Proximity sensor assembly and proximity switch assembly

Abstract

Proximity sensor assembly, comprising: a first proximity sensor (24A) that generates a first activation field (32) and includes first and second electrodes (26, 28) with first fingers (506) interlocked with second fingers (508); and a second proximity sensor (24B) generating a second activation field (32) and comprising third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) with third fingers (506) interlocked with fourth fingers (508), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) to a depth of at least 2.0 mm, wherein the nested parts of the first, second, third and fourth electrode (26, 28) taper conically, or wherein the first and third electrodes (26) have conically tapered first and third fingers (506).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to proximity sensors and in particular to proximity sensors with electrically coupled electrodes arranged to provide improved detection of switch activation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with various user-operated switches, such as those for controlling devices like power windows, headlights, windshield wipers, glass or sunroofs, interior lights, radio and infotainment systems, and various other devices. These types of switches generally require user action to activate or deactivate a device or perform some other operating function. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, use one or more proximity sensors to create an activation detection field and detect changes in that field indicating user activation, typically caused by a user's finger coming into close proximity to or contacting the sensor.Capacitive switches are typically designed to detect when the switch is actuated by the user by comparing the activation detection field with a threshold value.

[0003] Switch assemblies often employ multiple capacitive switches located close together, typically requiring the user to select a single desired switch to perform the intended operation. In some applications, such as in a motor vehicle, the driver's ability to observe the switches is limited due to distractions. In such applications, it is desirable to allow the user to scan the switch assembly for a specific button while simultaneously preventing premature activation of the switch. Thus, it is desirable to distinguish whether the user intends to activate a switch, is simply searching for a specific button while concentrating on a higher-priority task such as driving, or does not intend to activate any switch at all.

[0004] US 8,558,346 B1 discloses an integrated semiconductor structure with interdigitated finger electrodes designed to minimize mismatch in integrated capacitors. DE 11 2008 000 906 T5 discloses a sensor system with multiple electrode groups for determining the position of a user.

[0005] Individual capacitive switches possess one or more capacitive sensors, typically comprising first and second electrodes, each with multiple electrode fingers. The electrode fingers are typically interlocked, meaning they are nested within each other, and are charged to form a capacitive coupling. The capacitive sensors are typically located in separate interface areas or pads at spaced-apart positions. It may be desirable to provide a proximity sensor assembly with an improved electrode array that enables enhanced proximity sensor and switch detection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a proximity sensor assembly is provided. The proximity sensor assembly comprises a first proximity sensor that generates a first activation field and includes first and second electrodes with first fingers interlocked with second fingers. The proximity sensor assembly also comprises a second proximity sensor that generates a second activation field and includes third and fourth electrodes with third fingers interlocked with fourth fingers. The first and second electrodes are nested with the third and fourth electrodes. The first and second electrodes are nested with the third and fourth electrodes to a depth of at least 2.0 mm, wherein the nested portions of the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are conically tapered, or wherein the first and third electrodes have conically tapered first and third fingers.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a proximity switch assembly is provided. The proximity switch assembly comprises a first proximity switch with a first proximity sensor, which generates a first activation field and includes first and second electrodes with first fingers interlocked with second fingers. The proximity switch assembly also comprises a second proximity switch with a second proximity sensor, which generates a second activation field and includes third and fourth electrodes with third fingers interlocked with fourth fingers. The first and second electrodes are nested with the third and fourth electrodes to a depth of at least 2.0 mm.

