Advanced haptic and sensing steering wheel switch

Abstract

An apparatus may include a piezoelectric actuator and a processor. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to: generate a first electrical signal in response to a first user contact associated with the switch group; and generate haptic feedback based on the control signal. The processor is configured to: determine, based at least in part on the first electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation; and generate a control signal based on the first user operation.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,859, filed April 13, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing and providing haptic feedback. More specifically, this disclosure relates to steering wheel switches for sensing user input and providing haptic feedback. Background Technology

[0003] Steering wheel components are associated with many automotive applications to allow drivers to manipulate the vehicle. Current steering wheel components are primarily used to control the vehicle's movement. However, drivers may need to modify or update many other functions while driving, such as selecting driver assistance features, activating turn signals, activating the horn, controlling the climate (e.g., raising or lowering the cabin temperature or increasing or decreasing fan speed), making phone calls, or performing other actions.

[0004] Some steering wheel components include one or more force-sensitive elements housed within the steering wheel switch. The force-sensitive element generates an electrical signal in response to a force applied to the steering wheel switch. The steering wheel switch may also integrate haptic devices to provide haptic feedback. However, integrating separate devices to implement force sensing and haptic feedback functions can incur additional costs. Furthermore, reliably executing these functions is crucial but can be quite challenging with limited hardware resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle. The switch assembly includes a sensor adapted to generate an electrical signal in response to a force applied to the sensor by a user, and to provide tactile feedback to the user in response to the force applied to the sensor.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle, the switch assembly comprising: a piezoelectric actuator configured to: generate a first electrical signal in response to a first user contact associated with the switch assembly; and generate tactile feedback based on a control signal; and a processor configured to: determine, at least in part based on the first electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation; and generate a control signal based on the first user operation.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes: a first button; and a capacitor foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to a first user contact, wherein a processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly in which a first user action is either a user pressing a first button or a user touching the first button without pressing it.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes a second button, wherein a first ratio between a first distance from the center of the first button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator and a second distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch assembly is equal to a second ratio between a third distance from the center of the second button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator and a fourth distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch assembly.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes: a roller; and a first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact on the roller, wherein a processor is further configured to determine, at least in part, based on the first sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly in which a second user operation is pressing a scroll wheel, tilting the scroll wheel to the right, or tilting the scroll wheel to the left.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes a mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to a second user contact, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes: a second 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to a second user contact, wherein a processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly, wherein determining that a second user contact indicates a second user operation includes: summing a first sensing signal and a third sensing signal along the x-axis; summing the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the y-axis; or summing the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the z-axis.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly that further includes a magnet at least partially surrounded by rollers, wherein a first 3D Hall effect sensor and a second 3D Hall effect sensor are equidistant from the magnetization lines of the magnet.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a switch assembly in which a roller includes a first scroll scale and a second scroll scale, wherein the first scroll scale and the second scroll scale have an offset of approximately 15 degrees relative to the magnetization line of a magnet.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle, the steering wheel including: a steering wheel switch including: a sensor configured to: generate a first electrical signal in response to a first user contact associated with the steering wheel switch; and generate tactile feedback based on a control signal; and a processor configured to: determine, at least in part based on the first electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation; and generate a control signal based on the first user operation.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel that further includes: buttons; and a capacitor foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to a first user contact, wherein a processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel that further includes: a roller; and a first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact on the roller, wherein a processor is further configured to determine, at least in part, based on the first sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel that further includes: a mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to a second user contact.

[0021] In some respects, the techniques described herein involve a processor that also determines, based on a second sensing signal, that a second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel that further includes: a second 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to a second user contact, wherein a processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user operation.

[0023] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method for calibrating a vehicle's steering wheel switch, the method comprising: setting a roller to a first discrete angular position; pressing the roller to change the roller from an unpressed state to a pressed state; and determining a first 3D magnetic field difference at the first discrete angular position associated with the unpressed state and the pressed state.

[0024] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: sensing a first 3D magnetic field associated with an unpressed state at a first discrete angular location; and sensing a second 3D magnetic field associated with a pressed state at the first discrete angular location, wherein determining the difference between the first and second 3D magnetic fields is based on the first and second 3D magnetic fields.

[0025] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: recording a first 3D magnetic field difference, setting a roller to a second discrete angular position; pressing the roller to change the roller from an unpressed state to a pressed state; determining a second 3D magnetic field difference at the second discrete angular position associated with the unpressed state and the pressed state; and recording the second 3D magnetic field difference.

