Soft capacitive touch sensing device and hand-off detection device

Abstract

A soft capacitive touch sensing device and a hand-off detection device are disclosed. The soft capacitive touch sensing device includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area. Each of the sensing areas includes a soft material and electrodes distributed on or in the soft material. The soft capacitive touch sensing device further includes a capacitance detection circuit to sense capacitance of the electrodes to detect whether an object causes a capacitance change to the first sensing area or the second sensing area. The first sensing area includes a first side edge area having a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side edge area having a second side next to the first side. The electrodes are provided to the soft material such that the electrodes have variable shapes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area. The electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area overlap in a normal direction of the first sensing area and the second sensing area. An included angle of the overlapping electrodes is not 0°. Such a soft capacitive touch sensing device can be compatible with HOD devices of different sizes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a soft capacitive touch sensing device and a hand-off detection device, and more particularly to a soft capacitive touch sensing device and a hand-off detection device having multiple independent sensing areas that can be integrated to meet different needs. Background Technology

[0002] Some traditional steering wheels may have HOD (Hand Off Detection) functionality, which can prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel, improve driving behavior, or assist drivers in autonomous driving. However, steering wheels from different brands may have different sizes and structures, making it difficult to design a universal HOD device.

[0003] Therefore, a new HOD device is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to disclose a soft capacitive touch sensing device that can be used to manufacture general-purpose HOD devices.

[0005] One objective of this invention is to disclose a HOD device that can meet different needs.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a flexible capacitive touch sensing device, characterized in that it includes: a first sensing area and a second sensing area, each of which includes: a flexible material; and electrodes distributed on or within the flexible material. The electrodes in the first and second sensing areas are electrically connected through a conductive material or a conductive element. The flexible capacitive touch sensing device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance caused by the electrodes, the capacitance being used to detect whether an object causes a capacitance change in the first or second sensing area. The first sensing area includes a first side region with a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side region with a second side, the second side being adjacent to the first side. The electrodes in the first and second sensing areas overlap in the normal direction of the first and second sensing areas. After the electrodes are provided to the flexible material, the shapes of the electrodes in the first and second sensing areas are variable. The included angle between the overlapping electrodes is not 0°.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a HOD device, characterized in that it includes: a covering material; a frame; a flexible capacitive touch sensing device located between the covering material and the frame, including: a first sensing area and a second sensing area, each of the first and second sensing areas including: a flexible material; and electrodes distributed on or within the flexible material, the electrodes in the first and second sensing areas being electrically connected via a conductive material or conductive element; the HOD device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance generated by the electrodes, the capacitance being used to detect whether a hand is within a predetermined distance of the HOD device; wherein the first sensing area includes a first side area having a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side area having a second side, the second side being adjacent to the first side. Wherein, after the electrodes are provided to the flexible material, the shape of the electrodes in the first and second sensing areas is variable. The electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area overlap in the normal direction of the first sensing area and the second sensing area; and the included angle between the overlapping electrodes is not 0°.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a HOD (Handling Device) including a cover material, a frame, and a soft capacitive touch sensing device. The soft capacitive touch sensing device, located between the cover material and the frame, includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area. Both the first and second sensing areas include electrodes printed on or within the cover material. The electrodes in the first and second sensing areas are electrically connected via a conductive material or conductive element. The HOD device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance generated by the electrodes, which is used to detect whether a hand is within a predetermined distance of the HOD device. The first sensing area includes a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side adjacent to the first side. After the electrodes are provided to the cover material, the shapes of the electrodes in the first and second sensing areas are variable. The electrodes in the first and second sensing areas overlap in the normal direction of the first and second sensing areas. The included angle of the overlapping electrodes is not 0°.

[0009] According to the above embodiments, the number of sensing areas combined into a soft capacitive touch sensing device can be changed according to the size of the frame or any other requirements, thereby improving the problem that it is difficult to design a universal HOD device for traditional steering wheels. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a HOD device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4as well as Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a soft capacitive touch sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrode arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a steering wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0015] 100, 800 steering wheel

