Touch detection method and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a touch detection method. The method comprises the following steps: in a proximity detection mode, detecting the proximity of an object via a sensor of a touch panel and obtaining a proximity detection result; determining whether to activate a touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result; if yes, controlling the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object, otherwise, controlling the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode. The method of the present application can effectively reduce the false triggering of the function buttons on the touch panel and the error vehicle control operation caused thereby, and does not need to arrange additional proximity sensors and wiring, thereby saving the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of touch detection, and more specifically, to a touch detection method, apparatus, computing device, touch detection system, vehicle including the touch detection system, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of touch control technology, more and more vehicles are incorporating it into their center consoles. Drivers and passengers can use the touch panel on the center console to perform various vehicle control operations. The touch panel eliminates the mechanical parts of traditional buttons, making it convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

[0003] However, the current touch panel on the center console has a number of problems. When the vehicle shakes, the driver / passenger is holding an item, or the driver / passenger accidentally touches the touch panel with their limbs, it can cause accidental triggering of the function buttons on the touch panel, leading to incorrect control operations. Furthermore, the arrangement of the function buttons on the touch panel may affect driving safety while the vehicle is in motion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing technology, various vehicle controls are usually performed by touching the touch panel. However, in some cases, this can lead to accidental triggering of function buttons on the touch panel. Furthermore, the current arrangement of function buttons on the touch panel may affect driving safety.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a touch detection method, comprising: in a proximity detection mode, detecting the proximity of an object via a sensor on a touch panel and obtaining a proximity detection result; determining whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result; and if so, controlling the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object, otherwise controlling the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode.

[0006] In this embodiment, detecting the object's touch event on the touch panel only after detecting the object's proximity to it effectively reduces accidental triggering of function buttons on the touch panel and the resulting erroneous vehicle control operations. Furthermore, this embodiment eliminates the need for additional proximity sensors and wiring, thus enabling simultaneous proximity and touch detection within a limited space, significantly saving costs and avoiding the reduction of the touch-operable area due to proximity sensors.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, determining whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result further includes: determining whether the object is continuously approaching the touch panel based on the proximity detection result; if so, determining to activate the touch detection mode.

[0008] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the sensor includes at least two sets of electrodes that detect the approach of the object using mutual capacitance, wherein the sets of electrodes are arranged in a nested manner. Determining whether the object continues to approach the touch panel based on the proximity detection result further includes: determining whether the at least two sets of electrodes have successively detected the approach of the object, thereby determining whether the object continues to approach the touch panel.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result further includes: calculating the distance of the object relative to the surface of the touch panel based on the proximity detection result; if the distance is less than a preset threshold, then determining to activate the touch detection mode.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result further includes: determining the motion direction and / or motion trajectory of the object based on the proximity detection result; if the motion direction and / or the motion trajectory meets preset conditions, then determining to activate the touch detection mode.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor includes a plurality of electrodes for detecting touch of the object, the plurality of electrodes being arranged in a touch detection area on the touch panel, and the method further includes: determining the motion direction and / or motion trajectory of the object based on the proximity detection result; and determining the position of the touch detection area based on the motion direction and / or the motion trajectory.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch detection method further includes: determining whether the sensor enters a touch detection mode within a first time period; and if not, performing the following steps: controlling the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object; and if the sensor does not detect the touch of the object within a second time period, controlling the sensor to enter the proximity detection mode.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch detection method further includes: in the touch detection mode, detecting the departure of the object via the sensor; and based on detecting that the object has left the touch panel, controlling the sensor to enter the proximity detection mode.

[0014] In an embodiment according to the present invention, in the proximity detection mode, the sensor has a first configuration mode, and in the touch detection mode, the sensor has a second configuration mode different from the first configuration mode.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a touch detection device, comprising: a proximity detection module configured to detect the proximity of an object via a sensor on a touch panel and acquire a proximity detection result in a proximity detection mode; an activation determination module configured to determine whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result; and a detection mode control module configured to control the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object if the touch detection mode is determined to be activated, otherwise control the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode.

