Abstract: Disclosed in a wearable electronic device including an optical keypad supported by a keypad housing. The optical keypad may include a plurality of keys disposed along the keypad housing, and a plurality of illumination sources and optical receivers with a corresponding illumination source and optical receiver for each of the plurality of keys. The keypad signal interface may be limited to three connections, to provide a connection for power, a connection for ground, and a connection for data between the keypad housing and the main housing. The electronic device may also include at least one optical receiver configured to be optically coupled to at least one of the plurality of illumination sources, and configured to convert a received optical signal representing data into an electrical signal representing data. The illumination sources may provide optical signals during key presses, and may in addition provide key illumination for unpressed keys.

Abstract: An optical encoder device for a small-sized motor has a code wheel attached to a motor shaft which extends to the exterior of the motor through a bearing accommodated in a bearing-retaining section provided on an end bell of the motor, and a board on which a photosensor module is mounted such that an optical modulation track portion of the code wheel is positioned and disposed in a gap of the photosensor module. While a spacer is sandwiched between the end bell and the board, the motor, the spacer, and the board are fixed together by soldering a pair of motor terminals to a printed wiring portion of the board. The spacer has a generally U-shaped structure so as to allow fitting in position thereof from a direction orthogonal to the motor shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for detecting rotational angle of a rotational element (110), includes a light emitting element (1) and an image detecting element (3). The light emitting element is disposed on the rotational element to emit light. The image detecting element has a plurality of reception zones (31, 32 . . . N) for receiving the light emitted. Each of the reception zones corresponds to an angular section of the rotational element.

Abstract: A laser locus ball apparatus for a wireless keyboard includes a base, a laser source generator, a locus ball, a light sensing element and a key cover. The base provides a lateral plate with a locating hole to locate the laser source generator and has another two opposite lateral plates with an engaging wedge at the bottom edge thereof to engage with the key cover. The top plate of the base has a supporting bore to receive the locus ball. A containing space is formed in the base to accommodate the optical sensing element. The laser source generator emits laser to the lower surface of the locus ball. The locus ball is movably received in and supported with the supporting bore such that the lower surface thereof extending downward from the supporting bore to reflect interference stripe figure during the lower surface of the locus ball receiving the laser. The light sensing element senses the laser interference stripe figure within every preset unit time.

Abstract: A switch arrangement comprises a photoconductor to be illuminated. The switch arrangement also comprises a conductor which is intended to further transmit light escaping from the photoconductor and directed to the conductor by a local contact, wherein the conductor and the photoconductor are further under the control of an external force, arranged to move in relation to each other and to cause the development, loss or change of the contact in such a way that a detectable change is caused in the light guided through it.

Abstract: An optical window is disclosed through which light can be shone to generate a waveform. Windows are hourglass-shaped, to better conform the shape of the windows to the distribution of light intensity. The optical window can be incorporated into a variety of optical devices.

Abstract: A keyboard detects press or release of keys based on laser output which is changed by speckle-modulated self-mixing. Unique targets are attached to keys. As a target is moved into and/or out of the path of a laser, speckling causes light to shine back into the laser's emitting cavity. Variations in laser output are analyzed to identify the key moved and the direction of movement.

Abstract: A photoelectric encoder is provided, which emits light from a light source to a main scale and an index scale that can relatively move with respect to each other and obtains a light-receiving signal by interaction between the main scale and the index scale. The photoelectric encoder uses as the light source an incoherent semiconductor light source (white LED) in which a full width at half maximum of an emission spectrum is wider than that of a monochromatic semiconductor light source. Thus, it is possible to reduce an effect of a gap change on an output signal of the encoder and make positional adjustment easier, thereby improving misalignment characteristics.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: An optical induction/trackball dual-mode mouse is disclosed to include a mouse body, a trackball module installed in the top of the mouse body, a cursor control optical induction module installed in the bottom of the mouse body, and an induction switch mounted inside the mouse body, the induction switch adapted to switch to use the cursor control optical induction module when the mouse body is put on a flat surface, and the induction switch adapted to switch to use the trackball module when the user holding the mouse body in midair.

Abstract: The present invention presents an optical encoder with increased conversion rates. Improvement in the conversion rate is a result of combining changes in the pattern recognition encoder's scale pattern with an image sensor readout technique which takes full advantage of those changes, and lends itself to operation by modern, high-speed, ultra-compact microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSP) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) logic elements which can process encoder scale images at the highest speeds. Through these improvements, all three components of conversion time (reciprocal conversion rate)—namely exposure time, image readout time, and image processing time—are minimized.

