Input or control device with variable controls configuration

Abstract

Input or control device has a flat capacitively, or resistively, or inductively, or optically, or acoustically evaluated touch layer (2), which is continuously spread over the control zone (1), and also has a graphic layer (3) with a graphical representation of at least one button (4) and/or a key (5) and/or some other control element. Graphic layer (3) is adapted for removal and replacement with at least one different graphic layer, while the first graphic layer (31) and at least one other different graphic layer (32) have different number, and/or shape, and/or layout, and/or graphical representation of the button (4), and/or key (5), and/or some other control element. Evaluation unit (6) is interconnected with the touch layer (2) and is adjusted to the different evaluation of a touch, based on the current graphic layer (3). The graphic layer (3) can be located under or on top of the touch layer (2). For every graphic layer (3) has been assigned an interpretation definition, a map stored in the memory of the evaluation unit (6). The user of the controlled device can upload the interpretation definition into the device even later.

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a control zone including a capacitive evaluation touch layer without a touch screen, the capacitive evaluation touch layer continuously spread over the control zone, wherein the capacitive evaluation touch layer detects spots where human fingers are close, but without the human finger touching the capacitive evaluation touch layer; a first graphic layer with graphic representation of at least one control element, the first graphic layer continuously spread over the control zone, wherein the first graphic layer is permanently fixed to the control zone, the first graphic layer is non-transparent; a first interpretation definition belongs to the first graphic layer, the first interpretation definition includes information about at least one function of a controlled device, wherein the first interpretation definition describes assigning of individual parts of the first graphic layer surface to respective controls and to respective functions of the controlled device; a second graphic layer located on the first graphic layer or on the capacitive evaluation touch layer, the second graphic layer continuously spread over the control zone, the second graphic layer is removable from the first graphic layer or from the capacitive evaluation touch layer, wherein the second graphic layer is a thin and dielectric medium with graphic representation of at least two controls, the second graphic layer is non-transparent; a second interpretation definition belongs to the second graphic layer, the second interpretation definition includes information about at least two functions of the controlled device, wherein the second interpretation definition describes assigning of individual parts of the second graphic layer surface to respective controls and to respective functions of the controlled device; an evaluation unit connected to the capacitive evaluation touch layer; a memory having the first interpretation definition, or the second interpretation definition, or both interpretation definitions; wherein all controls are in the form of virtual images with graphical representation of keyboards, buttons, keys, or control elements; wherein the second graphic layer is designed to cover the first graphic layer; wherein the first graphic layer and the second graphic layer have different numbers, or shapes, or layout, or visual display of the controls; wherein the evaluation unit is programmed according to the first interpretation definition or according to the second interpretation definition, is adjusted for different evaluation of a touch or a touch gesture at the same spot on the touch layer based on the first interpretation definition if the second graphic layer is not entered or based on the second interpretation definition if the second graphic layer is entered.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitive evaluation touch layer is a capacitive touch digitizer.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first graphic layer is located under the capacitive evaluation touch layer, which is transparent or translucent.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device has an interface for an additional transfer of the second interpretation definition to the evaluation unit.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein part of the first graphic layer or part of the second graphic layer is in the evaluation unit evaluated as a touchpad.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device has at least one element providing mechanical, acoustic, or optical feedback to the user.

7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device has at least one communication interface serving to one-way or two-way communication with the controlled device or with a second control device.

8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a wall mounted switch or control panel.

9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a remote control.

10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a home, office, or industrial control panel.

11. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a computer accessory.

12. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second graphic layer comprises: a physical medium; a graphic representation of at least one control element on the physical medium; a second interpretation definition belongs to the second graphic layer; wherein physical medium is designed to cover the first graphic layer; wherein the second interpretation definition describes assigning of the individual parts of the second graphic layer surface to the respective controls and to the respective functions of the controlled device.

13. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second graphic layer has a machine-readable identifier.

14. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second graphic layer includes a memory medium for storing the second interpretation definition.

15. A method of evaluation of a touch or touch gesture on the control device according to claim 1, wherein the touch or the touch gesture is translated into an information on activation of a control element based on its location on the first graphic layer, if the second graphic layer is not inserted, or on the second graphic layer, if the second graphic layer is inserted.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is explained in detail using FIGS. 1 to 16. Specific shape of the controls, buttons, keys, displayed icons, or displayed alphanumeric labels, is only illustrative in nature and shall not be regarded as narrowing the scope of the protection. In case of graphic or verbal labels, trademarks of respective owners can be concerned; their depiction on the Figures shall not express any connection between the invention and the owner of the respective trademark.

