| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention provides for a unique microchip or circuit which can, inter alia, handle both current conducting functions and man-machine-interface functions in an electrical device, for example, such as a flashlight. The man-machine-interface functions, according to the present invention, may be controlled by very low current signals, touch pads, carbon coated membrane type switches, or other low current type switches. These low current switches are smaller, more reliable, less costly, easier to seal, and less vulnerable to corrosion and oxidation than prior art switches. Moreover, since according to the present invention, the current conducting switch is controlled in an intelligent manner by the same microchip which provides the man-machine-interface functioning, significant costs savings and reliability are achieved by the invention. The present invention, according to one embodiment, also provides a microchip or circuit which may be embedded into a power source, for example, a battery, that supplies intelligence to the same. As a result, and according to the invention, functions such as delayed switching, dimming, delayed automatic shut off and an intermittent activation may be realised in less intelligent prior art electrical devices. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the inventive microchips or circuits of the present invention can, inter alia, adjust the average electrical current through a current switch, provide an "on" and "off" sequence which, in the case of a flashlight, can be determined by an operator and may represent either a flash code sequence or a simple on-off oscillation, delayed shut off function, dimming function, provide indication of power strength, and provide gradual oscillating current flow to lengthen the life of the operating switch and the battery, etc. The function can be selected by varying the time period which elapses between successive activations of a controlling switch. <IMAGE></p> |