[0016] A third aspect of the invention provides a computing device comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform a touch detection method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a touch detection system comprising: a touch panel including a sensor configured to selectively detect the proximity or touch of an object; and a computing device according to a third aspect.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including a touch detection system according to the fourth aspect.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing a touch detection method of any one embodiment of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The features, advantages, and other aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in which several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, in the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a touch detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2a An illustrative electrode configuration of a mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2bAnother illustrative electrode configuration mode of the mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2c This illustrates yet another illustrative electrode configuration of a mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3a An illustrative electrode configuration of a self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 3b Another illustrative electrode configuration mode of the self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3c This illustrates yet another illustrative electrode configuration mode of a self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of a touch detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 It shows in Figure 3a A schematic diagram of proximity detection in the electrode configuration mode;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of a touch detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] List of reference numerals

[0033] 100: Touch detection system

[0034] 11: Touch panel

[0035] 12: Controller

[0036] 110: Electrode

[0037] 400: Touch detection method

[0038] 401: In proximity detection mode, the proximity of an object is detected via the sensor on the touch panel, and the proximity detection result is obtained.

[0039] 402: Based on the proximity detection results, determine whether to activate the touch detection mode.

[0040] 403: If it is determined that the touch detection mode is activated, the sensor is controlled to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object; otherwise, the sensor is controlled to remain in the proximity detection mode.

[0041] 600: Touch detection device

[0042] 601: Proximity Detection Module

[0043] 602: Touch activation confirmation module

[0044] 603: Detection Mode Control Module

[0045] 700: Computing devices

[0046] 701: Processor

[0047] 702: Memory Detailed Implementation

[0048] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the exemplary methods and apparatuses described below include software and / or firmware executed on hardware among other components, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any or all hardware, software, and firmware components may be implemented exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, or in any combination of hardware and software. Therefore, although exemplary methods and apparatuses have been described below, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the examples provided are not intended to limit the ways in which these methods and apparatuses may be implemented.

[0049] Furthermore, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of methods and systems according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0050] The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms used in this invention are open-ended, meaning "including / including but not limited to," indicating that other content may also be included. The term "based on" means "at least partially based on." The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment," and so on.

[0051] As mentioned earlier, in the prior art, various vehicle controls are usually performed by touching the touch panel. However, in some cases, this can cause accidental triggering of the function buttons on the touch panel. Moreover, the current arrangement of the function buttons on the touch panel may affect driving safety.

[0052] In view of this, the present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems by detecting the object's proximity before detecting the object's touch. The present invention will now be described with reference to several embodiments.

[0053] First, the environment in which the touch detection method proposed in this invention is applied will be explained. Figure 1 A block diagram of a touch detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 The touch detection system 100 may include a touch panel 11 and a controller 12. The touch detection system 100 may be a touch display system with display function. The touch detection system 100 may be arranged, for example, in the center console of a vehicle, inside the door (e.g., for controlling windows, child locks, etc.), or in the overhead control panel (e.g., for reading lights, panoramic sunroof, etc.).

[0054] The touch panel 11 includes a sensor consisting of multiple electrodes 110. Figure 1 An exemplary arrangement of electrodes is shown. Figure 1 In this configuration, multiple electrodes 110 can be arranged in a grid pattern along the row direction (X direction) and the column direction (Y direction) intersecting the row direction. The controller 12 uses logic circuits ( Figure 1 The controller 12 (not shown) controls each electrode 110 to connect to different controller terminals (such as transmitter terminals, receiver terminals, shielded terminals) or leave it floating, and receives sensing signals (such as self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) from the electrodes 110. Based on changes in the sensing signals, it determines whether an object (such as a hand, stylus, etc.) is approaching or touching the touch panel. The controller 12 controls the sensor to enter proximity detection mode or touch detection mode by controlling the multiple electrodes 110 of the sensor to connect to different terminals. That is, in this invention, proximity detection and touch detection are achieved using the same sensor through time-division multiplexing. The sensor has different configuration modes in proximity detection mode and touch detection mode. Configuration modes include electrode configuration mode and parameter (such as gain, threshold, and filtering) configuration mode. The type, shape, size, and / or position of the electrodes can be set according to actual needs (such as the size and shape of the touch panel). The shape of the electrodes can be, for example, elongated, circular, fan-shaped, sawtooth-shaped, XY dot matrix, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, the proximity or touch of an object is detected by mutual capacitance. In these embodiments, each row of electrodes in the X direction can be connected to the controller 12 via a logic circuit. The controller 12 controls the logic circuit, allowing each row of electrodes to be selectively connected to a transmitting terminal, a receiving terminal, a shielded terminal, or left floating. Similarly, each column of electrodes in the Y direction can be connected to the controller 12 via a logic circuit. The controller 12 controls the logic circuit, allowing each column of electrodes to be selectively connected to a transmitting terminal, a receiving terminal, a shielded terminal, or left floating. Using the same logic circuit to control the connection of one row / column of electrodes to the transmitting terminal, receiving terminal, shielded terminal, or floating reduces the number of required logic circuits and reduces space and hardware costs. It is understood that a separate logic circuit can also be provided for each electrode to control its connection to the transmitting terminal, receiving terminal, shielded terminal, or floating. Furthermore, the controller 12 configures the sensor parameters according to different detection modes. Parameter values ​​for different detection modes can be preset.

[0056] When proximity detection is required, the controller 12 controls the electrodes 110 in one direction to connect to the shielded terminal or leave them floating via logic circuitry. In the other direction, some electrodes are selected for grouping, or all electrodes in the other direction are grouped, to perform proximity detection. Each group of electrodes includes two rows / columns, where one row / column of electrodes 110 is connected to the transmitting terminal and the other row / column of electrodes 110 is connected to the receiving terminal. Two adjacent rows / columns of electrodes 110 can be used as a group, or two spaced-apart rows / columns of electrodes 110 can be used as a group. When touch detection is required, the controller 12 controls all or some of the electrodes 110 in one direction to connect to the transmitting terminal, and all or some of the electrodes 110 in the other direction to the receiving terminal, via logic circuitry, to perform touch detection. In embodiments where a separate logic circuit is provided for each electrode, some or all of the electrodes 110 can be selected for proximity or touch detection as needed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the proximity or touch of an object is detected using self-capacitance. In these embodiments, each row of electrodes in the X direction can be connected to the controller 12 via a logic circuit. The controller 12 controls the logic circuit, allowing each row of electrodes to be selectively connected to a transmitting terminal, a shielding terminal, or left floating. Similarly, each column of electrodes in the Y direction can be connected to the controller 12 via a logic circuit. The controller 12 controls the logic circuit, allowing each column of electrodes to be selectively connected to a transmitting terminal, a shielding terminal, or left floating. Using the same logic circuit to control the connection of one row / column of electrodes to the transmitting terminal, shielding terminal, or floating reduces the number of required logic circuits and reduces space and hardware costs. It is also understood that a separate logic circuit can be provided for each electrode to control its connection to the transmitting terminal, shielding terminal, or floating. Furthermore, the controller 12 configures the sensor parameters according to different detection modes. Parameter values ​​for different detection modes can be preset.

[0058] When proximity detection is required, the controller 12 uses logic circuitry to connect one electrode 110 in one direction to the shielded terminal or leave it floating, while selecting some or all of the electrodes 110 in the other direction to connect to the transmitting terminal for proximity detection. When touch detection is required, the controller 12 uses logic circuitry to connect some or all of the electrodes in both directions to the transmitting terminal for touch detection. In embodiments where a separate logic circuit is provided for each electrode, some or all of the electrodes 110 can be selected for proximity or touch detection as needed.

[0059] In some embodiments, the proximity or touch of an object is detected using both self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods. For example, the proximity of an object may be detected using self-capacitance, and the touch of an object may be detected using mutual capacitance. Alternatively, the proximity of an object may be detected using mutual capacitance, and the touch of an object may be detected using self-capacitance.

[0060] Figure 2a An illustrative electrode configuration of a mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2a In the example, the touch panel's sensor includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X-direction and eight columns arranged along the Y-direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X-direction or Y-direction to connect to shielded terminals or remain suspended, and divides the electrodes in the other direction into four groups, with each group arranged in a nested manner, and each group connected to either a transmitting or receiving terminal. Figure 2aAs shown, the first group of electrodes includes two rows / columns of electrodes on the outermost (outermost) layer of the touch panel, the second group of electrodes includes two rows / columns of electrodes on the second (second outermost) layer, the third group of electrodes includes two rows / columns of electrodes on the third layer, and the fourth group of electrodes includes two rows / columns of electrodes on the fourth (innermost) layer.

[0061] Figure 2b Another illustrative electrode configuration of the mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2b In the example, the touch panel sensor also includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X direction and eight columns arranged along the Y direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X or Y direction to connect to the shielded terminals or remain suspended, and divides the electrodes in the other direction into four groups, with two adjacent rows / columns forming one group. Each group of electrodes is connected to either the transmitting or receiving terminal. That is, the groups of electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0062] Figure 2c This illustrates yet another illustrative electrode configuration of a mutual capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2c In the example, the touch panel sensor also includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X direction and eight columns of electrodes arranged along the Y direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X or Y direction to connect to the shielded terminal or leave them floating, and uses the two sets of electrodes located on the outermost side of the touch panel in the other direction for proximity detection, with each set of electrodes connected to the transmitting or receiving terminal respectively.

[0063] Figure 3a An illustrative electrode configuration of a self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3a In the example, the touch panel sensor includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X direction and eight columns arranged along the Y direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X or Y direction to connect to the shielding terminal or leave them floating, and connects the two rows / columns of electrodes located on the outermost side of the touch panel in the other direction to the transmitting terminal.

[0064] Figure 3b Another illustrative electrode configuration of a self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3b In the example, the touch panel sensor includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X direction and eight columns of electrodes arranged along the Y direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X or Y direction to connect to the shielding terminal or leave them suspended, and connects the four rows / columns of electrodes located on the outside of the touch panel in the other direction to the transmitting terminal.

[0065] Figure 3c This illustrates yet another illustrative electrode configuration of a self-capacitance sensor in proximity detection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3c In the example, the touch panel sensor includes eight rows of electrodes arranged along the X direction and eight columns of electrodes arranged along the Y direction. In proximity detection mode, the controller 12 controls the electrodes in the X or Y direction to connect to the shielding terminal or leave them floating, and connects the six rows / columns of electrodes located on the outside of the touch panel in the other direction to the transmitting terminal.

[0066] It should be noted that the various electrode configurations shown above for proximity detection are for illustrative purposes only. Any one or more electrodes can be selected for proximity detection based on actual needs (such as the size of the touch panel, the direction of object movement / motion trajectory tracking).

[0067] The following is for reference. Figure 4 This describes a touch detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of a touch detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 400 can, for example, be... Figure 1 The controller 12 in the system can execute the commands, or they can be executed by other computing devices.

[0068] refer to Figure 4 Method 400 includes steps 401, 402 and 403.

[0069] In step 401, method 400 includes: in proximity detection mode, detecting the approach of an object via a sensor on the touch panel and acquiring a proximity detection result. The touch panel may be, for example, […]. Figure 1 The touch panel 11 in the middle. Based on the sensor's configuration mode in proximity detection mode, the logic circuit controls the connection of each electrode of the sensor to the corresponding controller terminal and configures the sensor's parameters (such as gain, threshold, filtering), enabling the sensor to enter proximity detection mode to detect the approach of an object. The proximity detection result can be, for example, the mutual capacitance value between two electrodes or the self-capacitance value between the electrode and the object (such as a human hand).

[0070] In step 402, method 400 includes: determining whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result. If the proximity detection result is within a preset touch activation range, then the touch detection mode is activated.

[0071] In some embodiments, it can be determined whether an object is continuously approaching the touch panel based on the proximity detection result. If it is determined that the object is continuously approaching the touch panel, then it is determined to activate the touch detection mode. For example, in Figure 2aIn the electrode configuration mode, the electrodes that detect the approach of an object using mutual capacitance are arranged in a nested manner. When an object approaches the touch panel, the outermost first set of electrodes detects its approach first. As the object gradually approaches the touch panel, the innermost sets of electrodes detect its approach sequentially. Therefore, the continuous approach of the object can be determined by the change in the mutual capacitance value of each set of electrodes, i.e., whether the object's approach is detected sequentially. When the innermost sets of electrodes sequentially detect the object's approach, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the outer electrode can be gradually connected to the shielding terminal or left suspended, thus expanding the detection range while achieving more accurate and refined proximity detection. For example, in... Figure 2b and 2c In the electrode configuration mode, the approach of an object is detected by mutual capacitance, with adjacent electrodes forming a group. As the object gradually approaches the touch panel, the mutual capacitance value of the electrodes detecting the object gradually decreases. Therefore, it can be determined whether the object is continuously approaching the touch panel by judging whether the mutual capacitance value of each group of electrodes continues to decrease. For example, in... Figure 3a , 3b In the electrode configuration mode of 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics), the proximity of an object is detected by self-capacitance. As the object gradually approaches the touch panel, the self-capacitance value of each electrode detecting the object gradually increases. Therefore, it can be determined whether the object is continuously approaching the touch panel by judging whether the self-capacitance value of each electrode continues to increase.

[0072] In some embodiments, the distance between the object and the surface of the touch panel can be calculated based on the proximity detection result. If the distance is less than a preset threshold, the touch detection mode is activated. As the object gradually approaches the touch panel, the distance between the object and the surface of the touch panel gradually decreases. A pre-defined correspondence between mutual capacitance or self-capacitance and distance can be established, and the distance between the object and the surface of the touch panel can be calculated based on the obtained mutual capacitance or self-capacitance value. The calculated distance is compared with a preset threshold; if the distance is less than the preset threshold, the touch detection mode is activated.

[0073] In some embodiments, the movement direction and / or trajectory of an object can be determined based on the proximity detection result. If the movement direction and / or trajectory meets preset conditions, the touch detection mode is activated. In these embodiments, at least two sets of electrodes (mutual capacitance method) or at least two electrodes (self capacitance method) are used to detect the proximity of the object. The movement direction and / or trajectory of the object can be determined by the change in the mutual capacitance value of the at least two sets of electrodes or the self capacitance value of the at least two electrodes. The preset conditions may include a specific movement direction and / or a specific movement trajectory of the object. For example, in some cases, function keys on the touch panel can only be triggered by the driver (driver's seat) and / or passenger (front passenger's seat). In this way, the specific movement direction can be set to the driver / front passenger direction, and / or the specific movement trajectory can be set to the movement trajectory from the driver / front passenger's position to the touch panel. In this way, it is possible to identify whether the approaching object is a suitable function key trigger object, thereby reducing false triggering operations.

[0074] In step 403, method 400 includes: if it is determined that a touch detection mode is activated, then controlling the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of an object; otherwise, controlling the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode. Specifically, if it is determined that the touch detection mode is activated, then according to the configuration mode in the touch detection mode, connecting each electrode of the sensor to the corresponding controller terminal and configuring the sensor parameters; otherwise, keeping the connection state of each electrode of the sensor and the sensor parameters unchanged. For example, in Figure 5 In the example, if the innermost set of electrodes detects the approach of an object and its mutual capacitance remains stable, then each electrode is connected to the corresponding controller terminal according to the electrode configuration mode in the touch detection mode, and the sensor parameters are configured according to the parameter configuration mode in the touch detection mode.

[0075] In some embodiments, different touch detection areas can be selected on the touch panel 11 depending on the object. Multiple electrodes in this area are used to detect the object's touch. Specifically, electrodes within the area are connected to corresponding controller terminals according to the electrode configuration mode in the touch detection mode, while other electrodes outside the area are connected to shielded terminals or suspended. In these embodiments, method 400 may further include: determining the object's movement direction and / or trajectory based on proximity detection results, and determining the position of the touch detection area based on the movement direction and / or trajectory. As described above, during proximity detection, at least two sets of electrodes (mutual capacitance method) or two electrodes (self-capacitance method) are used to detect the object's proximity. The object's movement direction and / or trajectory are determined by the change in the mutual capacitance value of the at least two sets of electrodes or the self-capacitance value of the at least two electrodes. Then, the touch detection area on the touch panel is determined based on the object's movement direction and / or trajectory. For example, in the case where the touch panel is located on the center console, the area closer to the driver's side is designated as the driver's side touch detection area, and the area closer to the passenger side is designated as the passenger side touch detection area. By determining whether the object originates from the driver's or passenger's seat, the corresponding touch detection area is determined, and the relevant function buttons are rearranged within that area. This approach makes touch detection more intuitive and human-like, further improving accuracy, preventing false triggers, and enhancing driving safety. After determining the object's direction of movement and / or trajectory, the system can also respond to the touch by determining the corresponding action. This action can be object-specific. For example, if the driver or passenger touches the air conditioning temperature control button on the touch panel, the air conditioning system can be controlled to adjust the temperature only on the driver's / passenger's side.

[0076] In some embodiments, the system can automatically switch to touch detection mode if no object is detected approaching within a certain period. In these embodiments, method 400 may further include: determining whether the sensor enters touch detection mode within a first time period. If the sensor does not enter touch detection mode within the first time period, the sensor is controlled to enter touch detection mode to detect the touch of an object. If the sensor does not detect the touch of an object within a second time period, the sensor is controlled to re-enter proximity detection mode. The lengths of the first and second time periods can be set as needed. For example, the first time period may be the time required to scan all electrodes, and the second time period may be set to be less than human reaction time. By automatically switching between touch detection mode and proximity detection mode, missed detection of object approach can be effectively prevented due to certain special circumstances. These special circumstances include, for example, a proximity detection failure of the sensor, or an object approaching the touch panel from the side rather than directly above. If a touch of an object is detected in touch detection mode, an operation corresponding to the touch can be determined in response to the touch. In some embodiments, a touch detection area on the touch panel can also be determined, and relevant function keys can be arranged in this touch detection area. Multiple electrodes in this area are used to detect the touch of an object; that is, the electrodes in this area are controlled to connect to corresponding controller terminals according to the electrode configuration mode in touch detection mode, while other electrodes outside this area are connected to shielded terminals or suspended. For example, the entire touch panel can be used as the touch detection area.

