Abstract:
A push button switch has a housing, a switch actuator movably supported by the housing, an organic light emitting diode display supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the push button switch, and a switch supported by the housing so as to operable by the switch actuator when the switch actuator moves relative to the housing. A controller circuit is electrically coupled to the push button switch so as to control the organic light emitting diode display in response to operation of the switch.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a push button switch and, more particularly, to a push button switch having a lighted display device.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Push button switches incorporating lighted displays have been used in a variety of applications such as on amusement, gaming, and vending machines. Such switches are typically comprised of a push button, an opaque legend plate, and a back light to illuminate the legend plate. This method only accommodates a single color background with a single stationary message or graphic.  
         [0003]     A more recent configuration of an illuminated pushbutton switch used primarily in instrumentation includes a push button, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and a back light to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel. Alternatively, it is known to mount the light that illuminates the liquid crystal display panel to the side of the panel. Such a push button switch has been used to convey information, such as the function of the push button switch, to the user.  
         [0004]     The use of a liquid crystal display panel in a push button switch has a number of problems. For example, a liquid crystal display panel has a very narrow viewing angle. A narrow viewing angle is desirable for some applications such as computers where the user often does not wish the contents of the computer&#39;s screen to be seen by anyone other than the user. However, in many applications, such as where the display is being used to advertise information, a narrow viewing angle is a detriment.  
         [0005]     Also, a liquid crystal display panel has a relatively slow response time, typically referred to as latency. This problem is exacerbated at low temperatures and, therefore, supplemental heating may be required for low temperature applications.  
         [0006]     Moreover, a liquid crystal display panel requires backlighting, which adds to the cost of a push button switch and which also adds to the power consumption of a push button switch using a liquid crystal display panel.  
         [0007]     The present invention is directed to a push button switch which overcomes one or more of these or other problems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     According to one aspect of the present invention, a push button switch comprises a housing, a switch actuator, an organic light emitting diode display, and a switch. The switch actuator is movably supported by the housing. The organic light emitting diode display is supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the push button switch. The switch is supported by the housing so as to be operable by the switch actuator when the switch actuator moves relative to the housing.  
         [0009]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a push button switch comprises a housing, a switch actuator, an organic light emitting diode display, a switch, and a controller circuit. The switch actuator is movably supported by the housing. The organic light emitting diode display is supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the push button switch. The switch is supported by the housing so as to be operable by the switch actuator when the switch actuator moves relative to the housing. The controller circuit is supported within the housing and is coupled so as to control the organic light emitting diode display in response to the switch.  
         [0010]     According to still another aspect of the present invention, an assembly comprises a push button switch and a controller circuit. The push button switch has a housing, a switch actuator movably supported by the housing, an organic light emitting diode display supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the push button switch, and a switch supported by the housing so as to be operable by the switch actuator when the switch actuator moves relative to the housing. The controller circuit is electrically coupled to the push button switch so as to control the organic light emitting diode display in response to operation of the switch. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     These and other features and advantages will become more apparent from a detailed consideration of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing in which:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a push button switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a push button switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a push button switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a frontal-view of the push button switches shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary controller that can be used in connection with the push button switches of  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0018]      FIGS. 7-9  illustrates exemplary displays that can be programmed into the push button switches of  FIGS. 1-4  and,  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  shows notches in the sliding actuator to permit movement of the sliding actuator in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a push button switch  10  as a first embodiment of the present invention. The push button switch  10  includes a button housing  12  and a switch housing  14  that are affixed together. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the button housing  12  may have a bezel  16  and may be externally threaded at  18  to facilitate the mounting of the push button switch  10  to an apparatus such as an amusement, gaming, or vending machine.  
         [0021]     The button housing  12  houses an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 , a controller circuit  22 , a transparent cover  24 , and a sliding actuator  26 . The transparent cover  24  may be a transparent lens cover. The controller circuit  22  is suitably affixed to a plurality of tabs  28  formed by the button housing  12 .  