[0026] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: generating a sensing signal in response to a first user contact on a scroll wheel; and determining, at least in part, a first user contact indicating a first user operation based on the sensing signal and a first 3D magnetic field difference, wherein the first user operation is pressing the scroll wheel, tilting the scroll wheel to the right, or tilting the scroll wheel to the left. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and in the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 An example steering wheel switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a steering wheel switch for providing sensing and tactile functions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 1 An example interior view of the steering wheel switch is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 The illustration depicts a force-sensing device (such as...) Figure 2 Example waveform of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator and capacitor foil.

[0032] Figure 5 Depicting haptic devices (such as Figure 2 piezoelectric actuators and Figure 3 Example waveforms associated with a piezoelectric actuator.

[0033] Figures 6A to 6CThe illustration shows example waveforms generated by processing the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) using different algorithms (e.g., summing or subtracting the outputs along a single x, y, or z axis) under different user operations on a roller (e.g., a scroll wheel).

[0034] Figure 7 The illustration shows a method for calibrating a steering wheel switch (such as...) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Example routine for the steering wheel switch's scroll wheel.

[0035] Figure 8 An example of the integration of a magnet, a roller (e.g., a wheel), and two 3D Hall effect sensors (e.g., 3D Hall effect sensors) is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 9 The illustration shows a switch that can be installed in the steering wheel (such as...). Figure 1 Example block diagram of different components within the steering wheel switch shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Generally, one or more aspects of this disclosure correspond to systems and methods that use a single component to provide force sensing and haptic feedback functionality. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods implement techniques that utilize signal redundancy during sensing input to achieve reliability of the aforementioned functionality. Illustratively, some aspects of this disclosure relate to a steering wheel switch that utilizes a piezoelectric actuator to sense applied force (e.g., by a user's finger) and provide customized haptic feedback. Additionally, the steering wheel switch may be integrated with one or more capacitive foils for position sensing. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch may also include one or more Hall effect sensors to detect various types of user contact, such as pressing, rolling, and tilting in different directions or to the side. In some embodiments, the combination of sensing outputs provided by the piezoelectric actuator, capacitive foil, and Hall effect sensors achieves system redundancy, resulting in more reliable sensing and haptic feedback functionality.

[0038] In traditional designs, steering wheel assemblies typically employ separate hardware to provide sensing and haptic feedback. For example, the steering wheel switch (an integrated part of the steering wheel assembly) might use sensors (e.g., optical or infrared (IR) sensors) to sense the force applied by the user, along with a separate component to provide haptic feedback. This separate component for providing haptic feedback might take the form of a coil, which can be heavy or take up additional space. This approach also presents challenges in layout and signal routing, as more components must be packaged and integrated together.

[0039] Furthermore, the reliability of sensing user input and providing haptic feedback is crucial for ensuring functional safety. Some systems employ force calibration to standardize the quality of haptic feedback, ensuring a superior user experience and safety. Other systems utilize various sensing technologies to improve the accuracy of sensing and haptic feedback. However, due to the limited accuracy of sensors and potential shortcomings in the calibration process, these techniques may not always produce satisfactory results.

[0040] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems, a steering wheel switch or a switch assembly thereof is disclosed according to some embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch may support force sensing and haptic feedback functionality without increasing the cost and complexity of integration. For example, the steering wheel switch may include a single piezoelectric actuator that senses forces applied to one or more buttons of the steering wheel switch. In response to the applied force, the piezoelectric actuator may then provide haptic feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the haptic feedback may be customized by the user to achieve different tactile sensations (e.g., a buzzing, faint, strong, or dull sound), thereby achieving different or better user experiences. In other embodiments, more than one piezoelectric actuator or other haptic device may be integrated within the steering wheel switch. However, it is advantageous to utilize a single piezoelectric actuator to provide force sensing and haptic feedback, which can result in reduced costs and easier hardware integration.

[0041] In some embodiments, besides the piezoelectric actuator, the steering wheel switch may employ another mechanism to sense user input. For example, one or more capacitive foils (or films) may be deployed on the surface of the steering wheel switch to detect the placement of the user's fingers for position sensing. In some examples, the outputs generated by the piezoelectric actuator and the capacitive foil may be correlated and can be considered to create a degree of "redundancy." However, this redundancy can be used to verify the outputs generated by the piezoelectric actuator and the capacitive foil. Thus, correlated sensing and tactile feedback can be performed more reliably.

