Cadence controlled actuator

Signals in a proper cadence are recognized as meeting criteria. Such signals are received from a touch plate coupled to a touch circuit. A controller discriminates against spurious signals if such signals are outside an initial tolerance, that is, are faster or slower than a device operator would enter such signals. Providing the criteria for an initial tolerance and a match tolerance are met, the controller actuates a device, such as a light emitting diode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to user interfaces, and in particular to a minimalist toggle circuit to actuate emitting devices between states.

2. Description of the Related Art

A frequent problem encountered in providing for switches is assuring durability of the switch. Circuit designers often take into account heavy use or exposure to hostile elements, among other things. A common technique designers use is to eliminate mechanical parts in favor of solid state circuit components.

Flashlight manufacturing has undergone a recent shift in technology used. In the 1990s the lowering cost of the light emitting diode, a technology commonly known as LED, made it possible to replace the incandescent bulb with the cooler-running, more durable LED. The shift in the industry is so fundamental that heavy-duty lamps are being retrofitted with LEDs, especially in the traffic signal application area. These LEDs are finding their way into automotive applications and have for many years now, been the preferred method of illuminating cockpits in newly manufactured aircraft.

The massive improvement has led designers to replace the emitting component of flashlights with LEDs. LEDs have a lifetime at least 10 times that of the incandescent bulbs that are replaced. Unfortunately, designers have not yet provided a similarly durable switch, and many flashlights now made have mechanical switches that fail long before the failure of the emitters or even the batteries commonly used to power the flashlight.

Occasionally, users of devices much more complicated than a flashlight may benefit by having a simple code that may enable the device owner to operate the device, but hinder others from using the device. For example, cars may employ a key-code to access a door without use of a conventional key. In addition, mobile devices such as cellular telephones and portable audio devices employ a lock-out mechanism. For those applications that do not require a particularly heavy and complicated code, it would be convenient to have some simplified gesture or user interface to authenticate the user, and reduce part counts to implement such a user interface.

A frequent application of touch circuits is the wall mounted elevator-summoning button. Often designers use such circuits within an elevator itself. Since such circuits seldom fail, the use of the circuit creates a good user experience, since there tends to be a presumption that if the electronics of the elevator work well, then there is a high probability of exiting the elevator unscathed.

Touch circuits are a class of circuit that operates by touching a plate with a substantial conductor, often a limb of the human body. Such circuits even operate if a glove is interposed between a hand and the plate or if the hand approaches extremely proximal to the switch. Extremely proximal means on the order of a millimeter. One type of touch circuit operates because the presence of the human body induces a capacitance on the plate, which changes the circuit in a well-known manner.

Another type of touch circuit detects the presence of a conductor by noting a change in the antenna-like qualities of the plate. Many other types of touch circuits have been used and are well known in the industry. All such circuits have a common feature, a conductive plate.

The touch circuits are well suited to the wall-mount application of an elevator. However, touch circuits, when used on small personal devices, suffer in that users may accidentally actuate the controlled device by the merest touch of their body, or even by contact with pocket change. Some manufacturers supplement their touch user interface with a mechanical switch that must be properly set prior to activation of the conductive plate or plates of the touch circuit controlled user interface. Such mechanical switches add to the cost of the device, and are susceptible to mechanical failure. Moreover, such mechanical switches tend to create additional unsealed openings in a device that tend to make such a device more susceptible to the corrosive effects of moist environments.

