Sensor pad using light pipe input devices
First Claim
1. An assembly for generating inputs to an electronic device having a changeable display, including:
- a sensor pad overlaying at least a portion of said display, said sensor pad being transparent to permit visualization of the display therethrough, said sensor pad also transmitting infrared signals laterally therethrough;
a tactile input device secured to said sensor pad, said input device including a moving element for receiving a user tactile input and undergoing corresponding displacement;
said input device including signal means for generating a first signal corresponding to the position of said moving element;
infrared (IR) means for transmitting said first signal through said sensor pad;
sensor means coupled to said sensor pad to receive the IR signal and derive a second signal indicating the position of said moving element; and
,means for transmitting said second signal to said electronic device to appropriately modify the changeable display.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor pad input system for use with an electronic display screen includes a transparent sensor pad overlaying the display, and at least one tactile input device removably secured to the sensor pad. Each input device emits an IR beam transmitted by the sensor pad to an IR sensor at the edge of the sensor pad. Each input device emits a unique PN code which enables identification of the device and detection of the device setting and changes in the setting. Each input device includes a light receptor directed toward the display screen to derive location data therefrom. Input devices include knob, fader, trackball, and joystick embodiments.
19 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An assembly for generating inputs to an electronic device having a changeable display, including:
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a sensor pad overlaying at least a portion of said display, said sensor pad being transparent to permit visualization of the display therethrough, said sensor pad also transmitting infrared signals laterally therethrough; a tactile input device secured to said sensor pad, said input device including a moving element for receiving a user tactile input and undergoing corresponding displacement; said input device including signal means for generating a first signal corresponding to the position of said moving element; infrared (IR) means for transmitting said first signal through said sensor pad; sensor means coupled to said sensor pad to receive the IR signal and derive a second signal indicating the position of said moving element; and
,means for transmitting said second signal to said electronic device to appropriately modify the changeable display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification