The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 24, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 25, 1998
David C Macke, Sr, Glendale, MO (US);
Theodore James Eckert, Maryland Heights, MO (US);
John C Bell, Crestwood, MO (US);
Timothy L Bell, St. Louis, MO (US);
BECS Technology, Inc., St. Louis, MO (US);
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.