COMBINED INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICE

• US 20170329407A1
• Filed: 05/12/2017
• Published: 11/16/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alexander Van Laack, Bertrand Stelandre, Dirk Nolten
• Original Assignee: Alexander Van Laack, Bertrand Stelandre, Dirk Nolten
• Inventors: van Laack, Alexander, Stelandre, Bertrand, Nolten, Dirk
• Application Number:
  US15/593,783
• Publication Number:
  US 20170329407A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04106 Multi-sensing digitiser, i.e. digitiser using at least two different sensing technologies simultaneously or alternatively, e.g. for detecting pen and finger, for saving power or for improving position detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0414 using force sensing means to determine a position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04142 the force sensing means being located peripherally, e.g. disposed at the corners or at the side of a touch sensing plate
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/044 by capacitive means

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a combined input and output device including a screen for displaying at least one operating element, a touchscreen arranged above screen, for detecting a position of a contact with the operating surface of the touchscreen, and a frame. The screen is arranged under the touchscreen in frame, and, on the frame, a plurality of mini switches are arranged, on which the touchscreen rests.

Claims

1. A combined input and output device comprising

a screen for displaying at least one operating element,

a touchscreen arranged over the screen, for detecting a position of contact with an operating surface of the touchscreen, and

a frame to support the touchscreen,

a plurality of mini switches arranged on the frame,

wherein screen is arranged under the touchscreen in the frame, and,

on frame, a plurality of mini switches are arranged so that the touchscreen is in contact with the plurality of mini switches.

2. The input and output device according to claim 1, wherein a haptic signal can be output by actuation of mini switches.

3. The input and output device according to claim 1, wherein the touchscreen comprises a touch surface and a touch sensor.

4. The input and output device according to claim 3, wherein touch surface of the touchscreen rests on mini switches.

5. The input and output device according to claim 3, wherein a touch sensor of the touchscreen rests on mini switches.

6. The input and output device according to claim 3, wherein an insulation is arranged between touch surface or touch sensor and frame.

7. The input and output device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of mini switches are arranged on one side of frame and on the opposing side of the frame one or more connecting elements are arranged.

8. A method for operating an input and output device, comprising:

providing a touchscreen arranged in a frame;

detecting a contact of the touchscreen, and in response to the detecting of the contact, generating a first signal including the position of the contact;

detecting pressure on the touchscreen of input and output device, and in response to the detecting of pressure, generating a second signal,

wherein the touchscreen is supported by mini switches to detect at least the pressure and the position.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first and the second signals are processed by a processor.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein a haptic feedback is generated upon generating pressure on the touchscreen.