[0008] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention will become understandable and recognizable to a person skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with a roof console, in which a proximity switch assembly according to one embodiment is used; Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the roof console and proximity switch assembly, which is shown in Fig. 1 are shown; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through line III-III in Fig. 2, showing an arrangement of proximity switches in relation to a user's finger; Fig. Figure 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a capacitive sensor, which is located in each of the in Fig. The 3 capacitive switches shown can be used; Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the proximity switch assembly according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a graph representing the signal count for a single channel associated with a capacitive sensor showing an activation motion profile; Fig. Figure 7 is a graph representing the signal count for two channels assigned to the capacitive sensors exhibiting a sliding search / swivel motion profile; Fig. Figure 8 is a graph representing the signal count for a signal channel assigned to the capacitive sensors that exhibit a slow activation movement profile; Fig. Figure 9 is a graph representing the signal count for two channels assigned to the capacitive sensors exhibiting a fast sliding search / swivel motion profile; Fig. Figure 10 is a graph representing the signal count for three channels assigned to the capacitive sensors in a search / swim mode, and representing activation by stable pressure at the tip, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 11 is a graph representing the signal count for three channels assigned to the capacitive sensors in a search / swim mode, and representing activation by stable pressure when the signal drops below the peak value, according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 12 is a graph representing the signal count for three channels assigned to the capacitive sensors in a search / swim mode, and representing an increased stable pressure on a cushion to activate a switch, according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 13 is a graph representing the signal count for three channels assigned to the three capacitive sensors in a search mode, and the selection of a cushion based on increased stable pressure, according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 14 is a state diagram representing five states of the capacitive switch assembly implemented with a state machine, according to one embodiment; Fig. 15 is a flowchart that represents a routine for executing a method for activating a switch of the switch assembly according to an embodiment; Fig. 16 is a flowchart that illustrates the processing of switch activation and switch release; Fig. 17 is a flowchart that illustrates the logic for switching between the "no switch" state and the "switch active" state; Fig. 18 is a flowchart that illustrates the logic for switching from the state "switch active" to the state "no switch" or "switch threshold"; Fig. 19 is a flowchart that represents a routine for switching between the state "switch threshold" and the state "switch pivoting"; Fig. Figure 20 is a flowchart representing a virtual button procedure that implements the "switch flipping" state; Fig. Figure 21 is a graph representing the signal count for a channel assigned to a capacitive sensor with search mode and a virtual button mode for activating a switch, according to a further embodiment; Fig. Figure 22 is a graph representing the signal count for the virtual button mode, in which activation is not triggered; Fig. Figure 23 is a graph representing the signal count for the capacitive sensor in search mode and further illustrating when the switch is activated, according to the embodiment of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 24 is a graph representing the signal count for a capacitive sensor and further illustrating when activations are triggered, according to the embodiment of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 25 is a graph representing the signal count for a capacitive sensor and furthermore representing a timeout for exiting and re-entering virtual button mode, according to the embodiment of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 26 is a flowchart representing a routine for processing the signal channel using a virtual key mode, according to the embodiment of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 27 is a flowchart representing a virtual key method for processing the signal channel, according to the embodiment of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 28 is an enlarged cross-section through an arrangement of proximity sensors in relation to the finger of a user according to a further embodiment; Fig. 29A is a top view of the arrangement of proximity sensors of Fig. 28, which represents the interlocked electrodes, according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 29B is a graph showing the signal count for the proximity sensors of Fig. 29A represents, according to an example; Fig. Figure 30A is a top view of an arrangement of proximity sensors with multiple interlocking capacitive electrodes according to a second embodiment; Fig. 30B is a graph showing the signal count for the proximity sensors of Fig. 30A represents, according to an example; Fig. Figure 31A is a top view of an arrangement of proximity sensors with interlocking electrodes according to a third embodiment; Fig. 31B is a graph showing the signal count for the sensor array of Fig. 31A represents, according to an example; Fig. Figure 32A is a top view of an arrangement of proximity sensors with interlocking electrodes according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 32B is a graph showing the signal count for the proximity sensors of Fig. 32A represents, according to an example; Fig. Figure 33A is a top view of an arrangement of proximity sensors with interlocking electrodes according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. 33B is a graph showing the signal count for the proximity sensors of Fig. 33A represents, according to an example; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed here; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The illustrations are not necessarily true to detail; some diagrams may be exaggerated or reduced in size to provide a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed here are not to be understood as limiting, but merely as a representative basis that provides guidance to those skilled in the art in this field to use the present invention in a variety of ways.

[0011] Reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; The interior of a motor vehicle 10 is generally depicted with a passenger compartment and a switch assembly 20, which, according to one embodiment, has several proximity switches 22 with switch activation monitoring and determination. The vehicle 10 generally has a roof console 12, which is mounted on the vehicle headliner at the underside of the roof or ceiling in the upper area of ​​the passenger compartment, generally above the passenger seating area. According to one embodiment, the switch assembly 20 has several proximity switches 22, which are arranged close together in the roof console 12.The various proximity switches 22 can control any of the vehicle's devices and functions, such as operating a sunroof or glass roof 16, operating a glass roof sunshade 18, activating one or more lighting devices such as interior, reading, and overhead lights 30, as well as various other devices and functions. However, it is understandable that the proximity switches 22 can also be located elsewhere in the vehicle 10, for example, in the instrument panel, on other consoles such as a center console, integrated into a touchscreen display 14 for a radio or infotainment system such as a navigation and / or audio device display, or located elsewhere in the vehicle 10 according to various vehicle applications.

[0012] The proximity switches 22 are shown and described here as capacitive switches according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22 has at least one proximity sensor that provides an activation detection field to detect touching or close proximity (e.g., within 1 millimeter) by a user in relation to one or more proximity sensors, for example, a pivoting movement of a user's finger. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the activation detection field of each proximity switch 22 forms a capacitive field, and the user's finger has electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the activation detection field, as should be obvious to those skilled in the art.However, experts will also recognize that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors can be used, for example, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, or the like, or a combination thereof. Examples of proximity sensors are described in the ATMEL document. ® Touch Sensors Design Guide, 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09, dated April 9, 2009, the contents of which are deemed to be incorporated in their entirety into the present patent specification by this cross-reference.

[0013] The proximity switches 22, which are in Fig. 1 and Fig. The proximity switches 22 shown in Figure 2 each enable the control of a vehicle component or device or provide a specific operating function. One or more of the proximity switches 22 can be used to control the operation of a sunroof or glass roof 16, causing the glass roof 16 to move in an opening or closing direction, to tilt the glass roof, or to stop the movement of the glass roof, based on a control algorithm. One or more of the proximity switches 22 can be used to control the movement of a glass roof sunshade 18 between an open and a closed position. Both the glass roof 16 and the sunshade 18 can be operated by an electric motor in response to an actuation of the corresponding proximity switch 22.Other proximity switches 22 may be used to control other devices, such as switching on or off an interior / reading light 30, switching a ceiling light on or off, unlocking a trunk lid, opening a tailgate, or switching off a door light switch. Further control options via proximity switches 22 may include raising and lowering electrically operated windows. Various other vehicle controls can be operated using proximity switches 22 as described here.