[0042] In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch may include a roller paired with one or more Hall effect sensors to sense different user contacts, including but not limited to pressing, rolling, or tilting along different directions or sides. For example, the steering wheel switch may include a roller and two three-dimensional (3D) Hall effect sensors to detect user contact on the roller (e.g., pressing, tilting to the right, and tilting to the left). In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch may also include one or more mechanical microswitches for sensing user contacts. For example, the steering wheel switch may include two 3D Hall effect sensors and three mechanical microswitches to sense pressure, tilting to the right, and tilting to the left on the roller. Specifically, the two 3D Hall effect sensors may sense pressure, tilting to the right, and tilting to the left, and each of the three mechanical microswitches may sense one of pressure, tilting to the right, and tilting to the left. Thus, the output generated by the two 3D Hall effect sensors and the three microswitches can provide redundancy for mutual verification, resulting in better functional reliability.

[0043] Although various aspects will be described based on a combination of illustrative embodiments and features, those skilled in the art will understand that these combinations of examples and features are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting. More specifically, aspects of this application are applicable to various types of steering wheel assemblies, steering wheel switches, switch assemblies, interfaces, etc. Furthermore, although specific architectures for steering wheel switches providing force sensing, position sensing, and haptic feedback will be described, such illustrative steering wheel switch designs or architectures should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that aspects of this application are not necessarily limited to application to any particular type of steering wheel assembly, steering wheel infrastructure, or illustrative interaction between a user / driver and the steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0044] Figure 1 An example steering wheel switch 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the steering wheel switch 100 is independent. However, the steering wheel switch 100 can also be installed on the steering wheel (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and integrated into the steering wheel of a vehicle. Examples of vehicles can include cars, vans, trucks, ships, airplanes, or spacecraft. Figure 1 As shown, the steering wheel switch 100 may include a roller 108, a button 102, a button 104, and a button 106 on its surface. Similarly, as... Figure 1 As shown, the steering wheel switch 100 may also include connectors on different sides, which allow the steering wheel switch 100 to be mechanically connected to other parts of the vehicle's steering wheel. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch 100 may accommodate various sensors and components (…). Figure 1 (not shown in the figure) is used to sense forces applied to certain surfaces of the steering wheel switch 100 (e.g., the surface of the roller 108) to provide tactile feedback in response to the sensed forces.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a steering wheel switch 200 for providing sensing and tactile functions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The steering wheel switch 200 shown can be used with Figure 1 The steering wheel switch is the same as 100. Figure 2 The steering wheel switch 200 shown includes components such as a piezoelectric actuator 210, a capacitive foil 212, two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, and a roller 208. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric actuator 210 senses application of pressure to one or more buttons attached to the surface of the steering wheel switch 200. Figure 2 The force is applied to the steering wheel switch (not shown in the diagram), and the sensed force is converted into an electrical signal (e.g., current or voltage). The electrical signal can be generated by an analog and / or digital circuit device associated with the steering wheel switch 200. Figure 2 (Not shown) is further processed to facilitate different operations desired by the user. In some embodiments, the amplitude of the electrical signal may be related to (e.g., proportional to) the force applied to one or more buttons. Furthermore, the piezoelectric actuator 210 may generate haptic feedback, for example, in response to a sensed force.

[0046] In some embodiments, the capacitive foil 212 senses user touch events on the capacitive foil 212 to detect the position of the user's finger. Two 3D Hall effect sensors 214 can sense user manipulation on the scroll wheel 208, which corresponds to different types of user contact with the scroll wheel 208. In some embodiments, the two 3D Hall effect sensors 214 detect user pressing, tilting left, and tilting right on the scroll wheel 208. Although in Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a piezoelectric actuator 210, a capacitor foil 212, two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, and a roller 208, but the number of each component can be adjusted to obtain different combinations. For example, instead of having two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, the steering wheel switch 200 may include only one 3D Hall effect sensor 214. As another example, more than one capacitor foil 212 may be present.

[0047] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the steering wheel switch 300 (such as...). Figure 1 An example interior view of the steering wheel switch 100 shown. Figure 3As shown, the steering wheel switch 300 includes buttons 302, 304, 306, a roller 308, and a piezoelectric actuator 310. In operation, when a force is applied to one of the buttons 302, 304, or 306, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can be compressed to a certain extent (e.g., depending on the level or intensity of the applied force). In response, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can generate an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage change on the order of millivolts) related to the magnitude of the applied force. Thus, the generated electrical signal can indicate the intensity of the force applied to the steering wheel switch 300.

