Abstract: A user touch input and output display system which combines elements of a capacitive attenuator type touch switch and a display into a single system. In one embodiment type, one of the electrodes of the display performs double duty as a rear pad, for example a transmitter pad, of a capacitive attenuator type touch switch. The other rear pad necessary for operation of a capacitive attenuator touch switch may either be within the same chamber or envelope as the display electrodes, or may be outside the chamber. The display may for example be a gas discharge display, and the shared electrode does double duty as the display anode and a touch switch transmitter pad. Alternatively, the display may be a liquid crystal display. In embodiments where the other rear pad is within the chamber, to avoid noise interference to the touch switch caused by the gaseous discharge, it is preferable to operate the system in a display mode and in a touch switch mode at different times.

Abstract: A user input/output device comprises a lighted, segmented bar graph type display and an array of light transmitting touch sensitive areas superimposed over the bar graph display. A suitable circuit means is responsive to the touch sensitive areas and connected for driving the segments of the bar graph such that when any one of the touch sensitive areas is touched, a corresponding display segment and all display segments to one side are energized and the remaining display elements are de-energized.

Abstract: A substantially constant voltage is maintained across a negative temperature coefficient thermistor having an exponential resistance-temperature characteristic. The resultant current through the thermistor is an exponential function of sensed temperature. In response to this current through the thermistor, current is supplied to a forwardly biased decoder diode having a corresponding exponential current-voltage characteristic so that the resultant voltage across the decoder diode is a substantially linear function of sensed temperature.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch device includes a panel in the form of a dielectric sheet element, a touch pad on the front of the panel, and at least a sensing pad on the rear of the panel. A conductive grounded shield plate is also disposed generally upon the rear side of the panel and substantially surrounds the sensing pad.