hi, is it possible for a signal to be generated from the motion of actually pressing a button in without any sort of voltage supplied to the button itself?

 

Sure, use the button to push on a piezoelectric crystal, like one of these

 

I believe so.

Any details?

 

Yes, focus a camera on the button and then use image processing to determine if it has been pushed.

Bob

 

Finger pushes microswitch lever which pushes button and actuates switch.

 

Are you asking how to connect a push-button to your circuit?
We generally use a pull-up resistor.

 

Maybe one of these.

 

I was thinking on of these........................

 

I was thinking on of these........................

These are piezo powered traditionally. A large hammer is released on a piezo crystal via a spring mechanism, creates a high voltage pulse, and the spark will detonate the dynamite.

Your local DIY store may not have them.

 

You could also have the button push cause a small generator to rotate.