CA1167946A - Ambient light sensor touch switch system and method - Google Patents
Ambient light sensor touch switch system and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1167946A CA1167946A CA000380263A CA380263A CA1167946A CA 1167946 A CA1167946 A CA 1167946A CA 000380263 A CA000380263 A CA 000380263A CA 380263 A CA380263 A CA 380263A CA 1167946 A CA1167946 A CA 1167946A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ambient light
- photoelectric
- detectors
- intensity
- photoelectric detectors
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- NSMXQKNUPPXBRG-SECBINFHSA-N (R)-lisofylline Chemical compound O=C1N(CCCC[C@H](O)C)C(=O)N(C)C2=C1N(C)C=N2 NSMXQKNUPPXBRG-SECBINFHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000003251 Pruritus Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003455 independent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Electronic Switches (AREA)
- Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An ambient light responsive touch switch system for producing a signal whenever ambient light impinging on a photoelectric detector at a switch location is altered relative to the ambient light sensed by a photoelectric detector at a non-switch location. The system includes means for comparing the intensity of light between the photoelectric detector at a switch location relative to the intensity of ambient light at a non-switch location and a logic system that will produce a signal when the intensity of ambient light at the switch location is altered relative to the ambient light at the non-switch location.
An ambient light responsive touch switch system for producing a signal whenever ambient light impinging on a photoelectric detector at a switch location is altered relative to the ambient light sensed by a photoelectric detector at a non-switch location. The system includes means for comparing the intensity of light between the photoelectric detector at a switch location relative to the intensity of ambient light at a non-switch location and a logic system that will produce a signal when the intensity of ambient light at the switch location is altered relative to the ambient light at the non-switch location.
Description
7g~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a control panel for a domestic appliance and more particularly, to a contactless touch switch wherein an electric signal is produced at a location remote from the panel when ambient light from a switch position impinging any one of a plurality of photoelectric detectors is altered relative to the ambient light from a non switch position impinging on a photoelectric detector.
In recenS apparatus control systems~ the tendency has been to employ touch type switching systems that eliminate mechanical parts and ~0 substantially lower tbe need for servicing. In some prior art touchsystems such as the one disclosed in Patent 3,81g,906-Gould~Jr., con ductor pads ~are disposed on either slde of a display panel. This type of control approach necessitates tha~ some of the componen~s be arranged in intimate coatact w-th the panel and5 further are~subjected to the envlronment~fouad in ~the area of;the paael. For~example, curren~ carry-iag electrical~components must be electrically iasulated from the panel touch~area.;~ In a;domestic cooking range,~these coatrols would be exposed to relatively high temperatures generated by the sur~ace elements.~ Many of the~electroalc~compoacnts employed at the paael area may be seasitive to hlgh temperature and ualess protec~ed~from~excesslve~heat, they can be damaged. In~other applications, such as clothes washing machines, the panel may be~subjected;to high humidity conditions which can create hazardous electrical conditions and also shorten the life of some of the :: : : : :
components.~ ~ ~
la some type prior art touch swltch systems9 optica~l fibers are~ employed to direct light to a photoelectric detector wherein inter-rupti~on o~ llght passing through the optical fiber causes a signal to be produced.; A disclosure using l;ght pipes is shown in Patent 3,937,952, wherein an input light~pipe and an output light pipe are arranged so that the amouat of light from the iaput light pipe eatering the output . . .
:
i lB7~4fi light is variable between a first level when a switch is actuated to a second level when the swi tch i s not actuated .
In other types prior art touch switch, as shown in Patents 3,526,775-Friedrick et al, and 3~885,408, light is transmitted directly S to detector. In both of these disclosures, a contactless switch isactuated by interrupting l;ght from impinging on a photosensitive device by a portion of the hand.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical touch switching sys~em and me~hod that is operable in the presence of ambient light.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical panel having a plurality of touch areas wherein a signal is produced at a remote location by the presence of a human finger at one or more preselected areas on the panel.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for producing a signal in which all of the operable~and electrical components thereof are located internally~ of the structures into which~entry is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE_INVENTION
By the presen~ lnvention, an ambient light responsive touch switch means is provided for producing a signal whenever ambient light `
impinging on a selected photoelectric detector is altered. The switch means includes a control panel having a plurality of transparent areas~
all but one of which that are adapted to be touched by~a portion of the hand, and a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to the transparent areas. The ambient light is directed from each of the transparent areas of the panel to an associated photoelectric detector. The switch means further include an ambient light sensing detector that is independent of the touch areas.
