United States Patent [19]
`Hastreiter
`
`[II] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`4,667,181
`May 19,1987
`
`[54] KEYBOARD DATA INPUT ASSEMBLY
`Inventor:
`James J. Hastreiter, Eden Prairie,
`[75]
`Minn.
`
`[73] Assignee: Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
`[21] Appl. No.: 514,218
`[22] Filed:
`Jul. 15, 1983
`Int. Cl.4 ................................................ G06F 3/02
`[51]
`[52] U.S. CI ............................. 340/365 A; 340/365 C;
`340/825.79
`[58] Field of Search ........... 340/365 A, 365 S, 825.79,
`340/825.94, 365 R, 365 C, 365 L, 365 VL, 365
`E, 825.95, 825.96, 825.82, 825.85; 364/709, 712;
`200/5 A, DIG. 1; 178/17 C, 18; 179/90 K;
`361/351, 352, 397, 398, 400, 416
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,245,051 4/1966 Robb .............................. 340/825.94
`3,503,031 3/1970 Nyhus eta! .................... 340/365 A
`3,590,158 6/1971 Pabst ............................... 340/365 A
`3,750,114 7/1973 Valassis .......................... 340/825.82
`3,778,815 12/1973 Wright .
`4,074,262 2/1978 Namiya et al. .................. 340/365 S
`4,081,898 4/1978 Taylor, Jr. et al. ................. 364/712
`4,104,727 8/1978 Washizuka et al. ................. 364/712
`4,148,017 4/1979 Tomisawa .
`4,186,385 1/1980 Nagashima .
`
`[56]
`
`4,194,425 3/1980 Kitagawa ........................ 340/365 S
`4,222,638 9/1980 Mager! .
`4,296,406 10/1981 Pearson ........................... 340/365 A
`4,336,529 6/19_82 Buan ............................... 340/365 R
`4,365,244 12/1982 Gillesen et a!. ................ 340/825.82
`4,441,097 4/1984 Anderson ....................... 340/365 A
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8102223 8/1981 PCT Int'l Appl. ............. 340/365 A
`1541566 3/1979 United Kingdom ........... 340/365 A
`2095036 9/1982 United Kingdom ........... 340/365 A
`
`Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell, Sr.
`Assistant Examiner-Mahmoud Fatahi-Yar
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles L. Rubow
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A keyboard assembly is disclosed in which complemen(cid:173)
`tary arrays of first and second switch contacts are con(cid:173)
`nected in equal sets and each set of first contacts is
`connected to a separate set of second contacts through
`a diode so that the connected sets of contacts do not
`contain contacts from the same switch, thus permitting
`keyboard terminals individually associated with the
`connected sets of first and second contacts to be sequen(cid:173)
`tially enabled while reading the unenabled terminals to
`determine actuated switches.
`
`11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures
`
`II
`
`14
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 19, 1987
`
`Sheet 1 of3
`
`4,667,181
`
`14
`
`13
`
`FIG.
`
`FIG. 2
`
`14
`
`I I
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 19, 1987
`
`Sheet2 of3
`
`4,667,181
`
`-C\l
`
`_\_
`
`0
`C\l
`
`.
`
`l)
`
`LL.
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 19,1987
`
`Sheet 3 of3
`
`4,667,181
`
`20
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`1
`
`4,667,181
`
`KEYBOARD DATA INPUT ASSEMBLY
`
`2
`are commonly connected. A signal is transmitted to all
`column conductors and transferred through an actuated
`switch to a block conductor of the associated block.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This signal is sent back through the block conductor
`The invention disclosed herein relates generally to 5 and appears on the column conductor of the actuated
`keyboard data input assemblies, and more particularly
`switch. The position of the actuated switch is deter-
`to such assemblies including circuitry for minimizing
`mined by detecting the column on which the signal
`the required number of interconnections with a micro-
`appears.
`processor or other apparatus with which a keyboard is
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,385 issued to S. Nagashima on
`used. The invention also includes a keyboard circuit 10 Jan. 29, 1980 discloses a matrix keyboard assembly
`board layout for use in such assemblies.
`wherein the switches are connected in two groups such
`Keyboards having a plurality of key switch devices
`that the first group .is coupled to first inputs of AND
`are particularly well suited for use in data processing
`gates in a first group of such gates and the second group
`systems. In general, the number of signals which must
`is coupled to first inputs of AND gates in a second
`pass between a keyboard and associated data processing 15 group of such gates. Second inputs of the AND gates in
`system is the same as the number of switch devices.
