Vector electronic control device
First Claim
1. In an electronic device for generating at least two interrelated electrical outputs, comprising:
- at least two capacitive sensing means each for establishing a capacitor with a grounded electrical conductor positionable to conduct a capacitance when said conductor contacts said sensing means, and said sensing means having a configuration such that its capacitance changes as the position of said grounded conductor changes;
a first generating means for generating a first electrical output of selected characteristics and strength in response to said change in capacitance imposed upon one or both of said sensing means including a difference determining means for deriving the difference in capacitance between said two sensing means, and said first electrical output representing this difference and defining the direction of the displacement of said grounded conductor on one or both of said sensing means; and
a second generating means for generating a second electrical output of selected characteristics and strength in a response to said change in capacitance imposed upon one or both of said sensing means, including a deriving and amplifying means for deriving and amplifying the difference in capacitance between said two sensing means; and
rectifying means for receiving said second electrical output and for generating a third electrical output defining the magnitude of said displacement of said grounded conductor on said one or both sensing means, whereby upon relative positioning and movement of said grounded member, the direction and magnitude of said output signals may be established.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic control device for providing control signals having direction and magnitude represented by electrical output signals based upon employing a circuit that senses relative changes in capacitance with a few volt excitation at suitable frequency. A finger touch unbalances the equilibrium between a pair of capacitance electrodes which by means of the circuitry selectively produces signals representative of magnitude and direction, and whose rate is proportional to the degree of unbalance, and which signals are used for vector control purposes. The electrodes are positioned in a recessed slot in an encasement, which slot is accessible by fingers, and which pair of capacitance electrodes is protected by a dielectric layer.
28 Citations
12 Claims
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1. In an electronic device for generating at least two interrelated electrical outputs, comprising:
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at least two capacitive sensing means each for establishing a capacitor with a grounded electrical conductor positionable to conduct a capacitance when said conductor contacts said sensing means, and said sensing means having a configuration such that its capacitance changes as the position of said grounded conductor changes; a first generating means for generating a first electrical output of selected characteristics and strength in response to said change in capacitance imposed upon one or both of said sensing means including a difference determining means for deriving the difference in capacitance between said two sensing means, and said first electrical output representing this difference and defining the direction of the displacement of said grounded conductor on one or both of said sensing means; and a second generating means for generating a second electrical output of selected characteristics and strength in a response to said change in capacitance imposed upon one or both of said sensing means, including a deriving and amplifying means for deriving and amplifying the difference in capacitance between said two sensing means; and rectifying means for receiving said second electrical output and for generating a third electrical output defining the magnitude of said displacement of said grounded conductor on said one or both sensing means, whereby upon relative positioning and movement of said grounded member, the direction and magnitude of said output signals may be established. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification