U.S. patent application number 10/042027 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-16 for variable sensor having tactile feedback in a game control.
Invention is credited to Armstrong, Brad A..
Application Number | 20020058549 10/042027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22401692 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020058549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong, Brad A. |
May 16, 2002 |
Variable sensor having tactile feedback in a game control
Abstract
A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television
according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a
human user to the variable sensor. The variable sensor comprising:
a circuit sheet supporting electrically conductive material,
positioned above the circuit sheet is located a depressible
resilient structure, the resilient structure shaped to provide,
upon depression, a snap tactile feedback, whereby when the finger
of the user applies depressive pressure to the variable sensor a
tactile feedback is provided to the finger indicating that the
variable sensor is activated, and releasing of pressure applied to
the variable sensor provides a tactile feedback to the finger
indicating that the variable sensor is deactivated.
Inventors: |
Armstrong, Brad A.; (Carson
City, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brad A. Armstrong
P.O. Box 1419
Paradise
CA
95967
US
|
Family ID: |
22401692 |
Appl. No.: |
10/042027 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10042027 |
Jan 7, 2002 |
|
|
|
09599095 |
Jun 21, 2000 |
|
|
|
09599095 |
Jun 21, 2000 |
|
|
|
09122269 |
Jul 24, 1998 |
|
|
|
09122269 |
Jul 24, 1998 |
|
|
|
08942450 |
Oct 1, 1997 |
|
|
|
08677378 |
Jul 5, 1996 |
|
|
|
07847619 |
Mar 5, 1992 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05G 9/02 20130101; H01H
2003/008 20130101; H01H 2201/036 20130101; H01H 2229/046 20130101;
H01H 13/70 20130101; H01H 2229/047 20130101; H01H 25/00 20130101;
H01H 2231/008 20130101; G05G 9/04737 20130101; G06F 2200/1612
20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101; G05G 2009/04755 20130101; H01H
2215/006 20130101; H01H 25/008 20130101; G06F 3/03548 20130101;
H01H 2237/002 20130101; H01H 25/002 20130101; H01H 2215/004
20130101; A63F 13/285 20140902; G06F 3/0213 20130101; G05G
2009/04766 20130101; G06F 3/03549 20130101; H01H 13/702 20130101;
H01H 13/785 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television
according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a
user to said variable sensor, said variable sensor comprising: a
portion of a rigid circuit board supporting interdigitated
electrically conductive circuit traces, said circuit board at least
in part supporting a flexible membrane sheet, said flexible
membrane sheet positioned between said circuit board and a
depressible resilient structure, said resilient structure shaped to
provide, upon depression, a snap tactile feedback to a human user,
whereby when the finger of the user applies depressive pressure to
the variable sensor a tactile feedback is provided to the finger
indicating that the variable sensor is activated, and releasing of
pressure applied to the variable sensor provides a tactile feedback
to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is
deactivated.
2. A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television
according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a
human user to said variable sensor, said variable sensor
comprising: a circuit board supporting electrical circuit traces,
positioned above said circuit board is located a depressible
resilient structure, said resilient structure shaped to provide,
upon depression, a snap tactile feedback to the human user, whereby
when the finger of the user applies depressive pressure to the
variable sensor a tactile feedback is provided to the finger
indicating that the variable sensor is activated, and releasing of
pressure applied to the variable sensor provides a tactile feedback
to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is
deactivated.
3. A variable sensor according to claim 2 wherein a flexible
membrane sheet is positioned between said circuit board and said
resilient structure
4. A variable sensor according to claim 3 wherein said resilient
structure includes a deformable surface having an apex located to
contact said flexible membrane sheet.
5. A variable sensor according to claim 4 wherein said flexible
membrane sheet supports electrically conductive material.
6. A variable sensor according to claim 5 wherein said conductive
material is located to contact said circuit traces.
7. A variable sensor according to claim 6 wherein said circuit
traces are interdigitated.
8. A variable sensor according to claim 2 wherein said variable
sensor is positioned at least in part within a hand held device,
said hand held device includes a operationally pivotal first
button, said pivotal first button positioned to be pivotally
operated by a first human finger of the human user, said pivotal
first button structured to operate a proportional sensor, whereby
variable operation of said pivotal first button variably controls
the electronic game imagery.
9. A variable sensor according to claim 8 wherein said hand held
device includes an operationally pivotal second button, said
pivotal second button positioned to be pivotally operated by a
second human finger of the human user, said pivotal second button
structured to operate a proportional sensor, whereby variable
operation of said pivotal second button variably controls the
electronic game imagery.
10. A variable sensor according to claim 9 wherein said hand held
device includes active tactile feedback structures.
11. A variable sensor according to claim 10 wherein said active
tactile feedback structures comprise a motor and offset weight.
12. A variable sensor according to claim 11 wherein said hand held
device includes a sensor having an output signal representing only
On/Off data.
13. A variable sensor according to claim 12 wherein said variable
sensor outputs signals representing On/off data and proportional
data.
14. A variable sensor according to claim 2 wherein said variable
sensor is positioned at least in part within a hand held device,
said hand held device includes a right-hand area and a left-hand
area, said variable sensor is located in said right-hand area.
15. A variable sensor according to claim 14 wherein said variable
sensor is activated by depression of a thumb depressible button,
said thumb depressible button located in said right-hand area and
positioned to be depressed by a right hand thumb of the user.
16. A variable sensor according to claim 15 wherein said variable
sensor outputs signals representing On/off data and proportional
data.
17. A variable sensor according to claim 16 wherein said hand held
device includes a second variable sensor located in said right-hand
area.
18. A variable sensor according to claim 17 wherein said hand held
device includes a third variable sensor and a fourth variable
sensor, the second, third and fourth sensors associated with
second, third and fourth independent buttons, the buttons located
in said right-hand area positioned to be depressed by a right-hand
thumb of the user.