[0077] In some embodiments, after the object touch ends, the control sensor re-enters proximity detection mode for proximity detection. In these embodiments, method 400 may further include: in touch detection mode, detecting the object's departure via the sensor, and based on the detected object leaving the touch panel, controlling the sensor to enter proximity detection mode. Depending on the sensor's configuration mode in proximity detection mode, logic circuitry can be used to connect each electrode of the sensor to a corresponding controller terminal and configure the sensor's parameters (such as gain, threshold, filtering) to enable the sensor to enter proximity detection mode to detect the object's approach.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sensor may be initialized. Initialization may include performing benchmark measurements and calibrations on the sensor to improve detection accuracy. Initialization may be triggered automatically upon touch detection system startup, in the event of an anomaly, a malfunction, or during sleep / wake-up, or it may be triggered by the user.

[0079] In the above embodiments, detecting the object's touch event on the touch panel only after detecting the object's proximity to it can effectively reduce accidental triggering of function buttons on the touch panel and the resulting erroneous vehicle control operations. Furthermore, this embodiment eliminates the need for additional proximity sensors and wiring, thus enabling simultaneous proximity and touch detection within a limited space, significantly saving costs and avoiding the reduction of the touch-operable area due to proximity sensors.

[0080] This invention also proposes a touch detection device. The modules of the touch detection device can be implemented using software, hardware (e.g., integrated circuits, FPGAs, etc.), or a combination of both. (See reference...) Figure 6 The touch detection device 600 includes a proximity detection module 601, a touch activation determination module 602, and a detection mode control module 603. The proximity detection module 601 is configured to detect the proximity of an object via a sensor on the touch panel and acquire a proximity detection result in proximity detection mode. The touch activation determination module 602 is configured to determine whether to activate the touch detection mode based on the proximity detection result. The detection mode control module 603 is configured to control the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object if it is determined that the touch detection mode is activated; otherwise, it controls the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode.

[0081] In some embodiments, the touch activation determination module 602 is further configured to determine whether an object is continuously approaching the touch panel based on the proximity detection result; if so, it determines that the touch detection mode is activated.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sensor includes at least two sets of electrodes that detect the approach of an object in a mutual capacitance manner, wherein the sets of electrodes are arranged in a nested manner. The touch activation determination module 602 is further configured to determine, based on the proximity detection result, whether the at least two sets of electrodes have successively detected the approach of an object; if so, to determine that the object is continuously approaching the touch panel.

[0083] In some embodiments, the touch activation determination module 602 is further configured to calculate the distance of the object relative to the surface of the touch panel based on the proximity detection result; if the distance is less than a preset threshold, then the touch detection mode is activated.

[0084] In some embodiments, the touch activation determination module 602 is further configured to determine the motion direction and / or motion trajectory of the object based on the proximity detection result; if the motion direction and / or motion trajectory meet preset conditions, then the touch detection mode is activated.

[0085] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a plurality of electrodes for detecting touch of an object, the plurality of electrodes being arranged in a touch detection area on a touch panel. The touch detection device 600 further includes a touch detection area determination module. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image), which is configured to determine the motion direction and / or motion trajectory of an object based on the proximity detection result; and to determine the position of the touch detection area based on the motion direction and / or motion trajectory.

[0086] In some embodiments, the touch detection device 600 further includes an exit detection module. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image), which is configured to detect the departure of an object via a sensor in touch detection mode. The detection mode control module 603 is further configured to control the sensor to enter proximity detection mode based on the detection that an object has left the touch panel.

[0087] In some embodiments, in proximity detection mode, the sensor has a first configuration mode, and in touch detection mode, the sensor has a second configuration mode different from the first configuration mode.

