Proposal of a Digital Switch for Easy Changes of Number and Types

Abstract

A digital type input device that allows the user to easily change the number of switches and the switch type has been proposed in this study. Even with the latest method, there was a limit to the number of switches that can be increased due to the influence of noise in actual environment, and the switch type was only touch. In addition, it was difficult for users to customize it freely because it was not possible to detect multiple switches at the same time. In this study, each switch is designed to be detected digitally in sequence. As the result, the limitation on the number of switches caused by the noise is released, and multiple switches can be detected at the same time. Furthermore, the switch type can be changed from touch panel to push button and sensor module. They can all be used with the same software because they all determine ON/OFF based on the pulse waveform in spite of different type switches. It was confirmed by simulation and experiment that the status of the switches can be detected correctly even if the switch type is changed. The proposed method also has an advantage over the conventional methods on the flexibility because the design, shape, size, surface condition, and switch type can be easily changed by using only two signal lines regardless of the number of switches.