[0014] Reference is made to Fig. 3; a portion of the proximity switch assembly 20 is shown with an arrangement of three proximity switches 22 arranged in a row in close relation to each other and to a user's finger 34 during use of the switch assembly 20. Each proximity switch 22 has one or more proximity sensors 24 to generate an activation detection field. According to one embodiment, each of the proximity sensors 24 can be configured by printing a conductive ink onto the surface of the roof console 12 made of a polymer material. An example of a printed proximity sensor 24 is shown in Fig. Figure 4 generally shows a control electrode 26 and a receiving electrode 28, each having interlocking fingers to generate a capacitive field 32. It can be seen that each of the proximity sensors 24 can also be configured in other ways, for example by mounting a pre-fabricated conductor track onto a substrate, according to other embodiments. The control electrode 26 receives square-wave control pulses with a voltage V. l The receiving electrode 28 has an output for generating an output voltage Vo. It can be seen that the electrodes 26 and 28 can be arranged in various other configurations and can be nested with other electrodes assigned to sensors 24, as described here, to generate the capacitive field as the activation field 32.

[0015] In the embodiment shown and described here, a voltage input V is applied to the control electrode 26 of each proximity sensor 24. lThe signals are applied as rectangular wave pulses, each with a charging pulse cycle sufficient to charge the receiving electrode 28 to a desired voltage. The receiving electrode 28 thus serves as a measuring electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent activation detection fields 32 generated by neighboring proximity switches 22 overlap. When a user or operator, such as the user's finger 34, enters an activation field 32, the proximity switch assembly 20 detects the disturbance of the activation field 32 caused by the finger 34 and determines whether the disturbance is sufficient to activate the corresponding proximity switch 22. The disturbance of the activation field 32 is detected by processing the charging pulse signal assigned to the corresponding signal channel.When the user's finger 34 touches two activation fields 32 in the area between two adjacent sensors 24, the proximity switch assembly 20 detects the disturbance of the two touched activation fields 32 via separate signal channels. Each proximity switch 22 has its own dedicated signal channel that generates charging pulse numbers, which are processed as discussed here.

[0016] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 5, in which a proximity switch assembly 20 according to one embodiment is shown. Several proximity sensors 24 are shown providing inputs to a controller 40, for example, a microcontroller. The controller 40 may include control circuitry, such as a microprocessor 42 and a memory 48. The control circuitry may include detection control circuitry that processes the activation field of each sensor 22 to detect activation of the corresponding switch by the user by comparing the activation field signal with one or more threshold values ​​according to one or more control routines. It is understood that other analog and / or digital control circuitry may be used to process each activation field, detect user activation, and initiate an action.According to one embodiment, the controller 40 can use a QMatrix extraction process developed by ATMEL. ® is available. The ATMEL extraction process can be used with WINDOWS. ® The C / C++ host compiler and debugger WinAVR are used to simplify the development and testing of the Hawkeye utility, which enables real-time monitoring of the internal state of critical variables in the software as well as the collection of data logs for post-processing.

[0017] The control unit 40 provides an output signal to one or more devices designed to perform specific actions in response to the proper activation of a proximity switch. For example, the one or more devices may include a glass roof 16 with a motor for moving the glass roof panel between an open and a closed or tilted position, a glass roof sunshade 18 that moves between an open and a closed position, and lighting devices 30 that are switched on and off. Other devices may be controlled, such as a radio to perform on / off functions, volume control, and station search, as well as other types of devices to perform special functions.One of the proximity switches 22 can be specifically designed to close the glass roof, another proximity switch 22 can be specifically designed to open the glass roof, and yet another switch 22 can be specifically designed to move the glass roof into a tilted position, all of which cause a motor to move the glass roof into the desired position. The glass roof sunshade 18 can be opened in response to one proximity switch 22 and can be closed in response to another proximity switch 22.

[0018] The controller 40 is further shown with an analog-to-digital (A / D) comparator 44, which is coupled to the microprocessor 42. The A / D comparator 44 receives the voltage output Vo from each of the proximity switches 22, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and delivers the digital signal to the microprocessor 42. In addition, the controller 40 has a pulse counter 46, which is coupled to the microprocessor 42. The pulse counter 46 counts the charging signal pulses applied to each control electrode of each proximity sensor, counts the pulses required to charge the capacitor until the voltage output Vo reaches a predetermined voltage, and delivers the count to the microprocessor 42. The pulse count indicates the change in capacitance of the corresponding capacitive sensor. The controller 40 is further shown in communication with a pulse-width modulated control buffer 15.The controller 40 delivers a pulse width modulated signal to the pulse width modulated control buffer 15 to generate a square wave pulse train V. l to generate a signal that is applied to each control electrode of each proximity sensor / switch 22. The controller 40 processes a control routine 100, which is stored in memory, to monitor the proximity switches and to make a decision regarding the activation of one of these switches.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 6-13 describes the change in the number of sensor charge pulses, represented as Δ sensor pulse count (Δ sensor count) for the multiple signal channels assigned to multiple proximity switches 22, such as the three switches 22 in Fig. 3, as shown in various examples. The change in the number of sensor charge pulses is the difference between an initial reference value without any fingers or other objects in the activation field and the reading of the corresponding sensor. In these examples, a user's finger enters the activation fields 32, which are assigned to each of the three proximity switches 22, generally only one activation field at a time, with an overlap area between adjacent sensors 24 as the user's finger moves across the switch assembly.Channel 1 is the change (Δ) in the number of sensor charging pulses attributable to a first capacitive sensor 24, channel 2 is the change in the number of sensor charging pulses attributable to the adjacent second capacitive sensor 24, and channel 3 is the change in the number of sensor charging pulses attributable to the third capacitive sensor 24 adjacent to the second capacitive sensor. In the disclosed embodiment, the proximity sensors 24 are capacitive sensors. When a user's finger touches a sensor 24 or comes into close proximity to it, the finger changes the capacitance measured at the corresponding sensor 24. The capacitance is parallel to the parasitic capacitance of the untouched sensor pad and, as such, is a measure of an offset.The capacitance induced by the user or operator is proportional to the dielectric constant of the user's finger or other body part and the surface exposed to the capacitive pad, and is inversely proportional to the distance of the user's body part (e.g., finger) from the switch. According to one embodiment, each sensor is excited by a series of voltage pulses via pulse-width modulation (PWM) electronics until the sensor is charged to a set voltage potential. Such a charging method charges the receiving diode 28 to a known voltage potential. The cycle is repeated until the voltage across the measuring capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage.By placing their finger on the contact surface of switch 24, a user induces an external capacitance that increases the amount of charge transferred in each cycle, thereby reducing the total number of cycles required for the measuring capacitance to reach the predetermined voltage. The user's finger causes the change in the number of sensor charge pulses to increase, as this value is based on an initial reference value minus the sensor value.

