Control knobs for controlling the operation of the machine

Abstract

A control knob for controlling the operation of a machine, comprising: an attachment member, which is constructed to attach the control knob to the surface of the machine so that the control knob is operatively connected to the machine to control its operation; a display member, which includes an electronic display module; an operating mode display controller, which is used to control the display of the operating mode of the machine on the electronic display module, the operating mode display controller is constructed to rotate around the electronic display module in a plurality of rotational positions, the operating mode display controller is operatively connected to the electronic display module so that in response to the rotational movement of the operating mode display controller, the electronic display module displays a plurality of operating modes of the machine; an operating mode selector, which is used to control the selection of one of the plurality of operating modes of the machine when it is displayed on the electronic display module, the operating mode selector being constructed to move between at least a first position and a second position to actuate the selection of the operating mode displayed on the electronic display module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of control buttons and control knobs for controlling the operation of a machine. Background Art

[0002] The control panel of machines such as household appliances (e.g., microwave ovens, washing machines, clothes dryers) and motor vehicles usually includes a plurality of control knobs (control buttons, etc.) to control various operating modes of such machines. A transducer usually senses different rotational positions of the control knob and then outputs an electrical control signal indicating the sensed rotational position (and the expected operating mode of the machine selected by the user). For example, a plurality of control knobs can be provided on the control panel of a microwave oven to control operating modes such as heating time, heating temperature, and thawing time. Alternatively, for example, a control panel in a motor vehicle may include a plurality of control knobs to operate an air conditioner, a radio, and a sunroof. In addition, an electronic display can usually be provided on the control panel next to the control knob to visually display the selected operating mode of the machine that the user has selected. However, due to the limited available space on the control panel of such machines (and even more so in the case of machines with compact design aesthetics), there is a need for control knobs that improve the efficiency of the use of the control panel space on such machines and do not excessively affect the convenience and speed of operation. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention seeks to address at least one of the above problems.

[0004] The invention may be embodied in multiple broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms described herein.

[0005] In a broad form, the present invention provides a control knob for controlling the operation of a machine, the control knob comprising: an attachment member configured to attach the control knob to a surface of the machine so that the control knob is operatively connected to the machine to control its operation; a display member comprising an electronic display module disposed thereon; an operating mode display controller for controlling the display of the operating mode of the machine on the electronic display module, the operating mode display controller being configured to perform rotational movement around the electronic display module among a plurality of rotational positions, the operating mode display controller being operatively connected to the electronic display module so that in response to the rotational movement of the operating mode display controller among the plurality of rotational positions, the electronic display module is configured to display a plurality of operating modes of the machine corresponding to the plurality of rotational positions; a stop mechanism configured to provide controlled, gradual rotational movement of the operating display controller around the display member into its plurality of rotational positions; an operating mode selector for controlling the display of the operating mode of the machine on the electronic display module; The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control knob is configured to control the selection of one of the plurality of operation modes when one of the plurality of operation modes is displayed on the electronic display module, the operation mode selector being configured to be pressable from at least an unpressed position to a pressed position, the pressable movement being configured to actuate the selection of the operation mode displayed on the electronic display module, and thereby the operation mode selector being biased to the unpressed position by a return spring, so that when the operation mode selector moves from the unpressed position to the pressed position, the operation mode selector is subsequently pushed back to the unpressed position by the return spring; and a printed circuit board comprising a microcontroller module for controlling the operation of the electronic display module and the machine in response to the movement of the operation mode display controller and the operation mode selector; wherein the display member and the attachment member form a housing therebetween, the housing enclosing the printed circuit board, the stop mechanism and the return spring together therein, thereby forming an integrated unit in the control knob.

[0006] Preferably, the operation mode selector may include at least one of: (i) a display member; and (ii) an operation mode display controller.

[0007] Preferably, the operating mode selector may be configured for depressible movement from at least an undepressed position to a depressed position along an axis of movement, the axis of movement extending in a substantially vertical direction relative to the electronic display module.

[0008] Preferably, the operating mode selector may be configured for at least one of tilting movement, pivoting movement, and sliding movement between at least a first position and a second position to actuate selection of an operating mode displayed on the electronic display module.

