Patent Publication Number: US-2012032878-A1

Title: Input apparatus using a conductive rubber member

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member, and more particularly, to a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member, which enables a user to input various data in a narrow space using an inexpensive conductive rubber member. 
     BACKGROUND ARTS 
     Recently, due to the development of software, technology of, a semiconductor, and information processing technology, information devices become gradually small. In proportion, the importance of data input in various information devices has been also increased day by day. 
     However, many problems in an input of various characters or commands have revealed in the information devices. 
     For example, there is a limitation in decreasing a size of an input device, such as a keyboard used in a personal computer or a notebook computer, so there is a difficulty in miniaturizing the information devices. 
     Further, in a touch screen scheme used in a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) or a keypad scheme used in a mobile phone, a speed of an input is slow and there are many cases of an incorrect input, so these schemes are inconvenient. 
     As a mobile terminal gradually realizes a performance rivaling that of a desktop computer, there arises a situation where a mobile terminal has to be able to perform every input function of a keyboard including the input of various instruction keys (enter key, space key, shift key, etc.) and symbols, in addition to a function of an input of characters. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention had invented a data input device enabling a user to rapidly and accurately input various data in a small and narrow space. 
     However, in order to sense an input motion in a plurality of directions, the input device should be separately provided with a sensing means, such as a pressure sensor, a haptic sensor, or an optical sensor, for an input motion in each direction. Therefore, a conventional input device requires the costs for a sensing means and a time for the coupling of the sensing means for implementing the input device, thereby failing to reduce entire costs of the input device. 
     Alternatively, a scheme of detecting a signal based on a resistance value changed by pressing the conductive rubber members using the conductive rubber members was developed. However, such a prior art only detects a signal based on a load changed by a changed resistance value in each of the conductive rubber members, but fails to detect an input at a specific point in a single conductive rubber member. 
     Further, the data input device according to a prior art fails to perform the two or more different types of input through the conductive rubber member, so there is a limitation in inputting and processing various data. 
     A user can move a cursor and perform a function like pressing left and right buttons of a mouse through a conventional touch pad. However, when a user contacts or presses two or more points in the conventional touch pad, it is impossible to input a signal. Accordingly, even if a touch pad is included in a portable terminal, it is necessary to perform several times of input so as to expand or reduce an image, so it is impossible to rapidly and accurately perform various types of input in a portable terminal. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problems 
     The present invention has been made to provide a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member, which enables a user to input various data by using a cheap conductive rubber member. 
     Technical Solution 
     In order to achieve the foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data input apparatus including: a first conductive rubber member, to one end of which a predetermined voltage is applied and though the other end of which a voltage reduced in proportion to an internal resistance and a length thereof is output; a first voltage output member disposed in an upper side of the first conductive rubber member with being spaced apart from the first conductive rubber member and coming into contact with the first conductive rubber member according to a press of the first voltage output member at the specific point to output a voltage value of the first conductive rubber member at a specific point, so as to recognize contraction at the specific point of the first conductive rubber member; and a control unit for recognizing the specific point in the first conductive rubber member based on the voltage value output from the first voltage output member, extracting a first data corresponding to the specific point from a memory unit, and inputting the extracted first data. 
     There is provided a data input apparatus including: a current input/output member including a signal input unit and a plurality of signal output units, the signal input unit and the plurality of signal output units being separately formed on an upper portion thereof; a third conductive rubber member stacked on an upper portion of the current input/output member and configured to change a resistance value between the input signal unit and the output signal unit corresponding to a pressed point while being contracted due to press from an upper part thereof to change a current value output from the output signal unit; and a control unit for, when a current value within a set range is applied from the output signal unit, extracting data assigned to the output signal unit corresponding to a pressed point from a memory unit and inputting the extracted data. 
     There is provided a data input apparatus including: a fourth conductive rubber member having a resistance value changed according to contraction due to press from an upper side thereof at a corresponding point; a second current output member disposed in a lower side of the fourth conductive rubber member and coming into contact with the fourth conductive rubber member to output a current value output through the fourth conductive rubber member; and a control unit for comparing a current value output from the second current output member with a set current value to determine a contact point or a pressed point or a press strength, extracting a first data or a second data corresponding to the contact point or the pressed point and the press strength from a memory unit, and inputting the extracted first data or second data. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     Accordingly, the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the present invention enables a user to input various data by using a cheap conductive rubber member, so that it is possible to rapidly and accurately input various data in a small and narrow space, as well as notably decrease the manufacturing costs of a data input apparatus used in a portable terminal. 
     Further, the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the present invention makes it possible to perform a multi-touch input for recognizing an input at multiple points using the conductive rubber member, so that a user can conveniently operate various contents displayed on a display unit of a portable terminal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portable terminal including a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4 to 11  are views illustrating a signal detection method in the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a view conceptually illustrating an example of an arrangement of each indication point in the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are views illustrating an example of an input method in the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portable terminal including a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view illustrating the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a view illustrating a data input in the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken along line B-B′ of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view illustrating a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 20 to 22  are sectional views illustrating the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily perform the present invention. In the drawings, in order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not related to description are omitted and similar elements are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the specification. 
     Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as “being included”, unless there is anything particularly written to the contrary, it means that other elements are not excluded but may be further included. 
     In addition, the terms of ‘ . . . module’ and ‘ . . . unit’ written in the specification mean units for processing at least one function or operation and may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. 
     The present invention relates to a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member, and more particularly, to a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member, which enables a user to perform a multi-touch input, thereby making it possible to input various input and recognize inputs at a plurality of points. 
     Hereinafter, a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with accompanied drawings in detail. 
     First Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a data input apparatus  10  using a conductive rubber member according to a first embodiment of the present invention may be used in a portable terminal  1  which includes a display unit  5  and various function keys  7  at one side of a base  3 . The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member may be used any device, such as a desktop computer and a notebook computer, employing an input device, in addition to the aforementioned portable terminal  1 . The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member may be integrally formed with the portable terminal  1  as shown in  FIG. 1 , or separately formed and connected to the portable terminal  1  through an USB or a cable in a wired manner or through various disclosed wireless transmission schemes in a wireless manner. A method of connecting the separately formed data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member to the portable terminal  1  is apparent to those skilled in the art, so its detailed description will be omitted. The separately formed data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member may be connected to various devices using an input device for use, in addition to the portable terminal  1 . For the help of understanding of the invention and the convenience of description, the integral data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 5 , the data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first conductive rubber member  11 , a first voltage input line  13 , a first voltage output line  15 , a first voltage output member  17 , a first detection line  19 , a second conductive rubber member  25 , a potential setting member  21 , a first current output member  27 , a first substrate  28 , an insulation member  29 , and a control unit (not shown). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses a feature that a resistance value increases according to an increase of a length of the conductive rubber member. Accordingly, if a voltage applied to the conductive rubber member is measured based on a difference of a resistance value according to a length of the conductive rubber member, it is possible to detect a pressed point of the conductive rubber member. That is, it is possible to identify a contact point at the conductive rubber member. 
     For example, on an assumption that a length of the conductive rubber member is L and a resistance value for an entire length L is t(Ω), a length is in proportion to a resistance value, so that a resistance value for the length 0.1 L is 0.1 t(Ω), and a resistance value for the length 0.9 L is 0.9 t(Ω). Such a result can be predicted from a physical feature having a unique resistance value. By using such property of the conductive rubber member, the present invention identifies a contact point at the conductive rubber member. 
     The conductive rubber member of the present invention has a property of resiliently deformed rubber. If the conductive rubber member is pressed, the conductive rubber member is deformed, but a power applied to the rubber member is released, the conductive rubber member returns to an original state according to the resilient deformation property of rubber. 
     Hereinafter, a method of determining a contact point through press of the conductive rubber member will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first voltage input line  13  for applying a predetermined voltage is connected to one end of the first conductive rubber member  11  and the first voltage output line  15  is connected to an opposite end of the first conductive rubber member  11 . In this case, a voltage value output through the first voltage output line  15  is a voltage value reduced in proportion to an internal resistance and a length of the first conductive rubber member. 
     The first voltage output member  17  is installed in an upper side of the first conductive rubber member  11  and the first detection line  19  for outputting a voltage applied to the first voltage output member  17  to the outside is connected to one end of the first voltage output member  17 . It is preferred that a specific resistance of the first voltage output member  17  is considerably smaller than that of the first conductive rubber member  11  such that a voltage output from a contact point of the first conductive rubber member  11  is output through the first voltage output member  17  when the first voltage output member  17  is in contact with the first conductive rubber member  11 . The first voltage output member  17  is made of a conductive material such that the first voltage output member  17  comes into contact with the first conductive rubber member  11  to output a voltage output from the first conductive rubber member  11  at the contact point. 
     The first voltage output member  17  may further include a non-conductive member (not shown) on an upper portion thereof for preventing a voltage or current flowing a body of a user from flowing through the first voltage output member  17  when the user presses the first voltage output member  17 . The non-conductive member (not shown) and the conductive member included in the first voltage output member  17  may be integrally formed with each other through a double injection molding or separately formed and then coupled to each other. 