`the first and second groups are individually connected
`Each of these signals can be carried over a separate
`together and coupled to a separate switch from each of
`interconnection. However, particularly in large key-
`the first and second groups of switches so that actuation
`boards, the resulting number of interconnections may
`of a switch will coincidently energize both inputs of a
`20 corresponding gate.
`be prohibitive.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,038 issued to R. Mager! on Sept.
`One technique which can be used to reduce the num-
`ber of interconnections involves the use of logic gates
`9, 1980 discloses matrix keyboard input circuitry in
`for providing an encoded signal indicative of actuated
`which the number of interconnections is reduced by
`switches. U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,815 issued to C. Wright on
`providing a counter/decoder at the keyboard which is
`Dec. 11, 1973 discloses a keyboard encoder in which 25 operated in synchronism with a register in the data
`processing system. The counter/decoder is,
`thus,
`logic gates respond to a portion of a group of timing
`caused to sequentially enable columns in the keyboard
`pulses by applying binary signals through an actuated
`key switch in one direction. The logic gates also re-
`matrix by means of a clock signal which is supplied over
`spond to the remaining timing pulses by applying binary
`signals through the switch in the opposite direction. 30 one conductor. The states of the rows (i.e., whether a
`row is_ coupled to an enabled column through a de(cid:173)
`After passing through a switch, a signal is gated
`through one of two logic circuits under the control of
`pressed key) is transmitted back to the data processing
`the same timing pulse employed to produce the signal.
`system over data conductors.
`In this arrangement, depending on the relative portion
`Each of the previously described techniques can be
`of the logic gates located at the keyboard, the number of 35 used to reduce the number of interconnections between
`interconnections with an associated data processing
`keyboard apparatus and a data processing system. The
`system can be substantially reduced.
`reductions are accomplished by means of circuit ele-
`Another technique commonly used for reducing the
`ments and devices such as logic gates and counter/de-
`required number of keyboard interconnections involves
`coders which are not overly complex. However, there
`connecting the key switch devices between column and 40 is a continuing demand to further reduce the required
`row conductors in a conductor matrix. When actuated,
`number of interconnections and to further simplify the
`a switch device provides continuity between the col-
`circuitry used to achieve such reductions.
`umn and row conductors associated therewith. In oper-
`The applicant has devised a matrix keyboard with
`interface circuitry comprising only a small number of
`ation, enabling signals from the data processing system
`may be sequentially coupled to each column (or row) 45 diodes which permits the same set of interconnections
`conductor for scanning the keyboard for depressed
`to carry both enabling signals to the keyboard and read-
`keys. A depressed key is sensed when the enabling sig-
`out signals from the keyboard. Accordingly, the num-
`nal from its column (or row) conductor is present on its
`ber of keyboard/data processing system interconnec-
`tions is minimized and the use of minimum interconnec-
`row (or column) conductor. In such a system having J
`columns and K rows, the data processing system must 50 tions is made possible with exceedingly simple interface
`provide J (or K) enabling signals for the columns, and
`circuitry.
`monitor K (or J) row conductors. As a result, J + K
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`signals are required to pass between the keyboard and
`The present invention comprises an array of key
`the data processing system. This generally requires a
`like number (J + K) of interconnections between the 55 actuatable switches, each having first and second
`contacts. The contacts are grouped into equal sets of
`keyboard and data processing system in contrast to
`J X K interconnections if each switch is connected sepa-
`first contacts and second contacts respectively, and the
`rately.
`contacts in each set connected together. Separate sets of
`A variety of techniques have been employed to fur-
`first contacts are connected to separate sets of second
`ther simplify matrix keyboard apparatus and reduce the 60 contacts through diodes whereby the sets of first
`number of interconnections between such keyboards
`contacts can be enabled, one set at a time, without en-
`and data processing systems associated therewith. For
`abling the other sets of first contacts, and whereby
`example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,017 issued toN. Tomisawa
`during enabling of a set of first contacts, the sets of
`on Apr. 3, 1979 discloses a circuit for detecting key
`second contacts other than the one connected through a
`switch operation in a matrix keyboard wherein the 65 diode to the enabled set of first contacts can be read to
`determine switch actuation.
`array of switches is divided into blocks. First terminals
`of switches in a block are common:Iy connected and
`A keyboard adapted for this application may com-
`second terminals of corresponding switches in all blocks
`prise a circuit board having first and second portions of
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`4,667,181
`
`3
`which at least one is flexible, and each having an array
`of contacts thereon arranged to be in substantial align(cid:173)
`ment when the portions of the board are positioned to
`overlay one another. Each column of contacts in one
`array is connected to form a set. The contacts in the
`other array are connected in sets either from a single
`row or from two adjacent rows, a first set comprising
`successive contacts from a first row and each additional
`set comprising the remaining contacts in a row contain(cid:173)
`ing contacts from the preceding set plus sufficient suc(cid:173)
`cessive contacts from the opposite end of the next row
`to fill the set.
