Proximity switch arrangement with learned sensitivity and method for doing so

Abstract

Proximity switch arrangement (20) with learned sensitivity control, comprising: one or more proximity switches (22) with proximity sensors providing a detection activation field (40); a detection control circuit arrangement (24) that processes the activation field (40) to detect user activation of the proximity switch (22) by comparing the activation field (40) with a threshold (70); a sensitivity sensor (22S); and a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns user sensitivity based on user activation of the sensitivity sensor (22S) and controls the sensitivity of the switch (22) based on the learned user sensitivity, wherein the one or more proximity switches (22) comprise a capacitive sensor, and characterized in that the sensitivity of the switch (22) is controlled by adjusting the burst length of a signal applied to the capacitive sensor.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to switches, in particular proximity switches, and a method for them with improved sensitivity control.

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with various user-operated switches, such as switches for operating features including power windows, headlights, windshield wipers, sunroofs or sunroofs, interior lighting, radio and infotainment systems, and various other devices. Generally, these types of switches must be operated by a user to turn a feature on or off or perform some type of control function. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, use one or more proximity sensors to create a detection activation field and to detect changes in the activation field that indicate user operation of the switch, typically caused by a user's finger being in close proximity to or in contact with the sensor.Proximity switches are typically configured to detect user actuation of the switch based on a comparison of the detection activation field with a threshold. Unfortunately, different users often have different finger sizes, fingernail lengths, and actuation techniques, and may also wear gloves with varying dielectric properties. All of these factors can affect the results of the threshold comparison, leading to varying actuation detection levels. It is desirable to provide an improved proximity switch that accommodates such variations in usage.

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a proximity switch with learned sensitivity control is provided. The proximity switch comprises one or more proximity sensors that provide a detection activation field. The proximity switch also includes a detection control circuit arrangement that processes the activation field to detect user activation of the switch by comparing the detection activation field with a threshold value. The proximity switch further comprises a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns a user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensitivity sensor and controls the sensitivity of the switch based on the learned user sensitivity.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive vehicle switch with learned sensitivity control is provided. The capacitive switch comprises a vehicle-mounted capacitive sensor that provides a detection activation field. The capacitive switch also includes a detection control circuit arrangement that processes the activation field to detect user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold value. The capacitive switch further comprises a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensitivity sensor and controls the sensitivity of the capacitive switch based on the learned user sensitivity.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting user proximity is provided using a learned sensitivity controller. The method comprises the steps of providing a detection activation field with a proximity sensor and processing the detection activation field to detect user activation of the proximity sensor by comparing the detection activation field with a threshold value. The method further comprises the steps of learning the user sensitivity based on activation of a sensitivity sensor and adjusting the sensitivity of the proximity sensor based on the learned user sensitivity.

[0006] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by the person skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description, claims and attached drawings.

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] shows Fig. 1 a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with an overhead control panel, using proximity switches with a learned sensitivity control, according to one embodiment;

[0009] shows Fig. 2 an exploded view of the overhead control panel in the roof lining, which is in Fig. 1 further represents the proximity switch shown;

[0010] shows Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view along III-III of Fig. 1, which furthermore represents a proximity sensor, such as the sensor input for learned sensitivity, in relation to a gloved finger;

[0011] shows Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view through a proximity sensor with multiple overlapping detection activation fields, according to one embodiment;

[0012] shows Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view through a proximity sensor with a single detection activation field, according to another embodiment;

[0013] shows Fig. 6 a block diagram showing the proximity switch arrangement with a learned sensitivity controller, according to one embodiment;

[0014] shows Fig. 7 a flowchart showing a routine for triggering sensitivity learning according to a first embodiment;

[0015] shows Fig. 8 a flowchart showing a routine for triggering sensitivity learning according to a second embodiment;

[0016] shows Fig. 9 a flowchart showing a routine for triggering sensitivity learning according to a third embodiment;

[0017] shows Fig. 10 a flowchart showing a routine for adjusting the sensitivity of one or more proximity switches, according to one embodiment; and

[0018] shows Fig. 11 a graph showing a comparison of the detection activation field with a learned sensitivity threshold.