     When a specific point of the first voltage output member  17  is pressed so that the first voltage output member  17  comes into contact with the first conductive rubber member  11 , a voltage output from the first conductive rubber member  11  at the contact point is output through the first detection line  19  connected to the first voltage output member  17  and the control unit (not shown) recognizes the contact point based on the voltage value output through the first detection line  19 . When a power applied to the first voltage output member  17  is released, the first voltage output member  17  returns to an original position and state. The first voltage output member  17  may return to an original position and state using its resiliency or be restored through an additionally included return member (not shown) which makes the first voltage output member  17  return to an original position. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the return member (not shown) which makes the first voltage output member  17  return to an original position may be made of various materials including resilient materials, such as a spring, a magnet, silicon, and be formed in various shapes, to make the first voltage output member  17  return to an original position. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , when a user presses the first voltage output member  17  at 0.1 L among the entire length L of the first conductive rubber member  11 , the first voltage output member  17  comes into contact with the first conductive rubber member  11  while being deformed and a voltage applied to the first conductive rubber member  11  output through the first voltage output member  17  is detected by the first detection line  19 . Accordingly, if a voltage applied through the first voltage input line  13  connected to the one end of the first conductive rubber member  11  is V, a voltage output through the first detection line  19  is approximately 0.9 V. Therefore, the control unit (not shown) recognizes that a point in the first voltage output member  17  indicated with a white arrow of  FIG. 6  is pressed based on the voltage value output through the first detection line  19 . 
     For another example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when a user presses the first voltage output member  17  at 0.9 L among the entire length L of the first conductive rubber member  11 , the first voltage output member  17  comes into contact with the first conductive rubber member  11  while being deformed and a voltage applied to the first conductive rubber member  11  output through the first voltage output member  17  is detected by the first detection line  19 . Accordingly, if a voltage applied through the first voltage input line  13  connected to the one end of the first conductive rubber member  11  is V, a voltage output through the first detection line  19  is approximately 0.1 V. Therefore, the control unit (not shown) recognizes that a position in the first voltage output member  17  indicated with a white arrow of  FIG. 7  is pressed based on the voltage value output through the first detection line  19 . 
     Next, a method of determining a press strength through the conductive rubber member will be described in detail. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the potential setting member  21  is installed on an upper portion of the second conductive rubber member  25  and the first current output member  27  is installed on a lower portion of the second conductive rubber member  25 . In this case, it is preferred that the potential setting member  21  and the first current output member  27  have a potential difference equal to or larger than a set voltage therebetween. That is, for example, a voltage having a predetermined potential value is applied to the potential setting member  21 , and a ground value is set in the first current output member  27 . In this case, the first current output member  27  may be formed at only a part of the first substrate  28 . 
     When the potential setting member  21  is pressed, the potential setting member  21  and the second conductive rubber member  25  are concavely contracted to come into contact with the first current output member  27  and a current is output through the first current output member  27 . The current value output through the first current output member  27  is a current value in a state where a predetermined potential value input to the first potential setting member  21  is reduced by an internal resistance and a thickness of the second conductive rubber member  25 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when the potential setting member  21  is pressed with a predetermined pressure, the potential setting member  21  and the second conductive rubber member  25  are concavely contracted while being resiliently deformed. Accordingly, current value B output through the first current output member  27  is different from current value A output through the first current output member  27  in a state of  FIG. 8 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when the potential setting member  21  is more strongly pressed, the potential setting member  21  and the second conductive rubber member  25  are concavely contracted while being further resiliently deformed. Accordingly, current value C output through the first current output member  27  in a state of  FIG. 10  is different from current value A and current value B output through the first current output member  27  in the states of  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The increase or decrease of a current value from the state of  FIG. 8  to the  FIG. 10  depends on a feature of the second conductive rubber member  25 . For example, if a resistance is decreased as the second conductive rubber member  25  is concavely contracted, the current value becomes A&lt;B&lt;C as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The control unit (not shown) recognizes a size of a pressure applied to the second conductive rubber member  25  through a difference of the current output from the first current output member  27 . 
     The insulation member  29  for intercepting electric flow between the potential setting member  21  and the first conductive rubber member  11  is inserted between the potential setting member  21  and the first conductive rubber member  11 . The insulation member  29  serves to prevent the voltage input to the first conductive rubber member  11  from being output through the potential setting member  21 , not the first voltage output member  17 , or the voltage input to the potential setting member  21  from being output through the first conductive rubber member  11 . 
     When the second conductive rubber member  25  is pressed, the first conductive rubber member  11  is also pressed so that a voltage value of the first conductive rubber member  11  at a corresponding point outputs through the first voltage output member  17 . In this case, the present invention is preferably designed such that when it is detected that a change of the current value output through the first current output member  27  due to the generation of the press to the second conductive rubber member  25  is within a set range, the input to the first current output member  27  is ignored. 
     In order to prevent the second conductive rubber member  25  from easily coming into contact with the first current output member  27 , a non-conductive member (not shown) may be inserted between the second conductive rubber member  25  and the first current output member  27 . The non-conductive member (not shown) does not completely prevent the second conductive rubber member  25  from easily coming into contact with the first current output member  27 , but prevents the second conductive rubber member  25  from being in easy contact with the first current output member  27 . By lowering a height at which the first current output member  27  is installed on the first substrate  28 , it is possible to prevent the second conductive rubber member  25  from being in easy contact with the first current output member  27 . A power strength applied to the potential setting member  21  such that the second conductive rubber member  25  comes into contact with the first current output member  27  is different depending on a thickness, a material, and a property of the non-conductive member (not shown) and a height at which the first current output member  27  is installed on the first substrate  28 . 
