Virtual push button switch
First Claim
1. A user interface display system comprising:
- at least one user responsive element, the at least one element including a user activated optical mechanism;
a pulsed light source producing a light beam;
a means for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across an activity field;
a controller arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the at least one element, the controller also being programmed to act upon a signal regarding a status of the element; and
a photo detector for sending the signal to the controller, wherein the optical mechanism of the at least one element is located in the optical path between the light source and the photo detector, and the optical mechanism of the at least one element is positioned to selectively act on the light beam causing the signal from the photo detector changing status and indicating the status of the element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A user interface display system can include at least one user responsive element. The user responsive element can include an optical mechanism. A pulsed light source can produce a light beam. Apparatus are provided for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field. A controller can be arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the user responsive element. The controller can also be programed to act upon a signal regarding the status of the element. A photo detector can send the signal to the controller. The optical mechanism acts upon the light beam differently based upon the status of the user responsive element.
48 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A user interface display system comprising:
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at least one user responsive element, the at least one element including a user activated optical mechanism; a pulsed light source producing a light beam; a means for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across an activity field; a controller arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the at least one element, the controller also being programmed to act upon a signal regarding a status of the element; and a photo detector for sending the signal to the controller, wherein the optical mechanism of the at least one element is located in the optical path between the light source and the photo detector, and the optical mechanism of the at least one element is positioned to selectively act on the light beam causing the signal from the photo detector changing status and indicating the status of the element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A user interface display system comprising:
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an activity field including at least one user responsive element, the at least one element including a button including an optical mechanism fixedly coupled therewith; a pulsed light source producing a light beam; means for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field; a controller arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the at least one element, the controller also being programmed to act upon a signal regarding a status of the element; and a photo detector for sending the signal to the controller, wherein the optical mechanism of the at least one element is located in the optical path between the light source and the photo detector, whereby the signal from the photo detector informs the controller whether the optical mechanism has been moved to act upon the light beam toward the photo detector, indicating the status of the element. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification