Coded data generation or conversion – Bodily actuated code generator – With rotary dial
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-11
2001-02-13
Horabik, Michael (Department: 2735)
Coded data generation or conversion
Bodily actuated code generator
With rotary dial
C341S032000, C200S019070, C345S184000, C324S207250
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188332
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of electrical devices, and more particularly to an apparatus for magnetically transferring control information from a rotary knob.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control information for electronic devices of an analog nature is commonly achieved by the use of a rotary or linear potentiometer. By adjusting such a device, an analog signal such as an audio signal can be directly affected by the potentiometer and thereby attenuated or amplified as a function of the position of the potentiometer. Control of other parameters or non audio signals can be accomplished by using the potentiometer to vary a DC voltage or current which interfaces to some controlling circuitry. With the acceptance and proliferation of digital systems it has become necessary to input control signals in a digital manner. While it is possible to convert an analog voltage from a potentiometer to a digital signal which can be interpreted by digital controller, this method can be costly and limited.
A simple method for sending control information to a digital system can be accomplished by the use of a momentary push switch. Commonly, two such push switches have been used to allow a user of an automotive radio system, for example, to increase or decrease the volume. Pushing the up switch once would increase the volume by a predetermined amount while holding the switch will ramp the volume up at a given rate. The same would apply for the volume down switch. Switches are sometimes seen as undesirable for use as audio controls and many manufacturers have opted to use a rotary encoder in order to transfer the user input to the control circuit. A typical rotary encoder has two internal contacts arranged in a quadrature configuration. As the shaft is rotated, the switches make and break consecutively. Use of a quadrature decoder circuit or software algorithm can then be used to determine the direction and rate of rotation.
A conventional rotary switch mechanism has certain aspects of its construction which can make it a less desirable input device for digital control information. The construction of such a mechanical encoder tends to be costly, requiring very small and precise switch contacts and rotary mechanism. In addition, because it is a mechanical device, it is subject to wear and the effects of the environment. The conventional through shaft design makes it difficult to seal the switch chamber against the elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to provide a means of transferring information from a rotary knob through a surface without having to permeate said surface.
Another object of the invention is to provide a rotary encoder which accomplishes an environmental (e.g., water tight) seal.
Another object of the invention is to provide a rotary encoder and associated knob which is more economical than conventional switch contact design.
Another object of the invention is to provide a rotary encoder with increased reliability over conventional switch contact devices.
A further object of the invention is to provide a rotary encoder and associated circuitry which can directly replace push button switches which are used for incrementing or decrementing parameters of a digitally controlled system.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
The present invention can be integrated into a design without having to permeate the panel upon which it is mounted. The invention thus allows for a more economical, more reliable, and more flexible solution.
This invention features an apparatus for magnetically transferring control information from a rotary knob comprising: a knob mounted in a manner which facilitates rotation, a magnetic material about the circumference of the knob with alternating field lines perpendicular to the direction of knob rotation, a magnetic detector, an electronic circuit for decoding the detected magnetic variations corresponding to knob rotation, and a frame upon which the knob and magnetic sensor are mounted.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4415856 (1983-11-01), Welles
patent: 5592079 (1997-01-01), Scheel
Alto Technologies, Inc.
Edwards, Jr. Timothy
Horabik Michael
Mirick O'Connell DeMallie & Lougee LLP
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