19. A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television
according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a
human user to said variable sensor, comprising: a rigid support
board supporting an electrically non-conductive flexible membrane
sheet supports at least one electrical conductor, positioned above
said flexible membrane sheet is located a depressible resilient
structure carrying electrically conductive material, said
electrically conductive material having a deformable substantially
convexed surface having an apex, said apex positioned to contact
said at least one electrical conductor; said resilient structure
shaped to provide, upon depression a soft snap tactile feedback to
the human user, whereby when the finger of the user applies
depressive pressure to the variable sensor a tactile feedback is
provided to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is
activated, and releasing of pressure applied to the variable sensor
provides a tactile feedback to the finger indicating that the
variable sensor is deactivated; a hand held housing includes said
variable sensor; further included in said hand held housing is
means for active tactile feedback; a four way rocker is located in
a left-hand area of said housing; a second variable sensor is
positioned within a right-hand area of said housing, said second
variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a second single
individual button; a third variable sensor is positioned within
said right-hand area of said housing, said third variable sensor
actuated by variable depression of a third single individual
button; a fourth variable sensor is positioned within said
right-hand area of said housing, said fourth variable sensor
actuated by variable depression of a fourth single individual
button; an On/Off sensor is positioned within said housing located
between said right-hand area and said left-hand area.
20. A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control imagery of an electronic game shown on a
television according to variable depressive force applied by a
finger of a hand of a human user to said variable sensor,
comprising: a circuit board supporting a flexible membrane sheet
supporting electrically conductive material, positioned above said
flexible membrane sheet is located a depressible resilient
structure, said resilient structure shaped to provide, upon
depression, a soft snap tactile feedback to the human user, whereby
when the finger of the user applies depressive pressure to the
variable sensor a tactile feedback is provided to the finger
indicating that the variable sensor is activated, and releasing of
pressure applied to the variable sensor provides a tactile feedback
to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is deactivated;
said variable sensor is combined with structure providing active
tactile feedback, whereby the electronic game causes said structure
providing active tactile feedback to create vibration felt by the
hand of the user.
21. A variable sensor according to claim 20 wherein the variable
depressive force applied by the finger of the human user to said
variable sensor is applied through a single independent button
which presses against said depressible resilient structure.
22. A variable sensor according to claim 20 wherein said circuit
board supports at least two electrically conductive circuit
traces.
23. A variable sensor according to claim 22 wherein said at least
two electrically conductive circuit traces are interdigitated at a
location under said conductive material.
24. A variable sensor according to claim 23 wherein upon depression
of said depressible resilient structure said conductive material
contacts the interdigitated portion of said circuit traces.
25. A variable sensor according to claim 24 wherein said variable
sensor is located in a hand held housing having a right-hand area
and a left-hand area.
26. A variable sensor according to claim 25 wherein a four way
rocker is located in said left-hand area of said housing, and said
variable sensor is located in said right-hand area of said
housing.
27. A variable sensor according to claim 26 wherein a On/Off sensor
is located in said housing between said right-hand area and said
left-hand area.
28. A variable sensor according to claim 27 wherein a second
variable sensor is positioned within said right-hand area of said
housing, said second variable sensor actuated by variable
depression of a second single individual button.
29. A variable sensor according to claim 24 wherein said variable
sensor outputs signals representing On/Off data and proportional
data.
30. A variable sensor according to claim 29 wherein said variable
sensor is located in a hand held housing having a right-hand area
and a left-hand area.
31. A variable sensor according to claim 30 wherein a four way
rocker is located in said left-hand area of said housing, and said
variable sensor is located in said right-hand area of said
housing.
32. A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to
variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television
according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a
human user to said variable sensor, comprising: a rigid support
board supporting a flexible membrane sheet supporting electrically
conductive material, said conductive material positioned to contact
at least one electrical circuit trace; a depressible resilient
structure having a deformable surface having an apex, said apex
positioned to contact said flexible membrane upon depression of
said depressible resilient structure; depression of said
depressible resilient structure also creating a soft snap tactile
feedback to the human user, whereby when the finger of the user
applies depressive pressure to the variable sensor a tactile
feedback is provided to the finger indicating that the variable
sensor is activated, and releasing of pressure applied to the
variable sensor provides a tactile feedback to the finger
indicating that the variable sensor is deactivated; a hand held
housing includes said variable sensor; further included in said
hand held housing is means for active tactile feedback; a four way
rocker is located in a left-hand area of said housing; a second
variable sensor is positioned within a right-hand area of said
housing, said second variable sensor actuated by variable
depression of a second single individual button; a third variable
sensor is positioned within said right-hand area of said housing,
said third variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a
third single individual button; a fourth variable sensor is
positioned within said right-hand area of said housing, said fourth
variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a fourth single
individual button; an On/Off sensor is positioned within said
housing located between said right-hand area and said left-hand
area.
33. A variable sensor according to claim 32 wherein a third
variable sensor is positioned within said right-hand area of said
housing, said third variable sensor actuated by variable depression
of a third single individual button, and a fourth variable sensor
is positioned within said right-hand area of said housing, said
fourth variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a fourth
single individual button.
34. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry, said
variable sensor operated by variable depression of a single button,
said single button variably depressed by a single finger of a hand
of a user, variable operation of said variable sensor variably
controls electronic game imagery, and operation of said variable
sensor at least provides a soft snap tactile feedback to the finger
of the user.
35. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 34 wherein said electrical circuitry reads said variable
sensor and said electrical circuitry enables active tactile
feedback to be sent to the hand of the user.
36. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 34 wherein said variable sensor includes a resilient dome
cap depressible by said button.
37. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 36 wherein said dome cap supplies said soft snap tactile
feedback through said button to the finger of the user.
38. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 37 wherein said dome cap comprises rubber material.
39. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 37 wherein said dome cap comprises metallic material.
40. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry, said
variable sensor operated by variable depression of a single button,
said single button variably depressed by a single finger of a hand
of a user, variable operation of said variable sensor variably
controls electronic game imagery, and operation of said variable
sensor at least provides a soft snap tactile feedback to the finger
of the user; said electrical circuitry reads said variable sensor
and said electrical circuitry enables active tactile feedback to be
sent to the hand of the user; said variable sensor includes a
resilient dome cap depressible by said button, said dome cap
supplies said soft snap tactile feedback through said button to the
finger of the user.
41. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry and
elements according to claim 40 are supported by a hand grasped
housing, said housing further including a first proportional sensor
activated by depression of a first pivotal button, and a second
proportional sensor activated by depression of a second pivotal
button.
42. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 41 wherein said single button is positioned for thumb
depression.
43. A variable sensor and associated electrical circuitry according
to claim 42 wherein said hand grasped housing includes structuring
enabling active tactile feedback.
44. A variable sensor combined with electronic imagery controls,
said variable sensor structured for receiving variable depressive
force applied to a single independent button by only a single human
finger, said variable sensor including a depressible resilient dome
cap, said dome cap structured to provide, upon depression of said
dome cap, a soft snap tactile feedback to the human finger.
45. A variable sensor according to claim 44 wherein electrically
conductive material is carried by said dome cap.
46. A variable sensor according to claim 45 wherein said conductive
material deforms under said depressive force.
47. A variable sensor according to claim 46 wherein said variable
sensor is located in a right-hand area of a housing, and a four way
rocker is located in a left-hand area of said housing.
48. A variable sensor according to claim 46 wherein said variable
sensor is structured in combination with means for providing active
tactile feedback.
49. A variable sensor according to claim 46 wherein said variable
sensor outputs signals representing On/off data and proportional
data.
50. A variable sensor according to claim 49 wherein said variable
sensor is structured in combination with means for providing active
tactile feedback.
51. A variable sensor according to claim 50 wherein said variable
sensor is activatable by depression of a button, said sensor and
said button are positioned in a right-hand area of a housing, and a
four way rocker is positioned in a left-hand area of said
housing.
52. A variable sensor according to claim 51 wherein said electronic
imagery is an electronic game displayed by a television.
53. A variable sensor according to claim 52 wherein said housing is
hand-held, and said means for providing active tactile feedback is
located within said housing.
54. A variable sensor according to claim 53 wherein a second
variable sensor is positioned within said housing, said second
variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a second button,
said second button located in said right-hand area of said
housing.
55. A variable sensor according to claim 54 wherein a third
variable sensor is positioned within said housing, said third
variable sensor actuated by variable depression of a third single
individual button positioned in said right-hand area of said
housing, and a fourth variable sensor is positioned within said
housing, said fourth variable sensor actuated by variable
depression of a fourth single individual button positioned in said
right-hand area of said housing.
56. A method of using a variable pressure analog sensor, depressed
by a human thumb, to control variable movement of imagery in an
electronic game, said method including the acts: a) decreasing
pressure on said analog sensor, followed by b) receiving a soft
snap tactile feedback, followed by c) increasing pressure on said
analog sensor, said increasing pressure applied according to said
imagery and substantially because of said receiving a soft snap
tactile feedback.
57. A method according to claim 56 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is movement of a viewpoint through three-dimensional
graphics.
58. A method according to claim 56 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is variable movement of a game object.
59. A method according to claim 58 wherein said game object is a
three-dimensional game object located within a three-dimensional
graphics display.
60. A method according to claim 56 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is movement of a game character in three-dimensional
graphics.
61. A method of using a variable sensor depressed by a human finger
to variably control movement in an electronic game, said method
including the acts: a) depressing said variable sensor with varying
pressure; b) receiving a user snap-through discernable tactile
feedback.
62. A method according to claim 61 wherein said depressing includes
depressing harder to make a controllable game character, of said
electronic imagery, jump higher.
63. A method according to claim 61 wherein said depressing includes
increasing depressive pressure to make a simulated race car, of
said electronic imagery, slow according to the increasing
depressive pressure.
64. A method of variably controlling electronic imagery by using a
variable sensor, said method including the acts: a) pressing, with
a human finger, a button associated with the variable sensor; b)
receiving, through said finger, a snap-through threshold tactile
feedback.
65. A method of controlling electronic imagery according to claim
64 wherein said pressing includes pressing harder to make a
controllable game character, of said electronic imagery, jump
higher.
66. A method of controlling electronic imagery according to claim
64 wherein said pressing includes increasing pressure to make a
simulated race car, of said electronic imagery, slow according to
the increasing pressure.
67. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television, comprising: receiving a first signal useful for
controlling the electronic game, said first signal representing
variable input applied to a variable sensor by a single finger of a
hand of a human user; sending a tactile feedback signal to cause
vibration to be felt by the hand of the user; receiving a second
signal useful for controlling the electronic game, said second
signal representing variable input applied to a second variable
sensor; receiving a first bi-directional signal useful for
controlling the electronic game, said first bi-directional signal
representing variable input applied to a first bi-directional
proportional sensor; receiving a second bi-directional signal
useful for controlling the electronic game, said second
bi-directional signal representing variable input applied to a
second bi-directional proportional sensor; receiving a third
bi-directional signal useful for controlling the electronic game,
said third bi-directional signal representing variable input
applied to a third bi-directional proportional sensor; receiving a
fourth bi-directional signal useful for controlling the electronic
game, said fourth bi-directional signal representing variable input
applied to a fourth bi-directional proportional sensor.
68. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television according to claim 67 wherein said first signal
represents variable pressure applied to the variable sensor.
69. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television, comprising: receiving a first signal useful for
controlling the electronic game, said first signal representing
variable input applied to a variable sensor by a single finger of a
hand of a human user; sending a tactile feedback signal to cause
vibration to be felt by the hand of the user.
70. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television according to claim 69 wherein said method further
includes receiving a second signal useful for controlling the
electronic game, said second signal representing variable input
applied to a second variable sensor.
71. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television according to claim 70 wherein said method further
includes receiving a first bi-directional signal useful for
controlling the electronic game, said first bi-directional signal
representing variable input applied to a first bi-directional
proportional sensor; receiving a second bi-directional signal
useful for controlling the electronic game, said second
bi-directional signal representing variable input applied to a
second bi-directional proportional sensor.
72. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television according to claim 71 wherein said method further
includes receiving a third bi-directional signal useful for
controlling the electronic game, said third bi-directional signal
representing variable input applied to a third bi-directional
proportional sensor; receiving a fourth bi-directional signal
useful for controlling the electronic game, said fourth
bi-directional signal representing variable input applied to a
fourth bi-directional proportional sensor.
73. A method of interacting with an electronic game displayed on a
television according to claim 72 wherein said first signal
represents variable pressure applied to the variable sensor.
74. A method of using a variable pressure analog sensor, depressed
by a human thumb, to control variable movement of imagery in an
electronic game, said method comprising: a) decreasing pressure on
said analog sensor, followed by b) receiving a soft snap tactile
feedback, followed by c) increasing pressure on said analog sensor,
said increasing pressure applied according to said imagery and
substantially because of said receiving a soft snap tactile
feedback.
75. A method according to claim 74 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is movement of a viewpoint through three-dimensional
graphics.
76. A method according to claim 75 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is variable movement of a game object.
77. A method according to claim 75 wherein said game object is a
three-dimensional game object located within a three-dimensional
graphics display.
78. A method according to claim 74 wherein said variable movement
of imagery is movement of a game character in three-dimensional
graphics.
79. A method of using a variable sensor depressed by a human finger
to variably control movement in an electronic game, said method
comprising: a) depressing said variable sensor with varying
pressure; b) receiving a user snap-through discernable tactile
feedback.
80. A method according to claim 79 wherein said depressing includes
depressing harder to make a controllable game character, of said
electronic imagery, jump higher.
81. A method according to claim 79 wherein said depressing includes
increasing depressive pressure to make a simulated race car, of
said electronic imagery, slow according to the increasing
depressive pressure.
82. A method of variably controlling electronic imagery by using a
variable sensor, said method comprising: a) pressing, with a human
finger, a button associated with the variable sensor; b) receiving,
through said finger, a snap-through threshold tactile feedback.
83. A method of controlling electronic imagery according to claim
82 wherein said pressing includes pressing harder to make a
controllable game character, of said electronic imagery, jump
higher.
84. A method of controlling electronic imagery according to claim
82 wherein said pressing includes increasing pressure to make a
simulated race car, of said electronic imagery, slow according to
the increasing pressure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/PATENTS
[0001] This is a continuation of pending allowed U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/599,095 filed Jun. 21, 2000 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/122,269 filed
Jul. 24, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,886, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/942,450
filed Oct. 1, 1997 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,802. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/599,095 is also a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/677,378 filed Jul. 5, 1996 now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,222,525 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 07/847,619 filed Mar. 5, 1992 now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,589,828. A priority claim under 35 USC 120 is made to the
above Applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to sensors utilizing
flexible dome-caps such as are used in the prior art as simple
momentary-On electrical switches. The present invention is
specifically directed toward new uses of elastomeric flexible
injection molded dome-cap sensors, specifically teaching such
devices as analog sensors having tactile feedback especially well
suited for electronic game control.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Prior Art
[0005] While there is a substantial amount of prior art of record,
none of the prior art alone or in proper combination teaches or
suggests the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The following detailed description is of best modes and
preferred structures for carrying out the invention, and although
there are clearly some changes which can be made to that which is
specifically herein described and shown, for the sake of briefness
of this disclosure, all of these changes which fall within the
scope of the present invention have been not herein detailed, but
will become apparent to those skilled in the art with a study of
this disclosure. The specification of my pending and allowed U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/599,095 as well as my U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,565,891; 5,589,828; 5,999,084; 6,102,802; 6,135,886; 6,208,271;
6,222,525; and 6,310,606 are all herein incorporated by reference
for the positive data therein useful for supporting the more rapid
understanding/appreciation of the present invention.
[0007] The elastomeric injection molded dome-cap provide an
extremely low cost member capable of serving multiple functions all
of which can be advantageous and beneficial for a variable sensor,
preferably one engineered with a break-over or threshold snap
tactile feedback used or incorporated with electronic game control.
Such multiple functions of the elastomeric one-piece injection
molded dome-cap can include: the dome-cap serving as an inexpensive
return spring for ensuring termination of pressure on the active
element; the top exterior of the dome-cap providing a finger
engagement surface when properly fashioned for serving as a finger
placement surface on which a user can press absent a requirement of
additional button caps or triggers atop the dome-cap; a seal or
debris excluder over electric component surfaces which could be
adversely affected by the entrance of foreign matter; tactile
feedback to the user upon actuation and de-actuation of the active
element or sensor; an ergonomically correct depressible surface
which is variably depressible through a wide range, generally
absent an uncomfortable hard-stop at the bottom of the depressive
stroke; and the injection molded dome-cap providing these functions
can be mounted on various base materials such as flexible membrane
circuit sheets, rigid circuit sheets or boards and flexible
membranes supported or stiffened by rigid sheet boards which can
themselves possess circuitry.
[0008] Additionally, the injection molded dome-cap can be
manufactured in multiple dome-caps in a single injection molded
sheet wherein all of the dome-caps can be utilized as novel
pressure sensors or some of the dome-caps can be novel pressure
sensors mixed with other dome-caps used as traditional momentary-On
switches. Such multiple dome-cap sheets can be highly useful in
devices such as television, and the like, remote control devices
wherein many functions may be best served with momentary-On
switches while other functions (e.g. channel and/or volume
scrolling buttons) can be best served with variable-conductance
pressure sensors, preferably using the teachings herein.
[0009] Durable and low cost pressure-sensitive analog sensors would
be of benefit in many host devices to offer the user increased
control options, the ability to variably increase and reduce the
sensor output dependent on pressure exerted by the user to the
dome-cap so that, for example, images may selectively move faster
or slower on a display, timers, settings within a range,
adjustments and the like may change faster or slower dependant on
the pressure applied by the user.
[0010] Another benefit of the use of my discovery is in game pads
of the type which traditionally have elastomeric dome-cap sensors
used only as momentary-On sensors, but with the present invention,
the user can press harder to make a controllable character jump
higher or run faster for example.