[0016] 101 Framework

[0017] 103 Covering Material

[0018] 105 Soft capacitive touch sensing device

[0019] 107 Processing Circuit

[0020] 201 Capacitor Detection Circuit

[0021] 700 Steering Wheel

[0022] 701 Reference Layer

[0023] EL_1, EL_2, EL_3, EL_4, EL_5, EL_6, EL_a, EL_b, EL_c, EL_d, EL electrode

[0024] FM_1, FM_2, FM_3 Soft Materials

[0025] ND normal direction

[0026] SD_1 First Side

[0027] SDR_1 First Side Zone

[0028] SD_2 second side

[0029] SDR_2 Second Side Area

[0030] SR_1 First Sensor Area

[0031] SR_2 Second Sensor Area

[0032] SR_3 Third Sensor Area

[0033] Angles θ1 and θ2

[0034] θa bending angle

[0035] X, P, Q directions Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be described below with reference to several embodiments. It should be noted that the elements in each embodiment can be implemented by hardware (e.g., devices or circuits) or firmware (e.g., at least one program written in a microprocessor). Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar descriptions in the following description are only used to define different elements, parameters, data, signals, or steps, and are not intended to limit their order. For example, the first device and the second device can be devices with the same structure but different from each other.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a HOD device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The HOD device disclosed in this invention includes... Figure 1 The diagram shows a steering wheel 100 and a processing circuit 107. The processing circuit 107 can be a processor in a vehicle using the steering wheel 100 or a processor-independent circuit. Figure 1 In the above figure, the steering wheel 100 includes a frame 101 and a covering material 103. Figure 1 The image below is Figure 1 The upper figure is a cross-sectional view along the X direction. As shown in the cross-sectional view, a soft capacitive touch sensing device 105 (or soft capacitive contact sensing layer) is provided between the covering material 103 and the frame 101. The covering material 103 can be leather, wood, carbon fiber, or any other desired material.

[0038] If the distance between the user's hand and the soft capacitive touch sensor 105 is greater than a predetermined distance, the soft capacitive touch sensor 105 outputs a first capacitance value; if the distance between the user's hand and the soft capacitive touch sensor 105 is less than the predetermined distance, it outputs a second capacitance value. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is set to 0. Therefore, the soft capacitive touch sensor 105 outputs a first capacitance value when the user's hand is not in contact with the steering wheel 100, and outputs a second capacitance value if the user's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 100. Therefore, the processing circuit 107 can determine whether the user is in contact with the steering wheel 100 based on the capacitance value output by the soft capacitive touch sensor 105.

[0039] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flexible capacitive touch sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the following embodiments, the flexible capacitive touch sensing device may include a plurality of sensing areas. Figure 2In the embodiments described, only the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 are used as examples, but the soft capacitive touch sensing device disclosed in this invention may include more than two sensing areas. Furthermore, the soft capacitive touch sensing device disclosed in this invention can be applied to any other device, not just vehicle control devices or steering wheels. In this case, the soft capacitive touch sensing device is used to sense whether an object causes a change in capacitance.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the flexible capacitive touch sensing device includes a first sensing area SR_1 and a second sensing area SR_2. The first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 each include flexible materials FM_1 and FM_2 and multiple electrodes (only electrodes EL_1, EL_2, EL_3, EL_4, EL_5, and EL_6 are labeled for illustrative purposes). The electrodes are disposed in or on the flexible materials FM_1 and FM_2. The flexible materials FM_1 and FM_2 can be conductive fibers or soft rubber, or any other material that achieves the same function.

[0041] Even after the electrodes of the first sensing region SR_1 and the second sensing region SR_2 are placed on the soft materials FM_1 and FM_2, their shapes can still change. Specifically, the shapes of the soft materials FM_1 and FM_2 are variable, so the shapes of the electrodes on or in the first sensing region SR_1 and the second sensing region SR_2 will also change accordingly.

[0042] The HOD device disclosed in this invention also includes a capacitance detection circuit 201 for detecting the capacitance caused by the electrodes. As described above, the capacitance can be used to detect whether the hand is within a predetermined distance of the HOD device, and the predetermined distance can be 0 or greater than 0.

[0043] exist Figure 2 In the embodiments described herein, for ease of explanation, the sensing areas are independent and not electrically connected. However, in actual use, the sensing areas are electrically connected to form a soft capacitive touch sensing device 105. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the sensing area. Specifically, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing that the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 are expected to be electrically connected but have not yet been electrically connected. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connection between the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2. Please also note that... Figure 4 In the diagram, the second side SD_2 and electrodes EL_4, EL_5, and EL_6 are represented by dashed lines because they are located below the first sensing area SR_1. Furthermore, in... Figure 4In this configuration, the electrodes EL_1, EL_2, EL_3, EL_4, EL_5, and EL_6 of the first sensing region SR_1 and the second sensing region SR_2 are electrically connected through conductive materials or conductive elements. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In this process, the soft materials FM_1 and FM_2 can be bonded together using an adhesive.