[0020] The proximity switch assembly 20 can detect the user's hand movement when the hand, in particular a finger, comes into close proximity to the proximity switches 22. This allows the assembly to distinguish whether the user intends to activate a switch 22, is searching for a specific key while concentrating on a higher-priority task, such as driving, or whether the movement is caused by a completely different task, such as adjusting a rearview mirror, which has nothing to do with activating a proximity switch 22. The proximity switch assembly 20 can operate in a search or pan mode, which allows the user to scan keypads or buttons by passing or panning a finger in close proximity to the switches without triggering any switch activation, until the user's intention is determined.The proximity switch assembly 20 monitors the amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field, determines a differential change in the generated signal, and produces an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. As a result, scanning the proximity switch assembly 20 is permitted, allowing a user to scan the switch interface pad with their finger without accidentally triggering an event. The interface response time is short, activation occurs as soon as the finger touches a surface, and unintentional activation of the switch is prevented or reduced.

[0021] Reference is now made to Fig. 6; when the user's finger 34 approaches a switch 22 assigned to signal channel 1, the finger 34 enters the activation field 32 assigned to sensor 24, causing a disturbance in the capacitance and thereby increasing the sensor pulse count as represented by signal 50A, which exhibits a typical activation motion profile. An input ramp slope method can be used to determine whether the operator intends to press a button or scan the interface, based on the slope of the input ramp in signal 50A of the channel 1 signal, which rises from point 52, where signal 50A intersects the active value (LVL_ACTIVE), to point 54, where signal 50A intersects the threshold value (LVL_THRESHOLD), according to one embodiment. The slope of the input ramp is the differential change in the generated signal between points 52 and 54, which occurs during the period between time points t th and t achas occurred. Since the counter threshold - active value can generally change when the presence of a glove is detected, but is otherwise a constant, the slope can be simply calculated as the time elapsed from the intersection of the active value and the threshold value, and as t active2threshold is designated as the difference between the times t th and t ac Direct pressure on a switch pad can typically occur within a period known as t directpush is designated and lies in the range of approximately 40 to 60 milliseconds. If the period t active2threshold less than or equal to the direct printing period t directpush If the status is positive, it is determined that the switch should be activated. Otherwise, it is determined that the switch is in search mode.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the inclination of the entrance ramp can be calculated as the time difference from time t.ac at point 52 at the moment t pk to reach the peak value at point 56, as a period t active2peak denoted. The period t active2peak can be compared to a direct pressure tip, which is known as t direct_push_pk is designated and, according to one embodiment, can have a value of 100 milliseconds. If the period t active2peak less than or equal to t direct_push_pk If the status is correct, the system determines whether the switch should be activated. Otherwise, the switch assembly operates in search mode.

[0023] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the channel 1 signal is depicted as increasing due to the increasing capacitance disturbance, with a rapid rise from point 52 to a peak value at point 56. The proximity switch assembly 20 determines the slope of the input ramp as either a period t active2threshold or t active2peakfor an increase in the signal from the first threshold point 52 to either the second threshold at point 54 or the peak threshold at point 56. The slope or differential change in the generated signal is then used for comparison with a representative direct pressure threshold t. direct_push or t direct_push_pk used to determine the activation of the proximity switch. In particular, when the period t active2peak smaller than t direct_push is or t active2threshold smaller than t direct_push If the switch is activated, the status is determined. Otherwise, the switch assembly remains in search mode.

