Automatic lighting for input keys of device in unlit area
First Claim
1. A human interface input system with means facilitating operation under conditions of low ambient light, said system comprising:
- a. at least one manually operable key or button;
b. a light source actuable to illuminate said key or button;
c. a sensor operable to generate an electrical signal in response to at least one of physical presence and motion of an infrared-emitting object in the immediate vicinity of said sensor; and
d. means for actuating said light source in response to generation of said electrical signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for facilitating operation of keys or buttons of an access control or communication system under conditions of low ambient light. For example, a keypad may be mounted adjacent a gate to control a gate actuator in response to operation of keys in a predetermined sequence. A light source is positioned to provide either front or back lighting to the keys and is turned on in response to generation of a signal by a sensor of either physical presence or motion of an infra-red emitting body in proximity to the sensor. The light source may be turned off in response to entry of the proper code on the keypad, or by timing means such as a pulse count generated by a microcontroller which passes or blocks the signal from the sensor which controls illumination of the light source.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A human interface input system with means facilitating operation under conditions of low ambient light, said system comprising:
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a. at least one manually operable key or button;
b. a light source actuable to illuminate said key or button;
c. a sensor operable to generate an electrical signal in response to at least one of physical presence and motion of an infrared-emitting object in the immediate vicinity of said sensor; and
d. means for actuating said light source in response to generation of said electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for limiting physical access to a designated area, said system comprising:
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a. a movable barrier having a first position, barring access to said area, and a second position, permitting access to said area;
b. an actuator operable to move said barrier between said first and second positions thereof;
c. first and second power sources;
d. first and second switching devices;
e. a sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to one of physical presence and motion of an infra-red emitting object in proximity to said sensor f. a keypad having multiple, manually operated keys connected between said first power source and said second switching device, said keypad being operative to connect said first power source to said second switching device in response to operation of said keys in a predetermined sequence;
g. a light source actuable by said first power source to illuminate said keys for visual identification thereof;
h. said first switching device being actuable in response to said electrical signal to connect said first power source with said light source for actuation thereof; and
i. said second power source being connected to said actuator through said second switching device whereby, upon connection of said first power source to said second switching device in response to operation of said keys in said predetermined sequence, said actuator is connected through said second switching device to said actuator, thereby moving said barrier from said first to said second position thereof. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification