Data input device
First Claim
1. A data input device comprising a plurality of responsive sensors, a display device and control means for causing progression in a selected direction of a sequence of symbols on the display device in response to actuation of the sensors, said control means being arranged to control the progression of the symbols in a direction and at a speed which are variable in response to actuation of the sensors and also to provide for progression of the symbols in an acquired direction between two successive actuations of the sensors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device is provided for the rapid and easy introduction of data into an apparatus, e.g., for setting a digital watch. A binary decision device continuously tests the state of a plurality of finger responsive sensors A, B, C and D and produces control signals for a operational unit. The operational unit comprises an up-down counter which can be incremented or decremented by signal F1 to F8 at different frequencies. An inertia effect is produced by maintaining counting of the up-down counter between two successive actuations of the sensors. Touching sensor B or C stops the counter. Sweeping A, B, C, D speeds the incrementing rate (up to a top rate) or slows the decrementing rate while sweeping D, C, B, A acts conversely. Touching A and D alone, respectively, single-steps the counter down and up. The amount by which the rate is speeded or slowed can be made to depend on the speed of sweeping the sensors as well as the number of times they are swept. Other embodiments use three buttons A (speed up), B (slow down) and C (stop). Pushing A+C single-steps the counter up while pushing B+C single-steps the counter down. The amount by which the rate is speeded or slowed can depend on the number of operations of A or B or also on the length of time A or B is held depressed.
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Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A data input device comprising a plurality of responsive sensors, a display device and control means for causing progression in a selected direction of a sequence of symbols on the display device in response to actuation of the sensors, said control means being arranged to control the progression of the symbols in a direction and at a speed which are variable in response to actuation of the sensors and also to provide for progression of the symbols in an acquired direction between two successive actuations of the sensors.
Specification