Abstract: A controller has a light source, such as a light emitting diode ("LED") and a photosensitive element, such as a photodiode mounted on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller also includes a flexible element having a first shape (e.g. a substantially flat shape) and located adjacent to the substrate opposite to the light source and the photosensitive element. The flexible element transfers a first portion of light from the light source to the photosensitive element. On application of a force to the flexible element (e.g. by touching the flexible element), the flexible element deforms elastically from the first shape into a second shape. In the second shape, the flexible element transfers a second portion of light to the photosensitive element. On cessation of application of the first force, the flexible element reverts back to the first shape, and so transfers the first portion of light to the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A transmitter/receiver module of cordless keyboard assembly adapted to be received and fixed inside a disk driver slot provided on the front panel of a computer casing is disclosed, including a frame sized to be received within the disk driver slot, having two lateral sides each having a slot opposite to each other for receiving a transmitter/receiver circuit module in the form of a circuit board which includes an encoder for setting the operation frequency of the transmitter/receiver circuit by means of at least one manually depressible button provided on the circuit module. The circuit module also has a display for showing the operation frequency thereof. A cover lid made of a material through which the signal from/toward the transmitter/receiver circuit module is transmittable is provided to cover the front opening of the frame. The cover lid is provided with an opening for access to the depessible button and observation of the display.

Abstract: A position transducer determines a current key position through variation of light intensity interrupted by a shutter plate attached to a key, and a semi-column shaped convex lens elongates the light beam radiated from an optical fiber in a direction parallel to the trajectory of the key so that the light beam fully covers the motion of the shutter plate.

Abstract: A user configurable control device is particularly suitable for household devices such as remote control transmitters. A variety of function control elements in the form of keys are provided to the consumer who selects a desired set of the control elements. Each of the control elements has a unique pattern of projections molded into the bottom surface. These projections are in operative alignment with an array of membrane switches disposed on a switching substrate within the control device. The control device includes a front panel that is perforated with a pattern of slots. Each of the control elements has a pair of projecting tabs that look the element onto the control panel so that it is securely retained thereon, but may be released if desired. The projections on the bottom of the element extend through the slots in the front panel to the switching substrate below.

Abstract: Operator interaction with electrical systems is facilitated by providing electromechanical control devices, which have switch buttons, rotary knobs or the like, with flat panel displays that convey information pertaining to the controls that can be changed instantly by a display controller. The display may identify the function of the control, the current setting, create calibration marks or provide other graphics. The images change automatically if the same control is used for multiple functions. In one form of the invention, the display screen has openings in the image area and the controls extend through and protrude from the screen enabling display of graphics in close proximity to the controls. In another form, the settings of controls which are secured to the face of a display screen are optically or magnetically detected by sensors located behind the screen.

Abstract: A full N-key rollover capability information entry device includes first and second sets of intersecting light guides oriented at an angle to one another which may comprise a mesh of waveguides that together form a self-supporting planar sheet of a substantially transparent material at the wavelength of light introduced into one end of at least one of the first and second sets of light guides. This permits each intersection to comprise a common portion of both a light guide of the first set and a light guide of the second set that intersect at that intersection. Detection of changes in the intensity of the light in at least one of the sets of light guides in response to key actuation that blocks a portion of the light at a certain intersection is indicative of that actuated key.

Abstract: A photoelectric control structure for a linear transmission device, including a mount, a transmission gear mounted on the mount and coupled to a motor, a photoelectric circuit board mounted on the mount and having a phototransistor and an infrared light emitting diode which controls the phototransistor, a light chopper turned by the transmission gear to intermittently block light from the light emitting diode toward the phototransistor, and a chopper cover fastened to the mount and covering the light chopper and the photoelectric circuit board for protection, wherein when the motor is started, the transmission gear is driven to turn the light chopper, causing light to intermittently pass through to the phototransistor, and therefore the infrared light emitting diode intermittently drives the phototransistor to send a pulse wave signal to the signal input terminal of a satellite antenna allocator.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument is provided having optical emitters and detectors both positioned beneath each of the instrument's keys, whereby optical energy is emitted upon the bottom reflective surface of the key and the reflected light is detected. The distance between the optoelectronic sensor and the bottom of the key is detected by the light detector which produces an analog output signal and, by measuring the time between a first and second threshold crossing, the key's velocity can be determined. The two thresholds are preferably chosen to measure a rising voltage as the key is depressed, and the threshold values are preferably chosen at 50% of key travel and 75% of key travel. By use of these thresholds, a relatively clean and useful waveform is available at both threshold crossings, particularly since the mechanical movement of the key has nearly reached its terminal velocity.

Abstract: A multipurpose optical intelligent key board apparatus permitting a plurality of key tops made of transparent materials in an optical dot matrix arrangement to be moved upward and downward. It forces the corresponding positions of the optical dot matrix to be turned on or off, so that a computer or an electronic appliance can be operated by predetermined key inputs. Therefore, the function command words and characters appearing on the key tops are displayed by a display device supported by its software.

Abstract: This optoelectronic, finger-operated keyboard for use in industrial measurement equipment is designed to achieve an optimum signal-to-noise ratio and minimize the drop in the intensity of the infrared emitters during the service life of the measurement equipment. The keys for generating respective associated operation signals (n1, n2, n3) have an infrared-transmitting cover (1), one infrared emitter (3) per key disposed at the inside (12) of the cover and emitting light collimated virtually perpendicular thereto, one infrared detector (4) adjacent to each infrared emitter which is separated from the latter by a shield (5) opaque to infrared and is pointed at the cover, said infrared detector being located within the main radiation range of the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter and scattered at a finger (2) but outside the infrared light reflected from the outside and/or inside of the cover.

Abstract: A keyboard in which each key includes a light source and photodetector in a region such as a depression in a panel. The key signal is activated by inserting the finger into the depression so as to interrupt the beam. In one embodiment, the depressions are molded into a plastic surface. In another embodiment, the key support structure is a pair of closely spaced parallel panels. An array of key holes are formed in in one panel. An array of detecors and light sources is mounted on the second panel such that when the panels are assembled together, a light source detector pair is located with each key hole providing that the beam between the light source and photodetector will be interrupted when the user inserts his finger in the hole. In another embodiment, the key board has a pyramidal shape and armrests are provided to reduce repetitve motion stress.

Abstract: A scale comprising a regular arrangement of optically or magnetically different response characteristics such as light reflection and light diffusion portions or light reflection and absorption portions is attached to a moving object either directly or by way of an intermediate member. The scale can be attached to a motor or the like even after assembling with associated mechanical components, thereby enabling easy measurement of the mode of operation of the motor or similar movable objects. The light beam from the light emitting device is directed to the label media and the reflected light beam is received by a light receiving device to identify the individual object or product based on the label.

Abstract: An optical mouse comprises an illumination system for converging light emitted from a light emitting element to a light pattern of a mouse pad, an image forming system for forming an image of the light pattern on the side of a light receiving element and an aspherical lens having a positive refractive index and formed with an aspherical surface in at least one surface thereof. The aspherical surface is used for the illumination system and/or the image forming system. In a preferred form, the aspherical lens is a single lens made of a synthetic resin for constituting the image forming system and satisfying the following optical conditions:2<.vertline..beta..vertline.<150.2<r.sub.1 .multidot.(n-1)/f-3<K.sub.2 <00.012<NA<0.18where .beta.=a magnificationr.sub.1 : a radius of curvature of a surface of the lens on the mouse pad side;n: the refractive index of lens material in wave length: 950 nm);f: a focal distanceK.sub.2 : a cone coefficient; andNA: the number of apertures.