     A shape of each of the aforementioned member may have a ring shape as shown in  FIG. 1 , or has various shapes including a straight line, a triangle, and a quadrangle. For convenience&#39;s sake, the ring-shaped member shown in  FIG. 1  will be described hereinbelow. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a plurality of first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . are radially arranged in the first conductive rubber member  11  at an equal interval based on reference position S, and a plurality of second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . are radially arranged in the second first conductive rubber member  25  at an equal interval based on reference position S. The number and the positions of the first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . may be different from or the same as those of the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . . Different first data are assigned to the first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . , and different second data are assigned to the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . . 
     It is preferred that the second conductive rubber member  25  is formed to be thick because a resistance value of the second conductive rubber member  25  in a contracted state according to the change of a pressure applied to the second conductive rubber member  25  can be discriminated from that of the second conductive rubber member  25  at a usual time. A thickness of the second conductive rubber member  25  is not limited to a specific value, and if the thickness of the second conductive rubber member  25  is enough to discriminate a resistance value in a concavely contracted state of the second conductive rubber member  25  from that at a usual time, the second conductive rubber member  25  may be formed in various thicknesses depending on a working environment and a selection of a person skilled in the art. 
     Hereinafter, a method of inputting data using the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when the first voltage output member  17  is pressed at a point corresponding to the first indication point D 1   1 , the first voltage output member  17  comes into contact with the first conductive rubber member  11  and a voltage value of the first indication point D 1   1  of the first conductive rubber member  11  is output through the first detection line  19  via the first voltage output member  17 . That is, when a voltage value V is applied to the first conductive rubber member  11  through the first voltage input line  13 , a length of the first conductive rubber member  11  is L, and the first indication point D 1   1  is spaced apart from the first voltage input line  13  by a distance of 1/16 L for the entire length L of the first conductive rubber member  11 , a voltage value of 15/16V is output from the first detection line  19  due to an influence of the resistance value described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     For another example, when the first indication point D 1   3  in the 3 o&#39;clock direction is pressed, the first indication point D 1   3  in the 3 o&#39;clock direction is spaced apart from the first voltage input line  13  by ( 1/16+⅛+⅛)·L, so that a voltage value 11/16 V is output through the first voltage output member  17 . 
     Then, the second conductive rubber member  25  may be concavely contracted due to the press to the first indication point D 1   1  and thus a current value output through the first current output member  27  may be changed. In this case, if a change of the current value is not within the preset range, the control unit (not shown) determiners that the press to the first indication point D 1   1  is the contact to the first indication point D 1   1  so that it extracts a first data corresponding to the first indicate point D 1   1  from a memory unit and inputs the extracted first data. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , when the second conductive rubber member  25  is concavely contracted due to the press (with a pressure larger than that of the above case) to the first indication point D 1   1  so that a value change of a current output through the first current output member  27  is within the preset range, the control unit (not shown) determines that the press to the first indication point D 1   1  is the press to the second indication point D 2   1  located in a lower part of the corresponding first indication point D 1   1 . Accordingly, the control unit (not shown) extracts a second data corresponding to the second indicate point D 2   1  from the memory unit and inputs the extracted second data. 
     When the change of the current value output through the first current output member  27  exceeds the preset range, the control unit (not shown) determines that the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . are pressed, but may make a process such that other data different from data assigned to the conventional second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . are input. That is, the press to the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . may be processed with a value of a multi-stage input including at least two stages depending on the change of the current value output through the first current output member  27 . 
     The positions and the number of first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . and second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . , the type of data to be assigned to the first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . and the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . , and a range of a current value for a multi-stage input for the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . can be set through various S/W programming written with C Language, JAVA, MFC, Labview, Delphi, etc. The programming is not limited to C Language, JAVA, MFC, Labview, and Delphi, and various application programs may be used. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the positions and the number of first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . and second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . , the type of data assigned to the first indication points D 1   1 , D 1   2 , D 1   3 , . . . and the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . , and a range of a value of a current of the second indication points D 2   1 , D 2   2 , D 2   3 , . . . for the multi-stage input can be variously set depending on a working environment and a selection of a user, so their detailed description will be omitted. 
     In the meantime, the first voltage output member  17  that is the element of the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be formed in various shapes, such as a quadrangle-like shape (square or rectangle), a trapezoid-like shape, or an inverted trapezoid-like shape. Such structure makes it advantageously possible that the data input apparatus with a lower height compared to a conventional data input apparatus can be designed. 