7 ~ ~ ~
The signal producing ~eans arranged remote from the panel are provided for sensing the light associated with the ambient l;ght sensing detector and for comparing the intensity thereof relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by the other photoelec~ric detectors.
A con~rol is operable when, by touching one of the transparent areas, the intensity of ambient light directed to at least one of the other photoelectric detectors is al~ered relative to the ambient light sensed by the ambient light sensing detector to produce the signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPtION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a control panel incorporating the present l~véntion;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure l; and Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a control panel disclosing another embodiment Of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
__ The present invention ls~directed to a touch~switch control system having a panel designating input output areas, and accordingly, thi C~e.d ~ ~ its use is not intended to be rcstr~u:~Yi to a particular machine or apparatus. However, it should be noted that the present ambient light sensitive touch switch system was reduced to practice relative to its application on home appliances.
Referring to Figures l an~ 2, an embodiment of a touch switch system in accordance with the invention comprises a control panel 10 : ~
formed of any suitable material and preferably have a smooth surface for r, ve,r~ t/~
best appearance and cleanab~llty. Arranged 6e~4i~t~ on the conkrol panel 10 is an input/output display area 12. The control panel 10 and, more particularly, the display area 12 is opaque and includes a plurality of transparent switch touch areas 14 representing, and corresponding to the number of selected functions relating to the \
., ~ 1~79~
9D-HR-14540~
home appliance or machine to which the control is applied. The display area may also convien~ly include a transparent area 16 which is indepen-dent of the input/output function of the switch system and whose function will be explained later. Since the area 16 is a non-switch area~ it could be arranged in any convenient areas other than within the display as shown.
In the embodiment shown, the switch system is applied to a household refrigerator of the type having a fresh food section and a freezer section that includes a through-the door dispensing system having a choice of ice cubess crushed ice and water dispensing features.
In this particular inseance, each of the touch area 14 may be designated with the graphic display showing the choice to be made relative to the dispensing capabilities of the system. In another application for example, on~a cooking~range,~there may be provided one touch area for~
lS each cooking~ function of the oven and surfac~ units. When used in conjunction with a clothes washer9 the touch areas would display functions appropria~e~to a clothes washing~machine.
~: :
Referring now to Figure 2, there is~provided a base plate 18 arringed in~spaced~relaeionship with respect to the panel~ 10. Main-taining an air gap~ between the panel 10 touch areas and base plate 18 is not critical to the func~ion of the present switch but;ls effective in electrically isolating the user touchable areas from any electrical components that may be employed in conjunction with the present switch system.~ Mounted on th base plate 18 and in ambient light communication with each of the eransparene areas 14 and area 16 are photoelectric detectors 20 and 22 respectively. While many light detectors are avail-able~, the one employed in the present instance is a General Electric NPN-2N5777-80. This arrangement of transparent areas and photoelectric detectors allows the ambient light to impinge on, and accordingly turn .
the detectors on. In the presence of ambient light all of the photo-.~
. .
1 167~
9D-HR-14540- ~
electric detectors 20 and 22 are on and no selection has been made. The plate 18 may be a printed circuit board to which the detectors are wired and may further include a logic device 24 capable of producing a signal as will be explained hereinafter.