[0009] Preferably, the display member may include an end surface on which the electronic display module is disposed, and a side wall extending substantially vertically from an edge region of the end surface.

[0010] Preferably, the display member may comprise a cylindrical configuration.

[0011] Preferably, the operating mode display controller may comprise an annular member having a channel extending along its elongate axis, the annular member being configured to surround the display member, whereby the channel of the annular member is shaped for the display member to extend therethrough.

[0012] Preferably, the annular member may comprise a cylindrical sleeve having a side wall extending in a substantially parallel orientation to a side wall of the display member.

[0013] Preferably, the present invention may include a mechanism configured to vibrate the control knob in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

[0014] Preferably, the electronic display module may be configured to output at least one of a predetermined color or brightness in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

[0015] Preferably, the control knob may include a sound generator configured to output a predetermined sound in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic display module may include a touch screen display, and whereby the user may operate the touch screen display to perform at least one of the following:

[0017] (a) displaying multiple operating modes of the machine; and

[0018] (b) when one of the plurality of operation modes is displayed on the electronic display module, selecting the one of the plurality of operation modes.

[0019] Preferably, the present invention may include a lens cover configured to cover an electronic display module.

[0020] Preferably, the present invention may include a tact switch operatively connected to the microcontroller, the tact switch being configured to actuate to an on state when the operating mode selector is arranged in a pressed position, and thereby, in response to the actuation of the tact switch to the on state, the microcontroller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the operation of the electronic display module and the function of at least one of the machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the present invention described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1A-Figure 1C A perspective view of a control knob attached to the surface of a machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in operating sequence;

[0023] Figure 1D shows a top view of a control knob according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 1E shows a side view of a control knob arranged in a non-depressed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2A-2F Various views are shown of another embodiment according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 A functional block diagram showing a control knob / button operatively connected to an electrical application according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 4 A flow chart showing process steps for using a control knob / button according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in the form of a control knob and control buttons which may be mounted, for example, on a console of a motor vehicle and configured to control a range of vehicle systems, including: audio output functions from speakers, environmental functions such as air conditioning and heating, mechanical functions including for adjusting and moving mirrors, seats, sunroofs, etc., and other system functions such as the safety or alarm of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the control knob and control buttons may be mounted on a control panel of a microwave oven, washing machine or other household appliance and configured to control the operating mode of such a machine.

[0029] First reference Figures 1A to 1E , a control knob (100) of a first embodiment is shown, which includes an attachment member (130) configured to attach the control knob (100) to a control panel surface (150) of a machine (340). For example, the attachment member (130) may include a metal substrate having holes disposed therein so that screws or other fastening members (130A) can pass therethrough to produce the effect of fixing the control knob (100) to the control panel surface (150).

[0030] The control knob (100) further comprises a display member (110) which is movably coupled to the attachment member (130). The display member (110) comprises a cylindrical configuration having a flat end surface and an annular sidewall extending from an edge of the flat end surface in a substantially vertical direction toward the attachment member (130). The display member (110) may comprise any suitable rigid material, such as a metallic material or a rigid-plastic material. The display member (110) and the attachment member (130) form a housing therebetween, within which the mechanical and electronic components of the control knob (110) may be housed.

[0031] The electronic display module (140) is mounted on top of the flat end surface of the display member (110) by any suitable mounting mechanism, or may be recessed into the flat end surface so that it is flush with the flat end surface. The electronic display module (140) may typically include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active matrix OLED (AMOLED) display, a backlit display, or any other suitable electronic display technology. In some embodiments, the electronic display module (140) may include touch-sensitive technology to allow a user to directly "touch" a displayed indicia or icon on the electronic display surface to browse possible operating mode options and / or actuate selection of any of the displayed operating modes. The electronic display module (140) is powered by the machine's power supply via a suitable power interface circuit, but in alternative embodiments, it may be powered by a separate battery unit that may be located within the housing.