     The data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include various elements in addition to the aforementioned elements to as to implement the data input apparatus, and some of elements among the aforementioned elements may be omitted for the implementation of the data input apparatus. 
     The first conductive rubber member  11  and the second conductive rubber member  25  of the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be formed of a conductive rubber only, a combination of a conductive rubber and a conductive material, or a carbon material only. The material of the first conductive rubber member  11  and the second conductive rubber member  25  is apparent to those skilled in the art, so that its detailed description will be omitted. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 18  in detail. 
     The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to a second embodiment of the present invention may be integrally formed with a portable terminal  1  as shown in  FIG. 15 , or separately formed and connected to the portable terminal  1  through an USB or a cable in a wired manner or in accordance with various wireless communication standards in a wireless manner. The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member may be integrally formed with any device using a data input device, in addition to the portable terminal  1  or separately formed and connected to any device. 
     The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a current input/output member  31 , a third conductive rubber member  37 , and a control unit (not shown). 
     A signal input unit  33  and a plurality of signal output units  35  are separately formed on an upper portion of the current input/output member  31 . The signal output units  35  may be arranged in the signal input unit  33  in a matrix shape or in a ring shape as shown in  FIG. 3 . The signal output units  35  may be arranged in the signal input unit  33  in various shapes, in addition to the matrix shape and the ring shape. Further, the signal output units and the signal input unit  33  may be conversely arranged. 
     The third conductive rubber member  37  is stacked on an upper portion of the current input/output member  31 , and serves to change a resistance value between the signal input unit  33  and the signal output unit  35  corresponding to a pressed point while being concavely contracted by press from an upper side, to change a current value output from the signal output unit  35 . 
     When the resistance value decreases while the third conductive rubber member  37  is concavely contracted, a current value output through the signal output unit  35  will be increased. In this case, the control unit (not shown) detects the increase of the current value output through the signal output unit  35  and recognizes that a specific point of the third conductive rubber member  37  corresponding to the corresponding signal output unit  35  is pressed. That is, a current value within a set range is applied from the signal output unit  35 , the control unit (not shown) extracts data assigned to the signal output unit  35  corresponding to the pressed point from the memory unit and input the extracted data. 
     Accordingly, for example, the press of the third conductive rubber member  37  at a point corresponding to a contents menu selectable on the display unit  5  may generate an effect of the selection of the contents menu. Further, it is possible to move a cursor on the display unit  5  or input data, such as characters, when a character/command display unit displaying inputtable characters/commands is displayed on the display unit  5 . 
     A degree of the concave contraction of the third conductive rubber member  37  is be different depending on a strength of a power applied to the third conductive rubber member  37  and a current value output through the signal output unit  35  may be different depending on a strength of the power applied to the third conductive rubber member  37 . As such, if a current value output from the signal output unit  35  is different depending on a size of a power applied to the third conductive rubber member  37 , the control unit (not shown) can input various data according to the current value output from the signal output unit  35 . That is, it is possible to perform a multi-stage input including at least two stages depending on a size of a power applied to the third conductive rubber member  37 . It is apparent to those skilled in the art that a range of a current value output from the signal output unit  35 , which determines the multi-stage input, is not limited to a specific value, but may be variously set depending on their working environment or use and selection in design. 
     The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the second embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to multi-touch input at multiple points. That is, multiple points of the third conductive rubber member are simultaneously or almost simultaneously pressed. When the multiple points of the third conductive rubber member  37  are simultaneously or almost simultaneously pressed, current values of the signal output units in lower sides of the multiple points are increased. The control unit (not shown) detects the increase of the current values of the signal output units  35  and recognizes that the multiple points have been pressed. 
     When the pressed points are changed after the multiple points of the third conductive rubber member  37  are simultaneously or almost simultaneously pressed, the control unit (not shown) recognizes the change of the pressed points based on the current values of the signal output units  35  corresponding to the changed points. The control unit (not shown) makes it possible to perform a movable input by which pressed points are concentrated or dispersed after the multiple points are simultaneously or almost simultaneously pressed through a current value of the signal output unit  35 . For example, when a user presses two points of the third conductive rubber member  37  corresponding to both opposite ends of an image displayed on the display unit  5  and then pulls the two pressed points so as to concentrate the two points, the image is contracted and displayed. Otherwise, when a user disperses the two pressed points in opposite directions, the image is enlarged and displayed. 
     The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the second embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to multi-touch input of recognizing the input at multiple points, so that a user conveniently operate various contents menu displayed on the display unit  5 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a data input apparatus using a conductive rubber member according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 19 to 22  in detail. 
     Likewise to the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be integrally formed with or separately formed from a device using a data input device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a fourth conductive rubber member  41 , a second current output member  47 , a second voltage output member  48 , and a control unit (not shown). 