Airport runway lighting activates when a transmitter, using standard frequencies, is keyed on in one of several sequences. Such ‘keying on’ is often described as a pilot clicking on the microphone associated with the aircraft transmitter. Three clicks transmitted and received causes the runway controller circuit to set the runway lighting to the lowest level of illumination. The lighting systems only permit turning on the runway lights. To conserve power, the runway lighting systems operate on a timer, such that after an interval, usually 15 minutes, the runway lights are turned off without pilot input. The rationale for permitting only turning on lights is to prevent pranksters from disabling runway lighting by clicking on aviation radios. Particularly in this era of high vigilance concerning aviation, limiting access to airport facilities is a high priority. A downside to this mechanism is that several airports in the same region have the runway lighting system tuned to the same frequencies. Consequently, a pilot within range of two such systems can inadvertently signal a second runway lighting system to turn on. It is unknown for such runway lighting systems to screen out unusually rapid clicking of the microphone. More details are available in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 2, Section 1 (2-1-7).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aspects of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for dispatching a signal to a controlled device. A first edge is received and a second edge is received within an initial tolerance of the first edge. A third edge is received within a match tolerance of the second edge. Based on receiving the first edge within the initial tolerance and also receiving the third edge within the match tolerance, a controller actuates the controlled device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1shows a cut-away diagram of a flashlight in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Flashlight100may use the outward shape of conventional flashlights including handle area103which may provide storage for one or more batteries105. Since flashlight100may have an elongated form, flashlight100may have distal ends: butt end107and lens end109, which are distal to each other. Touch plate111may be positioned near one of the distal ends such that, when the handle is grasped, touch plate111is near where the hand holds the flashlight.

Flashlight100contains actuator115, which connects to touch plate111. Actuator115also connects to a negative voltage battery end and a positive voltage battery end. Actuator115provides switching control to an emitter, for example, light emitting diode or LED119. Actuator115may be constructed as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Actuator115may, like many touch switches, detect the difference in the capacitance of touch plate111when touched by a finger versus the parasitic capacitance of the plate alone.

Thus, a user may readily trigger detectable signals at actuator115. Actuator115, thus relies on no parts that move relative to each other as far as touch plate111is concerned. In addition, actuator115rejects signals that fail to meet a predetermined timing or cadence, for example, spurious contact with change or the hip, as happens when flashlight100is kept in a user's pocket.

FIG. 2Ashows a block diagram of an emitting device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The diagram is a generalized view of the flashlight ofFIG. 1, among other things. Touch plate211is coupled to touch circuit221. Touch circuit221may provide a pulse to controller unit223when conditions change at touch plate211. For example, touch circuit221may provide a pulse for the duration that a conductor changes the capacitance of touch plate211beyond a certain threshold. As discussed, the capacitance may change in response to a large conductor, for example, a human finger, becoming proximal to touch plate211. As used in this application, touch means sufficiently proximal to the touch plate, allowing for intervening fabric and other materials, that touch circuit221is triggered. Provided that controller unit223inFIG. 2Areceives a signal meeting one or more criteria, controller unit223inFIG. 2Aactuates emitter219. Controller unit223may be comprised of a first controller, a second controller, and a third controller. A designer may build each controller within the same enclosure, or in separate enclosures. First controller may receive a first edge and process the edge. Second controller may receive a second edge and process the second edge. Third controller may receive a third edge and process the third edge.

FIG. 2Bshows a block diagram of an access controlled device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Access controlled device269may be, for example, a mobile telephone, an automobile, or a portable audio device. Touch plate251is coupled to touch circuit271. Touch circuit271may provide a pulse to controller273when conditions change at touch plate251. For example, touch circuit271may provide a pulse for the duration that a conductor changes the capacitance of touch plate251beyond a certain threshold.

FIG. 3shows a timing diagram in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Signal300is an example of a signal that may issue from touch circuit in response to a threshold achieved at the touch plate. Conversely, a controller may receive signal300. The controller may be, for example, controller unit223ofFIG. 2A. The threshold may be a preset level of capacitance. Signal300is a popular cadence of strokes known as, “shave and a haircut, two bits”, that is often used associated with knocking on doors. Controller unit223inFIG. 2Amay measure durations of intervals between the rising edges, hereinafter, “edges”, of the signal to see if the signal that arrives satisfies a timing criteria. For example, an interval between two edges that is longer than minimum interval303may also be smaller than a maximum interval309. An initial tolerance may comprise a range of intervals bounded by limits, for example, minimum interval303, and maximum interval309. If these conditions of the initial tolerance are met, for example, as occurs with exemplary interval305, then further processing may occur to identify whether an addition criterion is met in additional edges, for example, a third edge313. A signal that has two edges between the minimum interval and maximum interval309meets an initial tolerance.