By the present invention, the presence o~ ambient light at a non-switch area 16 as sensed by photoelectric detector 22 is compared to the ambient light at the switch touch areas 14 as sensed by any one of the photoelectric detectors 20. When the logic device 24 senses that each of the photoelectric devices 20 are sensing ambient light, it will translate that to mean that none of the areas 14 have been selected or covered by a portion of the hand or ~inger and, accordingly, no signal is initiated. In operation, when the user selects a function and covers a corresponding transparent touch ~rea 14, amb~ient ligh~ to its cooper-ating photoelectric detector 20~is cut off and that particular detector turns off. The logie device 24 continues to sense the in~ensity of ambient sensed by the non~sw,itch associated photoelectrlc detector 22 and compares it with the selected o~f detector 20. This comparison between the selected off detector 20 and detector 22 will cause logic device 24 to~produce a signal that may operate an lnterfacing device such as a relay (not shown) associated with the par~icular function selected at the display area 12.
The present system, by comparing the intensity of the actual ambient light condition as sensed~by detector 22 with that light as seen by a selected one of the detector 2û, provides effective switching i capabilities through a wide range of ambient light conditions. The sensitivity of the system is such that a selection may be made at the display area during all reasonable ambient light conditions that per~it user visability of the display area. While many logic devices are available that would carry out the comparing function of the present control, the one employed in reducing the present system to practice is manufac~ured by INTEL and is identified as Model 8022.
I ~ B794 6 In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 3, optical fibers or light pipes 30 are employed to direct ambient light between the transparent areas 14 and 16 and their respective photo-electric detectors 20 and 22. The light pipes selected may be quite flexible and thus able to convey light around corners or through tortuous paths. The employment of flexible light pipes allows the photoelectric detectors and other sensitive electronic components to be located at a location remote from the touch panel. This arrange~ent of light pipes is particularly advantageous when the control panel is in an environmentally hostile drea such as when employed in close proximity to the relatively hot range surface or a relatively humid clothes washing machine mentioned hereinbefore.
A further advantage of using light pipes~is that it allows design flexibilities in that the relatively flexible light pipes permit the electric components to be located in any convenient location of an .
appliance.
I~ should be apparent to those skilled in the art tha~ the embodiment described heretofore is considered to be the presently pre-ferred form~of this invent10n. In accordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in the disclosed apparatus and the manner in which it is used without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention. ~
.
:: ~:
.~
.:
.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a control panel for a domestic appliance and more particularly, to a contactless touch switch wherein an electric signal is produced at a location remote from the panel when ambient light from a switch position impinging any one of a plurality of photoelectric detectors is altered relative to the ambient light from a non switch position impinging on a photoelectric detector.
In recenS apparatus control systems~ the tendency has been to employ touch type switching systems that eliminate mechanical parts and ~0 substantially lower tbe need for servicing. In some prior art touchsystems such as the one disclosed in Patent 3,81g,906-Gould~Jr., con ductor pads ~are disposed on either slde of a display panel. This type of control approach necessitates tha~ some of the componen~s be arranged in intimate coatact w-th the panel and5 further are~subjected to the envlronment~fouad in ~the area of;the paael. For~example, curren~ carry-iag electrical~components must be electrically iasulated from the panel touch~area.;~ In a;domestic cooking range,~these coatrols would be exposed to relatively high temperatures generated by the sur~ace elements.~ Many of the~electroalc~compoacnts employed at the paael area may be seasitive to hlgh temperature and ualess protec~ed~from~excesslve~heat, they can be damaged. In~other applications, such as clothes washing machines, the panel may be~subjected;to high humidity conditions which can create hazardous electrical conditions and also shorten the life of some of the :: : : : :
components.~ ~ ~
la some type prior art touch swltch systems9 optica~l fibers are~ employed to direct light to a photoelectric detector wherein inter-rupti~on o~ llght passing through the optical fiber causes a signal to be produced.; A disclosure using l;ght pipes is shown in Patent 3,937,952, wherein an input light~pipe and an output light pipe are arranged so that the amouat of light from the iaput light pipe eatering the output . . .
:
i lB7~4fi light is variable between a first level when a switch is actuated to a second level when the swi tch i s not actuated .