[0011] Another benefit of the use of my discovery is in mouse type
computer control devices which may have a two or four way rocker
for scrolling windows. These currently existing mouse controllers
utilize momentary-on switches, some being elastomeric dome-caps,
and all would be greatly advantaged with use of the novel analog
dome-cap sensors described herein.
[0012] Another benefit of the use of my discovery is in keyboard
type computer control devices which may have a two or four way
rocker, or independent keys, for scrolling windows. Such a novel
computer keyboard would be greatly advantaged with use of the novel
analog dome-cap sensors described herein.
[0013] Another benefit of the use of my discovery is in joystick
type devices having buttons and/or trigger on the handle or
graspable member. Such buttons and/or trigger, which in the prior
art are momentary-On switches, can be benefited by implementation
of the present invention.
[0014] Another benefit of the use of my discovery is in ease of
changeover by manufactures who currently make host devices
including housings with circuit boards therein, elastomeric
dome-cap sensors associated with the circuit boards, openings
through the housings to allow access to the dome-caps to allow
depression thereof, and in some cases button and/or trigger style
covers over the injection molded dome-caps. In order to gain the
benefit of the present invention, such manufacturers will only need
to apply new or modified circuitry on the circuit boards capable of
reading any one of at least three readable states (electric states)
or many more of the dome-cap sensor indicative of at least three
states of the dome-cap and active element which can represent at
least: 1) no pressure thereon, 2) low pressure and 3) high pressure
applied to the dome-cap and thus the active element. Preferably,
the dome-cap sensor will be employed in a manner wherein not just
three but many states are read, thus ensuring high resolution
reading of a variably changing input.
[0015] Yet another benefit of the use of my discovery is that not
only can a typical prior art dome-cap style switch be used as a
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor (analog sensor or
variable sensor), but if desired, such a sensor can also supply the
user with a tactile feedback on actuation of the sensor, and even
further upon de-activation of the sensor. Benefits of the tactile
feedback include a reduction of potential confusion on the part of
the user as to when the sensor is actuated and de-actuated. For
example, if an analog sensor or sensor used as an analog sensor of
the type not having tactile feedback is minimally activated, it is
difficult for the user in some instances to determine whether the
sensor is still minimally activated or is entirely de-activated. If
the user is playing an electronic game utilizing a variable
pressure analog sensor to control movement as he slowly approaches
the edge of a cliff which he might fall off of, and the user
desires to get very close to the edge but not fall off, the user
would be depressing very lightly on the sensor, and absent tactile
feedback would not be immediately aware when he inadvertently
decreased the depression enough to fully deactivate the sensor.
[0016] These, and other advantages and benefits of the present
invention will become increasingly appreciated with continued
reading, a review of the included drawings; and a reading of the
specifications and review of the drawings of my patents and patent
applications which are herein incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
injection molded one-piece dome-cap sensor. The sensor is shown
with the active element attached to the underside or bottom of the
raised dome-cap and thus the active element is carried by and
within the dome-cap.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a simple electrical circuit arranged to be an
analog sensing circuit and utilizing the elastomeric dome-cap
sensor of FIG. 1 as a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
sensor in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
injection molded one-piece dome-cap sensor. The shown sensor is a
structural arrangement wherein the active element is shown atop and
spanning across the two proximal conductive elements and within the
injection molded dome-cap but not carried by the dome-cap. The
elastomeric injection molded dome-cap is shown in a raised position
above the active element.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a simple electrical circuit arranged to be an
analog sensing circuit and utilizing the elastomeric dome-cap
sensor of FIG. 3 as a variable-conductance sensor in accordance
with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
dome-cap sensor with the dome-cap depressed and representing the
dome-cap sensors of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 in a state wherein
compression or force of some level is applied to the active
element. The active element is shown within the dome-cap and could
be carried by the dome-cap as shown in FIG. 1, or within the
dome-cap but not carried by the dome-cap as shown in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
injection molded one-piece dome-cap using sensor. The active
element is shown sandwiched between two membrane sheets which are
separated by a center membrane sheet having a hole which is filled
with the active element. The active element is shown beneath the
underside center of the raised one-piece injection molded
elastomeric dome-cap and below or outside of the dome-cap. In this
illustration, the active element is shown neither carried by the
dome-cap nor within the dome-cap.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows an elastomeric dome-cap sensor indicated as a
variable resistor connected to an analog-to-digital conversion
circuitry (ADC) which is shown coupled to digital circuitry for
storing and outputting digital information.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
dome-cap sensor 10 in accordance with the prior art as can be used
in a novel new use of such a sensor in accordance with the present
invention, and in a novel new structural arrangement as herein
disclosed in accordance with the present invention. Sensor 10 is
shown in the deactivated state or condition with the elastomeric
one-piece injection molded dome-cap 12 raised and thus the active
element 14, i.e., conductive pill is shown raised and disengaged
from the two proximal conductive elements 16, 18. The active
element 14 is attached to the underside of dome-cap 12 and is thus
carried by the dome-cap, the attaching most commonly being by the
dome-cap 12 being formed by injection molding to the pre-formed
active element 14 which has been inserted into the molding cavity
prior to the injecting of the thermoset rubber commonly used to
make highly durable dome-caps 12. Multiple shot injection or
adhesive attachment or any other suitable connection can be used to
connect active element 14 to injection molded dome-cap 12.