[0044] The following will describe Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Please refer to the details again. Figure 2 ,exist Figure 2 In this context, the first sensing area SR_1 includes a first side area SDR_1, and the second sensing area SR_2 includes a second side area SDR_2. The first side area SDR_1 includes a first side SD_1, and the second side area SDR_2 includes a second side SD_2. According to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electrodes of the first side region SR_1 and the second side region SR_2 overlap in the normal direction ND of the first side region SDR_1 and the second side region SDR_2. Furthermore, according to... Figure 4 When the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 are electrically connected, the first side SD_1 and the second side SD_2 are adjacent. Furthermore, based on... Figure 4 There are non-zero angles between overlapping electrodes. For example, there is an angle θ1 between electrodes EL_1 and EL_4, and an angle θ2 between electrodes EL_3 and EL_6.

[0045] In other words, according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 each include a buffer zone (e.g., side areas SDR_1 and SDR_2). At least one electrode in the buffer zone has a bend. The bend has a bending angle, which can be set according to different requirements. Figure 1 As shown, the bending angle θa of the electrode with the bend is 0°-45°.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electrode may have a curved portion. Please refer again. Figure 4 .exist Figure 4 In the figure below, electrodes EL_11 and EL_12 in the sensing area SR_11 have curved portions. Specifically, the bends have acute angles, while the curves do not. In general, the electrodes can have non-linear shapes, such as bends or curves.

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flexible capacitive touch sensor with a bent shape is shown. Figure 5As shown, the electrodes EL_1, EL_2, EL_3, EL_4, EL_5, and EL_6 of the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2 are bent due to the bending of the soft materials FM_1 and FM_2 along the steering wheel. However, even when the sensing area is bent, the electrodes remain electrically connected to each other through the bend. Please also note that when the sensing area is placed on an object, besides... Figure 5 In addition to the deformations shown, the sensing area can also have other deformations corresponding to the shape of the object. For example, such as Figure 5 As shown in the upper right part, if the first sensing area SR_1, the second sensing area SR_2 and the third sensing area SR_3 are disposed on the frame 101, the first sensing area SR_1, the second sensing area SR_2 and the third sensing area SR_3 may have deformations in the P and Q directions to surround the steering wheel 101.

[0048] The shape or arrangement of the electrodes is not limited to the shapes shown in the above embodiments. For example, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of electrodes with an alternative arrangement is shown. Figure 6 In the embodiments, electrodes EL_a, EL_b, EL_c, and EL_d have the same characteristics as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrodes may have different shapes, but they still possess the same characteristics. That is, the angle between overlapping electrodes is not 0°. Furthermore, at least one electrode in the buffer zone has a bend, and the bending angle of the electrode with the bend is between 0° and 45°.

[0049] The electrode arrangement can be configured based on whether the soft capacitive touch sensor is a self-capacitance touch sensor or a mutual capacitance touch sensor. The details of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance touch sensors are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, US Patent No. 9684418 clearly describes the structure of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance touch sensors, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0050] In addition to the structure described above, the HOD device disclosed in this invention may also include other layers. For example, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The image below is a cross-sectional view of the image above along the X direction. For example... Figure 7 As shown, except Figure 1In addition to the frame 101, covering material 103, and soft capacitive touch sensor 105 shown, the steering wheel 700 also includes a reference layer 701. The reference layer 701 is located below the first sensing area SR_1 and the second sensing area SR_2, and above the frame 101. That is, the reference layer 701 surrounds the frame 101, and the soft capacitive touch sensor 105 surrounds the reference layer 701, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown in the image below.

[0051] Reference layer 701 provides a reference voltage level to the electrodes of the sensing area, allowing the capacitance detection circuit 201 to calculate the capacitance of the electrodes by referring to this reference voltage level. For example, reference layer 701 provides a ground voltage level to the electrodes. Additionally, reference layer 701 can provide active shielding to reduce noise during capacitance detection circuit 201 capacitance calculation. In one embodiment, reference layer 701 is coupled to a ground source located in a vehicle using steering wheel 700. All devices in the vehicle are coupled to this ground source. In another embodiment, reference layer 701 also includes a heating circuit that can heat steering wheel 700 to provide greater comfort for the user when driving in cold weather.