`
`4
`having its cathode connected to a conductor 11 and its
`anode connected to a conductor 12.
`In operation, terminals 14 are normally supplied with
`a bias voltage which biases conductors 11 to a predeter-
`5 mined state and reverse biases diodes 15 so that conduc(cid:173)
`tors 12 electrically float. Supplying an enabling or
`strobe signal to one of terminals 14 forward biases the
`diode connected to that terminal and applies the en(cid:173)
`abling signal to the conductor 12 connected to that
`10 diode. Actuation of a switch having a contact con(cid:173)
`nected to that conductor electrically couples it to one of
`terminals 14 and overcomes the bias voltage at that
`terminal. The terminals other than the enabled terminal
`can then be read to determine switch actuation ..
`The keyboard can be connected directly to any suit
`able data processor which has bidirectional input/out(cid:173)
`put ports. With diodes 15 poled as shown, the data
`processor is assumed to provide a slight positive bias
`when the keyboard terminals are used to input data to
`the processor. A low state provided as an enabling
`signal will overcome the bias when a switch is actuated
`so that a low state is impressed at the corresponding
`data processor input terminal. In the event that a data
`processor using an opposite polarity convention is used,
`a corresponding reversal of diode polarity is required.
`As has been indicated in connection with FIG. 1, key
`switches cannot be accommodated along one diagonal
`set of intersections of the conductor matrix. FIG. 2
`illustrates how the conductor. matrix can be laid out to
`avoid a blank diagonal space in the key switch array so
`as to produce a more· conventional keyboard arrange-
`ment. The various elementsin FIG. 2 corresponding to
`elements in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference
`numerals. As can he seen, the principal difference be(cid:173)
`tween the schematics of the two figures is that conduc(cid:173)
`tors 11 in FIG. 2 form a stepped pattern whereas con-
`ductors 11 in FIG. 1 are straight.
`In both FIGS. 1 and 2, each switch 13 has a first
`contact which is coupled to a conductor 11 and a sec(cid:173)
`ond contact which is coupled to a conductor 12. The
`first and second contacts are separately connected in
`equal sets or groups. In the arrangement illustrated in
`FIG. 2, there are five (N) switches in each row in the
`array and four (N -1) switches in each column in the
`array. Each of conductors 11 and 12 connects N -1
`contacts.
`With reference to conductors 12, the contacts in a set
`or group comprise the contacts in a column. With refer(cid:173)
`ence to conductors 11, since there are N columns, each
`conductor 11 connects less than the number of contacts
`in a row. Specifically, a first set of contacts connected
`by conductors 11 comprises N -1 successive contacts in
`a first row. Additional sets are formed of the remaining
`contacts in the previously described row plus sufficient
`successive contacts at the opposite end of the next row
`to provide a total of N -1 contacts in the set. Each set
`comprises contacts from either a single row or two
`adjacent rows.
`With reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2, it is pointed
`out that conductors 11 and 12 connected by each diode
`15 are associated only with contacts which are not part
`of the same switch.
`The printed circuit board of FIG. 3 is laid out to
`provide the key switch array arrangement of FIG. 2.
`The circuit board comprises a flexible dielectric sheet
`having first and second portions identified by reference
`numerals 20 and 21. A conductive pattern is formed on
`one surface of the portions of the dielectric sheet. A first
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1. is a schematic representation of a keyboard 15
`and interface circuitry in accordance with the appli(cid:173)
`cant's invention;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the keyboard
`and interface circuitry shown in FIG. 1 with key
`switches repositioned to provide a more conventional 20
`keyboard layout;
`FIG. 3 is a plan view of a printed circuit board with
`conductive areas thereon arranged to produce the key(cid:173)
`board of FIG. 2; and
`FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a keyboard circuit 25
`board assembled from the circuit board of FIG. 3.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`Schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 is a five by five 30
`matrix of keyboard conductors. Although a five by five
`matrix is shown, the apparatus and circuitry layout of
`the present invention may be easily adapted to a square
`matrix of any size. As will be hereinafter described in
`greater detail, although there are equal numbers of 35
`column and row conductors, the locations schemati(cid:173)
`cally illustrated at intersections of the column and row
`conductors lying along one diagonal cannot be used for
`switch points. Therefore, when the keyboard is laid out
`in a more conventional manner, a five by four (more 40
`generally, anN by NX 1) array of key switches results.