The relative terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc., each denote the correlation of each edge to a tolerance of an idealized signal. If a third edge of the signal arrives but falls outside the expected criteria or tolerance, then the third edge is reassigned or relabeled the first edge, as the embodiment seeks to find additional edges, beyond the now-first edge, that match the sought-for pattern. The edge in this embodiment is the portion of the signal where a voltage raises above a certain threshold. It is appreciated that other embodiments may detect edges as a transition from above a threshold to below a threshold, that is, as may occur when a conductor is removed from the proximity of the touch plate.

As few as three edges of the signal may be checked for meeting an initial tolerance and meeting a match tolerance. However, checking more edges may permit an embodiment to reject similar inputs generated by unintentional contact with the touch plate. Complexity of the matching criteria correlates inversely with the probability that a random process triggers a match. For purposes of matching the “shave and a haircut, two bits” criteria, exemplified as signal300inFIG. 3, two edges are measured to see if initial tolerance is met, and the remaining five edges are measured to see if the match tolerance is met. A match tolerance is at least one pair of bounding limits. For example, the match tolerance may be determined if a third and successive edges arrive within a fixed interval proportional to a time scale. Controller unit223inFIG. 2Amay flexibly determine a time scale consistent with the time measured between two edges that arrived within the initial tolerance. For example, if controller unit223inFIG. 2Areceived first edge311and second edge312at an interval near minimal interval303apart, then the time scale would be accordingly short. On the other hand, if the first two edges arrived at near maximum interval309apart, then the time scale would be accordingly long. Signal300has a first interval, between first edge and second edge. Signal300has a second interval, between second edge312and third edge313. This embodiment determines an overall signal matches the idealized signal if the first interval and the second interval substantially vary, for example, in this case, first interval is 100% longer than second interval.

The time scale may be a number or factor representing some multiple of the actual interval received, for example, between first edge and second edge, divided by the smallest interval allowable for a match, that is, minimum interval303. The time scale, thus, is a kind of metronome for setting the pacing of expected additional edges.FIG. 3shows the ratio between exemplary interval305and minimum interval303to be about 1.4, which is the time scale. As has been previously noted, signal300is an example of a user input that matches criteria relating to cadence. There are many variables among groups of users that permit the user to enter slight variations in the signal. Nevertheless, embodiments may still match the incoming signal to criteria. In addition, there is a host of other popular rhythms and cadences that may serve as a template for establishing various preset minimum intervals and maximum intervals, for example, minimum interval303. Other rhythms could apply timing rules from the song ‘happy birthday’, among others, to serve as criteria for actuating a device.

Additional edges may be determined as meeting a criterion if the edges arrive within a specified interval limit from a prior edge. A match interval includes a criterion established after multiplying a pair of base limits by a time scale. The controller may have a multiplier circuit to perform multiplication and optionally division. For example, the interval expected between second edge312and third edge313is a base minimum interval of 0.5 seconds and a base maximum interval of 1.0 seconds, wherein the base minimum interval and the base maximum interval are base limits. Consequently, the match interval would have 0.7 and 1.4 second limits, respectively, for the minimum interval and maximum interval for arrival times an edge could arrive and satisfy a criterion to accept the edge as third edge313. If an edge arrives inside those limits, then controller unit223inFIG. 2Adetermines the edge meets the match interval, and assigns the edge to the third edge in the sequence of expected edges. If the edge arrives outside those limits, then the controller unit223inFIG. 2Adetermines that the edge does not meet the match interval, and optionally assigns the edge to the first edge in the sequence of expected edges.