[0032] The control knob (100) further includes an operating mode display controller (120) that can be grasped and manipulated by a user's hand to control the display of the machine's operating mode on the electronic display module (140). The operating mode display controller (120) includes a cylindrical sleeve having an annular sidewall (120B) and a channel extending along its elongated axis. The cylindrical sleeve (120) is configured to be attached to the display member (110) so as to surround the display member (110) and coaxially rotatably move around the display member (110) in multiple rotational positions. The channel of the cylindrical sleeve (120) is shaped to allow the display member (110) to extend through the channel, and the sidewall (120B) of the cylindrical sleeve extends in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the sidewall of the display member (110). A stop mechanism may be provided between the cylindrical sleeve (120) and the display member (110) to allow controlled progressive rotational movement of the operating mode display controller (120) about the display member (110) to a plurality of rotational positions thereof. The step of rotating the operating mode display controller to browse through a series of potentially selectable operating modes of the machine (340) is Figure 4This is indicated by block (400) in the flowchart of FIG.

[0033] The rotational movement of the operating mode display controller (120) is sensed by a first sensor module (310), which may include a rotationally actuated potentiometer, an optical sensor, or any other sensor device suitable for the present application. For example, the operating mode display controller may be coupled to a transducer shaft that rotates as the operating mode display controller (120) rotates, and the movement of the transducer shaft may be used to actuate the sensor reading of the sensor module (310). The first sensor module (310) is operatively connected to a microcontroller module (330) and transmits signals indicating various rotational positions of the operating mode display controller (120) to the microcontroller module (330). The microcontroller module (330) receives the signal from the first sensor module (310) via a sensor interface and is programmed to associate the rotational position of the operating mode display controller (120) indicated by the sensor signal with the actual operating mode of the machine by reference to a predetermined lookup table programmed in the microcontroller module (330). The microcontroller module (330) is operatively connected to the electronic display module (140) and transmits control signals to the electronic display module (140) to display information indicating an operating mode of the machine corresponding to the sensed rotational position of the operating mode display controller (120). For example, where the machine is a washing machine / dryer, the operating modes of the machine (340) may include options for hot or cold water wash operating modes, options for various wash times, and options for various drying times. Each such option may be broadly considered to be an operating mode of the machine that may be selected by a user. The step of the electronic display module (140) displaying potentially selectable operating modes of the machine corresponding to the rotational position of the operating mode display controller (120) about the display member (110) is described in detail below. Figure 4 This is represented by block (410) in the flowchart of FIG.

[0034] The control knob 100 includes an integrally formed operating mode selector (110, 120) configured to actuate selection of one of a plurality of operating modes of the machine displayed on an electronic display module (140). The operating mode selector (110, 120) is configured to move between at least a first position and a second position, thereby actuating selection of the operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140) at any given time. In this embodiment, the operating mode selector (110, 120) is composed of a display member (110) and an operating mode display controller (120), which can be moved together as a single actuation mechanism by a user to actuate selection of the operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140). More specifically, in this embodiment, the operating mode selector (110, 120) is configured to be moved from at least a non-pressed position (such as a first position) to a second position. Figure 1A as shown) to the pressed position (as shown Figure 1B ) in order to actuate the selection of an operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140).

[0035] The operating mode selector (110, 120) is configured to be depressibly movable from at least an unpressed position to a pressed position along a movement axis (160) extending in a substantially vertical direction relative to the electronic display module (140). The operating mode selector (110, 120) is biased to the unpressed position by a return spring disposed between the display member (110) and the attachment member (130), so that when the operating mode selector (110, 120) moves from the unpressed position to the pressed position, the operating mode selector is subsequently pushed back to the unpressed position (e.g., Figure 1C In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the operating mode selector (110, 120) may be configured to move in a manner other than a depressible movement. For example, the operating mode selector (110, 120) may be configured to perform a tilting movement, a pivoting movement, or a sliding movement between at least a first position and a second position, thereby actuating the selection of an operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140). In another alternative embodiment, it is feasible that the operating mode selector may include only an operating mode display controller or only a display member. The step of the operating mode selector (110, 120) actuating the selection of an operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140) is as follows: Figure 4 This is represented by block (420) in the flowchart of FIG.