Abstract: An illuminated keypad (400) includes a substantially transparent keypad (420) having a plurality of actuator buttons (412), a plurality of switches (404) residing substantially and correspondingly below the plurality of actuator buttons, a display laminate layer (415) residing between the plurality of actuator buttons and the plurality of switches, and a light source (417) reflectively illuminating a pattern of a symbol on the laminate layer by radiating light through the substantially transparent keypad. The display laminate can include a driver layer (406) having a conductor pattern configured in the pattern of the symbol to be displayed on the substantially transparent keypad, a transparent conductor layer (410), and an electrically active ink layer (408) disposed between the transparent conductor layer and the driver layer.

Abstract: An optical keyboard having a plurality of keys formed on a sheet of transparent material used as light guide. Each key is a dome-shaped element such that the light beam launched into one end of the dome-shaped element spreads over at least part of the dome-shaped element and then converges at another end. The intensity of the re-focused light beam at the converging end can be sensed by a photosensor. When a key is pressed, the deformity on the dome-shaped element changes the focusing properties of the key and thus the sensed light intensity. The dome-shaped elements can be used as individual keys or as a group of keys arranged in a two-dimensional matrix.

Abstract: A joystick module in which a toggle arm controls movement of a plurality of shutters, with each shutter arranged between a light receiver and a light emitter. Control of the light from the light receiver to the light emitter of each pair provides signal information for controlled operation of an activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for evaluating a useful signal U(t) originating from a proximity sensor. The device comprises a first recognition means (17) which changes the switching state thereof when the value (U1(t)) of a first signal produced from the useful signal exceeds a first limit value that characterizes the proximity of an object. In addition, a second recognition means (34) is provided which changes the switching state thereof from a first to a second state when the value (U(t)) of the useful signal exceeds a second limit value that characterizes the removal of an object.

Abstract: A displacement information detector in which a coherent luminous flux from a light source is applied to a diffraction grating scale adapted to be relatively moved to generate two diffracted rays of light having different orders, and the two diffracted rays of light are diffracted and deflected in a diffraction grating in which circular or toric curves are arranged in lattice at unequal pitches to be irradiated to the diffraction grating scale again to be rediffracted, and the diffracted rays of light are combined with each other to be made interfere each other, and the resultant interference light is introduced into a light receiving element to thereby detect a periodic signal due to the relative movement of the diffraction grating scale.

Abstract: An input device comprising a fixed light source, a plurality of light detectors surrounding the light source, and a member comprising reflective surface portions slidably mounted above the light source. When the member is slid from a neutral position to one of a plurality of activating position, light from the light source is reflected by one of the reflective surface portions directly from the light source to an associated light detector.

Abstract: An optical encoder whose environmental resistance is improved by increasing the variety of options of materials for a resin-made code plate thereof. Used as material for at least a code pattern of the code plate of the optical encoder is one which meets the condition that the material has spectral transmittance of 70% or more with respect to detection light and that of 50% or less with respect to partial light (for example blue light) of visible wavelengths in translucent sections. If infrared light having wavelengths between 800 nm and 1000 nm is used as detection light, it is preferable to apply polyetherimide, polyethersulfone or polyphenylsulfone as a colored resin material. These materials are excellent in heat resistance, oil resistance, etc., compared to transparent and colorless materials (PMMA, PC, glass, etc.) which have been conventionally used, and hardly cause melting, deformation, white turbidity, etc., in a harsh environment.

Abstract: An optoelectronic keypad and a method for controlling an optoelectronic keypad for a measuring instrument, require a transparent touch screen, at least two touch-sensitive control buttons, at least two light emitters and at least two photodetectors, where said control buttons are located next to each other on one side of the surface of the touch-screen, the light emitters and the photodetectors are situated next to each other on the other side of the touch screen and each one control button, light emitter and photodetector are functionally associated with one another in a way as to constitute one action key, whereby pressing the control button of an action key causes the light emanating from the light emitter of that action key to be reflected at the actuated key and to impinge on the photodetector of that key.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.