Abstract: The computer system includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys mounted in a supporting frame; a scanning device for sensing activation of keys; a processing device for generating commands and data units from status changes of the keys; a communication device for transmitting the generated commands and data units from the processing device; a rotatable dial having a center, a rotation axis passing through the center and an exposed operating surface and rotatably mounted in the supporting frame so as to be rotatable by contact of at least one finger of an operator with the operating surface at a plurality of radial positions spaced from the center of the dial; a rotational transducer device for generating an output signal according to an angular rotation speed of the dial in predetermined incremental angular units; a device for generating the sequences of repeated commands and data units from this output signal and a device for modifying the sequences of repeated commands and data units by activation of the

Abstract: The present invention teaches a touch activated switch. The switch comprises a light source for generating a light ray. Further, the switch comprises a first lens for collimating the light source's light ray. The first lens, as a result, generates a collimated light ray in a first direction. In a second direction, the first lens forms a first and a second focal point, such that the light source is positioned at the first focal point. Moreover, the switch comprises a second lens for converging the collimated light ray to a surface. This surface scatters the collimated light ray in the direction of the first lens when the surface is substantially touched. The switch also comprises a detector for detecting the collimated light ray which have been scattered by touching the surface, with the detector being positioned at the second focal point, such that the switch is activated in response to touching the surface.

Abstract: A fiber optic controller comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys. Each key has a transmitting fiber and a receiving fiber wired therein. Light is provided to the transmitting fiber by a light emitting diode and travels to the key and, thence, to the receiving fiber by way of a reflective surface on the key which reflects the light when the key is in a depressed or "on" position. An electronic controller is controlled by signals from photo transistors which signals are initiated when light is transmitted by the receiving fiber to the photo transistor. The electronic controller, in turn, activates a power circuit which powers various of the operating components of a spa or hot tub.

Abstract: A switch assembly (100) includes a key area (104) and a light reception section (114) for receiving light from input lightpipe (106) and providing some of the light to key area (104). Switch assembly (100) further includes an output lightpipe (122) and an optical conversion section (116) for modifying the light which is received by output lightpipe (122) when key area (104) is activated.

Abstract: A fingerpoint mouse includes an elastic finger pad having a recess formed therein. The recess is configured to receive a finger such as a user's index finger. A photo-diode attaches to the underside of the recess and photo-voltaic sensing cells form an array opposite the photo-diode beneath the recess. The user applies pressure to the fingerpad and thereby causes the diode to point in a direction opposite the direction of the applied pressure. The diode transmits light which impinges on one or more of the photo-voltaic sensing cells. The photo-voltaic cells generate voltage signals indicative of the direction of the pressure applied by the user on the fingerpad. The voltage signals produced by the photo-voltaic cells are decoded and converted to conventional mouse data. The mouse data is used to position a cursor on a graphics screen so that the user controls the movement of the cursor by applying pressure on the fingerpad in the direction of the desired cursor motion.

Abstract: A touch screen control system having a plurality of light emitter and detector pairs positioned on opposite sides of a touch screen display. The emitters and detectors are controlled by a microprocessor-based control system that energizes each of the light emitters in a pseudorandom manner. Before each light emitter is energized, the intensity of ambient light is measured by its associated light detector, and the ambient temperature is also measured by a temperature sensor. The intensity at which the light emitter is then energized is controlled as a function of ambient light and temperature. The control system generates a bitmap identifying beams from each light emitter to its associated detector that are obscured during each of several scans of the light emitter/detector pairs. In order to reject false receptions of light from an obscured light emitter beam, the control system processes the bitmap through a predetermined voting procedure.

Abstract: A computer input device uses an ordinary sheet material such as a card, letter or envelope to select and point to a symbol. A remote portion of the sheet material covers adjacent light emitters and sensors which sense reflected light from the emitters. A single sensor is associated with multiple symbols and is associated with symbols in at least two specific groups of symbols. A processor is connected to a demultiplexer and a multiplexer, and the demultiplexer and multiplexer are connected to individual sensors. Biasing resistors are connected to individual sensors. The processor selects a pair of connectors from the demultiplexer and multiplexer, thus sampling a particular sensor. The output of that sensor is converted a digital signal, which is sent to the processor and stored in a random access memory.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device includes a first key having a touch surface which, in one mode, is responsive to pressing by a user's finger to indicate a selection associated with the first key, and an array of sensors exposed at the touch surface to detect, in another mode, the location where a finger is positioned on the touch surface as an indication of information to be conveyed by a user. The keyboard also includes a second key having an array of sensors which are exposed at a touch surface of the second key and which are sensitive to manipulations of a finger on the touch surface to provide signals used for switching the first key from the one mode to the other mode.

