U.S. patent number RE43,606 [Application Number 13/046,646] was granted by the patent office on 2012-08-28 for apparatus and method for a proximity and touch dependent user interface.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Azoteq (Pty) Ltd. Invention is credited to Frederick Johannes Bruwer.
United States Patent |
RE43,606 |
Bruwer |
August 28, 2012 |
Apparatus and method for a proximity and touch dependent user
interface
Abstract
An electronic switching unit for use with a product comprising
and/or connected to a power source and at least one energy
consuming load comprises a microchip, connected to a user interface
switch structure. The microchip is configured to implement at least
one function selected from the group consisting of an automatic
delayed deactivation of a function a predetermined period after the
function was activated in response to an activation signal from the
switch structure; a visible indicator, and a mode selection
function. The switch structure comprises a body at least a part of
which is constructed from a compressible material which is deformed
under pressure, so that it becomes thinner in a direction in which
the pressure is exerted and in becoming thinner affects the
operation of the switch structure.
Inventors: |
Bruwer; Frederick Johannes
(Paarl, ZA) |
Assignee: |
Azoteq (Pty) Ltd (Paarl,
ZA)
|
Family
ID: |
46689956 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/046,646 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
10875618 |
Nov 6, 2007 |
7291940 |
|
|
Reissue of: |
11930705 |
Oct 31, 2007 |
7528508 |
May 5, 2009 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H
13/063 (20130101); H05B 47/16 (20200101); H05B
47/10 (20200101); H05B 47/175 (20200101); H05B
47/185 (20200101); H05B 39/041 (20130101); H05B
39/044 (20130101); Y02B 20/00 (20130101); H01H
2300/054 (20130101); H01H 2239/006 (20130101); H01H
3/142 (20130101); Y02B 20/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01H
9/54 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;307/140 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Deberadinis; Robert L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Blake; William A.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/875,618, which was filed Jun. 25, 2004 and is to issue as U.S.
Pat. No. 7,291,940 on Nov. 6, 2007.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An electronic switching unit for use with a product comprising
and/or connected to a power source and at least one energy
consuming load, said unit comprising: (a) a microchip, connected to
a user interface switch structure, said microchip at least
partially implementing the user interface; (b) said microchip
further configured to implement at least one function selected from
the group consisting of: (i) an automatic delayed deactivation of a
function a predetermined period after the function was activated in
response to an activation signal from the switch structure; (ii) a
visible indicator, said indicator at least activated to indicate an
activation of the switch structure, said indicator active when the
load has not been activated by the user; and (iii) a mode selection
function whereby the selection of a deactivation function by a
user, is at least influenced by the time period between successive
operations of the switch structure exceeding a predetermined
minimum period of time; and (c) wherein the switch structure
comprises a body at least a part of which is constructed from a
compressible material which is deformed under pressure, so that it
becomes thinner in a direction in which the pressure is exerted and
in becoming thinner affects the operation of the switch
structure.
2. A switching unit of claim 1, configured to provide at least two
of the functions in 1(b).
3. A switching unit of claim 2, wherein the switch structure
comprises at least a capacitive sensing touch sensor.
4. A switching unit of claim 3, wherein the microchip controls the
flow of power, in response to signals from a user interface switch,
such that a change in power to the product is gradual.
5. A switching unit of claim 4, wherein the output of the switch
structure in response to a user activation depends at least on a
ratio of resistances formed in the switch structure that is
connected to the microchip.
6. A switching unit of claim 5, wherein an electrically conductive
fluid and/or flexible tape comprising conductive material is used
in the implementation of the switch structure that is connected to
the microchip.
7. A switching unit of claim 2, wherein an electrically conductive
fluid and/or flexible tape comprising conductive material is used
in the implementation of the switch structure that is connected to
the microchip.
8. A switching unit of claim 1, configured to provide at least the
function in 1(b) (ii) and wherein the switch structure comprises at
least a capacitive sensing touch sensor.
9. A switching unit of claim 8, wherein a sense pad of the touch
sensor is integral with a housing of the product.
10. A switching unit of claim 8, wherein the power source is
non-mains and a visible indicator is configured to convey
information about a level of the power source to a user.
11. A switching unit of claim 1, wherein the switch structure
comprises at least a capacitive sensing touch sensor.
12. A switching unit of claim 11, wherein the touch sensor provides
information to the microchip about proximity events near, as well
as physical touch events on, a surface that is adjacent a sense pad
connected to the touch sensor switch structure.
13. A switching unit of claim 12, wherein the body of the switch
structure is deformable to the extent that at least one of the
following occurs: (a) some parts that do not make contact when not
under pressure make contact when under pressure; (b) some parts
that make contact when not under pressure, are forced to break
contact when the body comes under pressure.
14. A switching unit of claim 12, wherein a visible indicator is
activated in response to a proximity event detected by the touch
sensor and a different function is activated in response to a
physical touch event.
15. A switching unit of claim 12, which comprises multiple switches
including at least touch sensor type switches and contact type
switches and the touch sensor type switches control the selection
of at least a first function and the contact type switches control
the selection of at least a second function.
16. A switching unit of claim 11, wherein output of the switch
structure in response to a user activation depends at least on a
ratio of resistances formed in the switch structure that is
connected to the microchip.
17. A switching unit of claim 16, which is configured to transmit
commands to and/or receive commands from a central controller,
wherein the commands comprise at least an address field.
18. A switching unit of claim 11, wherein a visible indicator is
activated in response to a proximity event detected by the touch
sensor and a different function is activated in response to a
physical touch event.
19. A switching unit of claim 11, wherein the compressible material
is part of a functional part being a compressible stop and/or a
compressible seal.
20. A switching unit of claim 11, wherein the microchip is
configured to monitor current from the load and to shut down the
current if predetermined parameters indicating a short circuit are
met.
21. A switching unit of claim 1, wherein the body of the switch
structure is deformable to the extent that at least one of the
following occurs: (a) some parts that do not make contact when not
under pressure make contact when under pressure; (b) some parts
that make contact when not under pressure, are forced to break
contact when the body comes under pressure.
22. A switching unit of claim 1, which comprises multiple switches
including at least touch sensor type switches and contact type
switches and the touch sensor type switches control the selection
of at least a first function and the contact type switches control
the selection of at least a second function.
23. A switching unit of claim 1, which is configured to transmit
commands to and/or receive commands from a central controller,
wherein the commands comprise at least an address field.
24. A switching unit of claim 1, which includes an indicator which,
in response to the microchip receiving a user interface switch
signal, is activated to indicate at least one condition of the
product.
25. A switching unit of claim 1, wherein the switch structure
provides information to adjust a mix of warm and cold water in a
water faucet included in the product.