Abstract: A keypad device for telephones, mobile phones, remote control units, text and character transmitters, calculators, electronic planners or the like, wherein a control element, when actuated manually by an operator, is adapted to be able to carry out at least two function commands, and preferably wherein the movement of the control element can be felt manually, or optionally is indicated by sound and/or light.

Abstract: An optical induction/trackball dual-mode mouse is disclosed to include a mouse body, a trackball module installed in the top of the mouse body, a cursor control optical induction module installed in the bottom of the mouse body, and an induction switch mounted inside the mouse body, the induction switch adapted to switch to use the cursor control optical induction module when the mouse body is put on a flat surface, and the induction switch adapted to switch to use the trackball module when the user holding the mouse body in midair.

Abstract: A keypad is disclosed for a portable electronic device. The keypad comprises an outer surface and a number of pressable keys (402). Associated with each key there is a pair of conductive contact points (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 1106) separated from each other. A plurality of elastic domes (1103) is located next to the conductive contact points. For each pair of conductive contact points (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 1106) there is an adjacent elastic dome (1103) having a concave side and a convex side, of which the concave side is at least partially conductive and directed towards the pair of conductive contact points. The concave sides of the plurality of elastic domes (1103) are directed towards the outer surface of the keypad.

Abstract: A keypad includes a light emitting source, a light detector and waveguide assembly adapted to receive light from the light emitting source and having a plurality of waveguide branches adapted to conduct light to the light detector. A plurality of user actuated keys is provided. Each key includes a moveable engaging member disposed proximate a waveguide branch to engage the waveguide branch as a function of key operation.

Abstract: A rugged keyboard and cursor positioning device with an inherent restiveness from external fluids to interior keyboard fluid contamination. The key interrupters and cursor positioning device block optical beams for key and cursor positioning detection thus eliminating contacts and contact actuation life. When a key is in the most depressed position the key cap is against the keyboard top surface protecting all internal parts from pressure, or force from harsh use or a vandals blow.

Abstract: With an electronic device, in particular a car radio that includes a microprocessor and operating buttons that can be illuminated by light sources, the functions of illumination and detecting an operating status of the operating buttons are linked together by the fact that the light sources can be supplied with control pulses cyclically in succession as controlled by the microprocessor. The operating buttons each have a light receiver arrangement, which can be connected optically to the light source and whose optical connection to the light source can be varied by operating the respective operating button. The microprocessor is equipped for an allocation of the output signals of the light receiver arrangements to the cyclically emitted pulses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch arrangement comprising photoconductor means to be illuminated. The switch arrangement also comprises conductor means which are intended to further transmit light escaping from the photoconductor means and directed to the conductor means by means of a local contact, wherein said conductor means and said photoconductor means are further, under the control of an external force, arranged to move in relation to each other and to cause the development, loss or change of said contact in such a way that a detectable change is caused in the light guided through it.

Abstract: Methods and systems including a key-using device having at least one key and a microprocessor, the at least one key comprising a flexible display module, the at least one key in communications with the microprocessor, where the microprocessor includes instructions for controlling the appearance of the flexible display module based on at least one of an application and a user profile. The flexible display module can include electronic paper and/or flexible organic optical light emitting devices (FOLEDs). The communications between the microprocessor the flexible display module can be wired and/or wireless.

Abstract: A scale and scale reader are disclosed which may be used to determine absolute position of the reader with respect to the scale in two directions. In an embodiment of the invention a chequered pattern is produced on a scale and block of the pattern may be imaged on a detector and decoded. The blocks contain bits of information which define an absolute position. The pattern may be used also for incremental measurement.

Abstract: A rotary knob, particularly an illuminant rotary knob, provides function selection and execution through single-handed operation. The invention includes a light transparent light guide to couple with a compiling controller to facilitate user operations. A plurality of illuminant elements are located around the compiling controller to project light through the light guide to give the rotary knob an illuminant effect.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems for presenting and delivering user application input choices. One-handed or vocal user input provides chords or syllables. The invention includes systems and methods for presenting user application input choices, chord or syllable based apparatus and sub-systems for generating user application input choices in response to input signals associated with chords or syllables. One embodiment of input device resembles a joystick and includes a base and a key carrier extending from the base. A single key is provided along the top of the carrier, and four keys extend widthwise along a side surface. A system presents and delivers user application input choices. An input device receives chords and syllables. A processor associated with the input device receives chords or syllables and generates input signals, a second processor for receiving and evaluating the input signals and for sending a user application signal to the user application processor of the computer.