Conductive elements 16, 18 are shown attached to or supported by a
typically non-conductive base 20 which is a circuit board, flexible
membrane sheet, combination thereof or the like. Dome-cap 12 is
typically hemi-spherically or alternatively conically shaped and
smaller at the end thereof furthest from base 20, and thus
typically annular at the larger end thereof; and is shown with an
outward extending flange 22 at it's bottom end extending parallel
to base 20. Flange 22 is typically integrally injection molded or
in one-piece with the balance of dome-cap 12. Flange 22 can be
adhered in place to base 20 such as with adhesives or dome-cap 12
can be otherwise held in proper location to base 20 and conductive
elements 16, 18 such as with mechanical restraints, as for example
by sandwiching flange 22 between portions of a housing or the like,
or by having the upper portion of dome-cap 12 positioned within a
movement restricting opening in a housing which only allows the
upper portion to move toward and away from base 20 and conductive
elements 16, 18.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the most preferred sensor embodiment for use
with or in conjunction with the present invention for such reasons
as, ubiquitous familiarity, ready availability, proven durability,
exceptional low cost and superior functionality. The superior
functionality in comparison to the sensors of FIGS. 3 and 6 is in
the fact that active element 14 is not in constant contact with
conductive elements 16, 18 when dome-cap 12 is not depressed. This
provides a positive deactivated state wherein no current can flow
between conductive elements 16 and 18 when dome-cap 12 is not
depressed. Injection molded dome-caps 12 are also commonly
available having pre-engineered different tactile feedback
producing levels.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a simple electrical circuit structured to be an
analog sensing circuit and utilizing the elastomeric dome-cap
sensor 10 of FIG. 1 as a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
sensor. "Analog sensing circuit" is one which is structured to be
at least in part manipulated or controlled by operation of an
analog sensor. Also specifically shown is a battery 24 as an
example of an electrical power source in the circuit, and a meter
26 including an electro-magnetic coil engaged to a moveable
indicating needle adjacent a printed scale or range gauge and
capable of showing varying conductivity across the elastomeric
dome-cap sensor 10. The dome-cap sensor 10 is indicated in the
circuit as being in what could be considered a first or open state
in this example. It should be understood that depressive pressure
applied to the dome-cap 12 will move the raised portion of the
dome-cap 12 toward base 20 sufficiently to bring the active element
14 into contact with both conductive elements 16, 18, and with
sufficient pressure, and varying pressure well within a range
readily applied by a human finger, the sensor 10 will be moved to
second and third, etc. states with increasing applied pressure, and
the different states in this example, because this is an analog
circuit, will be indicated by the needle of the meter 26 being
positioned left, right or at various states in between on the
scale. The scale of meter 26 in this example includes marks which
the needle moves through, in this example the needle moving to the
right as the resistivity of the active element 14 decreases. It can
be appreciated that while the marks are only printed on the scale,
each mark represents a position the needle can pass through, and an
electrical state of the sensor in which each can have a digital bit
assignment associated therewith. In this example, higher pressure
to dome-cap 12 and active element 14 would move the needle further
to the right indicating lower resistivity, i.e. greater
conductivity of active element 14. As those skilled in the art can
appreciate and as will be further discussed below, digital bit
assignments can be made for any level or state of conductivity and
at least two bits of digital information are required for
identifying more than two readable states.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
dome-cap sensor 28 structured with the active element 14 mounted
atop and spanning across the two proximal conductive elements 16,
18. The dome-cap 12 is shown in a raised position above the active
element 14 and the sensor is shown in what can be used as or
considered as a deactivated state or condition since no compressive
pressure or force is being applied to active element 14. The pill
or active element 14 of a typical prior art dome-cap sensor is a
moderate to poor conductor when not compressed and becomes a much
improved conductor under compression, and this means that if active
element 14 of the FIG. 3 sensor is made of the same material
commonly used as the active element in prior art dome-cap sensors,
then when the dome-cap is raised as shown in FIG. 3, minimal
current can flow between the two proximal conductive elements 16,
18. Such minimal current flow is to a lessor extent than if the
active element were under compression, and so this lessor extent,
if desired, can be treated as and assigned a bit assignment
representing a deactivated state with the activated states being
associated with the varying conductivity of the active element 14
when under varying degrees of compression. Active element 14 is
shown in FIG. 3 within the dome-cap but not carried by the dome-cap
12.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a simple electrical circuit arranged to be an
analog sensing circuit and utilizing the elastomeric dome-cap
sensor 28 of FIG. 3 as a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
sensor in combination with a meter 26. The needle of meter 26 is
shown moved somewhat to the right to indicate compressive force
being applied to active element 14 with dome-cap 12 depressed as
shown in FIG. 5 wherein the sensor is in an activated state.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
dome-cap sensor with the sensor shown in the activated state or
condition with the dome-cap 12 depressed and representing the
dome-cap sensors of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 in the activated state,
i.e., activated state herein meaning with the active element 14 is
under a degree of compression from the depressed dome-cap 12.
Deactivated state meaning the active element 14 is not being
compressed by the dome-cap 12.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a median cross section view of an elastomeric
dome-cap sensor 30 in the deactivated state or condition with
active element 14 sandwiched between two non-conductive flexible
membrane sheets 32, 34 which are separated by a center membrane
sheet 36 which includes a hole therein which contains active
element 14. The membrane sheets are shown atop a stiff base 20
beneath the underside center of the raised dome-cap 12 which is
mounted atop the upper most membrane sheet. Two proximal conductive
elements 16, 18 are shown between the membrane sheets 32, 34 and
contacting opposite sides of active element 14. The proximal
conductive elements 16, 18 can be printed conductive ink on
membranes 32 and 34. Active element 14 which is not carried by
dome-cap 12 is shown beneath the underside center of the raised
dome-cap 12 and outside of, or not within dome-cap 12, but rather
is below the bottom surface of flange 22. The dome-cap 12 can be
manually depressed to move toward base 20 to apply pressure on the
nearest membrane sheet 32 which will flex and transfer depressive
force into active element 14 which will alter it's conductivity
relative to the degree of compression or force, thus altering the
conductivity through active element 14 between proximal conductive
elements 16, 18.
[0031] FIG. 6 additionally shows that dome-cap 12 can be
manufactured with uniform wall thickness such as to accommodate
certain materials which mold and perform in an improved manner when
kept uniform in thickness, as opposed to those embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 which have an upper portion of much greater
thickness than the lower portion of the dome-cap 12.