`The conductor matrix includes a first plurality of
`conductors 11 and a second plurality of conductors 12.
`Although the pluralities of conductors are represented
`by sets of parallel horizontal and vertical lines for ill us- 45
`trative purposes, it should be noted that conductors in
`an actual keyboard matrix may follow a considerably
`more complex and irregular pattern.
`As illustrated in FIG. 1, a switch 13 is located at each
`intersection of the conductors 11 and 12 except along 50
`one diagonal group of intersections. Accordingly,
`switches 13 are shown and may be described as an array
`of switches arranged in a plurality of rows and a plural-
`ity of columns. For purposes of the following descrip(cid:173)
`tion, the terms "rows" and "columns" refer to an ideal- ·55
`ized electrical layout of a keyboard. The terms are in(cid:173)
`tended to cover a variety of physical configurations
`regardless of whether or not the switches are actually
`arranged in regular columns and rows.
`Switches 13 are key actuatable switches, each having 60
`a pair of contacts. One contact of each of the switches
`is connected to one of conductors 11, and the other
`contact of each switch is connected to one of conduc(cid:173)
`tors 12. Each of conductors 11 is connected directly to
`a keyboard terminal, of which a plurality of such termi- 65
`nals is generally identified by reference numeral 14.
`Each of conductors 12 is connected to a separate one of
`conductors 11 through a diode 15 which is shown as
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`4,667,181
`
`25
`
`5
`6
`connected to only one conductor of the second set
`portion of the conductive pattern on portion 20 of the
`of conductors; and
`dielectric sheet comprises an array of first contacts 22.
`a plurality of diodes, each diode having an anode
`A second portion of the conductive pattern on portion
`connected to a separate conductor of said first set
`20 comprises a set of conductors 23 which connect
`of conductors and having a cathode connected to a
`contacts 22 in equal sets or groups, and connect each set 5
`separate conductor of said second set of conduc-
`or group to a separate circuit board terminal 24.
`tors.
`A first portion of the conductive pattern on portion
`2. The keyboard of claim 1 in which one of said first
`21 of the dielectric sheet comprises an array of second
`and second sets of conductors is adapted to carry signals
`contacts 25. A second portion of the conductive pattern
`on portion 21 comprises a set of conductors 26 which 10 to and from the keyboard.
`3. Membrane keyboard apparatus comprising:
`connect the contacts in each column to each other and
`to a separate circuit board terminal 24. Conductors 26
`dielectric sheet means having first and second par-
`connect contacts 25 in sets each containing the same
`tions, at least one of which is flexible;
`number of contacts as in the sets of contacts 22.
`first and second patterns of electrically conductive
`The circuit board is of a type which can be folded on 15
`material on first surfaces of the first and second
`itself along dashed line 27 in FIG. 3. The folded circuit
`portions of said dielectric sheet means respectively,
`board is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 4. Arrays
`first portions of the first and second patterns form-
`of contacts 22 and 25 are arranged so that individual
`ing pairs of switch contacts, each pair having a
`contacts of one array are substantially aligned with
`contact in each of said first and second patterns, the
`individual contacts of the other array when the circuit 20
`contacts of a pair being arranged to be substantially
`board is folded so that portion 20 overlays portion 21.
`aligned when the first portion of said sheet means is
`A spacer 28 is positioned between portions 20 and 21
`positioned to overlay the second portion of said
`of the circuit board as shown in FIG. 4 .. Spacer 28 is in
`sheet means, second portions of said first and sec-
`the form of a sheet having apertures 29 therethrough
`ond patterns respectively connecting the switch
`contacts in N groups of N- 1 contacts each; and
`arranged for alignment with contacts 22 and 25. Spacer
`28 is, thus, of a design which permits the spacing be-
`spacer means interposed between the first surfaces of
`tween contacts in the pairs of contacts to be varied. As
`the first and second portions of said dielectric sheet
`illustrated, the circuit board is flexible so that pressure
`means so as to normally maintain a predetermined
`thereon at the location of a contact pair from a manually 30
`separation between the first surfaces, said spacer
`means being of a design which permits the spacing
`operated key (not shown) causes electrical continuity
`between one of conductors 23 and one of conductors
`between the contacts in the pairs of contacts to be
`varied.
`26.
`The diodes for permitting the same interconnections
`4. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 3 fur-
`to be used for both sequentially energizing sets of 35 ther including a plurality of diodes, each diode being
`contacts and reading the signal on conductors coupled
`connected between a separate group of contacts in said
`to the energized sets of contacts through actuated
`first pattern and a separate group of contacts in said
`switches are not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. However,
`second pattern.