In other types prior art touch switch, as shown in Patents 3,526,775-Friedrick et al, and 3~885,408, light is transmitted directly S to detector. In both of these disclosures, a contactless switch isactuated by interrupting l;ght from impinging on a photosensitive device by a portion of the hand.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical touch switching sys~em and me~hod that is operable in the presence of ambient light.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical panel having a plurality of touch areas wherein a signal is produced at a remote location by the presence of a human finger at one or more preselected areas on the panel.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for producing a signal in which all of the operable~and electrical components thereof are located internally~ of the structures into which~entry is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE_INVENTION
By the presen~ lnvention, an ambient light responsive touch switch means is provided for producing a signal whenever ambient light `
impinging on a selected photoelectric detector is altered. The switch means includes a control panel having a plurality of transparent areas~
all but one of which that are adapted to be touched by~a portion of the hand, and a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to the transparent areas. The ambient light is directed from each of the transparent areas of the panel to an associated photoelectric detector. The switch means further include an ambient light sensing detector that is independent of the touch areas.
7 ~ ~ ~
The signal producing ~eans arranged remote from the panel are provided for sensing the light associated with the ambient l;ght sensing detector and for comparing the intensity thereof relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by the other photoelec~ric detectors.
A con~rol is operable when, by touching one of the transparent areas, the intensity of ambient light directed to at least one of the other photoelectric detectors is al~ered relative to the ambient light sensed by the ambient light sensing detector to produce the signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPtION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a control panel incorporating the present l~véntion;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure l; and Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a control panel disclosing another embodiment Of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
__ The present invention ls~directed to a touch~switch control system having a panel designating input output areas, and accordingly, thi C~e.d ~ ~ its use is not intended to be rcstr~u:~Yi to a particular machine or apparatus. However, it should be noted that the present ambient light sensitive touch switch system was reduced to practice relative to its application on home appliances.
Referring to Figures l an~ 2, an embodiment of a touch switch system in accordance with the invention comprises a control panel 10 : ~
formed of any suitable material and preferably have a smooth surface for r, ve,r~ t/~
best appearance and cleanab~llty. Arranged 6e~4i~t~ on the conkrol panel 10 is an input/output display area 12. The control panel 10 and, more particularly, the display area 12 is opaque and includes a plurality of transparent switch touch areas 14 representing, and corresponding to the number of selected functions relating to the \
., ~ 1~79~
9D-HR-14540~
home appliance or machine to which the control is applied. The display area may also convien~ly include a transparent area 16 which is indepen-dent of the input/output function of the switch system and whose function will be explained later. Since the area 16 is a non-switch area~ it could be arranged in any convenient areas other than within the display as shown.
In the embodiment shown, the switch system is applied to a household refrigerator of the type having a fresh food section and a freezer section that includes a through-the door dispensing system having a choice of ice cubess crushed ice and water dispensing features.
In this particular inseance, each of the touch area 14 may be designated with the graphic display showing the choice to be made relative to the dispensing capabilities of the system. In another application for example, on~a cooking~range,~there may be provided one touch area for~
lS each cooking~ function of the oven and surfac~ units. When used in conjunction with a clothes washer9 the touch areas would display functions appropria~e~to a clothes washing~machine.
~: :
Referring now to Figure 2, there is~provided a base plate 18 arringed in~spaced~relaeionship with respect to the panel~ 10. Main-taining an air gap~ between the panel 10 touch areas and base plate 18 is not critical to the func~ion of the present switch but;ls effective in electrically isolating the user touchable areas from any electrical components that may be employed in conjunction with the present switch system.~ Mounted on th base plate 18 and in ambient light communication with each of the eransparene areas 14 and area 16 are photoelectric detectors 20 and 22 respectively. While many light detectors are avail-able~, the one employed in the present instance is a General Electric NPN-2N5777-80. This arrangement of transparent areas and photoelectric detectors allows the ambient light to impinge on, and accordingly turn .
the detectors on. In the presence of ambient light all of the photo-.~
. .
1 167~
9D-HR-14540- ~
electric detectors 20 and 22 are on and no selection has been made. The plate 18 may be a printed circuit board to which the detectors are wired and may further include a logic device 24 capable of producing a signal as will be explained hereinafter.
