Disclosed is optical switching keyboard apparatus employing identically constructed aligned matrix panels forming the apparatus housing as well as defining collimated light beams focused upon a photodetector matrix disposed in an area on a circuit board which extends transverse to and through slotted apertures in the aligned panels. Coded electrical signals are provided by the translation of coded shutters into selected light interrupting relationship with the beams, the coded shutters effective...

The invention relates to keyboard devices using optical switching and includes novel light distribution means to multiple fiber optics, switching means between fiber optics, and collection means from multiple fiber optics to a single point.

An optical switch for use as a modular keyboard switch designed to provide tactile and audible feedback to the keyboard operator. The switch includes an opaque housing in which a light emitting device and a light activated detector are mounted. A "U" shaped spring shutter rests within the housing between the emitter and detector and has an aperture through which light from the emitter may illuminate the detector. A spring loaded key stem moves longitudinally within the housing and is designed to...

An automatic transaction apparatus for processing transactions by the operation by a customer has a display unit, a through-vision touch type input device disposed on a screen of the display unit, and a judging device for judging a request of an operator for operation of the apparatus. The display unit, when operated by a customer, displays a text of designating customer's operation and an illustration thereof, and displays in a step where an operation to be selected or designated by the custome...

An optically activated keyboard provides inputs to a digital computer or the like. The keyboard includes a key housing having formed therein a wave guide matrix of intersecting columns and rows with light emitting diodes (LED's) installed in one end of each column and photo transistors installed in one end of each row. A plurality of keys are mounted at the top surface of the housing, each key having a plunger which projects through a corresponding aperture in the housing, when the key is depres...

An interactive display device is of the type which displays data and allows an operator to input fresh data and/or change the data that is displayed. The data is displayed by a plurality of arrays of discrete display elements each of which can be independently driven to produce an optical output, and the interactive input is by means of a light pen or "wand" which detects light and which the operator points at the display element associated with the data to which the desired input relates. Drive...

A crossed light beam position indicator includes orthogonal arrays of paired light emitters and detectors for covering a display surface with crossed light beams, scanning means coupled to the emitters and detectors for electronically scanning the orthogonal arrays such that a single emitter at any one time is emitting light. Improved scanning means include means for scanning the detector associated with a particular emitter and in addition scanning one or more adjacent detectors during the time...

An optical switching means including an optical fiber moving means which is moved by an electromagnetic force, a spring body which has a guide hole through which an optical fiber passes and at least one magnetic body. The magnetic body is fixed on one of its ends and one end is arranged so as to be almost parallel with the moving optical fiber. The moving optical fiber is connected with a fixed optical fiber by moving the magnetic body with an electromagnetic force, thereby effecting optical swi...

The invention provides a control system for supplying instructions to a computer or the like. An opaque panel has several transparent areas. A number of conductors are provided, which pass under each of the opaque areas in turn, and at each of these areas there are photo-sensitive elements associated with a unique selection of the number of conductors. When the light passing through a transparent area varies the response of the photo-sensitive elements is such that signals are provided on the un...

An input system for an electrical machine including a mechanism for connection between each key and a shutter therefor in the keyboard of the console of the machine. The shutter interrupts light from one or more sources to one or more photocells to provide a coded input for the machine. The shutter of each key is moved by the mechanism by a snap action to avoid the need for interlocked keys. Simultaneous inputs from two keys are avoided because the shutter is moved by the mechanism at a substant...