[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed here; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily contain a detailed setup; some circuit diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed here should not be understood as limiting, but merely as a representative basis to teach a person skilled in the art how to use the present invention in various ways.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is generally the interior of a motor vehicle. 10 with a passenger compartment 18 and a switch arrangement 20 , which have multiple proximity switches 22with control for learned sensitivity, shown according to one embodiment. The vehicle 10 generally includes an operating panel mounted above the head. 12 , which is attached to the roof lining 32 on the underside of the roof 30 or on the ceiling at the top of the passenger compartment 18 It is generally located above the front passenger seating area. The switch arrangement 20 with proximity switches 22 The sensitivity control is located in the control panel mounted above the head. 12 provided, according to one embodiment. The various proximity switches 22 They can control a range of vehicle features and functions, such as controlling the movement of a sunroof or sunroof. 16 , Activation of one or more lighting devices such as indoor lamps for (map) reading or ceiling lamps 14and various other features and functions. It is understood, however, that the proximity switches 22 and sensitivity control user input elsewhere on the vehicle 10 They may be located, for example, in the dashboard, on other control panels such as a central control panel, integrated into a touchscreen display for a radio or infotainment system such as a navigation and audio display, or elsewhere in the vehicle. 10 .

[0021] The proximity switches 22 are shown and described here as capacitive switches, according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22It comprises at least one proximity sensor that provides a detection activation field to detect contact with, or the closest proximity of, a user to one or more proximity sensors, such as a swipe of the user's finger. Thus, the detection activation field of each proximity switch is 22In the exemplary embodiment, a capacitive field is used, and the user's finger exhibits electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the detection activation field, as should be obvious to a person skilled in the art. However, it should also be clear to a person skilled in the art that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors can be used, such as, among others, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, the like, or a combination thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors are described in the ATMEL ® Touch Sensors Design Guide, 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09, dated April 9, 2009, to which reference is hereby expressly made in its entirety.

[0022] The in Fig. 1 proximity switch shown 22Each provides control of a vehicle component or device, or a predetermined control function. One or more of the proximity switches 22 They may be intended to control the movement of a sunroof or awning. 16 to control the sunroof, causing it to move in an opening or closing direction, to fold up, or to stop its movement based on a control algorithm. Other proximity switches 22They can be used to control other devices, such as switching on or off an interior light for (map) reading, switching a ceiling light on or off, unlocking a trunk, opening a tailgate, or resetting the door light switch. Additional controls via the proximity switches can include operating electric door windows to open or close them. Various other vehicle controls can be achieved using the proximity switches described here. 22 can be controlled.

[0023] Additionally, there is a sensitivity sensor input. 22S designed to allow a user to trigger a sensitivity learning process in which the sensitivity is learned and the sensitivity of the various proximity switches is adjusted. 22 controls. In one embodiment, according to one embodiment, the sensitivity sensor input 22SA capacitive sensor implemented as a proximity switch, such as a capacitive switch. By actuating the sensitivity sensor input 22S As described here, the sensitivity learning process is triggered to learn the sensitivity of an actuation by a user, and the sensitivity of the various proximity switches. 22 The sensitivity is adjusted based on learned sensitivity. This allows users, such as those wearing gloves, to trigger the sensitivity learning process and adjust the proximity switch sensitivity. 22to change the sensitivity to increase it when a glove is worn on the hand and fingers, or to decrease it when no glove is worn. The sensitivity learning process can also be used to adjust the sensitivity to account for differences in the user's fingers, fingernail lengths, and swiping techniques, such as the distance from the finger to the proximity switch. 22 This is used in swipe-type input. The electrical conductivity of the user's fingers can vary from user to user, resulting in different changes or disturbances in the detection activation field. The sensitivity learning process advantageously adjusts the sensitivity to compensate for these variations during use.

[0024] In the embodiment as a capacitive sensor, the proximity switches include 22 and the sensitivity sensor input 22Seach capacitive plate or electrode pad, which are part of the capacitor and electronic circuit arrangement 24 are designed. Electrical signals are sent to the capacitive switches. 22 and the sensitivity sensor input 22S designed. According to one embodiment, the electronic circuit arrangement represents 24 Electrical signals with a burst length are provided to charge the capacitive sensors. The charging burst length determines the base amplitude of the detection activation field and the sensitivity of the corresponding proximity switches. 22 According to one embodiment, the sensitivity of each proximity switch can be adjusted by changing the charging burst length of the applied electrical signal. 22 can be changed. According to another embodiment, the comparison threshold can be changed to adjust the sensitivity of each of the proximity switches. 22 to change.

[0025] The switch arrangement 20 The capacitor and electronic circuit arrangement 24 as in Fig. 2 shown, the capacitive plates / pads 26 and on a circuit board 25 trained wires 28 includes the circuit board 25 is located in the control panel mounted above the head 12 attached. The control panel mounted above the head. 12 lies between the roof 30 and the roof lining 32 , so that the control panel mounted above the head 12 from the roof lining 32 extends from.