.Iadd.26. An electronic switching unit for use with a product
comprising a power source or a connection for a power source, said
electronic switching unit comprising: (a) a user interface switch
structure, said user interface switch structure comprising a
capacitive measurement sensor and a resiliently deformable material
layer that deflects in the direction of pressure induced by
physical contact, wherein the deflecting affects the capacitance
measured by the capacitive measurement sensor, resulting in the
detection of a physical contact event that induced the pressure;
and (b) a microchip that is connected to and at least partially
implements said user interface switch structure, said microchip
being configured at least to implement a detection of a proximity
event using said capacitive measurement sensor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein said microchip is
configured to select and perform a function selected from the
following group in response to the detection of the proximity
event: (i) an operation of a visible indication generating unit in
response to the detection of a proximity event by the user
interface switch structure; (ii) an operation of a display in
response to the detection of a proximity event by the user
interface switch and wherein said display is used to provide the
user with information about a state or a condition of the product;
and (iii) an operation of a display in response to the detection of
a proximity event by the user interface switch and wherein said
display is operated in a way to assist in the location of the user
interface switch..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The switching unit of claim 27, configured to provide the
functions in (i)..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The switching unit of claim 27, configured to provide the
functions in (ii)..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The switching unit of claim 27, configured to provide the
functions in (iii)..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The switching unit of claim 30, used in a product
comprising radio frequency circuitry and audio signal generation
circuitry, and wherein the power source and the switching unit are
all enclosed and/or attached to a housing of the product.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The switching unit of claim 27, wherein an electrically
conductive fluid and/or flexible tape comprising conductive
material is used in the implementation of the user interface switch
structure that is connected to the microchip. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The switching unit of claim 27, wherein the power source
is non-mains and the indication function conveys information to a
user about the power source condition..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The switching unit of claim 27, wherein a visible
indication is activated in response to a proximity event detected
by the capacitive measurement sensor and a different function is
activated in response to a physical touch event. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The switching unit of claim 27, wherein said visible
indication generating structure comprises an LED that is
de-activated in response to an activation signal received from the
user interface switch structure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The switching unit of claim 27, wherein said visible
indication generating structure comprises an LED that is activated
in response to an activation signal received from the user
interface switch structure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein the microchip is
configured to operate a display in response to the detection of a
proximity event by the user interface switch and to select further
functions or modes based on more signals received from the user
interface switch. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The switching unit of claim 37, wherein the product
comprises radio frequency circuitry and audio signal generating
circuitry. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The switching unit of claim 38, wherein the switching
unit, the power source, and a load are all enclosed and/or attached
to a single product housing and wherein the user interface switch
forms an integral part of the product housing. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The switching unit of claim 39, wherein the microchip is
configured to control the automatic delayed deactivation of a
function that was activated in response to a proximity event
detected by the user interface switch structure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein the switching
unit, the power source and a load are all enclosed and/or attached
to a single product housing and wherein the user interface switch
forms an integral part of the product housing. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein an electrically
conductive fluid and/or flexible tape comprising conductive
material is used in the implementation of the user interface switch
structure that is connected to the microchip. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The switching unit of claim 42, wherein the product
comprises a load that is a light source and the microchip is
further configured to adjust the power to the light source in
response to signals received from the user interface switch
structure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The switching unit of claim 43, wherein the microchip is
configured to monitor a load that is controlled by the microchip
and to reduce power if a predetermined condition unrelated to the
activation/deactivation user interface is detected. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein an output of the
user interface switch structure in response to a user activation
depends at least on a ratio of resistances formed in the user
interface switch structure that is connected to the microship.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein said capacitive
measurement sensor includes a plurality of contacts which form at
least first and second capacitor plates of the capacitive
measurement sensor such that the capacitance is changed as the
contacts move closer to each other when the resiliently deformable
material of said user interface switch structure deflects under
pressure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The switching unit of claim 26, further including an
audible indicator comprising sound generating circuitry or
digitized speech, which is activated in response to the detection
of a proximity event. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein the user
interface switch structure provides information to adjust a mix
warm and cold water. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein the product
comprises a load that is a light source and the microchip is
further configured to adjust the power to the load in response to
signals received from the user interface switch structure.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The switching unit of claim 26, wherein the microchip is
configured to monitor a load that is controlled by the microchip
and to reduce power if a predetermined condition unrelated to the
user activation/deactivation is detected. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. A method of using an electronic switching unit that forms
part of a product that comprises a power source or a connection to
a power source and wherein said electronic switching unit comprises
a user interface switch structure and a microchip that is connected
to and at least partially implements said user interface switch
structure, said user interface switch structure comprising a
capacitive measurement sensor including a resiliently deformable
material layer that deflects in the direction of pressure induced
by physical contact and a plurality of contacts which form at least
first and second capacitor plates that move closer to each other
when the resiliently deformable material deflects under pressure,
wherein the deflecting affects the capacitance measured by the
capacitive measurement sensor, said method including the steps of:
detecting a proximity event resulting from deflection of said
resilient material and changing of the capacitance measured by said
capacitance measurement sensor; and generating an indication of the
detection of said proximity event, without changing the operation
or mode of the product, said indication being selected from the
following group of steps: (i) activating a visible indication in
response to the detection of said proximity event; (ii) operating a
display in response to the detection of said proximity event,
wherein said display is used to provide the user with information
about a state or a condition of the product; and (iii) operating a
display in response to the detection of said proximity event,
wherein said display is operated in a way to assist in the location
of the user interface switch and wherein the user interface switch
is used to select a further function. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The method of claim 51 wherein the step in (i) includes
the indication of the operational state of the user interface
switch. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. An electronic switching unit for use with a product
comprising a power source or a connection for a power source, said
electronic switching unit comprising: (a) a microchip that is
connected to a user interface switch structure, said user interface
switch structure comprising a capacitive measurement sensor and
said microchip at least partially implementing the user interface
switch structure; (b) said microchip further configured to
recognize a physical contact event and wherein the user interface
switch comprises a resiliently deformable material which deflects
in the direction of pressure induced by physical contact and
wherein the deflecting affects the capacitance measured by the
capacitive measurement sensor, resulting in the detection and
reporting of the physical contact event that induced the pressure;
and (c) said microchip further configured to control a visible
indication in response to a signal received from the user interface
switch to: i. assist in locating the user interface switch; or ii.
display information about a condition or state of the product or
user interface switch. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The switching unit of claim 53, wherein said capacitive
measurement sensor includes a plurality of contacts which form at
least first and second capacitor plates and the capacitance of the
capacitive measurement sensor is changed as the contacts move
closer to each other when the resiliently deformable material of
said switch structure deflects under pressure. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to new intelligent electrical current
switching devices and more particularly, to microchip controlled
electrical current switching devices. The invention further
relates, in one embodiment, to intelligent batteries having
embedded therein a microchip for use with a variety of electrical
devices to add heretofore unknown functionality to existing
electrical devices. The invention also relates, according to
another embodiment, to intelligent hand-held electronic devices,
and in a preferred embodiment to hand-held light sources, and more
particularly, to flashlights. According to one embodiment of the
present invention, the invention relates to intelligent hand-held
flashlights having microchip controlled switches wherein said
switches can be programmed to perform a variety of functions
including, for example, turning the flashlight off after a
pre-determined time interval, blinking, or dimming, etc. According
to a still further embodiment, the invention relates to low current
switches controlled by microchips of the present invention for use
in building lighting systems.
The invention further relates to the use of the switching device in
diverse applications to achieve a gradual or stepped reduction of
power to a load, in combination with a reduced, temporarily fixed,
supply of power to a load. Such implementations extend to lighting,
typically in an interior of an automobile or other vehicle, or
external or internal lighting in a building, to portable lighting
products and to portable devices which include lights eg.
flashlights, flashclips, dome lights etc. and to the supply of
electrical energy to electrically powered or actuated mechanisms
and devices such as heaters, seat warmers, electric motors in toys
and other appliances, toothbrushes and shavers.
The invention also extends to physical aspects of, and to a method,
relating to the construction of, the switching device and, more
particularly, to very low current actuators, touch pads or switches
to be used for actuating or controlling a microchip based switching
arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In conventional flashlights, manually-operated mechanical switches
function to turn the flashlight "on" and "off." When turned "on,"
battery power is applied through the closed switch to a light bulb;
the amount of power then consumed depends on how long the switch is
closed. In the typical flashlight, the effective life of the
battery is only a few hours at most. Should the operator, after
using the flashlight to find his/her way in the dark or for any
other purpose, then fail to turn it off, the batteries will, in a
very short time, become exhausted. Should the flashlight be left in
a turned-on and exhausted condition for a prolonged period, the
batteries may then leak and exude corrosive electrolyte that is
damaging to the contact which engages the battery terminal as well
as the casing of the flashlight.
When the flashlight is designed for use by a young child the
likelihood is greater that the flashlight will be mishandled,
because a young child is prone to be careless and forgets to turn
the flashlight "off" after it has served its purpose. Because of
this, a flashlight may be left "on" for days, if not weeks, and as
a result of internal corrosion may no longer be in working order
when the exhausted batteries are replaced.
Flashlights designed for young children are sometimes in a lantern
format, with a casing made of strong plastic material that is
virtually unbreakable, the light bulb being mounted within a
reflector at the front end of the casing and being covered by a
lens from which a light beam is projected. A U-shaped handle is
attached to the upper end of the casing, with mechanical on-off
slide switch being mounted on the handle, so that a child grasping
the handle can readily manipulate the slide actuator with his/her
thumb.
With a switch of this type on top of a flashlight handle, when the
slide actuator is pushed forward by the thumb, the switch
"mechanically" closes the circuit and the flashlight is turned "on"
and remains "on" until the slide actuator is pulled back to the
"off" position and the circuit is opened. It is this type of switch
in the hands of a child that is most likely to be inadvertently
left "on."
To avoid this problem, many flashlights include, in addition to a
slide switch, a push button switch which keeps the flashlight
turned on only when finger pressure is applied to the push button.
It is difficult for a young child who wishes, say to illuminate a
dark corner in the basement of his home for about 30 seconds, to
keep a push button depressed for this period. It is therefore more
likely that the child will actuate the slide switch to its
permanently-on position, for this requires only a monetary finger
motion.
