Time-domain reflectometry user input device

Details Time-domain reflectometry user input device Time-domain reflectometry user input device

1998-06-25

2000-10-24

Brown, Glenn W.

Electricity: measuring and testing

Determining nonelectric properties by measuring electric...

3241581, 341 22, 341 26, G01R 2704, H03K 1794, H03M 1100

Patent

active

06137282&

ABSTRACT:
A user input device is disclosed adapting the electronic components of a time-domain reflectometry material level sensor to replace traditional user input devices such as push-buttons, control knobs, and variable sliders. An electrical conductor is arrayed beneath an input panel, such that when a high permittivity or high conductivity material is placed in proximity to the conductor, the characteristic impedance of the conductor is altered at that point, reflecting electronic pulses transmitted through the conductor. The reflected electronic pulse is received by the associated electronics, and the position of the material along the conductor subsequently determined. By segmenting the conductor into virtual regions, each corresponding to an individual "button", discrete input may be received by the device based upon the placement of the material within specific virtual regions. Alternatively, the conductor may function as an infinitely variable "slider" control, with movement of the material along the conductor producing a proportionally varying output signal.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3750012 (1973-07-01), Fellers et al.
patent: 4165482 (1979-08-01), Gale
patent: 5610611 (1997-03-01), McEwan

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Time-domain reflectometry user input device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Time-domain reflectometry user input device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Time-domain reflectometry user input device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1967653