[0036] The movement of the operating mode selector (110, 120) is sensed by a second sensor module (310), which may also include a potentiometer, and an optical sensor or any other sensor device suitable for the present application. The sensor module (310) is operatively connected to the microcontroller module (330) and transmits a signal indicating that the operating mode selector (110, 120) is pressed by a user to the microcontroller module (330). The microcontroller module (330) receives the signal from the sensor module (310) and is programmed to recognize the signal as indicating a selection of a specific operating mode displayed on the electronic display module (140). Thereafter, the microcontroller module (330) transmits the operating mode selected externally at the control button (100) to the control module of the machine (340) via electrical bus wiring or wirelessly via a wireless communication module. The step of the microcontroller module (330) sending a control signal indicating the selected operating mode to the machine (340) is described in detail below. Figure 4 This is represented by box (430) in the flowchart of FIG.

[0037] refer to Figure 2A-2F, a control knob (200) of an alternative embodiment is provided according to the features of the above-described embodiments, and it may additionally include one or more of the following additional features. First, an optical lens (210A) may be provided in a lens cover (210) to be superimposed on top of an electronic display module (240) of a display member (230). The lens cover (210) is disposed in an outer cover (220) by snap-fit ​​engagement. The outer cover (220) includes a cutout window so that the electronic display module (240) is visible through the cutout window and through the lens cover (210). The outer cover (220) also includes a protruding attachment portion (220A) configured to extend through a plurality of receiving slots provided in the display member (230) and extend to snap-engage with a corresponding protruding attachment portion (295B) extending from the inner housing plate (295) (which will be described in further detail below) so that when engaged together, the outer cover (220) and the lens (210A) are securely held in place on the electronic display module (240). Alternatively, in place of a lens, a simple transparent sheet element may be used to cover the electronic display module instead without providing any light focusing or diffusing properties.

[0038] In addition, the display member (230) includes an OLED electronic display module on the upper surface of the display member (230), and on its bottom surface, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is mounted thereon, the printed circuit board assembly being configured to control the operation of the electronic display module and the machine in response to a signal input received via an operating mode display controller (280) and / or an operating mode selector. For example, in this embodiment, the PCBA includes a conductor plate of a potentiometer device, which is configured to operate integrally with a corresponding conductive brush (260) rigidly mounted on the operating mode display controller (280). When the operating mode display controller (280) rotates around the display member (230), the conductive brush (260) rotates therewith, and depending on the relative position of the conductive brush (260) relative to the conductor plate, the potentiometer is configured to output a signal to a microcontroller module of the PCBA, which in turn outputs a control signal to the OLED electronic display module (240), which then outputs a graphic of a predetermined text based on the potentiometer reading sensed by the microcontroller. The PCBA also includes a touch switch (250) that cooperates with the microprocessor, whereby when the user presses the operating mode selector to select the operating mode displayed on the OLED electronic display module (240), the touch switch (250) is actuated to an ON state. Since the touch switch (250) cooperates with the input pin of the microcontroller module, when it is switched to the ON state, the microcontroller reads a suitable signal, which causes the appropriate control signal to be transmitted by the microcontroller via the wiring extending from the PCBA output connector port toward the machine-side functional module to control the operation of the machine-side functional module based on the selected operating mode. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, any other suitable switch can be used to replace the touch switch. For example, a non-contact switch that uses optical sensing or magnetic field sensing to trigger the actuation of the switch can be used. Advantageously, the use of a non-contact switch can allow a more compact internal structure of the control knob, and because the switch device of the control member is less susceptible to wear and tear associated with the prior art, a longer operating life can be provided for the control knob.