It is known to provide a flashlight with a delayed action switch
which automatically turns off after a pre-determined interval. The
Mallory U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,282 discloses a flashlight that is
automatically turned off by a delayed action mechanical switch
assembly that includes a compression spring housed in a bellows
having a leaky valve, so that when a switch is turned on manually,
this action serves to mechanically compress the bellows which after
a pre-determined interval acts to turn off the switch.
A similar delayed action is obtained in a flashlight for children
marketed by Playskool Company, this delayed action being realized
by a resistance-capacitance timing network which applies a bias to
a solid-state transistor switch after 30 seconds or so to cut off
the transistor and shut off the flashlight. Also included in the
prior art, is a flashlight previously sold by Fisher-Price using an
electronic timing circuit to simply turn off the flashlight after
about 20 minutes.
It is also known, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,147, to
provide a mechanical switch assembly for a flashlight which
includes a suction cup as a delayed action element whereby the
flashlight, when momentarily actuated by an operator, functions to
connect a battery power supply to a light bulb, and which maintains
this connection for a pre-determined interval determined by the
memory characteristics of the suction cup, after which the
connection is automatically broken.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,538 discloses a flashlight having the usual
components of a battery, and on-off mechanical switch, a bulb, and
a hand-held housing, to which there is added a timing means and a
circuit-breaking means responsive to the timing means for cutting
off the flow of current to the bulb, which further has a by-pass
means, preferably child-proof, to direct electric current to the
light bulb regardless of the state of the timing means. The patent
also provides for the operation of the device may be further
enhanced by making the by-pass means a mechanical switch connected
so as to leave it in series with the mechanical on-off switch.
Furthermore, the patent discloses a lock or other "child-proofing"
mechanism may be provided to ensure that the by-pass is disabled
when the flashlight is switched off.
Most conventional flashlights, like those described above, are
actuated by mechanical push or slide button-type switches
requiring, of course, mechanical implementation by an operator.
Over time, the switch suffers "wear and tear" which impairs
operation of the flashlight as a result of, for example, repeated
activations by the operator and/or due to the fact that the switch
has been left "on" for a prolonged period of time. In addition,
such mechanical switches are vulnerable to the effects of corrosion
and oxidation and can cause said switches to deteriorate and to
become non-functioning. In addition, these prior art devices having
these mechanical switches are generally "dumb," i.e. they do not
provide the user with convenient, reliable, and affordable
functionalities which today's consumers now demand and expect.
The prior art switches typically provide two basic functions in
prior art flashlights. First, the mechanical switches act as actual
conductors for completing power circuits and providing current
during operation of the devices. Depending upon the type of bulb
and wiring employed, the intensity of electrical current which must
be conducted by the switch is generally quite high leading to,
after prolonged use, failure. Second, these mechanical switches
must function as an interface between the device and its operator,
i.e. the man-machine-interface ("MMI") and necessarily requires
repeated mechanical activations of the switch which over time
mechanically deteriorate.
Also, currently the electrical switches used in buildings/houses
for control of lighting systems are of the conventional type of
switches which must conduct, i.e. close the circuit, upon command,
thus also providing the MMI. These prior art switches suffer from
the same disadvantages as the switches described above in relation
to portable electronic devices, like flashlights. Moreover, the
switches are relatively dumb in most cases and do not provide the
user with a variety of functions, e.g. but not limited to timing
means to enable a user, for example, a shop owner or home owner to
designate a predetermined shut off or turn on point in time.
There is a need for inexpensive, reliable, and simple intelligent
electronic devices which provide increased functionality and energy
conservation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a microchip controlled switch to manage both the current
conducting functions and the MMI functions in an electronic device,
such as a flashlight, on a low current basis i.e. without the MMI
device having to conduct or switch high current. According to one
aspect of the invention, the MMI functions are controlled by very
low current signals, using touch pads, or carbon coated membrane
type switches. These low current signal switches of the present
invention can be smaller, more reliable, less costly, easier to
seal and less vulnerable to the effects of corrosion and oxidation.
Moreover, since the switch is a solid state component, it is,
according to the present invention, possible to control the
functions of the device in an intelligent manner by the same
microchip which provides the MMI functions. Thus, by practicing the
teachings of the present invention, more reliable, intelligent, and
efficient electrical devices can be obtained which are cheaper and
easier to manufacture than prior art devices.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a microchip which can be embedded in a battery that will lend
intelligence to the battery and thus, the device it is inserted
into, so that many functions, including but not limited to, delayed
switching, dimming, automatic shut off, and intermittent activation
may be inexpensively realized in an existing (non intelligent)
product, for example a prior art flashlight.
According to a further embodiment, the invention provides a power
saving microchip which, when operatively associated with an
electronic device, will adjust the average electric current through
a current switch, provide an on and off sequence which, for
example, but not limited to, in the case of a flashlight, can be
determined by an operator and may represent either a flash code
sequence or a simple on/off oscillation, provide an indication of
battery strength, and/or provide a gradual oscillating current flow
to lengthen the life of the operating switch and the power
source.
According to one embodiment of the invention, an intelligent
flashlight, having a microchip controlled switch is provided
comprising a microchip for controlling the on/off function and at
least one other function of the flashlight. According to a further
embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight having a
microchip controlled switch is provided comprising an input means
for sending activating/deactivating signals to the microchip, and a
microchip for controlling the on/off function and at least one
other function of the flashlight. According to a further embodiment
of the invention, there is provided an intelligent flashlight
having a microchip controlled switch comprising an input means for
selecting one function of the flashlight, a microchip for
controlling at least the on/off function and one other function of
the flashlight, wherein the microchip control circuit may further
comprise a control-reset means, a clock means, a current switch,
and/or any one or combination of the same.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a battery for use with an electrical device comprising a microchip
embedded in the battery. According to still a further embodiment of
the invention, a battery for use with an electronic device is
provided comprising a microchip embedded in the battery wherein
said microchip is adapted such that an input means external to the
microchip can select the on/off function and at least one other
function of the electronic device.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an intelligent battery for use with an electronic device,
the battery having positive and negative terminal ends and
comprising a microchip embedded in the battery, preferably in the
positive terminal end, for controlling on/off functions and at
least one other function of the electronic device.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a portable microchip device for use in serial connection with a
power source, e.g. an exhaustible power source, and an electronic
device powered by said source wherein said electronic device has an
input means for activating and deactivating said power source, and
said microchip comprising a means for controlling the on/off
function and at least one other function of the electronic device
upon receipt of a signal from said input means through said power
source.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a microchip adapted to control lighting in buildings.
According to this embodiment, the normal switch on the wall that
currently functions as both a power-switch, i.e. conduction of
electricity, and MMI can be eliminated, thus eliminating the normal
high voltage and high current dangerous wiring to the switch and
from the switch to the load or light. Utilizing the present
invention, these switches can be replaced with connecting means
suitable for low current DC requirements.
According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a battery comprising an energy storage section, a processor,
e.g. a microchip and first and second terminal ends. The first
terminal end being connected to the energy storage section, the
second terminal end being connected to the processor, and the
processor being connected to the second terminal end and the energy
storage section. The processor controls the connection of the
second terminal end to the energy storage section.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides an
electronic apparatus which includes an electrical device,
comprising a power supply, an activating/deactivating means, and a
processor. The activating/deactivating means is connected to the
processor and the processor is connected to the power supply. The
processor controls the on/off function of the device and at least
one other function of the device in response to signals received
from the activation/deactivation means.
The present invention, according to a still further embodiment,
provides a flashlight comprising a light source, an energy storage
means, a switch means, and a processor means. The switch means
being in communication with the processor means and the processor
means being in communication with the energy storage means which is
ultimately in communication with the light source. The processor
controls the activation/deactivation of the light source and, in
some embodiments, further functions of the flashlight, in response
to signals received from the switch means.