[0048] In some embodiments, buttons 302, 304, 306, and / or piezoelectric actuators 310 are arranged such that the distance from the center of each button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310 maintains a fixed ratio to the corresponding distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch adjacent to the piezoelectric actuator 310. More specifically, for button 302, dividing distance A_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 302 to the center of piezoelectric actuator 310) by distance A_1 (i.e., the distance from the center of piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch) can equal the ratio R. Although from Figure 3 It is not easy to observe, but the same ratio R is obtained when the distance B_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 304 to the center of piezoelectric actuator 310) is divided by the distance B_1 (i.e., the distance from the center of piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of steering wheel switch), and when the distance C_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 306 to the center of piezoelectric actuator 310) is divided by the distance C_1 (i.e., the distance from the center of piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of steering wheel switch).

[0049] The common ratio associated with the button and actuator pair can generate approximately equal compressive forces on the piezoelectric actuator 310 via buttons 302, 304, and 306. Advantageously, such equal compressive forces can increase the accuracy of sensing and eliminate the need for force sensing calibration between buttons 302, 304, and 306.

[0050] In some embodiments, an input force threshold is implemented to improve the user experience. Specifically, forces below the input force threshold applied to the button may not be sensed by the steering wheel switch 300 or may not elicit any haptic feedback. In some examples, the input force threshold may be adjusted relative to a dynamic baseline that takes into account various effects, such as changes in system stiffness due to temperature variations. Therefore, the user experience can be improved.

[0051] Figure 4 The illustration depicts a force-sensing device (such as...) Figure 2Example waveforms of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 and capacitor foil 212. Figure 4 As shown in waveform 400 at the top, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 peaks at the moment the user presses a component of the steering wheel switch 200 (e.g., a button). In contrast, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 decreases or gradually approaches 0 V as the user releases or stops pressing the button. In some examples, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 drops to 0 V in response to a sudden release of the button, or gradually decays to 0 V in response to a slow release of the button. Advantageously, different rates of voltage change can be used to provide a more customized tactile profile.

[0052] Figure 4 At the bottom, a voltage waveform 420 generated by capacitor foil 212 is shown superimposed on the voltage waveform 410 generated by piezoelectric actuator 210. (See figure 420.) Figure 4 As shown at the bottom, a certain time correlation can be observed between the voltage waveforms generated by the capacitive foil 212 and the piezoelectric actuator 210. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch 200 can utilize this correlation to verify the sensing function performed by the capacitive foil 212 and the piezoelectric actuator 210. As mentioned above, this correlation can provide system "redundancy," which can increase the reliability of force sensing and haptic functions. For example, during the time interval near 402, the voltage waveform 410 generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 remains around 0 V, while the voltage waveform 420 generated by the capacitive foil 212 hovers near its peak. The steering wheel switch 200 can then use these two waveforms to determine that the user simply touches a button or wheel without pressing it. Therefore, the steering wheel switch 200 can determine that haptic feedback, which may be expected or intended by the user, should not be generated.

[0053] Figure 5 Depicting with, for example Figure 2 piezoelectric actuator 210 and Figure 3 Example waveforms associated with the tactile device of the piezoelectric actuator 310. (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can generate a specific tactile profile using a waveform 500 similar to a sine wave. In some embodiments, when the steering wheel is assembled, isolation can be implemented between the steering wheel switch 100 and other components of the steering wheel to achieve a pure resonant frequency of 250 Hz for tactile feedback.

[0054] In some embodiments, other types of waveforms with different frequencies and amplitudes can be associated with the piezoelectric actuator 310 to implement different tactile profiles. For example, the amplitude associated with the piezoelectric actuator 310 can exceed 120 V (e.g., 130 V) to achieve a stronger tactile sensation (e.g., the user feels a greater force). As another example, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can be excited by a triangular waveform to achieve a “buzzing” tactile sensation, instead of using a sine wave 500 that can give the user a smooth and “dull” tactile sensation. It is worth noting that other frequencies and amplitudes can be associated with the piezoelectric actuator 310 to achieve different or more customized tactile profiles.