     The second voltage output member  48  may have a quadrangle-like shape (square or rectangle) as shown in  FIG. 20 , a trapezoid-like shape as shown in  FIG. 21 , or an inverted trapezoid-like shape as shown in  FIG. 22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , when the second voltage output member  48  is shaped like a quadrangle, an angle between the sides of the quadrangle is approximately 90°. As illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , when the second voltage output member  48  is shaped like a trapezoid or an inverted trapezoid, the internal angles of the trapezoid or the inverted trapezoid are not limited to a specific angle and may have various angles enough to form the trapezoid or the inverted trapezoid. 
     The fourth conductive rubber member  41  shown in  FIG. 19  may include a single layer formed of conductive rubber only or a carbon containing conductive particles, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , or include two layers ( 42 ,  44 ) in which conductive rubber is combined with a carbon film as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may include a conductive rubber layer  44  formed of conductive rubber and a carbon layer  42  formed of a carbon film. When the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may include the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42 , the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42  may be integrally formed through a method, such as a double injection molding, or separately formed and then coupled to each other. A method of manufacturing the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42  is beyond the scope of the present invention, so its description will be omitted for convenience&#39;s sake. In the above description, the fourth conductive rubber member  41  formed by a combination of conductive rubber and carbon has been described, but any particle having a conductivity, in addition to carbon, may be mixed with conductive rubber so as to form the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may include the carbon layer  42  only formed of the carbon film. 
     Hereinafter, an example of the input apparatus including the fourth conductive rubber member  41  including either the conductive rubber layer  44  or the carbon layer  42  will be described in detail. 
     A second voltage input line  43  for applying a voltage having a predetermined potential value to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is connected to one end of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  including either the conductive rubber layer  44  or the carbon layer  42 , and a second voltage output line  45  for outputting a voltage output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is connected to an opposite end of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . 
     The second current output member  47  is disposed on a lower side of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second voltage output member  48  is disposed on an upper side of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . 
     When a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the second voltage output member  48  is concavely contracted, so that the second voltage output member  48  comes into contact with the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The second voltage output member  48  outputs a voltage value output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41  at a corresponding contact point. The control unit (not shown) identifies the contact point based on a corresponding voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48  and extracts a first data corresponding to the contact point from the memory unit and inputs the extracted first data. 
     When a user presses a specific point of the second voltage output member  48 , the control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point according to the contact between the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . In this case, the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may come into contact with the second current output member  47 . Accordingly, the control unit (not shown) may be designed such that a current value output from the second current output member  47  within a predetermined range is ignored. 
     When a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are concavely contracted, to come into contact with the second current output member  47 . The second current output member  47  outputs a current output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The current value output from the second current output member  47  is a current value changed while a predetermined potential applied to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  passes based on the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength through the current value output from the second current output member  47 , and extracts a second data corresponding to the corresponding pressed point and press strength from the memory unit and inputs the extracted second data. 
     The control unit (not shown) may be designed such that when the control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength according to the contact between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47 , a voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48  according to the contact between the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is ignored. 
     In order to prevent the fourth conductive rubber member  41  from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 , a non-conductive member (not shown) may be inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47 , or the second current output member  47  may be installed lower than the second substrate  49  on the second substrate  49  for preventing the fourth conductive rubber member  41  from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 , not completely preventing from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 . 
     As described above, when the non-conductive member (not shown) is inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47  or the second current output member  47  is formed to be lower than the second substrate  49 , the fourth conductive rubber member  41  does not easily come into contact with the second current output member  47 , so that a contact point or a pressed point and a press strength can be recognized according to a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  and a first data or a second data corresponding to the recognized contact point or the recognized pressed point and press strength may be input through a processing by the control unit (not shown). 
     For example, when a user presses the second voltage output member  48  with a power smaller than a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  such that the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is bent to come into contact with the second current output member  47 , the second voltage output member  48  comes into contact with the fourth conductive rubber member  41  to output a voltage value output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point based on the voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48  and extracts a first data corresponding to the contact point from the memory unit and inputs the extracted first data. When a user presses the second voltage output member  48  with a power smaller than a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  such that the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is bent to comes into contact with the second current output member  47 , the fourth conductive rubber member  41  does not come into contact with the second current output member  47 . 
     When a user presses the second voltage output member  48  with a power larger than a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  such that the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is bent to come into contact with the second current output member  47 , the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are contracted to comes into contact with the second current output member  47 , and the second current output member  47  outputs a current value changed while a predetermined potential applied to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  passes through the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The current value output from the second current output member  47  is a current changed while a predetermined potential value applied to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  passes through the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength based on the current value output from the second current output member  47  and extracts a second data corresponding to the recognized pressed point and press strength from the memory unit and inputs the extracted second data. A degree of the contact between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47  is different depending on a degree of the concave contraction of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 , and a current value output from the second current output member  47  is different depending on a degree of the contact between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47 . The control unit (not shown) may perform a multi-stage input including at least two stages for inputting different second data depending on a current value output from the second current output member  47 . When the control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength based on a current value output from the second current output member  47 , it is designed such that a voltage value output due to the contact between the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is ignored. 