         [0022]     Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays are known and may be obtained, for example, from Dupont. Generally, an organic light emitting diode is a composite of a thin film of light emitting polymer applied to a glass or plastic substrate. In the presence of an electric field, the polymer emits light.  
         [0023]     The organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20  is suitably affixed to the controller circuit  22 , and the transparent cover  24  is affixed to the outside perimeter of the sliding actuator  26 . For example, the transparent cover  24  may be arranged to snap onto the sliding actuator  26 . Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20  remains stationary as the sliding actuator  26  moves. However, the transparent cover  24  moves with the sliding actuator  26 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the transparent cover  24  and the sliding actuator  26  may be notched at the tabs  28  to permit the transparent cover  24  and the sliding actuator  26  to move with respect to the button housing  12 . The notches may be formed so that the bottoms of the notches in the sliding actuator  26  abut the tabs  28  in the non-depressed position of the push button switch  10 . In this manner, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 , the transparent cover  24 , and the sliding actuator  26  are retained to the button housing  12 .  
         [0024]     The switch housing  14  houses a switch  30 , such as a microswitch, having a switch operator  32  for operating the switch  30  in response to the sliding actuator  26 . A display interconnect  34  interconnects the controller circuit  22  and the switch  30 . The controller circuit  22  may be connected to the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20  by means of a connector or solder connections (not shown). Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20  is controlled by the controller circuit  22  in response to actuation of the switch  30 . Also, a plurality of pins  36  are provided to couple the controller circuit  22  and/or the switch  30  to external devices.  
         [0025]     A user, in operating the push button switch  10 , pushes on the transparent cover  24  to push the sliding actuator  26  against the bias of a spring  38  so as to actuate the switch  30  through the switch operator  32 . When the user releases pressure from the transparent cover  24 , the spring  38  returns the transparent cover  24  to its original position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a push button switch  40  as a second embodiment of the present invention. The push button switch  40  includes a button housing  42  and a switch housing  44  suitably affixed together. The button housing  42  may have a bezel  46  and may be externally threaded at  48  to facilitate the mounting of the push button switch  40  to an apparatus such as an amusement, gaming, or vending machine.  
         [0027]     The button housing  42  houses an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50 , a controller circuit  52 , a transparent cover  54 , and a sliding actuator  56 . The transparent cover  54  may be a transparent lens cover. The controller circuit  52  is affixed to the inside perimeter of the sliding actuator  56 , the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50  is affixed to the controller circuit  52 , and the transparent cover  54  is affixed to the outside perimeter of the sliding actuator  56 . For example, the transparent cover  54  may be arranged to snap onto the sliding actuator  56 . Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50 , the controller circuit  52 , and the transparent cover  54  move as the sliding actuator  56  moves.  
         [0028]     A snap feature may be used to affix the barrel  56   a  of the sliding actuator  56  to the barrel  42   a  of the button housing  42 . This snap feature allows the tray  56   b  of the sliding actuator  56  to move (to the right as viewed in  FIG. 2 ) until it bottoms against the tray  42   b  of the button housing  42 . The sliding actuator  56  returns (to the left as viewed in  FIG. 2 ) under tension of the spring  68 , but only as far as the stop created by the snap feature. This stop, for example, can be at the end of the barrel  56   a  of the sliding actuator  56  nearest the switch operator  62  so that it abuts against the inwardly directed flange  42   c  at the end of the barrel of the switch housing  42 .  
         [0029]     The organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50  and the controller circuit  22  can be affixed to the sliding actuator  56  by means, for example, of a snap feature or an adhesive.  
         [0030]     The switch housing  44  houses a switch  60 , such as a microswitch, having a switch operator  62  for operating the switch  60  in response to the sliding actuator  56 . A display interconnect  64  interconnects the controller circuit  52  and the switch  60 . The controller circuit  52  may be connected to the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50  by means of a connector or solder connections (not shown). Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  50  is controlled by the controller circuit  52  in response to actuation of the switch  60 . Also, a plurality of pins  66  are provided to couple the controller circuit  52  and/or the switch  60  to external devices.  
