Patent ID: 6828546
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: G01S,H03K

Abstract:
Opto-electronic switch comprising:at least one light-emitting transmitting element having a radiation field; at least one receiving element for receiving light, the at least one receiving element outputting a first signal, a value of the first signal depending on an amount of light received, wherein the at least one light-emitting transmitting element and the at least one receiving element are disposed so that the light transmitted by the at least one light-emitting transmitting element is at least partially reflected by an object which is situated within a given region and which is spaced in a given manner from the at least one receiving element and transmitting element such that at least an amount of a reflected light reaches the at least one receiving element; and an evaluation unit for evaluating the first signal and including at least one switching element, wherein the evaluation unit determines a rate of change in displacement of the object when the object is suddenly braked in a defined region, the time-rate of change in displacement being a function of a change in the first signal, which charge is caused by displacement of the object, the ovaluation unit recognizing the displacement as tapping when the displacement is within a predetermined displacement pattern, and wherein the switching element changes from one switching state to another switching state if the displacement of the object creates an object displacement pattern lying within limits of the predetermined displacement pattern.