Digital displacement encoding system and method

Abstract

A digital displacement encoder that includes a mechanical actuator constructed and arranged to be displaced to one of a null and a plurality of activation positions in response to an externally-provided force. Also included is a conductive member constructed and arranged to be positioned to one of a plurality of intermediate positions in response to the change in position of the mechanical actuator. A contact array comprising a plurality of activation signal contacts is fixedly disposed proximate to the conductive member. Also included is a digital signal generator comprising one or more electrical circuits electrically coupled to the plurality of activation signal contacts, and one more terminals at which output signals are provided. The conductive member electrically contacts a predetermined one or more of the plurality of activation signal contacts when the mechanical actuator is in each of the plurality of positions. At each of the intermediate positions, the conductive member electrically alters the electrical circuits that include the contacted signal contacts to cause a change in output signals. Preferably, the conductive member is comprised of a conductive elastomeric material. Also, it is preferable that a biasing element be included to urge the conductive member toward its null position. The digital signal generator is a voltage pull-up circuit, although any type of circuit may be used. In one embodiment, the digital signal generator provides a plurality of output signals having a nominal state responsive to the mechanical actuator being in the null position, and a plurality of activation states each responsive to the mechanical actuator being in one of the plurality of activation positions. Preferably, the signal contacts are traces on the printed circuit board. The mechanical actuator may be a rocker button, wheel or slide, among others.