         [0031]     A user, in operating the push button switch  40 , pushes on the transparent cover  54  to push the sliding actuator  56  against the bias of a spring  68  so as to actuate the switch  60  through the switch operator  62 . When the user releases pressure from the transparent cover  54 , the spring  68  returns the transparent cover  54  to its original position.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows a push button switch  70  as a third embodiment of the present invention. The push button switch  70  includes a button housing  72  and a switch housing  74  suitably affixed together. The button housing  72  may have a bezel  76  and may be externally threaded at  78  to facilitate the mounting of the push button switch  70  to an apparatus such as an amusement, gaming, or vending machine.  
         [0033]     The button housing  72  houses an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80 , a transparent cover  82 , and a sliding actuator  84 . The transparent cover  82  may be a transparent lens cover. The organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80  is affixed to the inside perimeter of the sliding actuator  84 , and the transparent cover  82  is affixed to the outside perimeter of the sliding actuator  84 . For example, the transparent cover  82  may be arranged to snap onto the sliding actuator  84 . Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80  and the transparent cover  82  move as the sliding actuator  84  moves. The organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80  can be affixed to the sliding actuator  84  by means, for example, of a snap feature or an adhesive.  
         [0034]     A snap feature may be used to affix the sliding actuator  84  to the button housing  72  as discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2 .  
         [0035]     The switch housing  74  houses a switch  86 , such as a microswitch, having a switch operator  88  for operating the switch  86  in response to the sliding actuator  84 . The switch housing  74  also supports a controller circuit  90 . A display interconnect  92  interconnects the controller circuit  90  and the switch  86 . The controller circuit  90  may be connected to the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80  by means of a connector or solder connections (not shown). Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  80  is controlled by the controller circuit  90  in response to actuation of the switch  86 . Also, a plurality of pins  94  are provided as part of the display interconnect  92 .  
         [0036]     A user, in operating the push button switch  70 , pushes on the transparent cover  82  to push the sliding actuator  84  against the bias of a spring  96  so as to actuate the switch  86  through the switch operator  88 . When the user releases pressure from the transparent cover  82 , the spring  96  returns the transparent cover  82  to its original position.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a push button switch  100  as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The push button switch  100  includes a button housing  102  and a switch housing  104 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the button housing  102  may have a bezel  106  and may be externally threaded at  108  to facilitate the mounting of the push button switch  100  to an apparatus such as an amusement, gaming, or vending machine.  
         [0038]     The button housing  102  houses an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  110 , a transparent cover  112 , and a sliding actuator  114 . The transparent cover  112  may be a transparent lens cover. The organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  110  is affixed to a plurality of tabs  116  formed by the button housing  102 .  
         [0039]     The transparent cover  112  is affixed to the outside perimeter of the sliding actuator  114 . For example, the transparent cover  112  may be arranged to snap onto the sliding actuator  114 . Accordingly, the transparent cover  112  moves with the sliding actuator  114 . The transparent cover  112  and the sliding actuator  114  may be notched at the tabs  116  to permit the transparent cover  112  and the sliding actuator  114  to move with respect to the button housing  102 . The notches may be formed so that the sliding actuator  114  abuts the tabs  116  in the non-depressed position of the push button switch  100 . In this manner, the transparent cover  112  and the sliding actuator  114  are retained to the button housing  102 .  
         [0040]     The switch housing  104  houses a switch  118 , such as a microswitch, having a switch operator  120  for operating the switch  118  in response to the sliding actuator  114 . The switch housing  104  also supports a controller circuit  122 . A display interconnect  124  interconnects the controller circuit  122  and the switch  118 . The controller circuit  122  may be connected to the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  110  by means of a connector or solder connections (not shown). Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  110  is controlled by the controller circuit  122  in response to actuation of the switch  118 . Also, a plurality of pins  126  are provided as part of the display interconnect  124 .  