[0039] An annular inner housing plate (295) is disposed between the attachment member (296) and the display member (230). The inner housing plate (256) includes a pair of spring-loaded stop projections (295A) extending from the upper surface of the inner housing plate (295) and engaging a stop recess (280A) disposed around the inner periphery of the operating mode display controller (280) to provide a controlled, gradual rotational movement of the operating mode display controller (280) around the display member (230). The stop projections (295A) may also be configured to rotate in their corresponding seating members disposed on the inner housing plate (295) to provide a more flexible and smooth operation of the stop mechanism. A pair of protruding attachment portions (295B) also extend from the upper surface of the inner housing plate (295) and are configured to snap-engage with a protruding attachment portion (220A) extending from the outer cover (220). Conveniently, when snap-fitted together, the annular operating mode display controller (280) located between the display member (230) and the inner housing plate (295) is fixed in place so as to rotate freely around the display member (230) without the need for any additional attachment parts such as screws, pins, etc. This also provides a simple, cost-effective and efficient method of assembling a control knob. Advantageously, when the touch switch, PCB and return spring are enclosed in a housing formed between the display member and the attachment member, this reduces the intrusion of dust, water and other particles that may cause damage to the internal components of the control knob. In contrast, some existing control knobs do not provide for the encapsulation of such components and are therefore susceptible to damage. In addition, since the control knob of the present invention includes a housing (PCB, connector port and touch switch are all integrally enclosed therein), this provides a more compact arrangement and reduces the need for relatively extended wiring interconnections, and thus reduces the risk of failure due to incorrect wiring. In comparison, for some existing control knobs, the PCB and / or other electronic components are disposed outside the control knob (e.g., on a machine console), which therefore requires additional complexity in manually interconnecting the control knob circuit with an external PCB located outside the control knob housing on the machine console. In addition, since the control knob of this embodiment compactly integrates the PCB, tact switch, return spring, and other components into the control knob housing, this allows the control knob to be easily removed for repair / replacement.

[0040] In this embodiment, the operating mode selector integrally includes a lens cover (210), an outer cover (220), an operating mode display controller (280) and an inner housing plate (295), all of which move downward toward the attachment member when the control knob is pressed by the user's hand. When moved to the pressed position, the touch switch is actuated into the activation mode, thereby realizing the selection of the operating mode displayed on the electronic display module. In this embodiment, a return spring is located between the attachment member and the lower surface of the inner housing plate, so that when the operating mode selector moves from the unpressed position to the pressed position, the operating mode selector is then pushed back to the unpressed position by the return spring. In addition, the operating mode display controller and the inner housing plate have holes arranged therein to allow the actuator rod of the touch switch to extend through the holes so that the actuator rod can abut against the portion of the attachment member on which the return spring is seated, and the actuator rod of the touch switch is pushed into the open position. Because the portion of the attachment member on which the return spring sits serves a dual purpose: to locate the return spring in place; and to provide a surface against which the tact switch can abut to achieve actuation during depression of the control knob, it contributes to a relatively compact and space efficient internal structure of the control knob.

[0041] In various embodiments described herein, the operation mode display controller and / or the operation mode selector can be further programmed to be manipulated by the user to browse multiple different operation mode menus or lists. Therefore, the list of operation mode options and the multi-level menu can be displayed and selectable via a single control knob. For example, the user can switch between the first operation mode option menu related to the washing cycle duration, the second operation mode option menu related to the washing temperature mode, and the third operation mode option menu related to the drying time option that can be displayed on the electronic display module. The operation mode display controller and the operation mode selector can also be configured to allow the user to display and select other information, such as displaying the current operation mode setting of the machine, displaying the history log of the previous operation mode selection made by the machine, or the recommended default operation mode can be preferentially displayed to the user for possible selection. The operation mode display controller and the operation mode selector can be further configured to allow the user to control the value or size of the selected different operation modes. As an example, the operation mode display controller and / or the operation mode selector can be configured to be manipulated by the user, so as to gradually increase or decrease the temperature value of the washing machine that the user has selected to run according to the hot water washing cycle, or gradually increase or decrease the washing cycle time of the washing machine.

[0042] In each of the above embodiments, the electronic display module may further include a touch screen display, which may be additionally operated by a user to display a plurality of operating modes of the machine thereon, and / or to select one of the plurality of operating modes displayed on the electronic display module.

[0043] Conveniently, since the electronic display module, the operating mode display controller and the operating mode selector are integrally formed in a single control knob / control button, a relatively compact construction is provided, which is particularly conducive to more efficient use of the control panel space on the machine without affecting the user's ease of operation and speed. The sidewall of the annular sleeve or the control knob / control button display member may also include a textured surface in the form of ridges, lines, protrusions or other protrusions extending therefrom, thereby allowing the user to grasp it by hand and provide the user with a further enhanced sense of touch and control of the control knob in use. This provides a significant improvement over some prior art, in which actuation for selecting an operating mode does not allow grasping and moving the entire control knob / control button, but may require the user to move only a portion of the control knob or control button to actuate the selection. In addition, the control knob may also include a mechanism configured to output a tactile, audible and / or visual alarm to the user, which confirms that the selection of the operating mode has been actuated by the operation of the operating mode selector. For example, the microcontroller unit of the control knob may be configured to signal an alarm mechanism to emit a sound (via a sounder), a colored lighting or brightness feature via an electronic display module, or a vibration.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the scope of the invention, changes and modifications other than those specifically described may be made to the invention described herein. All these changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly described above. It should be understood that the present invention includes all such changes and modifications. The present invention also includes any combination and all combinations of all steps and features and any two or more of the steps or features mentioned or indicated individually or jointly in the specification.