By the present invention, the presence o~ ambient light at a non-switch area 16 as sensed by photoelectric detector 22 is compared to the ambient light at the switch touch areas 14 as sensed by any one of the photoelectric detectors 20. When the logic device 24 senses that each of the photoelectric devices 20 are sensing ambient light, it will translate that to mean that none of the areas 14 have been selected or covered by a portion of the hand or ~inger and, accordingly, no signal is initiated. In operation, when the user selects a function and covers a corresponding transparent touch ~rea 14, amb~ient ligh~ to its cooper-ating photoelectric detector 20~is cut off and that particular detector turns off. The logie device 24 continues to sense the in~ensity of ambient sensed by the non~sw,itch associated photoelectrlc detector 22 and compares it with the selected o~f detector 20. This comparison between the selected off detector 20 and detector 22 will cause logic device 24 to~produce a signal that may operate an lnterfacing device such as a relay (not shown) associated with the par~icular function selected at the display area 12.
The present system, by comparing the intensity of the actual ambient light condition as sensed~by detector 22 with that light as seen by a selected one of the detector 2û, provides effective switching i capabilities through a wide range of ambient light conditions. The sensitivity of the system is such that a selection may be made at the display area during all reasonable ambient light conditions that per~it user visability of the display area. While many logic devices are available that would carry out the comparing function of the present control, the one employed in reducing the present system to practice is manufac~ured by INTEL and is identified as Model 8022.
I ~ B794 6 In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 3, optical fibers or light pipes 30 are employed to direct ambient light between the transparent areas 14 and 16 and their respective photo-electric detectors 20 and 22. The light pipes selected may be quite flexible and thus able to convey light around corners or through tortuous paths. The employment of flexible light pipes allows the photoelectric detectors and other sensitive electronic components to be located at a location remote from the touch panel. This arrange~ent of light pipes is particularly advantageous when the control panel is in an environmentally hostile drea such as when employed in close proximity to the relatively hot range surface or a relatively humid clothes washing machine mentioned hereinbefore.
A further advantage of using light pipes~is that it allows design flexibilities in that the relatively flexible light pipes permit the electric components to be located in any convenient location of an .
appliance.
I~ should be apparent to those skilled in the art tha~ the embodiment described heretofore is considered to be the presently pre-ferred form~of this invent10n. In accordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in the disclosed apparatus and the manner in which it is used without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention. ~
.
:: ~:
.~
.:
.
Claims (12)
1. A control panel for selecting a function relating to the operation of a domestic appliance comprising:
a panel including areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to said areas;
means arranging said photoelectric detectors so that each receives ambient light directed from an associated area;
means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
means for comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light at at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
control means operable when the intensity of ambient light directed from at least one of said areas to its associated photoelectric detector is altered relative to ambient light associate with photoelectric detectors to operate the selected function.
a panel including areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to said areas;
means arranging said photoelectric detectors so that each receives ambient light directed from an associated area;
means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
means for comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light at at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
control means operable when the intensity of ambient light directed from at least one of said areas to its associated photoelectric detector is altered relative to ambient light associate with photoelectric detectors to operate the selected function.
2. The control panel as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric sensors comprises one of said plurality of detectors other than said at least one of said photoelectric detectors.
3. The control panel recited in claim 1 wherein said panel is opaque and said areas are transparent.
4. The control panel recited in claim 2 further comprising means including a plate for positioning said photoelectric detectors in spaced relationship relationship relative to said panel.
5. The control panel recited in claim 2 or 3 wherein said means arranged for directing ambient light include light pipes extending between each of said transparent areas and their associated photoelectric detector.