         [0041]     A user, in operating the push button switch  100 , pushes on the transparent cover  112  to push the sliding actuator  114  against the bias of a spring  128  so as to actuate the switch  118  through the switch operator  120 . When the user releases pressure from the transparent cover  112 , the spring  128  returns the transparent cover  112  to its original position.  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a frontal view of the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  that includes the button housing  12 / 42 / 72 / 102 , the transparent cover  24 / 54 / 82 / 112 , and the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110  shown in phantom.  
         [0043]     A controller circuit  140  is shown in  FIG. 6  and can be used for any of the controller circuits  22 ,  52 ,  90 , and  122  described above. The controller  140  includes a power supply  142 , a microcontroller  144 , and a display driver  146 . The power supply  142  may perform power management and supervisory functions. The microcontroller  144  is responsible for input/output, display driver management, and display update functions, and includes memory (e.g., flash and RAM). The display driver  144  manages row and column selection, buffer refresh, and display control functions for the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110 , as appropriate. The display interconnect  34 / 64 / 92 / 124  interconnects the controller circuit  140  with the switch  30 / 60 / 86 / 118  and the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110 , as appropriate.  
         [0044]     The controller circuit  140  permits the push button switch to be programmed to perform various functions. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the controller circuit  140  is programmed to cause the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110  to change from an instruction display  150  to a feedback display  152 . Accordingly, the push button switches of the present invention enriches the experience of the user in using the associated machine.  
         [0045]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the controller circuit  140  is programmed to cause the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110  to display multiple functions of the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  such as a draw display  154  if the gaming machine with which the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  is used is being operated as a poker machine or a spin display  156  if the gaming machine with which the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  is used is being operated as a slot machine. Thus, the machine and its push button switches can be readily re-programmed, making the machine more versatile.  
         [0046]     As a still further alternative, the controller circuit  140 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , can be programmed to cause the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display  20 / 50 / 80 / 110  to display one or more advertisements such as advertisements  158  and  160 .  
         [0047]     Optionally, the controller circuit  140  can include a RF transceiver  148  in order to couple the controller circuit  140  with a remote station by way of an RF channel. In this way, the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  and/or the machine with which the push button switch  10 / 40 / 70 / 100  is used may be programmed and re-programmed remotely.  
         [0048]     A push button switch incorporating an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display provides many advantages over the prior art. For example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display has a wide viewing angle so that its displays can be more easily seen by users approaching a machine. Also, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display has a very fast response time which allows the displays to be quickly changed during use of the machine without detracting from the experience of the user. Moreover, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display requires no backlighting so that the machine is less costly to make and use.  
         [0049]     Certain modifications of the present invention have been discussed above. Other modifications will occur to those practicing in the art of the present invention. For example, as described above, the controller circuit may be programmed to change the display of the organic light emitting diode display in response to actuation of the switch. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller circuit may be programmed to change the display of the organic light emitting diode display in response to the passage of time or in response to some other cause.  
         [0050]     Also, as described above, the controller circuit  140  includes the RF transceiver  148  that couples the controller circuit  140  with a remote station by way of an RF channel. However, receiving devices other than the RF transceiver  148  may couple the controller circuit  140  to the remote station. For example, sound or light receivers can be used to couple the controller circuit  140  to the remote station. As a further alternative, the controller circuit  140  can be hard wired to the remote station.  
         [0051]     Moreover, the controller circuit  22 / 52 / 90 / 122  is shown as being supported by the housing of the push button switch. Alternatively, the controller circuit  22 / 52 / 90 / 122  need not be supported by the housing of the push button switch. For example, the controller circuit  22 / 52 / 90 / 122  can be supported by the machine on which the push button switch is mounted.  
         [0052]     Furthermore, the switch  30 / 60 / 86 / 118  is described above as being a microswitch. Alternatively, the switch  30 / 60 / 86 / 118  may be any other suitable type of switch such as a magnetic switch, an optical switch, etc.  
         [0053]     Accordingly, the description of the present invention is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.