(2) FIG. 1 is a 3-D (three-dimensional) view of a graphic layer when it is spread above the touch layer. On the touch layer is depicted an example of a grid with flat electrodes, where the electrodes themselves are not shown for better clarity.

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a device with the graphic layer, which is from the top adjacent to the capacitive evaluation touch layer, where in the upper part of the image are depicted examples of two different graphic layers.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts a layout where the graphic layer is inserted under the transparent touch layer. On the touch layer, the dashed lines depict a system of touch sensors which in reality are not visible to the user.

(5) FIG. 4 is a view of the input device on an electric device, which serves for entertainment and playing music and videos. Then, FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the input device of the same device with different design and function of the control panel.

(6) FIG. 7 depicts an input device of a washing machine.

(7) FIG. 8 depicts an input device of a washing machine with simplified control.

(8) FIG. 9 depicts a TV remote control in a classic configuration with many keys and then FIG. 10 depicts the very same remote control in the configuration with graphic layer adjusted for an elderly user.

(9) FIG. 11 depicts schematically a connection of a touch layer with an evaluation unit.

(10) FIG. 12 depicts overlay of a flexible membrane which includes a graphic layer and a flexible medium.

(11) FIGS. 13 to 16 depict a remote control with different graphic layers which means with different configurations of controls. The large quadrilateral elements in FIGS. 13 and 14 represent a touchpad.

EXAMPLES OF REALIZATION OF THE INVENTION

Example 1

(12) In this example, based on FIGS. 1, 2, and 11, the input device is used in the control of the multi-functional copier, scanner and communication device. Control zone 1 is a stable part of the top part of the device.

(13) On the capacitive evaluation touch layer 2 is located adjacent graphic layer 3, covered with a protecting layer 9. It provides for permanency of characters and images printed on the graphic layer 3. The accessories of the device include also two different graphic layers 32, 33. Those can replace the original standard graphic layer 31, which will result in a different buttons configuration 4.

(14) To the touch layer 2 is connected the evaluation unit 6, which interprets touches, movements, or gestures of a user as activation of the respective buttons 4 and therefore the respective functions of the device.

Example 2

(15) In this case, based on FIGS. 3 and 11, the input device is used in the control of a multi-functional copier, scanner, and communication device, similarly to the Example 1, but the graphic layer 3, is inserted under the capacitive evaluation touch layer 2. That is attached to the device with a tilting holder. The touch layer is transparent with a backlight. After inserting the graphic layer 2 in form of a printed paper, the touch layer 2 is tilted back to the device. Through the touch layer 2 can be seen the current distribution of the buttons 4.

Example 3

(16) In this Example, based on FIGS. 4 to 6, the input device is part of an audio-visual system. Different graphic layers have different number and shape of buttons 4.

Example 4

(17) Automatic washing machine has an input control panel as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Graphic layer 3 is in this case, as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 12, part of a flexible membrane, where are formed juts on three buttons 4. The flexible membrane has a basic plastic layer 7, layer 8 with a depiction applied and a protective layer 9.

Example 5

(18) Input device has a form of a TV remote control, which can be used with a common layout as per FIG. 9, or in a simplified version as per FIG. 10.

Example 6

(19) Input device with variable controls configuration has in this case a form of a bilingual keyboard. The first graphic layer 31 with images of keys 5 in one language is applied on one side of the physical medium. A different graphic layer 32 with images of keys 5 in another language is applied on the other side of the physical medium.

Example 7

(20) The input device with variable controls configuration has in this case a form of a wall control unit with fixed first graphic layer 31 in form of a numeric keyboard, which serves as a device for input of an identification code for a different replaceable graphic layer 32. Proximity sensor and light sensor will provide for illumination of the control after detecting a person close to the control.

Example 8

(21) The input device with variable controls configuration in this example has a form of a remote control containing a motion detector and a light sensor. When an operator lifts the control, the motion detector activates the control from the zero-energy consumption status into the operational status. Light sensor provides for backlight of the control buttons when ambient light does not suffice.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(22) Industrial applicability is obvious. Based on this invention, it is possible to industrially and repeatedly configure and use input or control device with variable controls configuration, particularly buttons, and/or keys.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

(23) 1—control zone 2—evaluation touch layer 3—graphic layer 31—first graphic layer 32—different graphic layer 33—another different graphic layer 4—button 5—key 6—evaluation unit 7—basic layer 8—layer with a graphical representation applied 9—protective layer PC—personal computer RFID—Radio Frequency IDentification touch pad/trackpad—input device for a computer replacing a computer mouse; firmware—usually a fixed program, which controls internally an electronic device.