[0045] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

1. A control knob for controlling the operation of a machine, the control knob comprising: an attachment member configured to attach the control knob to a surface of a machine so that the control knob is operatively connected to the machine to control operation of the machine; A display component including an electronic display module disposed thereon; an operating mode display controller for controlling the display of the operating mode of the machine on the electronic display module, the operating mode display controller being configured to perform a rotational movement around the electronic display module among a plurality of rotational positions, the operating mode display controller being operatively connected to the electronic display module so that in response to the rotational movement of the operating mode display controller among the plurality of rotational positions, the electronic display module is configured to display a plurality of operating modes of the machine corresponding to the plurality of rotational positions; a detent mechanism configured to provide controlled gradual rotational movement of the operation display controller about a display member to a plurality of rotational positions of the operation display controller; an operating mode selector for controlling selection of one of a plurality of operating modes of the machine when the one of the plurality of operating modes is displayed on the electronic display module, the operating mode selector being configured for depressible movement from at least an undepressed position to a depressed position, the depressible movement being configured to actuate selection of the operating mode displayed on the electronic display module, and wherein the operating mode selector is biased into the undepressed position by a return spring, so that in the event that the operating mode selector moves from the undepressed position into the depressed position, the operating mode selector is thereafter pushed back into the undepressed position by the return spring; and a printed circuit board including a microcontroller module for controlling the operation of the electronic display module and the machine in response to movement of the operating mode display controller and the operating mode selector; wherein the display member and the attachment member form a housing therebetween, the housing enclosing the printed circuit board, the stop mechanism and the return spring together in the housing to form an integrated unit in the control knob; the control knob comprising a tact switch operatively connected to the microcontroller, the tact switch being configured to actuate to an on state when the operating mode selector is arranged to a depressed position, and wherein, in response to actuation of the tact switch to the on state, the microcontroller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the operation of a function of at least one of the electronic display module and the machine; The touch switch, the PCB, and the return spring are enclosed in a housing formed between a display member and an attachment member.

2. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The operating mode selector includes at least one of: (i) a display member; and (ii) an operating mode display controller.

3. A control knob according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The operating mode selector is configured for depressible movement from at least an undepressed position to a depressed position along an axis of movement extending in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the electronic display module.

4. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The operating mode selector is configured for at least one of tilting movement, pivoting movement, and sliding movement between at least a first position and a second position to actuate selection of an operating mode displayed on the electronic display module.

5. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The display member includes an end surface on which the electronic display module is disposed, and a side wall extending substantially vertically from an edge region of the end surface.

6. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The display member comprises a cylindrical configuration.

7. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The operating mode display controller includes an annular member having a channel extending along an elongated axis thereof, the annular member being configured to surround the display member, whereby the channel of the annular member is shaped for the display member to extend therethrough.

8. The control knob according to claim 7, wherein: The annular member includes a cylindrical sleeve having a sidewall extending in a substantially parallel orientation with a sidewall of the display member.

9. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The control knob includes a mechanism configured to vibrate the control knob in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

10. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic display module is configured to output at least one of a predetermined color or brightness in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

11. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The control knob includes a sound generator configured to output a predetermined sound in response to the operating mode selector being moved to actuate selection of an operating mode of the machine.

12. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic display module includes a touch screen display, and thereby, the touch screen display is operable by a user to perform at least one of the following: (a) displaying the plurality of operating modes of the machine; as well as (b) when one of the plurality of operation modes is displayed on the electronic display module, selecting the one of the plurality of operation modes.

13. The control knob according to claim 1, wherein: The control knob includes a lens cover configured to cover the electronic display module.

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