[0052] The electrodes described above are not limited to being disposed in or on a soft material. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The image below is a cross-sectional view of the image above along the X direction. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the steering wheel 800 includes a frame 101 and a covering material 103. However, Figure 8 In the embodiments, the electrode EL is printed on or in the covering material 103, rather than being disposed in the aforementioned soft material. Therefore, in Figure 8 In one embodiment, the covering material 103 surrounds the frame 101, and the electrode EL is disposed between the frame 101 and the covering material 103. Figure 8 The arrangement of the electrodes EL in the process can follow the above embodiments, so it will not be described again here.

[0053] According to the above embodiments, the number of sensing areas combined into a soft capacitive touch sensing device can be changed according to the size of the frame or any other requirements, thereby improving the problem that it is difficult to design a universal HOD device for traditional steering wheels.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A soft capacitive touch sensing device, characterized in that, include: A first sensing area and a second sensing area, each of which includes: Soft materials; and Electrodes are distributed on or in the soft material, and the electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area are electrically connected through conductive materials or conductive elements. The soft capacitive touch sensing device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance caused by the electrode, which is used to detect whether an object causes a capacitance change in the first sensing area or the second sensing area. The first sensing area includes a first side area with a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side area with a second side, which is next to the first side. When the electrode is provided to the soft material, the shape of the electrode in the first sensing area and the second sensing area is variable; The electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area overlap in the normal direction of the first sensing area and the second sensing area; The included angle between the overlapping electrodes is not 1. .

2. The soft capacitive touch sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first sensing area and the second sensing area include a buffer zone, and at least one of the electrodes has a bent portion; When the first sensing area and the second sensing area are bent, the electrodes of the first sensing area and the second sensing area can still be electrically connected.

3. The soft capacitive touch sensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bending angle of the at least one electrode having the bend is .

4. The soft capacitive touch sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A reference layer, located beneath the first sensing area and the second sensing area, is used to provide a reference voltage level for the electrode.

5. The soft capacitive touch sensing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Further includes: The heating circuit is located in the reference layer.

6. The soft capacitive touch sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible material is either conductive fiber or soft rubber.

7. A hand-free detection device, characterized in that, include: Covering material; frame; A flexible capacitive touch sensor, located between the covering material and the frame, includes: A first sensing area and a second sensing area, each of which includes: Soft materials; and Electrodes are distributed on or in the soft material, and the electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area are electrically connected through conductive materials or conductive elements. The hand-off detection device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance generated by the electrode, which is used to detect whether a hand is within a predetermined distance of the hand-off detection device. The first sensing area includes a first side area with a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side area with a second side, which is next to the first side. After the electrode is provided to the soft material, the shape of the electrode in the first sensing area and the second sensing area is variable; The electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area overlap in the normal direction of the first sensing area and the second sensing area; The included angle between the overlapping electrodes is not 1. .

8. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first sensing area and the second sensing area include a buffer zone, and at least one of the electrodes has a bent portion; When the first sensing area and the second sensing area are bent, the electrodes of the first sensing area and the second sensing area can still be electrically connected.

9. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The bending angle of the at least one electrode having the bend is .

10. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Further includes: A reference layer, located beneath the first sensing area and the second sensing area and on the frame, is used to provide a reference voltage level for the electrode.

11. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, Further includes: The heating circuit is located in the reference layer.

12. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The off-hand detection device is a vehicle control device.

13. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The hand-off detection device is the steering wheel.

14. A hand-free detection device, characterized in that, include: Covering material; frame; A flexible capacitive touch sensor, located between the covering material and the frame, includes: A first sensing area and a second sensing area, each of which includes: Electrodes are printed on or in the covering material, and the electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area are electrically connected through conductive materials or conductive elements. The hand-off detection device further includes a capacitance detection circuit for sensing the capacitance generated by the electrode, which is used to detect whether a hand is within a predetermined distance of the hand-off detection device. The first sensing area includes a first side area with a first side, and the second sensing area includes a second side area with a second side, which is next to the first side. After the electrode is provided to the covering material, the shape of the electrode in the first sensing area and the second sensing area is variable; The electrodes in the first sensing area and the second sensing area overlap in the normal direction of the first sensing area and the second sensing area; The included angle between the overlapping electrodes is not 1. .

15. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Further includes: A reference layer, located beneath the first sensing area and the second sensing area and on the frame, is used to provide a reference voltage level for the electrode.

16. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Further includes: The heating circuit is located in the reference layer.

17. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The off-hand detection device is a vehicle control device.

18. The off-hand detection device as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The hand-off detection device is the steering wheel.

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