Keypad signal input apparatus
First Claim
1. Keypad apparatus for registering signals corresponding to data that a user enters by pressure, comprising:
- a surface extending in two dimensions;
first and second sets of impedance elements, the elements of each set being connected in series through respective interconnections;
reference signal means for applying first and second reference signals across said first and second sets of impedance elements respectively; and
an array of discrete key elements juxtaposed with said surface and selectively actuable by user pressure on said features to make or break connections through corresponding contact elements between a respective pair of said interconnections, one from said first set of impedance elements and one from said second set of impedance elements, characterised by said reference signal means is arranged to apply said reference signals alternately across said first set and across said second set of impedance elements, so as to generate first and second output signals that together are a corresponding combination of said first and second reference signals that is unique to the actuated key elements, and output means responsive to said output signals, said output means comprising digital-to-analogue converter means common to said first and second output signals.
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Abstract
Keypad apparatus for registering signals corresponding to data that a user enters by pressure on keys of an array in a surface extending in two dimensions. The elements of first and second sets of impedance elements (R) are connected in series through respective interconnections and a signal processor applies first and second reference signals across the first and second sets of impedance elements respectively. User pressure on the keys makes or breaks connections through corresponding contact elements between a respective pair of the interconnections, one from the first set of impedance elements and one from the second set of impedance elements, so as to generate first and second output signals (PX1, PY1) that together are a corresponding combination of the first and second reference signals that is unique to the actuated key elements.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. Keypad apparatus for registering signals corresponding to data that a user enters by pressure, comprising:
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a surface extending in two dimensions;
first and second sets of impedance elements, the elements of each set being connected in series through respective interconnections;
reference signal means for applying first and second reference signals across said first and second sets of impedance elements respectively; and
an array of discrete key elements juxtaposed with said surface and selectively actuable by user pressure on said features to make or break connections through corresponding contact elements between a respective pair of said interconnections, one from said first set of impedance elements and one from said second set of impedance elements, characterised by said reference signal means is arranged to apply said reference signals alternately across said first set and across said second set of impedance elements, so as to generate first and second output signals that together are a corresponding combination of said first and second reference signals that is unique to the actuated key elements, and output means responsive to said output signals, said output means comprising digital-to-analogue converter means common to said first and second output signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification