Abstract: A touch activated controller generates UP/DOWN control signals in response to movement of a human finger (or other comparable contact) along a control surface thereof. The UP information is derived from movement of the finger in one direction and the DOWN information is derived from movement in a substantially opposite direction. This system generates a sequence of control signals in one or the other of the two directions. In addition, when the finger is removed from the device the output remains in its last previous state or condition existing before removing the finger. Thus, the logic of the system is sensitive substantially to motion and direction of movement so that the logic of the operation of the device closely resembles the motion of a thumbwheel control. Merely placing a finger on the surface of thumbwheel or on the surface of the disclosed device generates no change in the position of the thumbwheel or the output of the device herein.

Abstract: The keys of a keyboard when operated serve as information entry elements by providing an associated output signal related thereto. A first series of conductors is operatively coupled to the keys for electrically sensing operation of the keys. A series of pairs of conductors common to the first series of conductors is arranged to represent binary stages of information. A signal representative of the operation of each one of the first series of conductors is coupled to one or the other conductor of each of the pairs of conductors to represent a first or second state thereof. These states are employed to provide a binary output representation for each of the keys when so operated.

Abstract: A touch activated controller generates UP/DOWN control signals in response to movement of a human finger (or other comparable contact) along a control surface thereof. The UP information is derived from movement of the finger in one direction and the DOWN information is derived from movement in a substantially opposite direction. This system generates a sequence of control signals in one or the other of the two directions. In addition, when the finger is removed from the device the output remains in its last previous state or condition existing before removing the finger. Thus, the logic of the system is sensitive substantially to motion and direction of movement so that the logic of the operation of the device closely resembles the motion of a thumbwheel control. Merely placing a finger on the surface of thumbwheel or on the surface of the disclosed device generates no change in the position of the thumbwheel or the output of the device herein.