While the present invention is primarily described in this
application with respect to either a flashlight or a battery
therefore, the embodiments discussed herein should not be
considered limitative of the invention, and many other variations
of the use of the intelligent devices of the present invention will
be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled
push button or sliding type input activation/deactivation switch
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association
with a push button or sliding input activation/deactivation switch
according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic of a second type of intelligent device having
a microchip controlled push button or sliding type input
activation/deactivation switch according to another embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled
touch pad or carbon coated membrane activation/deactivation switch
according to a still further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association
with a touch pad or carbon coated membrane activation/deactivation
switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic of a second type of device having a microchip
controlled touch pad or carbon coated membrane
activation/deactivation switch according to one embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic of a battery having embedded therein a
microchip according to a further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a microchip for use in a battery
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a second type of microchip for use in
a battery according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled
switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled
switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled
switch according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a schematic of a flashlight having therein a microchip
controlled switch according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates a possible position, according to one
embodiment of the present invention of a microchip in a
battery;
FIG. 14 is a schematic of one embodiment of the present invention
of a low current switching device suitable for lighting systems in
buildings;
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present
invention, i.e. microchip 1403 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5
for a delayed shut off function embodiment of one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for a microchip for a delayed shut-off
function embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 depicts a possible switching cycle and a voltage or current
wave form arising from the use of the switch;
FIG. 19 shows a circuit which includes a switch of the invention
used for controlling the operation of one or more loads selected
from a plurality of possible loads;
FIG. 20 shows a switching cycle and resulting waveforms of voltage
or current applied to three loads;
FIG. 21 to 26 respectively depict different possible operating or
actuating interfaces i.e. very low current control switches, used
for controlling the microchip based switch of the invention;
FIG. 27 illustrates a modification of the circuit shown in FIG.
3;
FIG. 28 shows a switching system which uses a plurality of the
switches and interfaces of the invention; and
FIG. 29 illustrates a possible further feature of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and
referring to FIG. 1, a schematic depiction of main circuit 100 of
an electronic device, for example, a flashlight, is provided,
wherein the device has a microchip 103 and a microchip controlled
input activator/deactivator 102, for example, a push button or
sliding switch. Main circuit 100 of the device is powered by a
current supplied by power source 101. Power source 101 may be any
power source, e.g. a DC battery, as is well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. While the following discussion is
limited to specific electronic devices, that is flashlights, it is
to be understood that the following description is equally
applicable to other electronic devices including portable radios,
toys, for example but not limited to battery operated cars, boats,
planes, and/or other electrically powered toys.
Referring to FIG. 1, when an operator activates input push button
or sliding command switch 102 to the "on" position, the microchip
103 receives a signal. Switch 102 is a direct electrical input to
microchip 103. Microchip 103 is grounded by grounding means 104.
Microchip 103 is in series between power source 101 and load 105.
Microchip 103 also transfers sufficient power through means of a
current switch (not shown in FIG. 1) to load 105 which can be, for
example, a resistor-type bulb in the case of a flashlight to
provide illumination.
The microchip 103, and other microchips of the present invention,
can have its/their intelligence embedded in combinational or
sequential logic, a PLA or ROM type structure feeding into a state
machine or a true microcontroller type structure. The memory for
the above will normally be non-volatile, but should there be a need
for selectable options, EE or flash memory structures may be
used.
The structure and operational parameters of such a microchip 103
are explained in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2. As
shown in FIG. 1, power is supplied to microchip 103 by power source
101. When an operator activates input switch 102 to the "on"
position it represents a command which is communicated to microchip
103. Input means 102 requires very low current in preferred
embodiments. In one embodiment of the invention, microchip
control/reset means 201 simply allows the current switch 202 to
pass current provided from power source 101 to load 105 in an
unimpeded manner when the MMI switch 102 is activated, and, in the
case of a flashlight, illumination is obtained. It is important to
recognize, however, that it is control circuit 201 which activates
current switch 202 upon acting on an input from MMI switch 102.
Unlike heretofore known prior art devices, activating switch 102
does not conduct current to load 105, but is only a command input
mechanism which can, according to the invention, operate on very
low current. For example, according to the invention, touch sensor
input or carbon coated membrane type switch devices are
preferred.
If, for example, an emergency notification function is desired, the
flashlight may be designed to alternately flash on and off every
second. First, the operator activates input 102 into the
appropriate position to indicate such a function is desired. During
the "on" segment of the flashing routine, control/reset means 201
commands current switch 202 to close and let current flow through
to load 105, thereby causing, in the case of a flashlight, the bulb
to illuminate. Simultaneously, control/reset means 201 uses the
timing means 203 as a clock for timing. After control/reset means
201 determines one second has elapsed, control/reset means 201
instructs current switch 202 to open and interrupt the current flow
through to load 105, and bulb illumination is discontinued. It is
important to note that both control/reset means 201 and current
switch 202 are still active and fully powered; however, current
delivery is now latent with respect to load 105. When another
second has elapsed, a command is passed from control/reset means
201 which again allows current to be delivered through current
switch 202 to load 105, and in the case of a flashlight, bulb
illumination is immediately resumed. The device continues an
alternating current delivery routine until either the operator
switches the setting of the activating input switch 102 to the
"off" position, or until the conditions pre-programmed into the
microchip, e.g. into the control/reset means 201, are satisfied and
current delivery is permanently discontinued.
Similar operating routines can be employed to generate other
conspicuous flashing functions such as the generation of the
universal distress signal S.O.S. in Morse code. Again, such a
function would require that the microchip, e.g. control/reset means
201, be pre-programmed with the appropriate code for creating such
a signal, and to permit current transmission from switch 202 to
load 105 in accordance with the code with the assistance of timing
means 203. For example, it may be desirable to have an S.O.S.
sequence wherein flashes representing each individual letter are
separated by time intervals ranging from one-half (1/2) second to
one (1) full second, while the interval between each letter in the
code comprises two (2) full seconds. After a certain number of
repetitions of the routine, again determined by the operator or as
pre-programmed within the microchip, e.g. within the control/reset
means 201, the signal is discontinued.
As shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to remove grounding means 104
from main circuit 100. However, it is then necessary to
intermittently provide an alternative power source for microchip
103 and to create a virtual ground reference level. A suitable
microchip 103 for this configuration is described in greater detail
below with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
Referring now to FIG. 4, utilizing the circuits in the microchip of
some embodiments of the present invention, carbon coated membrane
or touch pad type switches are preferred. Carbon coated membrane
switches and touch pad switches have many advantages over
conventional high current switches, such as those currently used in
flashlights. According to the present invention, carbon coated
membrane type switches, low current type switches, and touch pad
type switches can be used which may be smaller, less costly, easier
to seal, and less vulnerable to corrosion and oxidation than
conventional switches which also transfer energy or current to the
load. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present
invention, carbon coated membrane type switches, touch pad
switches, or low current type switches can be formed structurally
integral with the product, for example, with the casing of a
flashlight.
A block diagram showing microchip 103 for use, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention, in association with a
carbon coated membrane, a touch pad switch, or a low current type
switch 106 is now explained in greater detail in respect to FIG. 5.
According to this one embodiment of the present invention, current
switch 202 is powered directly by grounded power source 101.
However, output of current from current switch 202 to load 105 is
dependent on control/reset means 201. When an operator depresses
touch pad 106, carbon coated membrane switch 106 or low current
type switch 106, control/reset means 201 allows current switch 202
to flow current through to load 105. However, in more intelligent
applications according to certain embodiments of the present
invention, control/reset means 201 will coordinate, based on clock
and/or timing means 203, to execute timing routines similar to
those described above such as, but not limited to, intermittent
flashing, the flashing of a conspicuous pattern such as Morse code,
dimming functions, battery maintenance, battery strength/level,
etc.
FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for a microchip 103 as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5 and provides a delayed shutoff function. The flow sequence
commences at START when the power source 101 is connected to the
microchip 103, as shown in FIG. 4. The sequence of operation is
substantially self-explanatory and is not further elaborated
herein.
As shown in FIG. 6, grounding means 104 can be removed from the
system as a matter of design choice. A more detailed description of
a suitable microchip 103 for this type of configuration is provided
below with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
Referring to FIG. 7, certain embodiments of the present invention
also provide for a battery having a microchip embedded for use in
association with an electronic device. As shown, direct current is
provided to microchip 103 by power source 101. When activating
input switch 102 is closed, current is complete and power is
transferred to load 105 at the direction of microchip 103.