     A non-conductive member (not shown) may be inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47  or the second current output member  47  is installed lower than the second substrate  49 , so that the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may be prevented from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 . 
     In the above, the case where the non-conductive member (not shown) may be inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47  or the second current output member  47  is installed lower than the second substrate  49  has been described. However, by changing a material of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  such that a strength of a power capable of concavely contracting the fourth conductive rubber member  41  becomes large, it is possible to prevent the fourth conductive rubber member  41  from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 . In addition to the aforementioned example, it is possible to prevent the fourth conductive rubber member  41  from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47  through various methods. 
     Hereinafter, a method of inputting data where the second voltage output member  48  contacts the fourth conductive rubber member  41  so the second voltage output member  48  does not output a voltage value output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41  will be described in detail. 
     When a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are concavely contracted, to come into contact with the second current output member  47 . When the fourth conductive rubber member  41  contacts the second current output member  47 , the second current output member  47  outputs a current value output from the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . When the current value output from the second current output member  47  is smaller than a set current value, the control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point and extracts a first data corresponding to the contact point from the memory unit and input the extracted first data. When the current value output from the second current output member  47  is larger than the set current value, the control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength and extracts a second data corresponding to the pressed point and press strength from the memory unit and input the extracted second data. When the current value output from the second current output member  47  is larger than the set current value, the control unit (not shown) may perform a multi-stage input including at least two stages for inputting different second data depending on the current value output from the second current output member  47 . 
     In the above, the case of the application of a predetermined voltage to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  has been described, but a predetermined voltage may be applied to the second voltage output member  48 . 
     For example, when a voltage with a predetermined potential value is applied to the second voltage output member  48  and a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are concavely contracted to contact the second current output member  47 , the predetermined potential value applied to the second voltage output member  48  is changed while passing through the fourth conductive rubber member  41 , and the second current output member  47  outputs the current value changed while the potential passes through the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point, a pressed point, and an a press strength based on the current value output from the second current output member  47 , and extracts a first data or a second data corresponding to the contact point or the pressed point and the press strength from the memory unit and inputs the extracted first data or second data. In this case, when the current value output from the second current output member  47  is smaller than the set current value, the control unit (not shown) recognizes the contact point, and when the current value output from the second current output member  47  is larger than the set current value, the control unit (not shown) recognizes the pressed point and the press strength. Accordingly, the control unit (not shown) can extract the first data corresponding to the contact point or the second data corresponding to the pressed point and press strength from the memory unit and input the extracted first data or second data. 
     Further, a voltage with a predetermined potential value may be applied to the second current output member  47 . 
     For example, when a voltage with a predetermined potential value is applied to the second current output member  47  and a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are concavely contracted to come into contact with the second current output member  47 . When the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is concavely contracted to come into contact with the second current output member  47 , a predetermined voltage value applied to the second current output member  47  is changed and output. The control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point or a pressed point and a press strength based on the output voltage value, and extracts data corresponding to the contact point or the pressed point and the press strength and inputs the extracted data. In this case, a degree of the contact of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  to the second current output member according to the concave contraction of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is changed depending on a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  and thus a range of a change of the voltage value applied to the second current output member  47  is changed. The control unit (not shown) may recognize the press strength based on the voltage value output from the second current output member  47  according to the power applied to the second voltage output member  48 . In the above, the output of the voltage value from the second current output member  47  has been described, but the control unit (not shown) may recognize a contact point or a pressed point and a press strength based on the current value output from the second current output member  47 . 
     Hereinafter, a method of inputting data where the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is formed of a combination of conductive rubber and carbon will be described in detail. 
     The fourth conductive rubber member  41  may include a single layer formed of a combination of conductive rubber and carbon or include the conductive rubber layer  44  made of conductive rubber and the carbon layer  42  made of carbon film. The conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  may be integrally formed with various conventional methods, such as a double injection molding, or separately formed and then coupled to each other. 
     The method of inputting data when the fourth conductive rubber member  41  includes the single layer formed of a combination of conductive rubber and carbon is identical to that in the case where the fourth conductive rubber member  41  includes the conductive rubber layer  44  only or the carbon layer  42  only, so its detailed description will be omitted for convenience&#39;s sake. 
     Hereinafter, a method of inputting data where the fourth conductive rubber member  41  includes the conductive rubber layer  44  made of conductive rubber and the carbon layer  42  made of a carbon film will be described in detail. 
     The second voltage input line  43  for applying a voltage having a predetermined potential value and the second voltage output line  45  for outputting a voltage are connected to one end of the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . 
     The second current output member  47  is disposed on a lower side of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second voltage output member  48  is disposed on an upper side of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is disposed at an opposite side of the second voltage output member  48 . 
