Abstract: An input system comprises an optical device configured to transmit and receive one or more optical signals along a segment of fiber optic cable; an optical input device connected to the segment of fiber optic cable, the optical input including an input key configured to reflect a portion of an optical signal as a consequence of being actuated; and a signal decoder connected to the optical device, the signal decoder configured to select a first input code from a plurality of input codes, the first input code corresponding to the portion of the optical signal reflected by the input key.

Abstract: An optical system and method are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical input system comprises a fiber optic cable defining an axial beam path, the fiber optic cable configured to reversibly deform at a bend location; an optical source coupled to the fiber optic cable and configured to inject an optic signal along the axial beam path; a detector coupled to the fiber optic cable and configured to receive a reflected signal from the fiber optic cable, the detector further configured to generate a distance parameter corresponding to the origin of the reflected signal; and a signal decoder configured to select a first input code from a plurality of input codes, the first input code corresponding to the distance parameter.