[0032] The embodiment of FIG. 6 shows active element 14 sandwiched
between conductive elements 16 and 18 as taught in the Mitchell
U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,471 and further sandwiched between membrane
sheets as shown in the Eventoff U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,238 as a
bounceless On/Off switch. My addition of the elastomeric injection
molded one-piece dome-cap 12 in this embodiment creates a novel
sensor with some, but not all, of the above discussed advantages
afforded to an injection-molded dome-cap sensor having analog or
pressure sensitive properties. While the embodiment of FIG. 6 falls
within the scope of the broadest definitions of this invention, it
is not the most preferred sensor discussed herein for certain
reasons such as: this embodiment is not the lowest cost
manufacturing technology discussed herein, or the easiest to
manufacture, or the best performing sensor embodiment described
herein.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a variable resistor representing active element
14 of any of the above described elastomeric dome-cap sensors such
as 10, 28 or 30 connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
or equivalent circuitry which is shown coupled to digital circuitry
for temporarily storing in at least one storage register and
outputting digital information which is representative of the read
state of active element 14.
[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the digital
representation in FIG. 7 is one which would be in a completed
circuit such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0035] In order to gain the benefits of the present invention,
manufacturers using prior art style dome-caps 12 will only need to
apply new or modified circuitry on the circuit boards capable of
reading any one of at least three readable states of the dome-cap
sensor 10 indicative of at least three states of the dome-cap 12
and active element 14. Such readable states, for example, can be:
1) a first level of electrical resistance being relatively high
resistance or open across the proximal conductive elements
indicating the dome-cap as raised; 2) a second level of electrical
resistance being less than the first level but allowing current
flow between the proximal conductive elements and being indicative
of the dome-cap being lightly depressed and lightly compressing the
active element 14; and 3) a third level of electrical resistance
being less than the first and second levels and allowing current
flow between the proximal conductive elements 16, 18 and being
indicative of the dome-cap being depressed and compressing
(applying force) active element 14 more firmly or with greater
pressure compared to the second level or state.
[0036] For the purposes of this disclosure the wording "storing, as
digital information, a read state of the active element, the
storing requiring at least two digital bits" or equivalent wording
thereto, means that the active element 14, being variably
conductive, i.e., variably resistive or variably rectifying, can
achieve numerous possible states of electrical conductivity, and
those states can be described with digital information (bits). The
number of bits necessary (required) to describe a specific possible
number of states is well known by those skilled in the art, as the
possible described states is a factor of the bits required to
describe such states. For example: two different states require at
least one digital bit to describe, On or OFF, the bit is a zero or
a one; three different states require at least two digital bits to
describe; and three bits are required to describe a minimum of 5
states; to describe a somewhat smoothly variable active element
having 256 states requires at least eight bits of digital
information, etc. The term storing means that a representative
value of a read state of the active element 14 is at least stored
in some register at some time within the digital electronics
processing the status of the active element 14.
[0037] The conductive pill or active element 14 of typical prior
art elastomeric dome-cap sensors is variably conductive and
pressure-sensitive to a degree quite useful in an analog sensing
circuit as herein disclosed. Such prior art active elements are
believed to be primarily carbon within an elastomeric or rubbery
binder. However, within the scope of the invention, variable
conductance can be achieved with other materials having either
variable resistive properties or variable rectifying properties.
For the purpose of this disclosure and the claims,
variable-conductance and equivalents thereto means either variably
resistive or variably rectifying. Material having these qualities
can be achieved utilizing various chemical compounds or formulas
some of which I will herein detail for example. Additional
information regarding such materials can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
3,806,471 issued to R. J. Mitchell describing various feasible
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material formulas which can
be utilized.
[0038] While it is generally anticipated that variable resistive
type materials for defining active element 14 are optimum for use
in pressure sensor(s), variable rectifying materials are also
usable within the scope of the present invention.
[0039] An example formula or compound having variable rectifying
properties can be made of any one of the active materials copper
oxide, magnesium silicide, magnesium stannide, cuprous sulfide, (or
the like) bound together with a rubbery or elastomeric type binder
having resilient qualities such as silicone adhesive or the
like.
[0040] An example formula or compound having variable resistive
properties can be made of the active material tungsten carbide
powder (or other suitable material such as molybdenum disulfide,
sponge iron, tin oxide, boron, and carbon powders, etc.) bound
together with a rubbery or elastomeric type binder such as silicone
rubber or the like having resilient qualities. The active materials
may be in proportion to the binder material typically in a rich
ratio such as 80% active material to 20% binder by volume, but can
be varied widely from this ratio dependent on factors such as
voltages to be applied, level or resistance range desired,
depressive pressure anticipated, material thickness of the active
element, surface contact area between the variable-conductance
material and conductive elements of the circuit, binder type,
manufacturing technique and specific active material used. I have
found that tungsten carbide powder bound with a rubbery or
elastomeric type binder such as silicone rubber or the like
provides a wider range of varying resistance than the typical
carbon pill or active element 14 of the prior art dome-cap switches
and thus may be preferred particularly for application requiring
high resolution. Also, the tungsten carbide based active element is
more predictable in it's pressure sensitive varying conductivity
over a wider temperature range than the typical carbon based active
element used in prior art dome-cap switches.
[0041] From the drawings and above details it can be appreciated
that the present invention can readily be described in numerous
ways including the following descriptions provided for the sake of
positive clarity and which reiterate certain details, expand on and
combine others. For example, the invention from one view point is
an improved method for using the elastomeric injection molded
dome-cap sensor of the type wherein the elastomeric injection
molded dome-cap 12 carries the active element 14 which is
positioned over a portion of an electronic circuit. The elastomeric
injection molded dome-cap being depressible for transferring force
into active element 14, with the active element when under force
electrically contacting proximal conductive elements of the
electronic circuit. The electronic circuit being structured for
reading the active element as being in any one of a plurality of
states, the plurality of states in the prior art being two states
only, On or Off;
[0042] wherein the novel improvement disclosed herein comprises the
steps of:
[0043] depressing variably on the elastomeric injection molded
dome-cap so as to apply force against the active element of various
degrees;
[0044] reading the active element as being in any one of at least
three readable states; and
[0045] storing, as digital information, a read state of the active
element, the storing as digital information requiring at least two
digital bits. The invention can of course be more narrowly or
broadly described as indicated by this disclosure as a whole, and
can be described in different manners or from different view points
such as in the below examples.