[0055] Figures 6A to 6C The illustration shows example waveforms generated by processing the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor 214) using different algorithms (e.g., summing or subtracting the output along a single x, y, or z axis) under different user operations on a scroll wheel (e.g., scroll wheel 108). Figure 6A The diagram illustrates the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user presses and scrolls the scroll wheel 108. Figure 6B The diagram illustrates the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user tilts the scroll wheel 108 by +5 degrees (e.g., tilting the scroll wheel 108 to the left). Figure 6C The diagram illustrates the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user tilts the scroll wheel 108 by -5 degrees (e.g., tilts the scroll wheel 108 to the right). Figures 6A to 6C The diagram illustrates that the output generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 of the steering wheel switch 200 can be processed to sense the user's manipulation of the scroll wheel 108 at all possible scroll wheel movement angles.

[0056] For example, such as Figure 6A As shown, the y-axis represents the magnitude of the sensed magnetic flux (e.g., in Tesla), and the x-axis represents the angle at which the roller 108 can be pressed and rolled (e.g., from 0 degrees to 360 degrees). Figure 6A In the diagram, waveform 602 is derived using an algorithm that sums the output generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 along the z-axis, while waveform 604 is derived using an algorithm that sums the output generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 along the y-axis. Waveform 602 shows almost zero magnetic flux detected when scrolling 90 degrees and 270 degrees, while waveform 604 shows almost zero magnetic flux detected when scrolling 180 degrees and 360 degrees. Thus, the almost zero magnetic flux in waveform 602 at 90 degrees and 270 degrees can be compensated by waveform 604, and the almost zero magnetic flux in waveform 604 at 180 degrees and 360 degrees can be compensated by waveform 602, thereby achieving pressure and scroll sensing across 0 to 360 degrees.

[0057] In some embodiments, for generating Figures 6A to 6C The number of 3D Hall effect sensors in the waveform shown can vary and can be fewer or more than two. For example, the steering wheel switch 100 can employ a single 3D Hall effect sensor 214 to sense user pressing, tilting left, and tilting right operations on the scroll wheel 108. In some embodiments, in addition to using one or more 3D Hall effect sensors to sense user pressing and tilting operations on the scroll wheel 108, the steering wheel switch 100 can also employ mechanical microswitches to sense user pressing and tilting operations. For example, three microswitches can be deployed within the steering wheel switch 100, one sensing user scrolling and pressing, another sensing user tilting left, and another sensing user tilting right. As described above, such methods provide system redundancy for verifying the sensing functions performed by the 3D Hall effect sensors and microswitches, thereby increasing the reliability of the sensing and tactile feedback provided by the steering wheel switch 100.

[0058] In some embodiments, a calibration process 700 may be performed on the steering wheel switch 100. The calibration process 700 can improve the switch assembly's ability to distinguish between different types of user actions. Exemplary types of user actions include pressing and rolling the steering wheel switch 100. In some embodiments, the calibration process 700 can reduce the likelihood that the switch assembly will erroneously detect that the user is rolling the steering wheel switch 100 instead of pressing it, and vice versa. Advantageously, after performing the calibration process 700, the steering wheel switch 100 can better distinguish between different types of movements (e.g., rolling and pressing) associated with the roller 108 at various angular positions (e.g., from 0 to 360 degrees).

[0059] Figure 7 The illustration shows a roller for calibrating a steering wheel switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as... Figure 1 The calibration process 700 of the roller 108 of the steering wheel switch 100. The calibration process 700 begins at block 702, where the rotational alignment of the roller 108 can be fixed or set to a discrete angular position (e.g., an angle between 0 degrees and 360 degrees).

[0060] In block 704, the scroll wheel 108 can be pressed to change the scroll wheel 108 from an unpressed state to a pressed state.

[0061] In block 706, the 3D magnetic field difference between the unpressed state and the pressed state can be determined. For example, the magnitude of the magnetic flux along the x, y, and z axes sensed by the 3D Hall effect sensor 214 can be measured before and after the roller 108 is pressed. Thus, the difference between the measured values ​​of the 3D magnetic field between the unpressed state and the pressed state can be determined.

[0062] The calibration process 700 varies depending on whether there are any other discrete angular positions where the 3D magnetic field difference or change has not yet been determined at block 708. If there are other discrete angular positions where the 3D magnetic field difference has not yet been determined, the calibration process 700 returns to block 702. At block 702, the roller 108 can be set or aligned to the next discrete angular position. If there are no longer discrete angular positions where the 3D magnetic field needs to be measured, the calibration process 700 can end. Advantageously, the determined 3D magnetic field change between pressed and unpressed states associated with the roller 108 at one or more discrete angular positions can be used to reduce the likelihood that the switch assembly erroneously detects the user rolling the steering wheel switch 100 when the user actually presses it, and vice versa.

