Coded data generation or conversion – Bodily actuated code generator – Including keyboard or keypad
Patent
1996-03-26
1999-02-09
Horabik, Michael
Coded data generation or conversion
Bodily actuated code generator
Including keyboard or keypad
341176, 36470912, H03M 1100
Patent
active
058700331
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a keyboard, in particular a membrane keyboard, for the activation of equipment to be operated, in particular for the activation of a PC (personal computer).
2. Description of the Prior Art
Stationary operator control panels are used in all areas of technology. Operator control panels with membrane keyboards have been increasingly used for years. In the last twenty years, constant innovative development of these membrane keyboards has made this reliable electronic component become an important interface for data input and for man-machine dialog. The connection of the keys takes place by means of the membrane cable and can be made to be any length. Up to now, the end of the membrane cable has been designed either for direct or indirect plug connections. Consequently, its use is restricted to stationary applications and is preferably in the areas of automation, mechanical engineering, control technology, measuring technology, medical technology, communication technology and office automation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the object of providing a keyboard whose use is not restricted to stationary applications, that is to say without stationary restriction, and thus can be used in the areas of automation, mechanical engineering, control technology, measuring technology, medical technology, communication technology and office automation to a greater and more varied extent than was possible with control panels of the past.
This object is achieved in the case of a membrane keyboard of the generic type mentioned at the beginning having the features of the defining part of patent claim 1, to be specific by the fact that activation signals required for operator control can be transmitted wirelessly from a transmitter assigned to the keyboard and a receiver assigned to the item of equipment to be operated.
According to the invention, membrane-key operator control panels suitable for the object to be respectively operated are provided with a remote control unit, for example an infrared transmitter, and are mounted, for example, on the outside of a window pane, for example a display window pane of a store. This mounting may be carried out, for example, by means of an adhesive film. Such membrane-key control panels may be, for example, keyboards comprising membrane control panels or else membrane mice.
The normal keyboard of the computer inside the store has an interface for, on the one hand, connecting this normal keyboard to the computer and, on the other hand, connecting a receiver part, for example an infrared receiver.
After the store has closed, or if need be during the day, the computer can then be switched over by the trained personnel from inside to the membrane-key remote control unit attached to the display window. The switchover device is located at the interface of the normal keyboard inside the display window, so that this switchover does not have to take place at the membrane-key remote control unit attached to the outside of the display window.
This at the same time achieves the effect that the system cannot be manipulated from outside by unauthorized persons. Only the functions intended for the outside operator, such as for example the keyboard functions, can be performed.
This makes it possible for interested persons to be able to operate the computer directly at the display window. In the same way, of course, a membrane mouse or other devices can be remotely controlled from outside.
The membrane-key remote control unit may, of course, also be used in quarantine wards of hospitals or other sensitive areas in industry or in research areas, in order to avoid contamination of the computer or other activated equipment, apparatus and machinery.
The transmitting part is either fastened as a board on the membrane-key unit or is expediently integrated into the membrane-key unit. The power supply to the membrane-key control unit is expediently provided by means of a battery, for example an R6 cell, which is
REFERENCES:
patent: 5189543 (1993-02-01), Lin
patent: 5534865 (1996-07-01), Kriegsman
patent: 5561446 (1996-10-01), Montlick
Horabik Michael
Wong Albert K.
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