     When a specific point of the second voltage output member  48  is pressed, the specific points of the second voltage output member  48  and the fourth conductive rubber member  41  are concavely contracted, to come into contact with the second current output member  47 . When the fourth conductive rubber member  41  contacts the second current output member  47 , a current value change while the predetermined potential value applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  passes through the carbon layer  42  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is output from the second current output member  47 . A degree of the change of the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  during the passing through the carbon layer  42  is different depending on a strength of a power applied to the second voltage output member  48  and a current value output from the second current output member  47  is changed. When the current value output from the second current output member  47  is smaller than a set current value, the control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point based on a voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48  and extracts a first data corresponding to the contact point from the memory unit and inputs the extracted first data. When the current value output from the second current output member  47  is larger than the set current value, the control unit (not shown) ignores a voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48 , recognizes a pressed point and a press strength based on the current value output from the second current output member  47 , and extracts a second data corresponding to the pressed point and press strength from the memory unit and inputs the extracted second data. 
     In a case where the fourth conductive rubber member  41  includes the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42 , a non-conductive member (not shown) may be inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47 , or the second current output member  47  may be installed lower than the second substrate  49  on the second substrate  49 , so that the fourth conductive rubber member  41  can be prevented from easily coming into contact with the second current output member  47 . A method of inputting data in the case where the non-conductive member (not shown) is inserted between the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second current output member  47  or where the second current output member  47  may be installed lower than the second substrate  49  has been already described, so its description will be omitted for convenience&#39;s sake. 
     Further, an insulation layer (not shown) may be inserted between the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41 . The insulation layer (not shown) does not prevent a predetermined voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  from flowing through the carbon layer  42 , but serves to prevent a predetermined voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  from flowing through the carbon layer  42  before a power larger than a certain level is applied to the second voltage output member  48  and to make a predetermined voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  flow through the carbon layer  42  when a power larger than a certain level is applied to the second voltage output member  48 . 
     For example, when a power smaller than a certain level is applied to a specific point of the second voltage output member  48 , a voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is output from the second voltage output member  48 , and the control unit (not shown) recognizes a contact point based on the voltage output from the second voltage output member  48  and extracts a first data corresponding to the contact point from the memory unit and inputs the extracted first data. In this case, the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is prevented from flowing through the carbon layer  42  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  due to the insulation layer (not shown). 
     When a power larger than the certain level is applied to the specific point of the second voltage output member  48 , the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  is changed while passing through the insulation layer (not shown) and the carbon layer  42  and the second current output member  47  outputs a current value changed while the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member passes through the insulation layer (not shown) and the carbon layer  42 . The control unit (not shown) recognizes a pressed point and a press strength based on the current value output from the second current output member  47  and extracts a second data corresponding to the pressed point and the press strength from the memory unit and inputs the extracted second data. When the current value changed while the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  passes through the insulation layer (not shown) and the carbon layer  42  is output from the second current output member  47 , the control unit (not shown) ignores the voltage value output from the second voltage output member  48 . 
     A power applied to the second voltage output member  48  by which the voltage applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  flows to the carbon layer  42  passing through the insulation layer (not shown) is different depending on a material, a thickness, and a property of the insulation layer (not shown). 
     The disposition of the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the disposition of the second voltage output member  48  and the second current output member  47  are not limited to the aforementioned example, and they may be variously disposed if a contact point, a pressed point, and a press strength can be recognized. Further, the case where a predetermined voltage is applied to the conductive rubber layer  44  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  has been described as the example in the above description, but a predetermined voltage may be applied to the carbon layer  42 . A point to which a predetermined voltage is applied is different depending on the disposition of the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42  of the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the disposition of the second voltage output member  48  and the second current output member  47 . 
     When the fourth conductive rubber member  41  includes the conductive rubber layer  44  and the carbon layer  42 , a predetermined voltage may be applied to the second voltage output member  48  or the second current output member  47 . 
     The input of a first data or a second data using the data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the third embodiment of the present invention is to input data assigned to the first indication points or the second indication points as discussed in the first embodiment, and the first indication points may be assigned to the fourth conductive rubber member  41  and the second indication points may be assigned to the second current output member  47 . 
     The data input apparatus  10  using the conductive rubber member according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include various elements in addition to the aforementioned elements or omits some of the aforementioned elements. 
     The data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention may be used together with another input device, such as a mouse, and input various data including characters as well. Further, the data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first embodiment of the present invention may perform every function, such as a movement of a character or the performance of a command, in a game. 
     The data input apparatus using the conductive rubber member according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention employs a conductive rubber member which is cheaper than a sensor, such as a haptic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an optical sensor, a touch screen, or a touch pad, so that it is possible to manufacture a data input apparatus with low expenses. 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the first to third preferred embodiments thereof, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.