[0026] Examples of capacitive proximity switch sensors are in Fig. 3– Fig. 5 shown. Fig. According to one embodiment, 3 is a finger. 50 one glove 52 Depicted is a user wearing a glove who uses a proximity switch with their gloved finger. 22Activated. Activation of the proximity switch 22 can be activated by a swiping motion of the user's finger, which touches an outer surface of the sensor housing or is close enough to the switch. 22 This can occur if the finger moves through the detection activation field. In one embodiment, activation of one of the proximity switches is possible. 36a device to perform a specific function. For example, activating a proximity switch can cause the sunroof to move in an opening or closing direction, or stop the sunroof's movement based on a control routine. According to another embodiment, each of several sensors or sensor arrays can be activated to provide individual control functions, so that one sensor array can open the sunroof, another sensor array can close the sunroof, and yet another sensor array can raise the sunroof. Additionally, the proximity switches can 22 one or more light sources 35 include the circuit board 34 backlighting or lighting between the circuit boards 34 and the surface of the desk radiate, so that the emitted light is visible through the surface of the desk of the switch.

[0027] The in Fig. 4 proximity switches shown 22 has a printed circuit board substrate 34 and several sensors 36 , which generate an activation field. In this embodiment, several overlapping detection activation fields are used. 40 through multiple capacitive sensors 36 generated. It goes without saying that the entire activation field 40 can have a rectangular shape, defined by the individual arc-shaped fields 40 comes about.

[0028] According to another embodiment, a single capacitive sensor arrangement 36 can be used to create a single activation field 40 as in Fig. Figure 5 shows how to generate the activation field. The single activation field can be a generally arc-shaped field within a generally rectangular or circular area. It is understood that any number of capacitive sensors, forming any number of activation fields, can be used to detect activation of the proximity switch. 22 can be used.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 6 is the proximity switch arrangement 20 as shown in one embodiment. One or more proximity switches. 22 , the inputs to a tax instrument 42 The available options are shown. Additionally, the sensitivity sensor input is provided. 22S an entry into the tax system 42 ready. The tax revenue 42 a control arrangement, such as a microprocessor 44 and storage 46The control arrangement may include a detection control circuit arrangement that processes the activation field to detect user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold value, and a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns a user sensitivity based on user activation of a switch and controls the sensitivity of the proximity switches based on the learned sensitivity. It is understood that another analog and / or digital control arrangement may be used to process the activation field, learn the user sensitivity, and control the sensitivity of the proximity sensors.

[0030] The tax revenue 42 processes one or more routines, including the sensitivity trigger routine 100 and sensitivity adjustment routine 200 , which are in storage 46stored and by the microprocessor 44 is executable based on the inputs from the proximity switches 22 and / or sensitivity sensor input 22S It goes without saying that the tax revenue 42 the sensitivity of the proximity switch 22 can be set based on a learned sensitivity, which is learned after a triggering process, where a user inputs the sensitivity sensor 22S can be activated according to a predetermined protocol. The sensitivity of each proximity switch 22 It is set based on the learned sensitivity and used to detect activation by one or more users.

[0031] The tax revenue 42 furthermore, it makes tax expenditures to one or more institutions 16 ready to activate the facilities based on user activation of one or more of the proximity switches 22to control. For example, the sunroof can be opened or closed based on the activation of a switch. 22 It can be controlled. Output can be generated if the capture activation field exceeds a threshold.