[0088] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The computing device 700 may be, for example, […]. Figure 1 Controller 12 in the middle. From Figure 7 As can be seen, the computing device 700 includes a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) 701 and a memory 702 coupled to the processor 701. The memory 702 stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor 701 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. The processor 701 and the memory 702 are connected to each other via a bus, and an input / output (I / O) interface is also connected to the bus. The computing device 700 may further include multiple components connected to the I / O interface. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image), including but not limited to: input units, such as keyboards, mice, etc.; output units, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; storage units, such as disks, optical discs, etc.; and communication units, such as network interface cards, modems, wireless transceivers, etc. The communication units allow the computing device 700 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0089] The present invention also proposes a touch detection system, including a touch panel (such as...) Figure 1 The touch panel 11) and the computing device proposed in the above embodiments (such as the ... Figure 7 (Computing devices).

[0090] The present invention also proposes a vehicle including the touch detection system proposed in the above embodiments.

[0091] Alternatively, the above methods can be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium carries computer-readable program instructions for executing various embodiments of the present invention. The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions used by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (not exhaustive) of computer-readable storage media include: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, such as punch cards or recessed protrusions storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combinations thereof. The computer-readable storage medium used herein is not to be interpreted as a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0092] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing the methods of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] The present invention also proposes a computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the methods of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] Generally, the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, firmware, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. When aspects of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated or described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented as non-limiting examples in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0095] Computer-readable program instructions or computer program products for executing various embodiments of the present invention can also be stored in the cloud. When needed, users can access the computer-readable program instructions stored in the cloud for executing an embodiment of the present invention via mobile internet, fixed network or other networks, thereby implementing the technical solutions disclosed in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] While embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to several specific examples, it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The embodiments of the invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, thereby encompassing all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A touch detection method, comprising: In proximity detection mode, the proximity of an object is detected by a sensor on the touch panel and proximity detection results are obtained. The touch detection mode is not activated. The sensor includes at least two sets of electrodes that detect the proximity of the object in a mutual capacitance manner. The at least two sets of electrodes are arranged in a nested manner on the touch panel to form at least two electrode groups from the outside to the inside. Based on the proximity detection results, it is determined whether the at least two sets of electrodes successively detected the approach of the object, and then it is determined whether the object continues to approach the touch panel; and If it is determined that the object continues to approach the touch panel, the sensor is controlled to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object; otherwise, the sensor is controlled to remain in the proximity detection mode.

2. The touch detection method according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes for detecting touch of the object, the plurality of electrodes being arranged in a touch detection area on the touch panel, and the method further includes: Based on the proximity detection results, the motion direction and / or trajectory of the object are determined; and The position of the touch detection area is determined based on the direction of movement and / or the trajectory of movement.

3. The touch detection method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine whether the sensor enters the touch detection mode within the first time period; as well as If not, proceed with the following steps: Control the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object; If the sensor does not detect the touch of the object within the second time period, the sensor is controlled to enter the proximity detection mode.

4. The touch detection method according to claim 1, further comprising: In the touch detection mode, the sensor detects the object's departure; as well as Based on the detection that the object has left the touch panel, the sensor is controlled to enter the proximity detection mode.

5. The touch detection method according to claim 1, wherein, In the proximity detection mode, the sensor has a first configuration mode, and in the touch detection mode, the sensor has a second configuration mode that is different from the first configuration mode.

6. A touch detection device, comprising: A proximity detection module is configured to detect the proximity of an object via a sensor on a touch panel and obtain a proximity detection result in a proximity detection mode, wherein the touch detection mode is not activated, and the sensor includes at least two sets of electrodes that detect the proximity of the object in a mutual capacitance manner, the at least two sets of electrodes being arranged in a nested manner on the touch panel to form at least two electrode groups from the outside to the inside. A touch activation determination module is configured to determine, based on the proximity detection result, whether the at least two sets of electrodes have successively detected the approach of the object, and further determine whether the object continues to approach the touch panel; and The detection mode control module is configured to control the sensor to enter the touch detection mode to detect the touch of the object if it is determined that the object is continuously approaching the touch panel; otherwise, it controls the sensor to remain in the proximity detection mode.

7. A computing device, comprising: processor; as well as A memory for storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the touch detection method according to any one of claims 1-5.

8. A touch detection system, comprising: The touch panel includes a sensor configured to selectively detect the proximity or touch of an object; as well as The computing device according to claim 7.

9. A vehicle comprising the touch detection system according to claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing the touch detection method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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