Abstract: A computer input device uses an ordinary sheet material such as a card, letter or envelope to select and point to a symbol. A remote portion of the sheet material covers sensors which sense available ambient light. Uncovered sensors provide background light information. A single sensor is associated with multiple symbols and is associated with symbols in at least two specific groups of symbols. A processor is connected to a demultiplexer and a multiplexer, and the demultiplexer and multiplexer are connected to individual sensors. Biasing resistors are connected to individual sensors. The processor selects a pair of connectors from the demultiplexer and multiplexer, thus sampling a particular sensor. The output of that sensor is converted a digital signal, which is sent to the processor and stored in a random access memory.

Abstract: A switch assembly has an actuator assembly which is operable to actuate switches between first and second conditions. A pushbutton is movable from an initial position through an intermediate position to a fully actuated position to affect operation of the actuator assembly to actuate the switches from the first condition to the second condition. As the pushbutton moves to the fully actuated position, a holding coil is energized to hold the actuator assembly in the actuated condition to maintain the switches in the second condition upon a releasing of the pushbutton. A control circuit is activated by optical sensors to prevent energization of the holding coil until the pushbutton has been moved from the initial position to the fully actuated position. The control circuit maintains the holding coil energized until the pushbutton has been released for movement back to its initial position and then operated for a second time to its fully actuated position.

Abstract: A photosensor controller is described comprising sensor units 17-0 to 17-7, 18-0 to 18-7, 19-0 to 19-7 and a circuit 16 driving light emitting diodes by a method of time division. Each sensor unit comprises pairs of an LED and a photodiode. After the driving circuit 16 turn on the proceeding LED, if turns off the next LED for a period corresponding to the delay time constant of a detected signal from a photodiode which corresponds to "OFF", making a completely to "0" in this off period of turning off, even in case of waveform rounding. Following this, the next LED is turned on.

Abstract: A keyboard mounted in connection with a circuit board (2) includes a light source (3). A key (1) of the keyboard comprises a key cap (4) and a body part (5) located between the key cap (4) and the circuit board (2). The body part (5) diffusively transmits light. The light source (3) is arranged to conduct light into the body part (5) and to illuminate the key (1). A photoelectric member (6) is mounted on the circuit board (2) under the key (1) and at a distance from the light source (3). There is further arranged a light barrier (7) in connection with the circuit board (2) or with which key (1), the barrier is arranged to shield the photoelectric member (6) from the light of the light source (3) coming from the body part (5) when the key is depressed. The decrease in light provides an electric change (1) in the photoelectric member (6) indicating a depression of the key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that distinguish a valid touch from an optical aberration caused by unwanted objects and/or scratches in the light plane of an optical touch panel device is disclosed. During a training mode the device learns the relative position of "aberration dropouts" caused by the unwanted objects. During normal operating mode the relative positions of "touch and aberration dropouts" are generated and compared with the relative position of aberration dropouts to distinguish between aberration dropout signals and touch dropout signals. The touch dropout signals are subjected to further processing to determine the precise location of a touch while the aberration dropout signals are discarded.

Abstract: A system which can control a plurality of opto-matrix input devices. Each opto-matrix device uses multiplexed scanning of emitter/detector pairs under control of a separate computer. The output of the opto-matrix input device is analog data which is provided to the computer for conversion to digital by the computer. The computer then determines if a stylus is located in the opto-matrix field, and if so, determines the stylus location by analysis of the received data.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch is sealed against the infiltration of contaminants, for example, oil mist within a combustion-powered tool comprising a switch. In a housing structure sealed by an O-ring when assembled, two photoelectric devices define a line of sight therebetween. A plunger is biased to an inoperative position, in which a shutter portion thereof blocks the line of sight. In an operative position, the shutter portion unblocks the line of sight. The plunger has a stem portion sealed by another O-ring. Where electrical leads from the devices extend through apertures defined within the back member, the apertures are sealed by solder used to connect leads to copper layers, which may be screen-printed upon an outer surface of the back member. A cap mounted upon the back member covers the contacts and admits electrical wires soldered to the layers.