[0032] Furthermore, the tax revenue 42 , which is a temperature input 35 from a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature in which the proximity switches are located. 22 used, for example, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 , measures, shown. The tax revenue 42The sensitivity of the proximity sensors can be controlled based on the detected temperature. According to one embodiment, the sensitivity of the proximity sensors can be increased when the detected temperature decreases, and decreased when the detected temperature increases. Accordingly, changes in temperature affect the sensitivity of the proximity switches. 42 They can influence this, thus balancing it out.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, a separate and unambiguous sensitivity sensor input is used. 22S to receive user input to trigger the sensitivity learning process and to learn a sensitivity setting for the proximity switches 22 The sensitivity sensor input was shown and described. 22SAccording to one embodiment, the device may include a dedicated proximity switch, such as a capacitive switch. According to another embodiment, the sensitivity input may be a common switch that performs one or more control functions and also receives a sensitivity input according to a predetermined protocol. For example, a proximity switch 22 , which performs a function, such as opening or closing a sunroof, can also serve as a sensitivity sensor input, with a user providing input according to a technique such as tapping a predetermined number of times against the proximity switch. 22 or holding a finger against the proximity switch for a minimum period of time 22 , to turn the switch 22to cause the device to enter a sensitivity input mode. In sensitivity input mode, the switch can then be actuated to trigger sensitivity learning and learn the sensitivity for a user, so that the sensitivity of all proximity switches is automatically set. 22 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0034] With reference to Fig. According to a first embodiment, 7 is a sensitivity trigger routine. 100 Shown here for triggering the sensitivity learning and control process. The sensitivity triggering routine 100 The description refers to a user wearing a glove, but it is understood that the sensitivity learning and control are also applicable to an ungloved hand. In this embodiment, the sensitivity triggering routine begins 100 at step 102 and takes step 104This is followed by a step where the user's gloved hand touches the sensitivity input sensor to initiate the sensitivity learning and control process. At step 106 With a gloved hand, the user touches the glove sensitivity switch with a gloved finger and holds it for a predetermined duration, such as five seconds. At step 108 The user continues to touch the sensitivity sensor until the reading lights 14 to light up a predetermined number of times, such as twice. At step 110 The user removes their gloved finger from the sensitivity sensor after the reading lights have illuminated and then hears an audible beep and the reading light illuminates twice more. 14 Once the learning process is triggered, the sensitivity adjustment routine measures... 200The user's sensitivity is learned to establish a sensitivity setting that will be used to control the sensitivity of the proximity switches. The sensitivity learning process 100 is at step 112 finished.

[0035] With reference to Fig. According to a second embodiment, 8 is a sensitivity triggering routine. 100´ illustrated in connection with the use of a gloved hand by the user. In this embodiment, the routine begins 100´ at step 102 and takes step 124 First, a user touches the sensitivity sensor with a gloved hand to begin the process. Next, at step... 126 With a gloved hand, the user touches the sensitivity sensor with a gloved finger and holds the sensitivity switch for a predetermined duration, such as five seconds. During this step... 128The user continues to hold the sensitivity sensor until the reading lamp 14 It lights up a predetermined number of times, such as twice. During the steps 126 and 128 learns the sensitivity adjustment routine 200 The sensitivity for the user is adjusted, and the sensitivity of the proximity switches is set. The user can then, at step 130 Remove the gloved finger from the sensitivity sensor, and the sensitivity triggering routine process is at step 132 finished.

[0036] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 shows a sensitivity trigger routine 100° in connection with the use of a gloved hand by the user, according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the routine 100° begins at step 1. 142 and takes step 144First, a user touches the sensitivity sensor with a gloved hand to begin the process. Next, at step... 146 The user, using the same finger, gently touches a first proximity switch, shown as a global on switch, and then quickly touches a second proximity switch, shown as a global off switch, in sequence. At step 148 The user immediately moves the same finger to a third proximity switch, shown as the door light cancellation proximity switch, and touches and holds the third switch until an audible tone and / or visible light output is presented. After the audible tone and / or light output, the user returns and touches and holds the sensitivity sensor until at step 150 an audible tone is emitted, and the process ends at step 152In this embodiment, a dedicated proximity switch, such as the door light cancellation proximity switch, is used to detect the sensitivity to the user, and the learned sensitivity value is used to control all proximity switches.

[0037] With reference to Fig. According to one embodiment, 10 is the sensitivity adjustment routine. 200 This is a routine for learning the sensitivity for a user and adjusting the sensitivity of the proximity switches based on the learned user sensitivity. 200 begins at step 202 and takes step 204 proceeding to wait for the activation signal to reach a trigger level. At the decision step... 206 determines the routine 200 , whether the peak signal exceeds a trigger level by at least one predetermined count value XX counts and, if not, increases at step 208The burst length is amplified by a count value YY at all proximity switches, unless currently amplified. If the peak signal exceeds the trigger value by at least the count value XX, routine occurs. 200 to the decision step 210 proceed to determine if the peak signal exceeds the trigger level by at least one count ZZ, and, if so, reduce the burst value by one count YY on all proximity switches if not currently amplified.