[0063] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example integration of a magnet 802, a roller 108, and two 3D Hall effect sensors 814, which may be the same as or similar to a 3D Hall effect sensor 214. Figure 8 As shown, the magnet 802 can be encapsulated within a roller 108, which includes a roller plastic and a scrolling scale disposed on the roller plastic. Furthermore, two 3D Hall effect sensors 814 are positioned such that each 3D Hall effect sensor 814 is 4 mm away from the center of the magnet 802. In some embodiments, a 15-degree offset is arranged between the scrolling scale and the magnetization line 816 (e.g., a line extending from the north pole to the south pole of the magnet). This arrangement ensures that no scrolling scale is aligned with the magnet boundary line, because the magnetic field along the magnetic boundary line is at its minimum and can be more difficult for the two 3D Hall effect sensors 814 to detect. Thus, the 15-degree offset allows the two 3D Hall effect sensors 814 to detect the magnetic field more effectively. In other embodiments, other offsets besides 15 degrees may be used.

[0064] although Figure 8 The diagram illustrates two Hall effect sensors 814, but in some embodiments, one or more Hall effect sensors 814 may be used to sense a user's rolling, tilting, or other actions on the roller. In some embodiments, the distance between the 3D Hall effect sensor 814 and the center of the magnet may be less than or greater than 4 mm.

[0065] Figure 9 The illustration shows a switch that can be installed in the steering wheel (such as...). Figure 1 Example block diagrams of different components of the steering wheel switch 100 shown. Figure 9As shown, the steering wheel switch includes a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) transceiver 902, a Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC) microcontroller 904, two Hall effect sensors 914, a capacitive touch film 912, a piezoelectric sensor 910, a haptic driver 920, three microswitches 930, three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 940, three LED drivers 950, a heater 960, and a power supply and regulator 970.

[0066] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric sensor 910 may be a piezoelectric actuator 210 or 310; the Hall effect sensor 914 may be a Hall effect sensor 214; and the capacitive touch film 912 may be a capacitive foil 212. As described above, both the piezoelectric sensor 910 and the capacitive touch film 912 can sense the user's contact and provide redundancy to verify the performed sensing function, thereby increasing functional reliability. Sensing actions such as pressing, scrolling, and movement towards a scroll wheel is achieved by using two Hall effect sensors 914 and three microswitches 930. Figure 9 Redundancy was also added to increase reliability for events that tilted to different sides or directions (not shown in the diagram). It is worth noting that... Figure 9 The steering wheel switch shown can achieve force sensing and tactile feedback functions by using a piezoelectric sensor. Advantageously, using the piezoelectric sensor 910 can reduce costs and facilitate easier system integration.

[0067] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit this disclosure to the precise form disclosed or any particular field of use. Therefore, it is conceivable that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to this disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, are possible. Embodiments of this disclosure have been thus described, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0068] In the foregoing specification, this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified or implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this description is to be considered illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to manufacture and use the various embodiments of the disclosed steering wheel switch.

[0069] It should be understood that the forms of disclosure shown and described herein are representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those representatively shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description of this disclosure. Expressions such as “comprising,” “including,” “incorporated,” “consisting of,” “having,” and “is” used to describe and claim the contents of this disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, allowing for the presence of items, parts, or elements not explicitly described. References to the singular should also be construed as relating to the plural. Moreover, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be understood as illustrative and explanatory and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] All joint references (e.g., attachment, affixing, coupling, connection, etc.) are used only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and do not create any limitation, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joint references should be interpreted broadly, if any. Furthermore, such joint references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected to each other. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first,” “second,” “third,” “primary,” “secondary,” “main,” or any other common and / or numerical terms, should also be considered merely as identifiers to aid the reader in understanding the various elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of this disclosure and should not create any limitation, particularly regarding the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification relative to or exceeding another element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification.