Microchip 103 embedded in the battery can have any number of
intelligent functions pre-programmed therein, such as, for example
but not limited to, battery strength monitoring, recharging,
adjustment of average current through a current switch,
intermittent power delivery sequences, and so on. Examples of
suitable microchips 103 for this type of application are discussed
below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams of two different further
embodiments of the present invention. Microchip 803 is especially
suitable for applications wherein microchip 803 is not grounded
through the body of the electrical device or where a ground cannot
otherwise be established because of design considerations. This
embodiment is useful to provide sufficient operating power to the
microchip and can be achieved by periodically opening and closing
current switch 202 when activation input switch 102 is closed. For
example, referring to FIG. 8A, when input switch 102 is closed but
current switch 202 does not conduct (that is, the switch is open
and does not allow current to flow to load 105), then voltage drop
over load 105 is zero and in the case of a flashlight, no
illumination is provided from the bulb. Instead, the full voltage
drop is over current switch 202 and in parallel with the diode 204
and capacitor 205. Once capacitor 205 becomes fully charged,
current switch 202 can close and circuit 103 will be powered by
capacitor 205. When circuit 803 is adequately powered, it functions
in a manner identical to the circuits described previously with
respect to the functions provided by control/reset means 201 and
timing means 203.
When the charging capacitor 205 starts to become depleted,
control/reset means 201 will recognize this state and reopen the
current switch 203, thus briefly prohibiting the flow of current to
load 105, in order to remove the voltage drop from load 105 and
allow capacitor 205 to recharge and begin a new cycle. In a
flashlight application, the time period wherein current flow from
current switch 202 is discontinued can be such that the dead period
of the light is not easily or not at all detectable by the human
eye. In the case of a high current usage load, such as a
flashlight, it means the ratio of the capacitance of the capacitor
having to power the microchip and the current consumption of the
microchip, must be such that the capacitor can power the microchip
for a long time relative to the charging time (202 open). This will
enable the flashlight's "off" time to be short and the "on" time to
be long, thus not creating a detectable or intrusive switching of
the flashlight to the user.
FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8
which also provides a delayed shutoff function. The flow diagram is
substantially self-explanatory and the flow sequence commences at
START when closure of the switch 102 takes place from an open
position.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, e.g. in
relation to another product of low current consumption, such as a
FM radio, the designer may opt for a capacitive (reservoir) device
externally to the microchip (see FIG. 11). In this case, the
electrical device may function for a time longer than the time
required for charging the capacitor (205, 207) which is when the
current switch (202) is open and not conducting current.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, an output
may be provided to indicate a condition, e.g. a battery is in good
or bad condition. It may also be suitable to assist in locating a
device, e.g. but not limited to a flashlight, in the dark. This may
be a separate output pin or may be, according to another
embodiment, shared with the MMI switch input. (See FIG. 11) This
output or indicator may be a LED. Referring to FIG. 11,
indicator/output device 1104 may, for example, be an LED. When
microchip 1113 pulls the line 1114 to high, the LED 1104 shines.
LED 1104 may also shine when switch 1111 is closed by the user.
However, since that is only a momentary closure, this should not
create a problem.
According to a further specific embodiment of the invention,
referring to FIG. 11, microchip 1113 can activate the LED 1104 for
a short time, e.g. for 100 milliseconds, every 10 seconds. This
indication will let potential users know the device is in a good
state of functionality and will enable fast location of the device
in the dark, e.g. in times of emergency. The low duty cycle will
also prevent unnecessary battery depletion.
With an alternative embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8B
illustrates the charging and discharging of capacitor 207 to
provide power to circuit 803, wherein the diode and capacitor
structure establishes a ground reference for circuit 803.
Each of the embodiments explained with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B
are suitable for use, according to the present invention, depending
upon the application. Indeed, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and
8B can be directly embedded into a battery and/or can be separately
constructed in another portable structure, e.g. but not limited to,
in the shape of a disc, about the size of a quarter, to be inserted
at the end of the battery between the output means or positive
terminal of the battery and the current receiving structure of the
electronic device. As described, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B can be utilized with the prior art high current switches
currently being utilized in simple non-intelligent electronic
devices, for example flashlights, radios and toys. For example, in
the case of a portable simple radio without any intelligence, an
automatic shut "off" may be achieved by using the intelligent
battery or portable microchip of the present invention having a
timing function to automatically shut off the radio after a given
period of time, i.e. after the user is asleep.
The architecture of the two embodiments of the present invention
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B provide certain advantages over the simple
dumb architecture in current simple electrical devices, for
example, flashlights. Due to the unique design of the microchips,
as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, after the device (into which the
microchip is incorporated) is shut off the microchip remains
powered for an additional period of time which allows for said
microchip to thus receive additional commands, for example, a
second "on" activation within a given period after a first "on" and
"off" activation, may be programmed into the microchip
(control/reset means) to indicate a power reduction or dimming
function or any other function as desired by the designer of said
device. This is accomplished by the inventive designs of the
present invention without having to utilize substantial energy from
what are typically small exhaustible power sources, e.g. DC
batteries in the case of flashlights.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, more
intelligent devices include many other useful functions
pre-programmed within the microchip, e.g. in control/reset means
201 and may, e.g. be assisted by a timing means 203. Referring to
FIG. 2, commands can be entered through switch 102 in several
different ways. First, various time sequences of closed and open
activations may represent different commands. For example, but not
limited to, a single closure may instruct microchip 103 to activate
current switch 202 continuously for a pre-determined length of
time. Alternatively, two successive closures may instruct the
microchip 103 to intermittently activate current switch 202 for a
pre-determined length of time and sequence, for example, a S.O.S.
sequence.
Secondly, referring to FIG. 9, commands may be communicated to
microchip 903 through the use of various voltages recognizable by
microchip 903 to represent various commands. For example, but not
limited to, according to one embodiment of the present invention,
it may include multiple activating switches 901 and 902 connecting
different voltages to the command input structure of microchip
903.
Thirdly, referring to FIG. 10, commands may be communicated to
microchip 1103 through the use of multiple specific switches (1004,
1005, 1006, 1007) which when activated either singularly or in
combination is/are recognizable by microchip 1103 as representing
various different commands.
As can be seen by FIG. 9, switch 901 and 902 and in FIG. 10,
switches 1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007, power or ground may be used as
a command reference voltage level. For example, the switches in
FIG. 10 may be connected to another ground instead of point 1008
depending on the internal structure of the microchip.
The control/reset means included in the inventive microchips of the
present invention may and in some instances, depending upon the
application, should in addition to the many possible user functions
described above, include means for adjusting the average current
over a switch and/or a means for providing a gradual "on"/"off"
current flow, so that the operator does not appreciably perceive
the increase and decrease in light provided by the device. These
features allow for an ongoing variable level of lighting as desired
by an operator, and may also lengthen the life span of the
activation switch, the bulb, and the power source. Moreover,
several functions can now be added to an existing device, like a
flashlight, through the use of a battery having embedded therein a
microchip according to the present invention.
In another embodiment of the invention, the microchip is adapted to
control lighting in buildings. The normal switch on the wall that
currently functions as both a power-switch and MMI can be replaced
by a low current switching device like a membrane switch, touch pad
or carbon coated switching device. Since very low currents are
required by the MMI switch (device) that replaces the normal wall
mounted (A/C) switch, it is possible to replace the normal high
voltage/current (dangerous) wiring to the switch and from the
switch to the lead (light), with connectivity means suitable to the
new low current DC requirements. As such, in the case of normal A/C
wiring (110V/220V), the dangerous wiring can now be restricted to
the roof or ceiling and all switches (MMI's) can inherently be
safe. This may make the expensive and regulated safety piping
required for the wiring of electricity to wall switches
redundant.
In a specific embodiment, the traditional wiring between the light
and the wall switch is replaced by flexible current conducting tape
that can be taped from the roof and down the wall to the required
location. In another embodiment, the connections can be made by
current conducting paint or similar substances. In both cases
above, it can be painted over with normal paint to conceal it. This
makes changing the location of a wall switch or the addition of
another switch very easy.
The microchip according to the present invention can be located in
the power fitting of the load, e.g. the light, which is controlled.
The microchip has the low current (MMI) input and a power switch to
block or transfer the energy to the load (light, fan, air
conditioner). It reacts to the inputs received to activate or
disable, or control other functions, of whatever device it is
controlling.
As stated, in one specific embodiment, the microchip is located in
a power fitting of a light. This is a particular example of a broad
proposition namely that, in general, the microchip and for that
matter the MMI switch (signal switch) can be positioned where
required e.g. at a location which is remote from the load or in a
housing which also contains or supports the load.
For example a courtesy light in a vehicle may include a housing in
which are mounted the microchip 103, the signal switch 102 and the
light source 105. This approach offers a significant advantage in
terms of wiring that would otherwise be required. For example a
general controller in a vehicle may be mounted in a fascia or panel
(also referred to as a "dashboard") so that it is accessible by a
driver to control a variety of functions including courtesy lights.
If the courtesy light is controlled from the controller then it
would be necessary to install wiring from the controller to the
courtesy light.
