting keys and carries the mobile contacts (26), this frame (21) having removable locking apparatus (24, 25) adapted to cooperate with conjugate locking apparatus (14, 15) on the lateral sides of the casing body (11).

Abstract: A device for entering a code into a keypad of an ATM. The inventive device includes a housing positionable over an ATM keypad. A plurality of solenoids are mounted to a lower surface of the housing for actuating individual keys of the ATM keypad. A code entering keypad is mounted to an upper surface of the housing for entering a PIN number into a controller such that a code can be entered into the device within the privacy of a vehicle and subsequently transferred to the ATM key pad of a visible ATM machine.

Abstract: In a security system, a transmitter housing and first and second transmitter actuation elements cooperate to define thumb and finger saddles on opposite sides of the housing. The peripheral edge of the housing and the first and second actuation elements have matched configurations aligned at the thumb and finger saddles for guiding a hand to properly operate the transmitter while blocking other objects from accidental operation. The housing extends beyond the actuation elements at the ends of the elements while the actuation elements extend beyond the housing at the center of the elements. The housing has a first texture, such as a rigid plastic, while the actuation elements have a softer feel provided, for example, by an elastomeric material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method and related apparatus for configuring and operating a computer keyboard includes providing a personal computer system having a monitor, central processing unit, memory, sound generator and a keyboard input/output interface. The keyboard is substantially flat and has a planar user interface surface with a plurality of discrete membrane switches protruding a small distance (less than one-eighth of an inch) above the surface. In addition, each switch is circumscribed by a key channel. The domes of each membrane switch enhance the tactile response to the child or young adult learning to use the keyboard because upon depression of the key face, the dome deforms into a concave shape and closes a normally open circuit junction in a key switch matrix beneath the user interface surface. The method as well as the apparatus electrically blocks the generation of multiple digital key strike signals whether based upon continual actuation of one of the key switches (i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a valid selection of a capacitance tactile keyboard as a function of a selection state and validation state of the keyboard. The selection state is determined from measured capacitive values of each key by during a first phase of a cycle. The validation state is determined from measured pressure on the keyboard, for certain key selection states only, during a second phase of the cycle.

Abstract: A cordless transducer/cursor having a transmitter for use in conjunction with the receiver of a digitizer tablet. The transmitter receives parallel binary signals representing the status of non-positional functions such as command button status and the pressure applied to a stylus of the transducer/cursor and converts these into a serial stream of binary data for electrostatic or electromagnetic transmission to the receiver which, in turn, converts the serial stream into a plurality of parallel binary signals consistent with those received and converted by the transmitter.

Abstract: An adaptive keypad which has one or more keys includes, for each key, a pressure transducer positioned below a semi-rigid faceplate where the pressure transducer has a resistance which decreases as the pressure compressing the transducer increases. The transducer is connected in series with a capacitor to define an RC circuit for each key. Each RC circuit has a charge time proportional to the pressure applied to the key. A time capture circuit initially and thereafter intermittently, obtains the charge time for each RC circuit for each key and computes a conductance value from that time. The initial conductance value is stored in a memory. A comparing circuit intermittently compares the initial conductance value with each subsequent conductance value generated for a key. If the comparison value generated is greater than a predefined amount, a signal is generated indicating that a key has been depressed.

Abstract: A touch control device comprising a plate (10) in which at least one portion (14) is partly cut (12) such that it can be inclined around at least one remaining connection area (15). Strain gauges (17) render it possible to measure the intensity of a force (F) applied to the said portion (14). Applications include the control of various equipment such as TVs and other items.

Abstract: A strain sensitive columnar transducer for a data entry keyboard contains a column upstanding from the keyboard. Strain sensitive orthogonally oriented patterns are formed on a single flexible planar sheet which is sliced to place each of the patterns on a separate tab. The planar sheet is forced over the column so that the patterns lie up against the sides of the column to measure force exerted on the column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security arrangement intended for the opening and/or closing of at least one door of an automotive vehicle, characterized in that it includes: at least one control keyboard (2) integrated into the coach-work of the vehicle and intended for the introduction of an opening and/or closing code, said keyboard being provided with sensing elements (6) responsive to the touch and furnishing a code corresponding to the actuated keys, a circuit (30, 32, 34, 44) adapted to generate a control signal in response to said code furnished by the control keyboard; and actuating means (36, 38) controlled by said control signal and assuring the latching and/or unlatching of said door.

Abstract: A panel unit for a dealing board has a display and a keyboard unit provided with buttons. The display is divided into individual indications which display function names corresponding to the buttons. The keyboard unit has a printed substrate arranged on the display, fixed contacts which form switches provided for the buttons, and electric conductive contact rubber located on the printed substrate and provided with moving contacts opposing the fixed contacts. A panel is positioned on the electric conductive rubber and provided with the buttons. The panel has holes, the buttons are fitted into the holes to be vertically movable so that the fixed contacts of the printed substrate come into contact with the movable contacts of the electric conductive rubber.

Abstract: A panel unit for a dealing board has a keyboard unit provided with buttons, the keyboard unit has a printed substrate arranged on a display, fixed contacts which form switches provided for the buttons, and electric conductive contact rubber located on the printed substrate and provided with moving contacts opposing the fixed contacts. A panel is positioned on the electric conductive contact rubber and provided with the buttons. The panel has holes, the buttons are fitted into the holes to be vertically moveable so that the fixed contacts of the printed substrate come into contact with the movable contacts of the electric conductive contact rubber. The buttons are provided with an engagement portion for preventing the buttons from coming off the panel and the electric conductive contact rubber and the printed substrate have relief holes in which the buttons are fitted when the engagement portion holds the buttons.

Abstract: A key touch adjusting device wherein the position of a key top is detected, and a resistive force corresponding to that position is generated and applied to the key top. The numeral array for the position data and the force data is stored in a memory. To apply hysteresis to a key force profile curve, a RS flip-flop whose output is inverted by the position data is provided to generate different resistive forces in the key top depressing process and the key top returning process. Also disclosed are a method of comparing an actually obtained profile curve with a predetermined profile curve on a display device by detecting both the position of the key top and the depressing force thereof, a method of achieving hysteresis characteristics by storing a plurality of numeral arrays of the depressing force vs.