[0024] Reference is now made to Fig. Figure 7; An example of a gliding / searching motion across two switches is shown, as the finger is moved or glides through the activation field of two adjacent proximity sensors, represented as signal channel 1 labeled 50A and signal channel 2 labeled 50B. As the user's finger approaches a first switch, the finger enters the activation field associated with the first switch sensor, causing the rate of change of the sensor pulse count at signal 50A to rise more slowly, thus resulting in a reduced differential change of the generated signal. In this example, the profile of signal channel 1 undergoes a change over time t. active2peak , which are not less than or equal to t direct_push is and thereby causes entry into pan or search mode. Since t active2thresholdIf a slow differential change in the generated signal is detected, one embodiment does not trigger activation of the button. Another embodiment, because the time t active2peak not less than or equal to t direct_push_pk This indicates a slow differential change in a generated signal, which does not trigger activation. The second signal channel, labeled 50B, is shown as it reaches its maximum signal at transition point 58, showing an increasing change in the Δ-sensor pulse count with a differential change in the signal similar to that of signal 50A. Accordingly, the first and second channels, 50A and 50B, reflect a sliding movement of the finger across two capacitive sensors in search mode, which does not result in the activation of either switch. Based on the time period t active2threshold or t active2peakA decision can be made to activate a proximity switch when its capacitance level reaches the signal peak, or not.

[0025] For a slow direct printing motion as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, additional processing can be used to ensure that no activation is intended. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, signal channel 1, labelled as signal 50A, is shown as occurring during the period t active2threshold or t active2peak a slower increase, which would trigger entry into search mode. If such a floating / search condition is detected, where time t active2threshold greater than t direct_pushIf the channel that does not meet the condition is the first signal channel to enter search mode, and furthermore is the maximum channel (channel with the highest intensity) when its capacity drops below LVL_KEYUP_Threshold ("key release threshold") at point 60, then the activation of the switch is initiated.

[0026] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 9 represents a rapid movement of a user's finger across the proximity switch assembly without activating the switches. In this example, the relatively large differential change in the generated signal for channels 1 and 2 is detected, represented by lines 50A and 50B, respectively. The switch assembly uses a delay period to postpone the activation of a decision until transition point 58, where the second signal channel 50B rises above the first signal channel 50A. According to one embodiment, the time delay could be equal to the time threshold t. direct_push_pkThis setting should be configured. Thus, by using a delay period before determining whether a switch is activated, unintentional switch activation is prevented by the very rapid scanning of the proximity keypad. Introducing this time delay in the response may make the interface less responsive and may work better if the operator's finger movements are generally consistent.

[0027] If a previous threshold event was recently detected that did not result in activation, one embodiment allows for an automatic transition to search mode. Consequently, once an unintended activation has been detected and rejected, greater caution can be exercised for a period while in search mode.

[0028] Another way to enable an operator to enter search mode is to use one or more areas or pads with suitable markings or surface textures on the control panel surface, associated with the respective proximity switches, which serve to signal to the proximity switch assembly the operator's intention to search blindly. These search pads may be located in an easily accessible position where there is little chance of generating activity from other signal channels. According to another embodiment, a larger, unmarked search pad surrounding the entire interface may be used. Such a search pad would likely be the first to be encountered if the operator's hand glides across the overhead console trim in search of a reference point from which to begin a blind scan of the proximity switch assembly.

[0029] Once the proximity sensor has determined whether an increase in the change in the sensor pulse rate represents switch activation or the result of a search movement, the assembly proceeds to determine whether and how the search movement should end with activation of the proximity switch. According to one embodiment, the proximity switch assembly detects a stable pressure on a button for at least a predetermined duration. In a specific embodiment, the predetermined duration is greater than or equal to 50 milliseconds, and preferably approximately 80 milliseconds. Examples of the operation of the switch assembly using a stable-time method are shown in the following. Fig. 10-13.

[0030] Reference is made to Fig. 10; The scanning of the three proximity switches, each corresponding to signal channels 1-3 designated as signals 50A-50C, is shown while a finger in search mode glides over the first and second switches and then activates the third switch, which is assigned to signal channel 3. As long as the finger scans the first and second switches, which are assigned to channels 1 and 2 respectively, no activation is determined because there is no stable signal on lines 50A and 50B. The signal on line 50A for channel 1 starts as the maximum signal value until channel 2 on line 50B reaches the maximum value, and finally channel 3 reaches the maximum value. Signal channel 3 is shown with a stable change in the sensor pulse count near the peak value for a sufficient period t. stableFor example, 80 milliseconds, which is sufficient to trigger the activation of the corresponding proximity switch. Once the threshold trigger condition is met and a peak is reached, the stable-level method activates the switch after the level at the switch has been stable for at least the duration t. stable within a narrowly defined area. This allows the operator to scan the various proximity switches and activate a desired switch once located, by holding the user's finger in place for a stable duration t. stable is held near the switch.

[0031] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 11, which illustrates a further embodiment of the stable-level method, in which the third signal channel on line 50C shows a change in the sensor pulse count that exhibits a stable condition on the falling edge of the signal. In this example, the change in the sensor pulse count for the third channel exceeds the level threshold for the period t. stable A stable pressure is detected, thus determining the activation of the third switch.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the proximity switch assembly can use a virtual button method in which an initial peak value in the change in the sensor pulse count is searched for while the search mode is active, followed by a further sustained increase in the change in the sensor pulse count, in order to determine whether to activate the switch as described in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 shown. In Fig. 12. The third signal channel on line 50C rises to an initial peak value and then continues to rise due to a change in the sensor pulse number C. vb This is equivalent to a user's finger lightly brushing across the surface of the switch assembly as it glides over the assembly, reaching the desired button and then depressing the virtual mechanical switch, such that the user's finger presses against the contact surface of the switch, increasing the volume of the finger closer to the switch. The increase in capacitance is caused by the larger surface area of ​​the fingertip as it is pressed against the pad surface. The increased capacitance can be felt immediately after detection of a Fig. The peak value shown in 12 may occur, or it may occur after a decrease in the change in the sensor pulse count, as in Fig. Figure 13 shows that the proximity switch assembly detects an initial peak value, followed by a further increase in the sensor pulse count, indicated by the capacitance C. vb at a stable level or over a stable period t stable A stable detection level generally means no noise due to the absence of a change in the sensor pulse count, or low noise due to the absence of a change in the sensor pulse count, which can be predetermined during calibration.