Abstract: Ideographic keyboard and method in which an array of characters are printed on one side of a panel and optically readable data corresponding to the characters is recorded on the other side of the panel. A character selector is moved about the first side the panel for selective alignment with the characters, and an optical reader is linked to the character selector for movement about the recorded data in concert with the character selector. The data corresponding to a selected character is read, and a coded signal for the selected character is output in response to the data which is read. In one disclosed embodiment, the data is recorded in the form of bar coding, and the reader is a bar code reader. Precise alignment of the reader with the data for the selected character is assured by reading data from a region larger than the data field itself and extracting the character data in software.

Abstract: A method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal includes (a) filtering the analog signal to the range 0≦fx≦fB; (b) sampling the filtered signal at a rate fS>>fN, where fS is the sampling frequency, fN=2fx is the Nyquist frequency of the sampled signal, and fB≦fS/2 is the constrained signal bandwidth; (c) converting the sampled signal to an optical sampled signal: (d) converting the optical sampled signal from a temporal signal to a spatial signal; (e) illuminating a smart pixel array with the spatial signal; (f) processing the spatial signal with an error diffusion neural network to produce a 2-D binary image; and (g) averaging rows and columns of the 2-D binary image using a digital low pass filter and a decimation circuit.

Abstract: An optical laser numeric keypad (100) provides a digital signal indicative of which of a plurality of key locations is selected. The optical laser numeric keypad (100) comprises a plurality of optical sensors (132 and 134) each configured to respond to a change in a received light quantity and to provide an electrical signal in response to a selection of a key at a key location. The received light quantity of at least one of the plurality of optical sensors (132 and 134) is changeable by selection of a key location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for evaluating a useful signal U(t) originating from a proximity sensor. The device comprises a first recognition means (17) which changes the switching state thereof when the value (U1(t)) of a first signal produced from the useful signal exceeds a first limit value that characterizes the proximity of an object. In addition, a second recognition means (34) is provided which changes the switching state thereof from a first to a second state when the value (U(t)) of the useful signal exceeds a second limit value that characterizes the removal of an object.

Abstract: A musical apparatus which controls a variety of parameters of musical tones by detecting motion of an object in a space adjacent to the musical apparatus. More specifically, the musical apparatus may comprise a musical tone signal generator which generates a musical tone signal, at least one light source which radiates light beams into a space adjacent to the musical apparatus, at least one light detector which detects at least two light beams reflected from an object in the space and generates a detection value for each of said at least two light beams, a computing element which receives the detection values and generates a synthesized value; and a controller which controls parameters of musical tones based on the synthesized value. For example, the synthesized value may be the sum of the detection values, the difference between the detection values, the ratio between the detection values, or some other relationship between the detection values.

Abstract: An input device comprising a fixed light source, a plurality of light detectors surrounding the light source, and a member comprising reflective surface portions slidably mounted above the light source. When the member is slid from a neutral position to one of a plurality of activating position, light from the light source is reflected by one of the reflective surface portions directly from the light source to an associated light detector.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A scanning unit for an optical position measuring device that includes a detector system that has a first reference pulse signal detector region disposed along a measuring direction and a second reference pulse signal detector region disposed along the measuring direction. The relative disposition of the reference pulse signal detector regions in the measuring direction is selected as a function of the structuring of a reference marking field on a scale for generating a reference pulse signal. An incremental signal detector region is disposed along the measuring direction and between the first and second reference pulse signal detector regions to generate at least one incremental signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a keypad for an electronic device including at least one plunger associated with a key, wherein the plunger is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the electronic device. The apparatus is an electrical assembly including a light guide, and at least one electrical component carried by the light guide and positioned to underlie the key for at least one of a) illuminating the key, and b) changing between a first electrical state and a second electrical state in response to the plunger being moved between the first and second positions to indicate that the key has been operated by a user.

Abstract: A keypad for a portable electronic device comprises a number of pressable keys (402). Associated with each key, there are switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) for realizing a switching function as a response to the key being pressed. Additionally there are illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) for illuminating at least a part of the keypad. The illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) comprise light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) such as semiconductor light-emitting devices made of layered foil structures. At least one of said light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) is located in the immediate vicinity of the switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) associated with at least one key.