Thus, if the remaining edges, third edge313, fourth edge314, fifth edge315, sixth edge316, and seventh edge317all arrive within tolerances, the controller actuates the controlled device, for example, an LED. Actuation means that the controller commands the controlled device to change state. For an LED, this could mean toggling from on to off, or from off to on.

Controller may revise tolerances in accordance with a revised time scale. The revised time scale accommodates people who have difficulty establishing a rhythm. A revised time scale is established by resetting the time scale to be the ratio between an actually received interval and the base minimum interval of the last two received edges.

On the other hand, if any one edge arrives outside the tolerance expected, then the controller may begin recovery from what are apparent random signals, that is, signals that are either unintentional, or are intentionally entered by someone that does not know the correct code or cadence.

FIG. 4shows a state diagram in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A controller, begins by entering a “waiting for first edge” state401. Arrival of a first edge or signal connotes transition405, wherein the device enters “waiting for second edge” state411. Signals are now determined to see if the first and the second edges arrive within an initial tolerance. Arrival of a signal before a base minimum interval415connotes a transition where the “waiting for second edge” state411continues. However, if a signal arrives within tolerance417, then transition occurs to “waiting for last edge(s)” state421. A third edge arriving before a minimum interval of the third edge443transitions to “waiting for second edge”411. If a maximum interval elapses prior to arrival of a third or later edge435, circuit transitions to “waiting for first edge”401. If an intermediate edge arrives between minimum interval and maximum intervals for the remaining edge or edges441, circuit transitions to “waiting for last edge(s)” state421. However, if a final edge arrives between minimum interval and maximum interval for the final edge427, circuit transitions to actuate device state450, wherein an additional controlled circuit is actuated. The controlled circuit completes actuating445, thus circuit transitions to “waiting for first edge”401. A controller may match an arbitrary number of edges to meet a pre-set pattern, depending on how complex a waveform the designer wants to match. The circuit falls back to waiting for first edge401any time a maximum interval elapses after receiving an edge of a signal. For example, while in “waiting for second edge”411state, circuit may detect time elapsing to a base maximum interval436.

FIG. 5shows a flow chart in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A controller determines whether the controller received rising edge (step501). If no edge arrived, the controller continues to determine whether the controller received rising edge (step501). Otherwise, the controller treats the signal as a first edge (step503). The controller determines if a second rising edge is received (step505). If second rising edge505is not received, controller determines if a base maximum time has elapsed since the last edge arrived (step511). If the time has not elapsed after the base maximum time, controller continues step505. Otherwise, too much time has passed, and controller goes back to step501.

If a second edge arrives at receive step505, that is, a yes determination, controller determines if the edge arrived after the base minimum time (step513). Provided the determination is affirmative, controller establishes a time scale (step517). The time scale operates as a factor to scale match tolerance parameters accordingly. A negative determination at step513causes controller to resume looking to receive a rising edge at step505.

A third and remaining edges may be determined as qualifying for criteria with steps519through525. The controller determines if the controller has received a rising edge (step519). If a third or later edge is not received, controller determines if a maximum time has elapsed since the last edge arrived (step521). If the time has not elapsed after the maximum time, controller continues step519. Otherwise, too much time has passed, and controller goes back to step501.

If a remaining edge arrives at step519, that is, a yes determination, controller determines if the edge arrived after the minimum time (step523). Provided the determination is affirmative, controller determines if criteria requires more edges (step525). If more edges are expected, controller returns to step519. Otherwise, the signal has satisfied all criteria, and controller actuates the device (step527).

FIG. 6shows an illustrative embodiment of the present invention that stores the actual intervals between edges in first in first out register601or FIFO register. In the example of ‘shave and a haircut, two bits’, there are six intervals to check for, t1through t6. FIFO register601fills at first element611. The next interval is stored at second element612. Similarly third element613, fourth element614, fifth element615, and sixth element616are filled with additional intervals as they are recorded. When sixth element616is available, the controller may validate all intervals to determine if all intervals in FIFO register601are within tolerances.