[0033] It is understandable that a shorter period t stable which can lead to erroneous activations, especially after a reversal of finger movement direction, and that a longer period of time t stable which can lead to a deterioration in the responsiveness of the interface.

[0034] It is also clear that both the stable value method and the virtual key method can be active simultaneously. In this case, the stable time t can be... stable It may also be longer, about one second, since the operator can always trigger the button via the virtual button method without waiting for the time of a stable press to elapse.

[0035] The proximity switch assembly can also employ robust noise suppression to prevent annoying unintended activations. For example, in the case of a roof console, accidental opening and closing of the glass roof should be prevented. Excessive noise suppression can lead to the rejection of intended activations, which should be avoided. One approach to noise suppression is to check whether multiple adjacent channels are reporting simultaneous trigger events, and if so, to select and activate the signal channel with the highest signal, thereby ignoring all other signal channels until the selected signal channel is released.

[0036] The proximity switch assembly 20 can have a signature noise suppression method based on two parameters: a signature parameter representing the ratio between the channel with the highest intensity (max_channel) and the cumulative total level (sum_channel), and the parameter dac representing the number of channels that exhibit at least a certain ratio of max_channel. In one embodiment, dac α dac = 0.5. The signature parameter can be defined by the following equation: Signature=max_channelsum_channel=maxi=0,nchanneli∑i=0,nchanneli

[0037] The parameter dac can be defined by the following equation: dac=∀channelsi>αdac max_channel.

[0038] Depending on the DAC, in order for a detected activation not to be rejected, the channel must generally be clean, i.e., the signature must be higher than a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, α dac=1 = 0.4 and α dac=2 = 0.67. If dac is greater than 2, activation is rejected according to one embodiment.

[0039] If a decision to activate or deactivate a switch is made during the descending phase of the profile, the peak values ​​of `peak_max_channel` and `peak_sum_channel` can be used to calculate the signature instead of `max_channel` and `sum_channel`. The signature can have the following equation: Signature=peak_max_channelpeak_sum_channel=max(max_channel(t))max(sum_channel(t)).

[0040] A mode for triggering the pan mode with noise reduction can be used. If a detected activation is rejected due to an unsatisfactory signature, the pan or search mode should be set automatically. This prevents a user from blindly searching, as they would have to extend all their fingers to locate a reference frame from which to begin the panning movement. This can trigger multiple channels simultaneously, resulting in an insufficient signature.

[0041] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 14 shows a state diagram for the proximity switch assembly 20 in a state machine implementation according to one embodiment. The state machine implementation is shown with five states: state SW_NONE 70 (“no switch”), state SW_ACTIVE 72 (“switch active”), state SW_THRESHOLD 74 (“switch threshold”), state SW_HUNTING 76 (“switch pivoting”), and state SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78 (“switch activated”). State SW_NONE 70 is the state in which no sensor activity is detected. State SW_ACTIVE is the state in which some activity is detected by the sensor, but not enough to trigger activation of the switch at that time. State SW_THRESHOLD is the state in which the activity detected by the sensor is high enough to justify activation, pivoting / searching, or random movement of the switch assembly.The SW_HUNTING 76 state is set when the activity pattern determined by the switch assembly is compatible with the searching / swiping interaction. The SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78 state is the state in which activation of a switch has been detected. In the SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78 state, the button remains active and no other selection is possible until the switch in question is released.

[0042] The state of the proximity switch assembly 20 changes depending on the detection and processing of the detected signals. In state SW_NONE 70, the proximity switch assembly 20 can transition to state SW_ACTIVE 72 as soon as some activity is detected by one or more sensors. If sufficient activity is detected to justify either activation, panning, or random movement, the system 20 can transition directly to state SW_THRESHOLD 74. In state SW_THRESHOLD 74, the proximity switch assembly 20 can transition to state SW_HUNTING 76 as soon as a pattern indicating a search movement is detected, or it can transition directly to the "Switch Activated" state 78. Once a switch activation is in state SW_HUNTING, an activation of the switch can be detected to transition to state SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78.If the signal is rejected and an unintended action is detected, the proximity switch assembly 20 can return to the SW_NONE 70 state.

[0043] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 15 shows the main method 100 for monitoring and determining when to generate an activation output with the proximity switch assembly, according to one embodiment. The method 100 begins at step 102 and continues with step 104 to perform an initial calibration, which can be performed only once. The calibrated signal channel values ​​are calculated from raw channel data and calibrated reference values ​​by subtracting the reference value from the raw data in step 106. Next, in step 108, the highest value, designated as max_channel, and the sum of all channel sensor values, designated as sum_channel, are calculated from all signal channel sensor values. Additionally, the number of active channels is determined. In step 110, the method 100 calculates the most recent range of max_channel and sum_channel to subsequently determine whether or not any movement has occurred.

[0044] Following step 110, procedure 100 continues with decision step 112 to determine whether any switches are active. If no switch is active, procedure 100 continues with step 114 to perform a real-time online calibration. Otherwise, procedure 116 processes the switch release in step 116. Similarly, if a switch was already active, procedure 100 continues with a module where it waits and blocks any activity until the switch is released.

[0045] After real-time calibration, procedure 100 continues with decision step 118 to determine if a channel lock is present, indicating recent activation. If so, the procedure continues with step 120 to count down the channel lock timer. If no channel locks are detected, procedure 100 continues with decision step 122 to search for a new max_channel. If the current max_channel has changed such that a new max_channel exists, procedure 100 continues with step 124 to reset the max_channel, sum the ranges, and set the thresholds. Thus, if a new max_channel is identified, the procedure resets the most recent signal ranges and updates the pan / search parameters as needed.If the switch state ("switch_status") is lower than SW_ACTIVE, the swivel / search flag is set to true and the switch state is set to SW_NONE. If the current max_channel has not changed, procedure 100 continues with step 126 to process the max_channel state for a bare finger (without a glove). This can involve processing the logic between the different states as shown in the state diagram. Fig. 14 shown include.

[0046] Following step 126, procedure 100 continues with decision step 128 to determine if a switch is active. If no switch activation is detected, procedure 100 continues with step 130 to detect the possible presence of a glove on the user's hand. The presence of a glove can be detected based on a smaller change in the capacitance value. Procedure 100 then continues with step 132 to update the history for `max_channel` and `sum_channel`. The index of the active switch, if present, is then output to the software-hardware module in step 134, before the procedure ends at step 136.

[0047] When a switch is active, a routine for processing the switch enable status is activated, which is located in Fig. Figure 16 illustrates this. Routine 116, which processes the switch enable, begins at step 140 and continues with decision step 142 to determine if the active channel is lower than LVL_RELEASE (the "enable value"). If so, the procedure ends at step 152. If the active channel is lower than LVL_RELEASE, routine 116 continues with decision step 144 to determine if LVL_DELTA_THRESHOLD (the "delta threshold") is greater than 0. If it is not, the routine continues with step 146 to raise the threshold if the signal is stronger. This can be achieved by lowering LVL_DELTA_THRESHOLD. Step 146 also sets the threshold, enable, and active levels. Routine 116 then continues with step 148 to reset the timer for long stable signals for the pan / search parameters “channel max” and “sum history”.The switch state is set to SW_NONE in step 150 before the routine ends at step 152. To exit the module for processing the switch release, the signal on the active channel must fall below LVL_RELEASE, an adaptive threshold that changes when glove interaction is detected. Once the button is released, all internal parameters are reset and a lock timer is started to prevent further activations until a specified waiting period has elapsed, for example, 100 milliseconds. Furthermore, the threshold levels can be adjusted depending on whether or not a glove is / are present.

[0048] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 17 illustrates a routine 200 for determining the state change from state SW_NONE to state SW_ACTIVE according to one embodiment. Routine 200 begins at step 202 to process the SW_NONE state and then continues with decision step 204 to determine if max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE. If max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE, the proximity switch assembly changes the state from SW_NONE to SW_ACTIVE, and the routine ends at step 210. If max_channel is not greater than LVL_ACTIVE, routine 200 checks in step 208 whether the swivel indicator should be reset before ending at step 210. Thus, the state changes from SW_NONE to SW_ACTIVE when max_channel triggers above LVL_ACTIVE.If the channels remain below this level, after a certain waiting period the panning indicator, if set, will be reset to "no hunting", which is one of the ways to exit panning mode.

[0049] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 18 illustrates a method 220 for processing the state change from the SW_ACTIVE state to either the SW_THRESHOLD state or the SW_NONE state according to one embodiment. Method 220 begins at step 222 and continues with decision step 224. If max_channel is not greater than LVL_THRESHOLD, method 220 continues with step 226 to determine if max_channel is less than LVL_ACTIVE, and if so, the method continues with step 228 to change the switch state to SW_NONE. Similarly, the state of the state machine changes from the SW_ACTIVE state to the SW_NONE state when the max_channel signal falls below LVL_ACTIVE. Additionally, a delta value can be subtracted from LVL_ACTIVE to introduce hysteresis.If max_channel is greater than LVL_THRESHOLD, routine 220 continues with decision step 230 to determine whether a recent threshold event or a glove has been detected. If so, the pan flag is set to true in step 232. In step 234, procedure 220 switches the state to SW_THRESHOLD before ending at step 236. Thus, if max_channel triggers above LVL_THRESHOLD, the state changes to SW_THRESHOLD. If gloves are detected, or a recent previous threshold event that did not trigger was detected, the transition to pan / search mode can be set to automatic.