Abstract: An infrared touch screen device that is externally adaptable to a video monitor for serving as an input device to a computer connected to the monitor. A bezel is adapted to be releasably secured over a viewing end of a video monitor. A plurality of infrared emitters are disposed along the bezel to form a grid of vertical and horizontal infrared beams in the interior space of the bezel when the emitters are activated. A plurality of infrared sensors are disposed along the bezel. Each sensor is optically aligned with an oppositely disposed one of the emitters. An activating circuit is mounted on the bezel for sequentially activating, in a predetermined sequence, respective ones of the emitters. A scanning circuit is mounted on the bezel for sequentially scanning the sensors in a sequence corresponding to the predetermined sequence, the sensors each producing output signals corresponding to the presence and absence, respectively of an infrared beam emitted by an oppositely disposed infrared emitter.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus for a radio telephone has the keypad circuit (200) inked onto the lightpipe (105), thereby, allowing freedom in designing the shape of the keypad (103) and reducing the amount of circuitry required on the main circuit board (109) contained within the housing (107) of the radiotelephone.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying menu selections, and a touch switch comprising an array of reflective sensors paralleling the menu selections for highlighting a menu choice in response to a user touch, cooperating with a spacebar type switch paralleling the array for depression by the user to execute the highlighted function.

Abstract: In construction of an electronic musical instrument having plural musical tone controllers such as keys, push buttons and an expression pedal unit, a number of pulses are generated depending on the extent of movement of each controller on output lines whose number is smaller than that of the pulses so generated and musical tone control parameters such as tone volume, tone color and tonal pitch are changed in multi-stage fashion in response to the pulses generated. Generation of musical tones is assured whilst well reflecting delicate change in player's emotion via subtle key touch control.

Abstract: A touch screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a viewing surface through which light passes into and out of the display and a back surface comprising a transflector such as transflective film. The transflector reflects some of the light back through the display and viewing surface and transmits some of the light. An array of light dependent resistors (LDRs) or equivalent light detecting devices underlie the transflector and detect a change in the transmitted light caused by a touching of the viewing surface. The light detecting array may be integrated into a keyboard interface. Keys are then displayed on the viewing surface opposite LDRs in the array to indicate where the viewing surface must be touched to actuate a key.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of sensors are placed over the joints of a hand. Each motion sensor comprises an optical fiber disposed between a light source and a light sensor. An upper portion of the fiber is treated so that transmission loss of light being communicated through the optical fiber is increased only when the fiber bends in one direction. In another embodiment of the invention, a flexible tube is disposed in close proximity to a finger joint and bends in response to bending of the finger. A light source and light sensor are provided on opposite ends of the tube for continuously indicating the extent of bending of the tube. A wedge is disposed between the tube and the finger for setting the tube straight when the finger is hyperextended for eliminating the symmetry of the output signal which ordinarily would result from bending of the tube on opposite sides of the axis of movement.

Abstract: A joystick for moving a cursor on a display screen uses an infrared transmitter (34) radiating into a transparent handle (14). As the handle is moved by an operator, infra-red light is directed to one of four optical detectors (31) covering up, down, left and right directions respectively. The device can also detect movement at 45 degrees to any of these directions since light is then directed to two detectors (31). A further four optical detectors (31a) are provided, each arranged adjacent one of the first four detectors (31), so that further movement of the handle in the same direction can be detected. An additional optical detector (37) is arranged to detect downward movement of the handle (14) against a spring (24). The handle is translatably mounted, rather than pivotally mounted as in a stand joystick.

Abstract: A touch input device, suitable for use in detecting the presence of an opaque element within a display area bounded by light emitting elements and light detecting elements includes light emitter activating circuitry in which the light emitting elements are individually selectable. Each light emitting element is contained within a matrix and source drivers and sink drivers are effective to select a specific row and column address for each individual light emitter. Current for the light emitters is provided by a voltage source which is chosen for compatibility with the logic used in the touch input system. A charge pump operating sequentially with the selection light emitting elements is used to establish a voltage greater than the normal supply voltage to overcome the voltage drops of the source and sink driver and the activated light emitter to insure light emission greater than a minimum threshold.