[0038] According to one example, the sensitivity adjustment routine 200A trigger level of 20 counts can be used, and the peak signal can be compared to a predetermined count value XX of 10 counts to determine if the peak signal exceeds the trigger level by 10 counts. If so, the burst length is increased by a count value YY of 10 counts. In this example, the peak signal can be compared to a predetermined count value ZZ of 150 counts, and if the peak signal exceeds the trigger level by 150 counts, the burst length is decreased by a count value YY of 10 counts. The count values ​​mentioned above are merely examples, as any predetermined value can be used to set the sensitivity of the proximity switches.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the learned sensitivity is used to adjust the sensitivity of the proximity switches based on three sensitivity levels, specified by counts of less than XX, counts between XX and ZZ, and counts greater than ZZ. The sensitivity adjustment can be achieved by incrementally changing the sensitivity among a selected number of two or more settings, such as three sensitivity levels (e.g., low, medium, and high). It is understood that the sensitivity of the proximity switches can be adjusted based on any number of two or more sensitivity settings. 22According to one embodiment, the sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the charging burst length of electrical signals applied to each of the proximity switches. According to another embodiment, the threshold used in the comparison can be adjusted to modify the sensitivity of the proximity switches. 22 to change.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 11 is a data capture activation field 60 compared to a threshold value 70 displayed. If the capture activation field 60 the threshold 70 If the threshold is exceeded, activation of the proximity switch is detected. According to one embodiment, the sensitivity of a user can be learned and used to change the sensitivity of the proximity switches in order to adjust the threshold. 70 to change to a lower threshold to increase sensitivity, or can change the threshold 70Increase the sensitivity to lower it. Alternatively, the magnitude of the activation signal can be increased. 60 be changed to modify the signal 60 by changing the charging burst length to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the proximity switches.

[0041] Accordingly, the proximity switch arrangement advantageously represents a learned user setting of the sensitivity in a vehicle. 10 provided proximity switches 22 Ready. By learning and adjusting the sensitivity of the proximity switches. 22The learned sensitivity can be used to improve the detection of an activating finger, thus accommodating the user of a glove worn over their finger. Additionally, adjustments to the sensitivity can account for other variations in user activation, such as fingers of different lengths, varying fingernail lengths (which may cause the finger to be further away from the sensor), or a specific swipe motion technique used by the user.

[0042] It is understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise in their language.

Claims

[1] Proximity switch with learned sensitivity control, comprising: one or more proximity sensors that provide a detection activation field; a detection control circuit arrangement that processes the activation field to detect user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold; and a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensitivity sensor and controls the sensitivity of the switch based on the learned user sensitivity. [2] Proximity switch according to claim 1, wherein the proximity switch is installed in a vehicle for use by a passenger in the vehicle. [3] Proximity switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive sensor. [4] Proximity switch according to claim 3, wherein the sensitivity of the switch is controlled by adjusting the burst length of a signal applied to the capacitive sensor. [5] Proximity switch according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sensitivity of the switch is adjusted by changing the threshold value. [6] Proximity switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensitivity control circuit arrangement performs a learning routine when the sensor is activated. [7] Proximity switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensitivity control circuit arrangement detects the use of a glove by the user. [8] Proximity switch according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor that detects a temperature, wherein the sensitivity of the proximity switch is further controlled on the basis of the detected temperature. [9] Proximity switch according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an output for providing an output signal for controlling a device. [10] Proximity switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensitivity sensor comprises a purpose-built switch operated by a user. [11] Capacitive vehicle switch with learned sensitivity control, comprising: a capacitive sensor that is installed in a vehicle and provides a detection activation field; a detection control circuit arrangement that processes the activation field to detect user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold; and a sensitivity control circuit arrangement that learns user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensitivity sensor and controls the sensitivity of the capacitive switch based on the learned user sensitivity. [12] Capacitive switch according to claim 11, further comprising an output for providing an output signal for controlling a device. [13] Method for detecting user proximity with control for learned sensitivity, in particular for implementation with a switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: Providing a detection activation field with a proximity sensor; Editing the detection activation field to detect user activation of the proximity sensor by comparing the detection activation field with a threshold value; Learning user sensitivity based on activation of a sensitivity sensor; and Adjusting the sensitivity of the proximity sensor based on learned user sensitivity. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the proximity sensor is installed in a vehicle for use by a passenger in the vehicle. [15] Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the sensitivity is adjusted by controlling the burst length of an electrical signal applied to the capacitive sensor. [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the sensitivity is adjusted by changing the threshold. [18] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the step of learning the user sensitivity comprises learning the user sensitivity during the activation of a purpose-built sensitivity sensor. [19] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein a learning routine is executed by a control arrangement upon activation of the sensitivity sensor. [20] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a step of outputting a control signal based on comparison to control a device.