Abstract: An optical device for quantitative detection of linear or rotary movements, in which light beams from two light emitters pass through a grid disk which images the movement and has translucent areas and opaque areas. A single photo receiver is also provided in which the transmitted light strikes the photo receiver. The light emitters are actuated in a pulsed mode. The pulses are separated from one another in an evaluation circuit that is coupled to the photo receiver.

Abstract: A movable code plate for an optical encoder is given a light path changing function by forming a series of indentations in one or more portions of one surface of the plate. Since these indentation are sufficiently shallow with respect to the thickness of the movable code plate, sufficient strength of the movable plate is maintained. These indentations can be formed on the surface of the movable code plate without a high accuracy. These indentations may be V-shaped grooves or matted surfaces.

Abstract: A key structure comprises base plate, elastic member, frame and cap wherein the conductive membrane thereof is single-film structure, the contact of the conductive membrane corresponding to each key is of meshed-hook shape (), a venting aperture is provided at the center of the contact. A transparent and insulating layer is arranged upon the conductive membrane to prevent the short circuit of the circuit in the conductive membrane. An opening is provided at the transparent and insulating layer and corresponding to the conductive membrane. Both ends of the elastic member are attached to the cap and the transparent and insulating layer by adhesive. A conductive bump with a conductive layer is provided on the elastic member such that the conductive bump of the elastic member is connected to the contact of the conductive membrane and a closed loop is formed within the key when the cap is pressed down, whereby the signal generated by key stroking action is transmitted to the computer.

Abstract: An arrangement for the optical remote control of an apparatus such as a data terminal, an online bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment or the like, employing the palm of a hand or a finger of an operator as a control includes a light transmitter part in which there are several sources of light. The light from each of the sources of light of the light transmitter travel through a first collector member to a presumed keyboard in which a keyboard layout is arranged. Each presumed key in the keyboard layout is connected to at least one source of light in the transmitter part. The image of the source of light is visible at the location of the relevant presumed key. Also provided is a light receiver part and a second collector member through which the image of the source of light at the key in question, travels to the receiver part. A processor controls the operation of the light transmitter part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation detecting device of a multi-rotation body, in which a code plate of an incremental encoder is fixedly mounted to a first rotor which is rotatably supported on a housing; a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor; and furthermore a pair of engaging projections are formed on both sides of a clearance groove formed in the large-diameter portion. A rotating ring is mounted on the inside bottom surface of the housing; on the rotating ring is formed a driven gear through a range of about 90 degrees, and a shield plate is erected in a position corresponding to the driven gear. Five photo-interrupters are arranged astride the shield plate on the path of rotation of the rotating ring, so that the position of the rotating ring can be detected by the ON/OFF operation of the photo-interrupters. On the housing an intermediate gear is rotatably supported, and is in constant mesh with the driven gear.

Abstract: Each component of a modular encoder can be formed so as to be fixed to a rotary shaft of a rotating unit in a horizontal direction (a direction of a shaft line of a rotary shaft). Consequently, the modular encoder can easily be assembled and fixed, and reliability of fixation can be enhanced at the same time. In addition, the modular encoder has an elliptical shape so that a size thereof can be reduced in a direction in which a dimension should be decreased. Furthermore, if the holding member is rotatably fitted in the locking member in such a manner that the holding member can be rotated around the rotary shaft of the rotating unit, a sign plate can easily be aligned.

Abstract: A musical apparatus which controls a variety of parameters of musical tones by detecting motion of an object in a space adjacent to the musical apparatus. More specifically, the musical apparatus may comprise a musical tone signal generator which generates a musical tone signal, at least one light source which radiates light beams into a space adjacent to the musical apparatus, at least one light detector which detects at least two light beams reflected from an object in the space and generates a detection value for each of said at least two light beams, a computing element which receives the detection values and generates a synthesized value; and a controller which controls parameters of musical tones based on the synthesized value. For example, the synthesized value may be the sum of the detection values, the difference between the detection values, the ratio between the detection values, or some other relationship between the detection values.

Abstract: A method of determining an object's position and associated apparatus provides positional information in a form that may be conveniently communicated to a computer to calculate the object's position. In a preferred embodiment, representatively incorporated in a computer keyboard, a method of determining an object's position includes forming an optical grid of reflected beacons and detecting an obstruction of the reflected beacons. The preferred embodiment apparatus utilizes a single light source and a single light sensor to detect an object's position in two dimensions.