Control system input apparatus and method

• US 20030075427A1
• Filed: 05/06/2002
• Published: 04/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Inventors: Caldwell, David W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,944,018 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/181
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches

Abstract

A control system interface integrates an electronic switching or sensing mechanism with an existing or custom-fabricated, functional or decorative equipment panel. The electronic switching or sensing mechanism is located on the rear surface of the equipment panel and a corresponding touch surface is defined on the front surface of the equipment panel. The electronic switching or sensing mechanism is responsive to a stimulus in the proximity of the touch surface, and it provides a control signal to a control system when it senses such a stimulus.

Claims

1. A control system interface, comprising:

a panel, at least a portion of which has a substantially continuous front surface and a substantially continuous rear surface;

a first touch switch associated with said rear surface of said panel;

a first touch surface associated with said front surface of said panel, said first touch surface corresponding to said first touch switch;

wherein said first touch switch is responsive to the presence of a stimulus proximate said first touch surface.

2. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein said panel is substantially rigid.

3. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein said panel is of substantially non-uniform thickness.

4. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein said panel is of substantially uniform thickness.

5. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said panel has a non planar surface.

6. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein said first touch switch is mounted on a substrate.

7. The control system interface of claim 6 wherein said substrate is rigid.

8. The control system interface of claim 6 wherein said substrate is flexible.

9. The control system interface of claim 6 wherein said substrate is integral with said panel.

10. The control system interface of claim 6 wherein said substrate is bonded to said panel.

11. The control system interface of claim 1 wherein said panel comprises at least a portion of an apparatus controlled by said first touch switch.

12. A method for providing a control input to a control system of an apparatus, comprising the steps of:

defining a touch surface on a front surface of a panel of said apparatus; and

attaching a touch switch to a corresponding rear surface of said apparatus.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of providing a control system interface between said touch switch and said control system.