[0071] The illustrative algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASIC or FPGA devices), computer software running on computer hardware, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the various illustrative logic blocks and modules described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or executed by a machine such as a processor device. A digital signal processor (“DSP”), application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, is designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor device may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, it may be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, a combination thereof, etc. The processor device may include circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, the processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. The processor device may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described primarily with regard to digital technologies herein, the processor device may also primarily comprise analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering techniques described herein can be implemented in analog circuit devices or mixed analog and digital circuit devices. The computing environment can include any type of computer system, including but not limited to microprocessor-based computer systems, mainframe computers, digital signal processors, portable computing devices, device controllers, or computing engines within devices, to name just a few.

[0072] It should also be understood that one or more elements described in the accompanying drawings may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, which may be useful depending on the specific application.

Claims

1. A switch assembly for a vehicle, the switch assembly comprising: A piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to: A first electrical signal is generated in response to a first user contact associated with the switch group; and Tactile feedback is generated based on control signals; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: Based at least in part on the first electrical signal, it is determined that the first user contact indicates a first user operation; and The control signal is generated based on the first user operation.

2. The switch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: First button; as well as A capacitor foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to contact by the first user. The processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates the first user operation.

3. The switch assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first user operation is the user pressing the first button, or the user touching the first button without pressing the first button.

4. The switch assembly according to claims 2 to 3, further comprising: Second button, The first ratio between the first distance from the center of the first button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator and the second distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch group is equal to the second ratio between the third distance from the center of the second button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator and the fourth distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch group.

5. The switch assembly according to claims 1 to 4, further comprising: Roller; as well as A first 3D Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact on the roller. The processor is also configured to determine, at least in part, based on the first sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

6. The switch assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second user operation is pressing the roller, tilting the roller to the right, or tilting the roller to the left.

7. The switch assembly according to claims 5 to 6, further comprising: A mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to a second user contact. The processor further determines, based on the second sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

8. The switch assembly according to claims 5 to 7, further comprising: A second 3D Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to the second user's contact. The processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

9. The switch assembly of claim 8, wherein determining that the second user contact indicates the second user operation comprises: Summing the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the x-axis; Summing the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the y-axis; Alternatively, sum the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the z-axis.

10. The switch assembly according to claims 8 to 9, further comprising: A magnet, which is at least partially surrounded by the roller. The first 3D Hall effect sensor and the second 3D Hall effect sensor are equidistant from the magnetization lines of the magnet.

11. The switch assembly of claim 10, wherein the roller includes a first scroll scale and a second scroll scale, and wherein the first scroll scale and the second scroll scale have an offset of approximately 15 degrees relative to the magnetization line of the magnet.

12. A steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising: Steering wheel switches, including: The sensor is configured to: A first electrical signal is generated in response to a first user contact associated with the steering wheel switch; and Generating tactile feedback based on control signals; and Processor, the processor being configured to: The first user contact indication is determined at least in part based on the first electrical signal; and The control signal is generated based on the first user operation.

13. The steering wheel according to claim 12, further comprising: Button; as well as A capacitor foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to contact by the first user. The processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates the first user operation.

14. The steering wheel according to claims 12 to 13, further comprising: Roller; as well as A first 3D Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact on the roller. The processor is also configured to determine, at least in part, based on the first sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

15. The steering wheel according to claim 14, further comprising: A mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to a second user contact. The processor further determines, based on the second sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

16. The steering wheel according to claim 15, further comprising: A second 3D Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to the second user's contact. The processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

17. A method for calibrating a vehicle's steering wheel switch, the method comprising: Set the roller to the first discrete angle position; Press the roller to change the roller from an unpressed state to a pressed state; as well as A first 3D magnetic field difference associated with the unpressed state and the pressed state is determined at the first discrete angular position.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: A first 3D magnetic field associated with the non-pressed state is sensed at the first discrete angular position; as well as A second 3D magnetic field associated with the pressing state is sensed at the first discrete angular position. The determination of the first 3D magnetic field difference is based on the first 3D magnetic field and the second 3D magnetic field.

19. The method according to claims 17 to 18, further comprising: Record the difference in the first 3D magnetic field; Set the roller to the second discrete angular position; Press the roller to change the roller from the unpressed state to the pressed state; A second 3D magnetic field difference associated with the unpressed state and the pressed state is determined at the second discrete angular position; as well as Record the difference in the second 3D magnetic field.

20. The method according to claims 17 to 19, further comprising: A sensing signal is generated in response to a first user contact on the roller; as well as The first user contact indicates a first user operation, which is determined at least in part based on the sensing signal and the first 3D magnetic field difference. The first user operation is to press the roller, tilt the roller to the right, or tilt the roller to the left.

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