This possibility is indicated somewhat schematically in FIG. 3
wherein a dotted line 900 represents a housing or mounting board or
similar structure which contains, or to which is mounted, the
microchip 103, the signal or MMI switch 102 which is positioned at
a point at which it is easily accessible by a user and at least one
load 105 which is operated, in a manner which is similar to what
has been described, upon activation of the signal switch 102.
It is reiterated that the foregoing example has been described with
reference to a light in a vehicle. Similar considerations can
however be put into practice in respect of loads of different
natures e.g. seat warmers, electric motors in toys, tooth brushes,
shavers and the like.
The microchip may be adapted to contain the high current/voltage
switch or control an external switching device or relay. The
microchip may also, as in the other embodiments discussed, have
some intelligence to control functions like dimming, delayed shut
off, timed activation/deactivation, timed cycles, flashing
sequences and gradual on/off switching. The microchip may also be
adopted, as in a specific flashlight embodiment discussed, to
provide a location/emergency signal for lighting/flashing an
LED.
FIG. 12 shows a flashlight 1200 with a housing 1202, batteries
1204, a bulb 1206, a reflector and lens 1208, a switch 1210 and a
microchip 1212. The flashlight has a conventional appearance but
its operation is based on the microchip 1212 controlling the
operation of the switch 1210, as described hereinbefore.
FIG. 13 illustrates that a battery 1300 with positive and negative
terminals 1302 and 1304 respectively, and of substantially
conventional shape and size, can be fabricated with an integral
microchip 1306, of the type described hereinbefore. Alternatively
the microchip can be mounted to the battery, for example by being
inserted into a preformed cavity. As the microchip is inserted into
the cavity it makes contact with the positive and negative
terminals on the battery. The microchip also carries external
terminals so that when the battery is inserted into an appliance
(not shown) it makes direct contact with corresponding terminals on
the appliance so that the microchip is automatically connected in
circuit.
The power input 101 in FIG. 14 may be DC (e.g. 12V) as is commonly
used for some lights or A/C (110V or 240V). The device shown as
1403 may be monolithic or be a multichip unit having a relay (solid
state or mechanical), a regulator (e.g.: 110 AC volt to 12V DC) and
a microchip as discussed in this application.
In a specific embodiment, Ic pin 1406 can normally be high and a
closure of input means 1402, e.g. any of the low current switching
devices described above, can be detected as Ic pin 1405 also goes
too high. To flash the LED 1404 the microchip will reverse the
polarities so that Ic pin 1405 becomes high with regards to Ic pin
1406. During this time, it may not be possible to monitor the
closure of the input 1402 switch and the LED 1404 may not shine
should the input 1402 be closed. In another embodiment, microchip
1403 is able to detect closure of input 1402 before reversing the
voltage polarity as discussed and if it detects closure, it does
not proceed with reversing the polarity.
Reference 1407 denotes an MMI wall unit, and reference 1408 denotes
a high voltage roof unit.
In FIG. 15, microchip 1503 does not contain a current switch (e.g.
switch 102) as shown in FIG. 2. However, if desired the regulator
and relay can be integrated into a single monolithic microchip
1503. In case of a 12V (DC) local voltage this may be done in any
event unless the current/power considerations is too high to make
it practical.
In another embodiment, the microchips 1403 and 1503 are adapted to
receive commands not only via the MMI input but also over the load
power (electricity) wiring. This would allow a central controller
to send out various commands to various power points, controlled by
a microchip according to this invention, by using address
information of specific microchips or using global (to all)
commands.
If the microchip, MMI switch and load are close together e.g.
integrated into a single housing or mounted on a common board or in
close proximity to one another, then further benefits flow when a
command, which contains at least an address field, is used. A
complex command, which typically is a command which includes an
address and an instruction, can be transmitted to a microchip on a
single input line or, in some embodiments, over a power supply line
which leads to the microchip. Referring again to the example in
which a roof mounted courtesy light in a vehicle has a light source
and an MMI switch in close proximity to each other, a single
non-energy transferring signal wire can be routed from a general
controller in the vehicle to the microchip. The controller could be
used for other functions, within the vehicle, such as for
controlling aspects of the engine, air conditioning, radio and the
like. Multiple commands can then be transferred in a digital format
over the signal wire or over the power lines, as the case may be,
to the microchip and the microchip can then perform functions like
gradual dimming, delayed shut-off, fade on, fade off, and the like.
The microchip remains responsive to user commands received via the
MMI switch (if still employed).
As the complex command includes address information it is possible
to address a single microchip 103 selected from a plurality of
microchips, or to address a group of microchips with a single
command (i.e. a global or broadcast command) which includes
appropriate address data. For example a single command, in a given
set of circumstances, could be used to operate multiple courtesy
lights plus floor lights in a vehicle whereas, in a different set
of circumstances, it would be possible to address a single courtesy
light selected from a plurality of possible courtesy lights.
FIG. 28 illustrates a system 700 of the aforementioned kind which
includes a general controller 702 connected via a single line 704
to a plurality of microchips 103A, 103B . . . 103N each of which
controls a respective load or loads 105A, 105B . . . 105N.
Particular information e.g. control signals can be sent to the
various microchips in the form of a complex signal, as has been
indicated, from the controller 702 over the line 704 or the signal
could be transmitted over power lines 706 also connected to the
battery 101. The individual microchips can also be selectively
addressed on a desired basis as opposed to the broadcast or global
approach referred to. In this type of system each microchip has
unique address data embedded in it and the controller 702 is
selectively enabled via inputs 708 to generate a chosen address or
addresses and a chosen control signal.
Referring again to FIG. 1, and this being done purely for the sake
of example, the microchip 103 is activated by sliding or activating
a switch 102. It is apparent that different switches can be
provided for different functions of the microchip. However, in
order to enhance the user-friendliness of the device, a single
switch may be capable of controlling different functions of an
appliance such as a flashlight to which the microchip is
mounted.
Assume for the sake of example that the switch 102 is used to turn
the microchip on in the sense that a flashlight is turned on. A
switch 110 may then be used at any time to turn the flashlight off,
by appropriately controlling operation of the microchip. This is a
conventional approach to controlling operation of the microchip. As
an alternative the operation of the switch 102 can be sensed by
means of a timing device 112. The timing device is started when the
switch 102 is closed and after a short time period, say on the
order of 5 seconds or less, which is measured by the timing device,
the mode or function of the switch 102 changes so that, upon
further actuation of the switch 102, the switch duplicates the
function of the switch 110 which can therefore be dispensed with.
Thus, initially the switch 102 functions as an on-switch while, a
short period after its actuation, the switch 102 functions as an
off-switch. It follows that with minor modifications to the
circuitry of the microchip a single switch can exhibit multimode
capabilities with the different modes being distinguished from each
other or being exhibited on a time basis or, if necessary, on any
other basis.
Multimode capabilities can for example be incorporated in a
microchip wherein the function of a switch is also linked to time.
In this sense the word "function" means the action which ensues or
results upon the detection of the closure of the switch. For
example a single switch may, from an off state of a flashlight,
enable (a) the switching on of the flashlight and (b) the selection
of one of a number of various modes like dimming level, flashing
rate/sequence etc. when the switch is closed a number of times.
If however a certain time is allowed to pass (say five seconds)
without any further closure of the switch taking place (indicating
a mode has been selected), the function resulting from the next
closure may be changed. Thus instead of selecting another mode, the
closure may be interpreted as an "off" command.
In other words a sequence of switch closures within five seconds of
each other will continue to step the microchip through a number of
predefined modes. However should at any stage a time of more than
five seconds elapse between consecutive presses or closures of the
switch then the next switch operation will switch the flashlight
off rather than stepping the microchip to another mode.
Clearly these characteristics are not confined to the use of the
chip with a flashlight for the chip can be used with other
applications to vary the mode of operation thereof in an analogous
way. Thus, for the flashlight, the function of the switch will
affect the operation of the flashlight in a manner which is
dependent on the time period between successive actuations of the
switch. More generally, in any electrical device which is
controlled by means of the microchip the operation of the device
will be regulated by the function which is exhibited by a switch
which is in communication with the microchip. The switch function
in turn is dependent on the duration of a time period between
successive operations of the switch.
Other modes can also be exhibited by a single switch. For example,
depending on requirement, a switch can be used for on and off
operation, for initiating the transmission of an emergency signal,
for initiating the gradual dimming of a flashlight or the like. The
scope of the invention is not limited in this regard.