6. An ambient light responsive touch switch means for producing a signal whenever ambient light impinging on a photoelectric detector is altered comprising:
a control panel including transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to said areas;
means including light pipes arranging said photo-electric detectors so that each receives ambient light directed from an associated area;
means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
means for comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
control means operable when, by touching a trans-parent area, the intensity of ambient light directed by at least one of said light pipes to its associated photoelectric detector is significantly altered relative to the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors to produce said signal.
a control panel including transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
a plurality of photoelectric detectors corresponding in number to said areas;
means including light pipes arranging said photo-electric detectors so that each receives ambient light directed from an associated area;
means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
means for comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
control means operable when, by touching a trans-parent area, the intensity of ambient light directed by at least one of said light pipes to its associated photoelectric detector is significantly altered relative to the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors to produce said signal.
7. The touch switch means as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric sensors comprises one of said plurality of detectors other than said at least one of said photoelectric detectors.
8. The touch switch means recited in claim 6 wherein said panel is opaque and said areas are transparent.
9. The touch switch means recited in claim 8 further comprising means including a plate for positioning said photo-electric detectors in relationship relative to said panel.
10. The touch switch means recited in claim 6, 7 or 9 wherein said means arranged for directing ambient light include light pipes extending between each of said transparent areas and their associated photoelectric detector.
11. A method of producing a signal in an ambient light responsive touch switch means whenever ambient light impinging on a selected photoelectric detector is altered relative to the ambient light comprising:
providing a control panel including transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
providing a plurality of light pipes arranged for directing ambient light between each of said transparent areas and an associated photoelectric detector;
sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
touching a transparent area to alter the intensity of ambient light directed by said light pipe to its associcated photoelectric detector relative to the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors to produce said signal when a difference in light intensity is sensed.
12. A method of producing a signal in an ambient light responsive touch switch means whenever ambient light impinging on a selected photoelectric detector is altered relative to the ambient light comprising:
providing a control panel including transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light;
providing a plurality of light pipes arranged for directing ambient light between each of said transparent areas and an associated photoelectric detector;
sensing the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors;
comparing the intensity of said ambient light associated with photoelectric detectors relative to the intensity of ambient light sensed by at least one of said photoelectric detectors;
touching a transparent area to alter the intensity of ambient light directed by said light pipe to its associcated photoelectric detector relative to the ambient light associated with said photoelectric detectors to produce said signal when a difference in light intensity is sensed.
12. A method of producing a signal in an ambient light responsive touch switch means whenever ambient light impinging on a selected photoelectric detector is altered relative to the ambient light comprising:
Claim 12 continued:
providing a panel having transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light including touchable areas designating appliance functions;
providing a plurality of photoelectric detectors;
arranging said photoelectric detectors so that each receives ambient light from an associated area;
sensing the ambient light associated with one of said photoelectric detectors;
comparing the intensity of said ambient light sensed at said one photoelectric detector relative to the intensity of ambient light at the other of said photoelectric detectors;
touching at least one of the areas associated with the other of said photoelectric detectors to alter the intensity of ambient light sensed by the other of said photoelectric detectors relative to the ambient light sensed by said one photoelectric detector to produce said signal.
providing a panel having transparent areas adapted to transmit ambient light including touchable areas designating appliance functions;
providing a plurality of photoelectric detectors;
arranging said photoelectric detectors so that each receives ambient light from an associated area;
sensing the ambient light associated with one of said photoelectric detectors;
comparing the intensity of said ambient light sensed at said one photoelectric detector relative to the intensity of ambient light at the other of said photoelectric detectors;
touching at least one of the areas associated with the other of said photoelectric detectors to alter the intensity of ambient light sensed by the other of said photoelectric detectors relative to the ambient light sensed by said one photoelectric detector to produce said signal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000380263A CA1167946A (en) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-06-19 | Ambient light sensor touch switch system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000380263A CA1167946A (en) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-06-19 | Ambient light sensor touch switch system and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1167946A true CA1167946A (en) | 1984-05-22 |
Family
ID=4120284
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000380263A Expired CA1167946A (en) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-06-19 | Ambient light sensor touch switch system and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1167946A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010066283A1 (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2010-06-17 | Nokia Corporation | Gesture input using an optical input device |
-
1981
- 1981-06-19 CA CA000380263A patent/CA1167946A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010066283A1 (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2010-06-17 | Nokia Corporation | Gesture input using an optical input device |
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