Abstract: A key input apparatus includes a light beam source, a plurality of input keys operable for varying the color of a light beam or intercepting a group or groups of light beams, an optical detector for detecting variations in the color of the light beam or interception of the group or groups of light beams, and a circuit for identifying operated keys based on outputs of the optical detector.

Abstract: An optically activated keyboard having key members, each with a key pad having illuminated symbols at the keypad surface and for contact with the finger of the operator. A plunger is secured to the key pad for operating a device to indicate which key has been depressed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plunger is formed of light transmitting material to transmit light from the interior of the keyboard to the key pad. The key pad has a light transmissive portion with a symbol thereon which is illuminated by the light passing through the plunger to provide the desired illuminated symbol. As a second embodiment, the symbol can be disposed in the light conducting plunger or therebeneath whereby the light entering the transparent key pad is in the shape of the desired symbol in either a negative or a positive representation thereof to project the desired symbol from the key pad.

Abstract: The system unit of an IBM compatible personal computer generates a distinctive audible "Beep" signal from the system unit's own sound transducer in response to the successful decode of a barcode label in a keyboard emulation data collection device such as a barcode reader. To initiate the generation of such a Beep by the system unit, the keyboard emulation system simulates a benign error condition which does not affect the operation of any application programs resident in the system unit and which does not require any modifications to the operating system or any special device drivers for its proper operation.

Abstract: A pen-type computer input device is used to move a cursor on the display of a computer system or enter data such as of figures, letters, numerals, or the like into a computer system. The pen-type computer input device includes a shank, a ball rotatably supported on the tip end of the shank, the ball having a plurality of identifiable regions on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a circuit including a sensor unit for detecting the identifiable regions in response to rotation of the ball, and for detecting the directions in which the ball rotates and the distances by which the ball moves two perpendicular directions in a plane, and producing an output signal representative of the directions and distances. Since the sensor unit can detect the distance by which the pen-type computer input device moves without any mechanical motion transmitting mechanism incorporated in the shank, the pen-type computer input device may be small in size and can be handled with ease.

Abstract: A contactless switch comprising a moveable body assembly including a plunger and a lens carrier received in a casing axially slidable manner between a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are also disposed along and on the axial line of the casing. Thus, the radial dimension of the switch can be reduced, and a compact design is made possible. Additionally, the actuating stroke of the moveable body assembly can be made large without increasing the dimensions of the switch. In particular, since a switch output can be produced from a signal processing circuit when the amount of the light received by the light receiving element has reached a certain predetermined level, the point of activation of the switch can be accurately defined by adjusting a reference level for the level of the light received by the light receiving element, and this adjustment can be easily carried out.

Abstract: An optical coordinate-input system. A plurality of pairs of light-emitting and light-receiving elements are mutually opposed on a two-dimensional input surface and arranged along the X and Y coordinate axes. A driver causes the light-emitting elements to sequentially emit light so as to scan the surface with light beams. A circuit sequentially binarizes signals from the light-receiving elements. When the interruption of the light beams occurs at a portion of the surface, signals from those light-receiving elements corresponding to this portion are also binarized by the circuit. A memory stores the binarized data in the form of units each consisting of a plurality of bits arranged in a sequence corresponding to the arrangement of the light-emitting and light-receiving elements along the X and Y coordinate axes. This writing is controlled so that that data is stored in different addresses. Whenever required, stored data is transmitted, while it is in the same form.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a control signal utilizes a liquid crystal panel and means for transiently forming transparent windows therein. There is a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) adjacent the panel and positioned to pass EMR through transiently open windows. There is an EMR detector positioned adjacent the source and a defined EMR path between the source and detector which path is formed in response to a transiently open window and includes an area for the positioning of an object to occlude the EMR radiation passing between the source and detector. The path also includes a reflector which directs EMR from the source back in the same general direction to the detector. There is a timing and logic circuit correlating the opening of the transient windows and the detection of EMR at said detector to provide a control signal.