`they can be simply connected between appropriate
`5. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 3
`terminals 24 along with any other desired circuitry and 40 wherein:
`the pairs of switch contacts are arranged in a matrix
`interconnections with a data processing system.
`having N columns and N -1 rows;
`In accordance with the foregoing description, a key-
`board matrix having N X (N -1) key switches requires
`the switch contacts in each column on one of the first
`only N interconnections with an associated data pro-
`and second portions of said dielectric sheet are
`cessing system. The circuitry required to permit the 45
`connected; and
`the switch contacts on the other of the first and sec-
`same interconnections to be used both for carrying
`enabling signals to the keyboard and carrying readout
`ond portions of said dielectric sheet means are
`signals from the keyboard is very simple, comprising
`coimected in groups comprising contacts either
`from a single row or from two adjacent rows, a
`only N diodes.
`Although a specific embodiment of the applicant's so
`first group comprising N -1 successive contacts in
`invention has been shown for illustrative purposes, vari-
`a first row and each additional group comprising
`ations and modifications of the teachings herein will be
`the remaining contacts in the row containing
`apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. It is not
`contacts from the previously defmed group plus
`intended that coverage be limited to the embodiment
`sufficient successive contacts from the opposite
`end of the next row to make a total of N -1
`shown, but only by the terms of the following claims. 55
`The embodiments of the invention in which an exc}u-
`contacts.
`sive property or right is claimed are defmed as follows:
`6. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 5 fur-
`l. A keyboard data input assembly comprising:
`ther including a plurality of diodes, each diode being
`an array of key actuatable switches each having first
`connected between a separate column of switch
`60 contacts on said one pf the first and second portions of
`and second contacts;
`a first set of conductors in which each conductor is
`said dielectric sheet means and a separate group of
`connected to the first contacts of a plurality of said
`switch contacts on said other of the first and second
`switches, each of the first contacts being connected
`portions of said dielectric sheet means.
`to only one conductor of said first set of conduc-
`7. Membrane keyboard apparatus comprising:
`dielectric sheet means having first and second por-
`tors;
`a second set of conductors in which each conductor
`tions of which at least one portion is flexible;
`is connected to the second contacts of a plurality of
`a first array of conductive contacts formed on the
`said switches, each of the second contacts being
`first portion of said dielectric sheet means, said flrst
`
`65
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`4,667,181
`
`7
`array comprising N columns of N -1 contacts per
`column;
`first conductor means connecting the contacts in said
`first array into groups of N -1 contacts each;
`a second array of conductive contacts formed on the 5
`second portion of said dielectric sheet means, said
`second array comprising N- 1 rows of N contacts
`per row, the contacts of said second array being
`arranged to be substantially aligned with the
`contacts of said first array when the first portion of 10
`said dielectric sheet means is folded onto the sec(cid:173)
`ond portion thereof;
`second conductor means connecting the contacts in
`said second array into groups of N -1 contacts 15
`each; and
`spacer means positioned between the first and second
`portions of said dielectric sheet means so as to
`normally separate the contacts in said first array
`from the contacts in said second array, said spacer 20
`means being adapted to permit electrical continuity
`between corresponding contacts of said first and
`second arrays in response to pressure on the flexi(cid:173)
`ble portion of said dielectric sheet means at the
`location of a contact thereon.
`8. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 7
`wherein:
`terminal means comprising a plurality of terminals is
`formed on said dielectric sheet means;
`said first conductor means connects each group of 30
`contacts in said first array to a separate terminal;
`and
`
`25
`
`8
`said second conductor means connects each group of
`contacts in said second array to a separate terminal.
`9. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 7 in(cid:173)
`Cluding a diode connecting each of the groups of
`contacts in said first array to a separate group of
`contacts in said second array.
`10. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 7
`wherein:
`said first conductor means connects the contacts in
`.said first array so that each of the columns of
`contacts forms a group; and
`said second conductor means connects the contacts in
`said second array so that each of the groups of
`contacts is from a single row or two adjacent rows,
`with a first group being formed of N -1 successive
`contacts in a first row and each additional group
`being formed of the remaining contacts from a row
`containing contacts in a preceding group and suffi(cid:173)
`cient successive contacts at the opposite end of the
`following row to bring the total number of contacts
`in the group to N- l.
`11. The membrane keyboard apparatus of claim 7
`wherein:
`a switch is formed by each contact in said first array
`and the contact aligned therewith in the second
`array; and
`each of the groups of contacts in said second array is
`connected to a separate group of contacts in said
`first array through a diode so that the connected
`groups of contacts do not contain contacts from the
`same switch.
`
`* * * * *
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1006
`
`Page 8
`
`