FIG. 6shows tolerances as set of minimum intervals620and set of maximum intervals630. First minimum interval621and first maximum interval631may be predetermined as a wide interval of 0.20 seconds and 2.00 seconds respectively. This permits a controller to measure a wide range of human rhythms as within tolerances.

The remaining minimum intervals and maximum intervals may be set to narrower ranges base on a time scale established by the actual first interval stored in first element611.

Provided FIFO register601is filled, and one or more actual intervals fail to meet the criteria, an additional interval may be recorded when one or more additional edges occur. The additional interval is shown as tnwhich may be stored in register650. FIFO register601shifts the values stored in all elements such that the controller discards the current value of first element611to form discarded value610. Like all FIFO registers, the oldest stored value610is discarded or otherwise processed. The first element receives the value of the second element612. Second element612receives the value of third element613. The process continues until sixth element616receives the value of the additional interval.

The controller may revise the allowable criteria for minimum interval622through minimum interval626to reflect that a hypothetical first interval stored in first element611should set the pace for the remaining intervals. The controller sets minimum interval622accordingly low, provided first interval stored in first element611is within tolerance but at the low end of the range of tolerances. The controller proportionally reduces the remaining minimum intervals.

Similarly, the controller may revise the allowable criteria for maximum interval632through maximum interval636to prepare for intervals in step with the rhythm established in first interval stored in first element611. Once again, the controller checks all FIFO register elements to determine if they, collectively, meet the criteria.

In addition to proportionally reducing, the controller may proportionally increase the criteria when, for example, the first interval stored in first element611is at the higher end of the range established by first minimum interval621and first maximum interval631.

If the controller determines that all criteria are met, the controller actuates the controlled device. The controller resets FIFO register601, for example, to store zero values in each element. As new intervals arrive, the controller fills FIFO register601beginning with first element611.

The illustrative embodiments shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6may each be implemented as a state machine, wherein one state machine may detect a series of edges that meets criteria. In addition, to a single state machine, an embodiment may employ multiple state machines each having distinct criteria from each other. Each state machine may detect distinct signal patterns. For example, one state machine may seek a match for “shave and a haircut, two bits”, while another may seek a match for a portion of the rhythm associated with the “happy birthday” song. Thus, several state machines may activate different functions of a controlled device upon detecting distinct input cadences.

Referring again toFIG. 2A, touch circuit221ofFIG. 2Amay also provide hysteresis circuit or debounce circuit, wherein an input signal is provided to a debounce circuit. Debounce circuit forms input signal into a more stable, but slightly delayed corresponding rise in an output signal.

Touch plate211ofFIG. 2Amay be comprised of dielectric having an outer conductive surface and an inner conductive surface. The outer conductive surface may be a metal sheet, for example. The inner conductive surface may be connected to ground or a base voltage of the overall controlled device including actuator. The outer conductive surface electrically connects to touch circuit221. The outer conductive surface is so connected to touch circuit221, that touch circuit221responds near synchronously with human movements provided by human inputs to produce edges. Human movements include movement of a hand nearer and farther from the outer conductive surface.

Emitter219ofFIG. 2Amay be an LED. Other light emitters such as fluorescent bulbs and automobile lamps may operate as emitter219. In addition, emitter may be a transmitter, for example, for operating garage doors remotely. In other words, the transmitter may transmit an actuate signal.

Thus, a user of a mobile device may have the benefits of a durable switch and avoid the majority of spurious actuations of the controlled device.

A user may establish the criteria for minimum intervals and maximum intervals. For example, a dialog may be disclosed to a user in a manual, which explains that an embodiment may respond to a training session by flashing the LED in a three flash sequence. Alternatively, other embodiments may provide a controller with a USB interface for uploading timing criteria to a modest flash memory device onboard the controller.