Membrane switch having a rotary motion detection function

A method of controlling an electronic device by means of a limited number of keys, which comprises:

• arranging a plurality of keys in a rotary dial design on a membrane switch;
• determining an activation, in sequence within a fixed time period, of at least three of said plurality of keys as a request of control for said electronic device;
• translating said request for control into a coded signal for transmission;
• and
• transmitting said coded signal to said electronic device.

A membrane switch for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

• a flexible sheet;
• said flexible sheet including a plurality of keys arranged in a ring;
• said flexible sheet further including a plurality of movable electrodes;
• each of said movable electrodes being aligned with a corresponding key;
• a wiring board containing a plurality of fixed electrodes;
• each of said plurality of movable electrodes aligned with and facing a corresponding fixed electrode;
• means for spacing said flexible sheet and said wiring board a fixed distance apart, whereby pressure on one of said keys closes a circuit between a selected one of said plurality of movable electrodes and its corresponding fixed electrode;
• means, responsive to pressing at least two of said keys in succession within a prescribed time interval, for transmitting a code that identifies a rotary direction and a velocity of motion of the successive pressing of said keys;
• and
• means responsive to said code for transmitting a signal to said electronic device.

A rotary motion detection device, comprising:

• a wiring board;
• a plurality of fixed contacts disposed in a circle on said wiring board;
• a membrane;
• means for supporting said membrane a predetermined distance from, and generally parallel to, said wiring board;
• a plurality of movable contacts on said membrane facing said plurality of fixed contacts;
• means for rotating being rotatable about an axis of said circle;
• and
• means disposed on a surface of said means for rotating, for depressing said membrane locally to produce electrical contact between aligned pairs of said fixed and said movable contacts.