[0046] From another view point, the invention is an improved method
for reading the elastomeric injection molded dome-cap sensor of the
type wherein the active element 14 is positioned within the
elastomeric injection molded dome-cap 12 which is positioned over a
portion of an electronic circuit such as conductive elements 16 and
18 of the circuit. The elastomeric injection molded dome-cap being
depressible for transferring force into the active element with the
active element when under force electrically contacting conductive
elements 16, 18 of the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit
being structured for reading the active element as being in any one
of two readable states in the prior art; but with the present
invention wherein the improvement comprises the step:
[0047] structuring the electronic circuitry for reading the active
element as being in any one of at least three readable states. The
invention can be more narrowly or broadly described as indicated by
this disclosure as a whole, and can be described in different
manners or from different view points such as in the below
examples.
[0048] From another view point, the invention is an improved method
for storing a read state of the elastomeric injection molded
dome-cap sensor of the type wherein the active element 14 is
positioned within elastomeric injection molded dome-cap 12 which is
positioned over a portion of an electronic circuit, the portion
being proximal conductive element 16 and 18 or equivalents thereto.
The elastomeric injection molded dome-cap 12 being depressible for
transferring force into the active element 14 with the active
element when under force electrically contacting the conductive
elements 16, 18 of the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit
being structured for reading the active element as being in any one
of a plurality of states, and storing a read state as digital
information, the storing of the read state requiring one digital
bit only in the prior art; but with the present invention wherein
the improvement comprises the step:
[0049] storing, as digital information, a read state of the active
element, the storing of the read state requiring at least two
digital bits, because more than two states are read by the
electronic circuit. Three different states require at least two
digital bits to describe; and five different states require at
least three bits to describe; likewise, nine states requires at
least four bits to describe, seventeen states requires at least
five bits and a smoothly variable or higher resolution range of 129
to 256 states requires at least eight bits to describe.
[0050] From another view point, the invention is an improved method
of depressing the elastomeric injection molded dome-cap sensor of
the sensor type wherein the active element 14 is positioned within
the elastomeric injection molded dome-cap 12 which is positioned
over a portion of an electronic circuit, the portion being
conductive element 16, 18 or equivalents thereto. The elastomeric
injection molded dome-cap 12 being depressible for transferring
force into active element 14 with the active element when under
force electrically contacting conductive elements of the electronic
circuit. The electronic circuit being structured for outputting
information representing states of the active element; but in the
present invention wherein the improvement comprises the step
of:
[0051] depressing the elastomeric injection molded dome-cap 12
(sensor) with varying force to apply varying force to active
element 14 for causing the electronic circuit to output information
representing at least three states representative of the varying
force. The invention can be more narrowly or broadly described as
indicated by this disclosure as a whole, and can be described in
different manners or from different view points such as in the
below examples.
[0052] From another view point, the invention is an improved analog
sensing circuit of the type including a user manipulable
variable-conductance sensor and circuitry for reading the sensor;
wherein the improvement in accordance with the present invention
comprises: the variable-conductance sensor being the elastomeric
injection molded one-piece dome-cap 12 positioned over the
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material, i.e., active
element 14, and more narrowly with the active element 14 positioned
within the dome-cap, and even more specifically with the dome-cap
being of molded thermoset rubbery (or polymer flexible material)
material and carrying the active element. This arrangement could,
as described above, also employ the injection molded dome-cap of
the specific type which produces a user discernable tactile
feedback upon depressive pressure being applied to the dome-cap.
Tactile feedback is highly desirable and beneficial in some
applications, but not all applications.
[0053] From another view point, the invention is an improved
electrical circuit of the type having circuitry for reading states
of the active element 14 within the elastomeric injection molded
one-piece dome-cap 12; wherein the improvement in accordance with
the present invention comprises: the electrical circuit structured
for reading any one of at least three readable states of the active
element 14, and preferably many more states to allow for higher
resolution, such as nine states or 129 states for examples. More
narrowly the active element 14 is carried by the dome-cap 12 and
the dome-cap is made of molded thermoset rubbery material. This
arrangement could, as described above, also employ the injection
molded dome-cap of the specific type which produces a user
discernable tactile feedback.
[0054] The invention from another view point is an improved method
for outputting a read state of the elastomeric injection molded
dome-cap sensor of the type wherein the active element 14 is
positioned within the elastomeric injection molded one-piece
dome-cap 12 which is positioned over a portion of an electronic
circuit. The elastomeric injection molded dome-cap being
depressible for transferring force into the active element with the
active element when under force electrically contacting conductive
elements such as 16 and 18 of the electronic circuit. The
electronic circuit is structured for reading the active element as
being in any one of a plurality of readable states, and outputting
a read state as digital information; the outputting requiring at
least one digital bit in accordance with the prior art, but in
accordance with the present invention the improvement comprises:
outputting from electronic circuitry, as digital information, a
read state of the active element, the outputting of the read state
requiring at least two digital bits in accordance with the
invention. The invention can of course be more narrowly or broadly
described as indicated by this disclosure as a whole. Clearly, the
ability to read a higher number of states is advantageous in
representing a higher resolution of depressive pressure applied to
the dome-cap sensor.
[0055] From a reading of this disclosure it can be appreciated that
it is quite possible to use a very inexpensive and durable
elastomeric dome-cap sensor as a pressure-sensitive
variable-conductance sensor, or as a pressure-sensitive
variable-conductance sensor which includes tactile feedback in
association with electronic circuitry structured for control or
manipulation by the elastomeric dome-cap sensor applied as an
analog sensor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a very
inexpensive pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor would be
useful and of benefit.
[0056] Although I have specifically described the best modes of the
invention for example, it should be understood that changes in the
specifics described and shown can clearly be made without departing
from the true scope of the invention in accordance the broadest
possible reasonable interpretation of the appended claims. The
specification is intended to be teaching of the invention and not
limiting.
* * * * *