FIGS. 18 to 20 relate to different examples of the invention used
for achieving different load control functions over one or more
loads. It is to be understood that in any of the examples given
herein a description which may relate to a particular load type
such as a light source can relate, with equal effectiveness, with
differences, which may arise, which can be resolved with ease by a
person skilled in the art, to other products such as heating
elements, motors, microwaves or products with an electrically
powered load.
The invention may be used in respect of a light, which may be one
of a plurality of lights and it may be present in vehicle lighting,
portable lighting products such as flashlights, flashclips, dome
lights, touch lights and the like. Also, the light may be a
building light in the interior or exterior of a building. The load
may alternatively be a load such as a heater, seat warmer, an
electric motor for a toy, a toothbrush, a shaver and a fan or for
an item or mechanism such as a control system used for controlling
fluid flow through a valve, tap or faucet or similar mechanism. The
scope of the invention is not limited in any way in this
regard.
It is further to be understood that although various specific
examples are given herein, generally with reference to a particular
drawing or drawings, it is possible to make use of features
described in connection with one example of the invention in
conjunction with features described in connection with a different
example of the invention to arrive at further implementations or
variations of the invention.
FIG. 18 illustrates a switching cycle 300 and a resulting voltage,
current or power waveform 302 which arises from actuating an
electronic switching device according to the invention in
accordance with a low current activation/deactivation interface
(i.e. a very low current switch) to the power switching device. The
circuit may for example be of the general type shown in FIG. 3 or
FIG. 6.
Assume, for example, that the switch 102 in FIG. 3 is operated with
consecutive presses within a certain period of time of each
other--say within a time interval T where 20 ms<T<1.5 sec.
The microchip 103 then steps through preselected modes wherein the
power output to the load 105, from the battery 101, may be as
follows:
first press of switch:power output=100%;
second press of switch:power output=50%;
third press of switch:power output=25% and power is optionally
applied in a pulse mode e.g. using pulse width modulation (PWM)
techniques which, if the load 105 is a light, may cause the light
to flash, or constant current techniques may be employed i.e. power
can be supplied at a constant predetermined level of the maximum
power output, to the load.
If the switch 102 is kept activated, or is pressed within a time
which is less than 20 ms (i.e. if the switch is operated outside
the aforementioned time relationship) then the microchip 103 may be
programmed to give an indication of a different selected mode of
operation and, for example, can output an indication (e.g. an off
pulse of duration tb to the load 105 which, in the case of a
flashlight, will cause a flicker) and then enter a gradual dimming
mode or gradual power reduction mode. In this gradual dimming mode
the power applied to the load will be gradually reduced for as long
as the switch is kept activated. This is depicted in the lower
waveform 302 in FIG. 18.
If the switch 102 is opened, i.e. deactivated, the dimming process
is brought to a halt and the power or current supplied to the load
is maintained at that level.
In a particular embodiment the aforementioned process of operation
may occur during the selection of any mode. For example the user
may step to the 50% power level as prescribed (in the
aforementioned example by pressing the switch 102 twice), and then
keep the switch activated to enter the gradual dimming or current
reduction mode. The gradual dimming may be stopped at a predefined
minimum power output eg. 10% or be continued to zero power output.
It is also possible once the minimum output or zero output has been
reached to reverse the cycle and gradually increase the power
output to the load to its initial level in a cyclical fashion. This
mode of operation may be repeated.
The operation of the electronic switching device of the invention,
in the manner which has been described in connection with FIG. 18
and FIG. 3, can be implemented using any other of the physical
embodiments of the invention and is specifically suited to use
where the load 105 is a light, for example in an automotive
interior, in a portable lighting product such as a flashlight,
flashclip, dome light or the like, or in a building light, whether
interior or exterior. This type of technique or operation can
however be extended to other applications including controlling the
operation of heaters, seat warmers in vehicles, electric motors for
toys, toothbrushes, shavers, fans, and control mechanisms for
regulating flow control from a tap or faucet, eg. by regulating
water flow from a mixer and a mix of hot and cold water (different
proportions) from mixer.
FIG. 27 illustrates a modification which can be made to the circuit
of FIG. 3 or, for that matter, to any of the circuits described
herein. A display 600 of any appropriate type, for example based on
the use of multiple LED's of the same or different colors, is
connected to the microchip 103 and is responsive to the sequential
operating procedure of the switch 102. The display 600 is adapted
to provide a visual indication of the mode of operation selected by
the microchip. The display may for example have a bar graph which
is 100% illuminated when the load 105 is fully energized, which is
50% activated when the load 105 is energized to the 50% level, and
so on. This is a useful aid to a user particularly if the user is
not fully familiar with the operation of the microchip or when the
feedback is not as clear or immediate as in a light, for example a
seat warmer will only stabilize on the selected value after a
period of time.
FIG. 19 shows a circuit 602 which includes a microchip 103
according to the invention connected to a battery 101 and two loads
designated 105A and 105B respectively. Each load, in this example,
is connected in series to a respective power switch in the form of
a transistor switch 604A and 604B respectively. These switches in
turn are controlled by the microchip.
The microchip 103 is programmed so that, in response to a
particular sequence of operations or activations of the switch 102,
either of the loads 105A and 105B or both loads, are connected to
the power source 101. This is in place of, or in addition to,
controlling the power output by the battery 101 to the selected
load or loads.
The microchip can be responsive to the timing between operations of
the switch 102 to select the load which is to be energized. In a
specific embodiment the microchip 103, upon receiving an activation
command from an off state (i.e. when the switch 102 is first
actuated), can activate either a default load or the load that was
active before receiving the last "switch off" command. Thereafter,
upon successive activations of the switch 102, the selected load
can be activated in various pre-programmed modes which may be
similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 18. Of
course, to achieve a successive activation the switch must first be
released or deactivated. FIG. 19 also illustrates the possibility
of including the components of the switch, excluding the power
supply, in a housing, or of mounting the components to a common
board, 900 indicated in dotted outline.
FIG. 20 illustrates a cycle 608 of successive operations of an
activating switch 102 and resulting waveforms designated 610, 612
and 614 respectively power or current output to different loads. In
this instance the product includes three different loads namely a
bulb 105A and one or more white LED's 105B see FIG. 19) and a red
LED (not shown in FIG. 19 but which can be connected in a similar
way to the circuit as the loads 105A and 105B). The first load to
be activated upon receiving an activation command from the signal
switch 102 is the bulb 105A. The bulb is energized until a
subsequent operation of the switch 102. The bulb is then the
default load and automatically comes on when the switch 102 is
again activated. This second activation is at a time To in FIG. 20.
If the switch 102 is kept actuated for a period in excess of a
minimum period tc (eg. 2 seconds) the microchip 103 interprets this
as a command to perform a load step function and the white LED's
(the load 105B) are selected. Upon a subsequent operation of the
switch 102 the power output to the white LED's is reduced to 50%,
at time T1. If the signal switch 102 were to be kept actuated for
another minimum period, that may be the same, shorter or longer
than tc, the load would be stepped again to a next load e.g. the
red LED referred to.
The loads may be individually or collectively selected one after
the other or the load may be randomly selected until the signal
switch activation is stopped at which the time the load which is
active remains selected.
Any load may be activated in a default mode which is specific to
such load, or in its previously used mode, or in a general default
mode, or in the mode of a previous load i.e. before selecting the
new load.
When the load is turned off, details of the load which was active
at that time may be saved in the microchip so that, upon
reactivation, that load is selected at the same power level which
applied previously.
Each load may have a specific set of modes associated with it. For
example a first load may flash each time it is activated while a
second load may shut off automatically to conserve power after a
certain period of time has passed eg. one hour, while a third load
may be permanently activated. Thus, the switch 102 may initially be
employed to select a load and thereafter, according to the nature
of the load which is selected, the power supplied to the load or
the manner of operating the load will depend on a sequence of
operations of the switch 102 with the same sequence of operations
of the switch having a different effect on the operation of a
different load.
The control switch 102, or any equivalent switch described
hereinbefore, functions at a very low current signal using touch
pads 106 or carbon coated membrane type switches. The invention is
intended to extend to the provision of a low current control
switch, i.e. activating/deactivating device, in a housing which
makes it suitable for use in specific applications such as
automotive interior lighting, lighting in a glove box, lighting in
an engine compartment or in a trunk, or the like. The touch pad 106
may be of capacitive nature that may operate without physical
contact or with contact to a non-conducting type material like
plastic or PVC i.e. a proximity capacitive sensor which is
activated by proximity effects as opposed to the making or breaking
of an electrical contact. Other proximity switches may also be
used. A switch of this kind should preferably be of low cost,
reliable, robust, easy to install and require less precision during
installation.