Abstract: A touch input device having infrared light beams defined by a plurality of pairs of light emitters and phototransistors is disclosed. A feedback loop containing a programmable amplifier is employed to compensate for the effects of ambient light and for device irregularities. The phototransistor current is first converted to a signal voltage by an operational amplifier and then is input into a low pass filter. The output of the lowpass filter is input into a feedback loop containing a summing amplifier, a programmable amplifier and an integrator. As light emitters and phototransistors are sequentially activated, the feedback loop with the programmable amplifier compares outputs signals in the unactivated state with those input when the light emitters are activated to compensate for ambient conditions and errors.

Abstract: An improved radiant energy distribution and detection apparatus for use with a device for detecting radiant energy reflected from a target zone includes an emission device for generation and emission of radiant energy, a device for redirecting radiant energy along a predetermined path and a detector device for sensing the presence of radiant energy reflected from the target zone. The emission device is stationary and emits a beam of radiant energy toward the redirecting device, which redirects the radiant energy along a primary beam path. The redirecting device also is configured for permitting a return beam of light from the target area to impinge upon the detector device, which is located therebehind with repect to the direction of travel of the return beam. A masking arrangement is employed for substantially limiting light reaching the detector to light from the return beam.

Abstract: An optical keyboard comprising: a flat optical block whose top face (9) is intended to co-operate with the keys (12); light inlets (2) and light detection outlets (3) having intersections (4) which couple one light inlet with one light detection outlet; key-actuated elements situated at the intersections for coupling or decoupling the inlets and the outlets; optical ducts which are unobstructed from a corresponding light inlet to a corresponding matrix intersection, and from a corresponding matrix intersection to a corresponding light detection outlet; and a scanning stage for applying a signal successively to each of the inlets and for observing the state of each of the outlets after each signal application; is characterized in that the light inlets and the light detection outlets are disposed along the same one of the sides (31) of said optical block, with each key emplacement being directly connected to a single light emitter and a single light receiver via respective optical ducts (2, 3).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a control signal includes a liquid crystal panel with means for transiently forming transparent windows therein. There is a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) adjacent one side of the panel and positioned to pass EMR through a first set of transiently open windows adjacent thereto. There is an EMR detector positioned adjacent an opposite side of the panel and positioned to detect EMR from the source which has passed through one or more of the first set of transiently open windows and which has also passed through one or more of a second set of transiently open windows positioned adjacent the detector. There is a timing and logic circuit which correlates the opening of windows in the first set and in the second set whereby an EMR occluding object may be located relative to mutually perpendicular axes, one of which is parallel to both the first and second set of transiently open windows, the location of said occluding object providing a control signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A touch input device which continuously samples and digitally stores ambient light readings and compares these with previously stored readings is taught. Briefly stated, a phototransistor is turned on before, during and after an LED emitter energization. An ambient value is calculated which is subtracted from the value obtained during LED firing so as to develop a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the LED pulse, irrespective of ambient light fluctuations. The ambient level is stored for comparison purposes during the next sampling of the associated phototransistor.

Abstract: An optical flex sensor is provided and consists of a flexible tube having two ends, a reflective interior wall within the flexible tube and a light source placed within one end of the flexible tube and a photosensitive detector placed within the other end of the flexible tube to detect a combination of direct light rays and reflected rays when the flexible tube is bent.

Abstract: An optically activated keyboard provides inputs to a digital computer or the like. The keyboard includes a key housing having formed therein a wave guide matrix of intersecting columns and rows with light emitting diodes (LED's) installed in one end of each column and photo transistors installed in one end of each row. A plurality of keys are mounted at the top surface of the housing, each key having a plunger which projects through a corresponding aperture in the housing, when the key is depressed. The intersections of the columns and rows are located directly beneath the apertures so that when a key is depressed, its plunger intrudes into the volume at the intersection. Each plunger, in concert with the wave guide intersection, forms a light polarizing system. In the preferred embodiment, each plunger has a reflecting face that is angled to reflect light from the LED in the corresponding column into the corresponding row, finally impinging against the appropriate photo transistor.