FIGS. 21 to 26 illustrate different types of switches which can
meet these requirements. In general terms each switch includes a
resiliently deformable body or component and, upon movement of such
body or component, an electrical contact which is responsive to
such movement is made or broken.
FIG. 21 show a switch 620 which is made from a suitable resilient
or compressible material such as rubber or an equivalent plastics
material and which includes a body 622 with a grommet or head 624
and a hollow interior 626. Contacts 628 and 630 are secured to
opposing surfaces of the body and face each other across the hollow
interior 626. Leads 632 and 634 are connected respectively to the
contacts 628 and 630.
FIG. 21 illustrates a body part 636 of a vehicle in which is formed
an hole 638. The grommet 624 can be compressed and then forced into
position in the hole 638. The body 622 of the switch can then
function as a shock absorbing stopper or anti-vibration device
similar to stops used, for example, in trunk lid or hood or door in
a vehicle.
The resilience of the material from which the body 622 is made is
such that it normally expands to the shape and form shown in FIG.
21 with the contacts 628 and 630 apart. If the body is placed under
compression, for example by closing a door or lid, the contacts are
forced into electrical engagement with each other and this is
interpreted by a microchip 103 as an activating signal.
The contacts 628 and 630 thus, in function, are equivalent to a
switch 102 of the kind which has been described hereinbefore.
FIG. 22 illustrates a switch 620A of an alternative construction
wherein a resilient body 622A has one or more contacts 628A on an
external surface opposing corresponding contacts 630A on a body
part 636A. Leads 632A and 634A are connected to the contacts 628A
and 630A respectively.
The body 622A is positioned so that upon closure or opening of a
door or lid or other movable device, for example in a vehicle, the
contacts 628A and 630A are closed whereas reverse movement of the
door or lid causes the electrical connection between the contacts
to be opened.
FIG. 23 illustrates a switching arrangement 620B which makes use of
an elongate tubular body 622B of a suitable compound shape which
corresponds, for example, to the shape of a weather or sealing
strip used between a doorframe and a door on a vehicle. Contacts
628B and 630B are provided on opposing inner surfaces of the body
facing each other across an interior volume 626B. The contacts may
extend continuously along the interior surfaces of the body and,
for example, may be applied by means of an extrusion or similar
process during manufacture of the body 622B. Leads 632B and 634B
are connected to the contacts. In this example, in use of the
switch, force is exerted to the body in the direction of an arrow
650, typically when a door is closed. The force causes the contacts
628B and 630B to be electrically connected and an activating signal
is then applied to a corresponding microchip 103 in the manner
which has been described hereinbefore.
FIG. 24 shows a switch 620C with a U-shaped body 622C and a fixing
formation 624C. A contact 628C on an inner surface of a U-shaped
interior volume 626C opposes a contact 630C on a panel 636C of a
vehicle, not shown. Leads 632C and 634C extend to the contacts 628C
and 630C respectively. A force is applied to the body 622C in the
direction of an arrow 652 in order to cause the contacts into
electrical connection with each other and, when the force is
released, the body expands under its inherent resilience and breaks
the connection.
In the switches shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 electrical connections
between the opposing contact pairs are usually made when the
resilient body is placed under compression and interrupted when the
resilient body is allowed to expand. FIG. 25 shows a switch 620D
with opposing U-shaped contacts 628D and 630D which are on opposing
inner surfaces of a resilient body 622D and which contact each
other when the body is not deformed. Electrical leads 632D and 634D
are connected to the contacts in the body which is mounted by means
of a grommet formation 624D to a hole 638D in a body part 636D. If
compressive force is applied to the body in the direction of an
arrow 656 the interior of the body "opens up" in a lateral sense
and the contact pairs 628D and 630D are moved apart. This
configuration is shown in FIG. 26 which illustrates how a
projection 662 moves between the contacts 628D and 630D and the
electrical connection which otherwise exists between the contacts
is broken.
The contacts which are embodied in the switches shown in FIGS. 21
to 26 are preferably sealed or in a sealed chamber to prevent dirt
or other contamination of the contact surfaces. Alternatively or
additionally the contacts should be designed so that they exert a
self-cleaning action when operated.
The various switches shown in FIGS. 21 to 26 have contact pins
which are brought into electrical engagement with each other by
movement of a housing or enclosure in or on which the contacts are
mounted. In some cases one contact may be directly connected to, or
be part of, the body metal that inherently forms a connector and
then a separate wire to that contact would not be required.
The contact pins could however function as capacitor plates so that
a capacitive switching action results which is dependent on
proximity effects, as opposed to a situation in which the contact
pins are brought into direct electrical connection (contact) with
each other. Movement of one or more of the contacts could also be
detected in other low current ways using suitable sensors.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the switch 620 may be
included in or form part in a functional part of a vehicle or other
installation situation such as a door handle or locking
mechanism.
FIG. 29 is a drawing which is similar in many respects to FIG. 2
and, consequently, like components bear like reference numerals.
The Figure however incorporates an optional additional feature
which is usable, according to requirement, in a plurality of
applications but particularly with a product or load 105 which,
conceivably, could be damaged if it is not correctly supplied with
a predetermined current.
Use is made of a sensor 700 which is positioned to monitor the
power or current applied via the switch 202 to the load 105.
Although the sensor 700 can be a discrete component and hence be
external to the microchip 103 it is preferred that the sensor is
integrally formed with, or embodied in, the microchip.
The sensor 700 may be of any appropriate type. For example use may
be made of an inductor to measure the current flowing to the load
or a resistor of low value which is in the current path. The volt
drop across the resistor is then indicative of the current flowing
to the load. Clearly if a resistive approach is used the value of
the resistor should be small to ensure that there is minimal energy
wastage in the resistor. The sensor then comprises a small value
resistor and a device to measure the volt drop across the resistor.
Clearly the device which is used to monitor the volt drop across
the resistor would, of necessity, have the capability of
functioning at very low input voltages.
Depending on the requirement and application it is possible to
place the sensor 700, or an additional sensor, designated 702, in
the line between the supply 101 and the switch 202.
By monitoring the power or current supplied to the load, or drawn
from the supply, it is possible to detect any abnormal functioning
of the load, switch or power supply, as the case may be. For
example if a short circuit exists in the power supply circuit or
over the load then this will be detected by the appropriate sensor
or sensors and the microchip can be configured, e.g. via the
control/reset means 201 to take action to prevent permanent
damage.
If the product (load 105) has an electromechanical switch then a
short circuit will not necessarily damage anything other than a
fuse (if included) or the battery supply 101. The switch 202 on the
other hand which typically is a bipolar transistor or an FET device
can be seriously damaged by a short circuit across the load.
The protective action which is taken by the microchip, in response
to detecting an abnormal current or power supply situation, can be
varied according to requirement and the invention is not limited in
this respect. Typically the microchip can turn the power switch 202
off and then, in conjunction with the timer 203, intermittently
turn the switch 202 on to enable the status of the short circuit
condition to be monitored. If the short circuit, for whatever
reason, is absent then normal operation of the load can be resumed.
The turning on of the switch can be done only for a limited period
of time at convenient intervals which are variable depending on the
nature of the product 105. According to another variation of the
invention the switch 202 is turned off immediately a short circuit
condition or other abnormal power supply condition is detected and
the switch 202 is only turned on after a predetermined period of
time has passed or upon a next user activation e.g. via the switch
102.
An output device 704 can be connected to the microchip or be formed
integrally with the microchip. In FIG. 29 the output device is
shown external to the microchip 103 and is connected to an output
terminal on the microchip. The output device is used to give an
indication of the power or current supply situation to the load.
The output device may vary according to requirement and in a simple
form of the invention may be an LED or similar component which
gives an indication of a short circuit condition. More complex
displays can be employed to give detailed information of abnormal
power supply or operating conditions. The output 704 can,
alternatively or additionally, be an audible device which by means
of a sound or digitally generated words indicates a power supply or
operating condition. Clearly it is possible for the device 704, in
general, to be used to indicate a power supply situation to the
load or load operating condition, whether normal or abnormal.
The techniques described herein in connection with some embodiments
of the invention can readily be adapted or incorporated for use in
other embodiments of the invention.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art that changes and modifications may be made to said
embodiments without, however, departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention as claimed.
* * * * *