[0050] Reference is made to Fig. Reference 19, in which a method 240 for determining the activation of a switch from the SW_THRESHOLD state according to an embodiment is described. The method 240 begins at step 242 by processing the SW_THRESHOLD state and continues with decision block 244 to determine whether the signal is stable or whether the signal channel is at a peak, and if neither is the case, the method ends at step 256. If either the signal is stable or the signal channel is at a peak, the method 240 continues with decision step 246 to determine whether the pan or search mode is active, and if so, the method jumps to step 250.If the pan or search mode is not active, procedure 240 continues with decision step 248 to determine if the signal channel is clean and if "fast active" is greater than a threshold. If so, in step 250, "switch active" is set to the maximum channel. Procedure 240 continues with decision block 252 to determine if a switch is active. If so, the procedure ends at step 256. If no switch is active, procedure 240 continues with step 254 to initialize the pan variables SWITCH_STATUS (set to SWITCH_HUNTING) and PEAK_MAX_BASE (set to MAX_CHANNELS), before the procedure ends at step 256.

[0051] In the SW_THRESHOLD state, no decision is made until a spike in MAX_CHANNEL is detected. Spike detection depends on either a reversal of the signal direction or both MAX_CHANNEL and SUM_CHANNEL remaining stable (within a specific range) for at least a certain time interval, for example, 60 milliseconds. Once the spike is detected, the swing indicator is checked. If the swing mode is disabled, the input ramp slope method is applied. If the SW_ACTIVE to SW_THRESHOLD interval was less than a threshold, for example, 16 milliseconds, and the signature noise suppression method indicates it as a valid trigger event, the state is changed to SWITCH_ACTIVE, and the process is transferred to the PROCESS_SWITCH_RELEASE module ("Process switch enable"). Otherwise, the swing indicator is set to true.If the delayed activation method is used instead of immediately activating the switch, the state is changed to SW_DELAYED_ACTIVATION ("delayed switch activation"), in which a delay is enforced, at the end of which the button is activated, provided the current MAX_CHANNEL index has not changed.

[0052] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 20 describes a virtual key procedure implementing the SW_HUNTING state according to one embodiment. Procedure 260 begins at step 262 by processing the SW_HUNTING state and continues with decision step 264 to determine if MAX_CHANNEL has fallen below LVL_KEYUP_THRESHOLD. If so, in step 272, MAX_PEAK_BASE is set to MIN(MAX_PEAK_BASE, MAX_CHANNEL). If MAX_CHANNEL has fallen below LVL_KEYUP_THRESHOLD, procedure 260 continues with step 266 to use the first channel panning trigger procedure to check if the event should trigger key activation. This is determined by verifying whether the first and only channel is crossed and whether the signal is clean. If this is the case, the procedure 260 sets “switch active” to “maximum channel” in step 270 before ending at step 282.If the first and only channel is not crossed, or if the signal is not clean, procedure 260 continues with step 268 to abandon, determine an unintended activation, and set SWITCH_STATUS to SW_NONE before the procedure ends at step 282.

[0053] Following step 272, procedure 260 continues with decision step 274 to determine if the channel is locked. This can be determined by whether MAX_CHANNEL is greater than MAX_PEAK_BASE plus delta. If the channel is locked, procedure 260 continues with decision step 276 to determine if the signal is stable and clean. If so, the "switch active" state is set to "maximum channel" in step 280 before the procedure ends at step 282. If the channel is not locked, procedure 260 continues with decision step 278 to see if the signal is long, stable, and clean. If so, the procedure continues with step 280 to set "switch active" to "maximum channel" before the procedure ends at step 282.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the proximity switch assembly 20 can have a virtual button mode. Reference is made to Fig. Figures 21-27 describe the proximity switch assembly with virtual button mode and a method for activating the proximity switch with virtual button mode according to this embodiment. The proximity switch assembly can include one or more proximity switches, each providing an activation detection field and control circuitry for controlling the activation field of each proximity switch to detect activation. The control circuitry monitors signals indicating the activation fields, determines a first stable amplitude of the signal for a period of time, determines a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for the same period, and generates an activation output when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount.The method can be used by the proximity switch assembly and includes the steps of generating an activation field associated with each of the one or more proximity sensors and monitoring a signal indicating each associated activation field. The method also includes the steps of determining a first amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period and determining a second amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period. The method further includes the step of generating an activation output when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount.As a result, a virtual button mode is provided for the proximity switch, which prevents or reduces unintentional or incorrect activations that may be caused by a finger scanning and changing direction across multiple proximity switch buttons, or by a finger being gloved.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 21 illustrates the search for a proximity switch and its activation for one of the signal channels, designated as signal 50, as a user's finger glides over the corresponding switch, enters search mode, and proceeds with the activation of the switch in virtual button mode. It can be seen that the user's finger can search multiple capacitive switches as shown in Figure 21. Fig. Figures 10-12 illustrate how signals are generated that are assigned to each of the corresponding signal channels when the finger is moved through the activation field of each channel. Multiple signal channels can be processed simultaneously, and the maximum signal channel can be processed to determine activation of the corresponding proximity switch. The example signal diagrams in Fig. Figures 21-25 show a single signal channel assigned to a switch; however, multiple signal channels could also be processed. Signal 50, assigned to one of the signal channels, is shown in Fig. Figure 21 shows how the signal rises to an active threshold of 320 at point 300, where it switches to search mode. The signal 50 then continues to rise and reaches an initial amplitude where it remains stable for a minimal period, represented as T. stable, as can be seen at point 302. At point 302, signal 50 switches to virtual key mode and sets an initial base value C. base the delta signal number at point 302. At this point, the virtual button mode sets an incremental activation threshold as a function of the base value C. base multiplied by a constant K vb The activation threshold for determining activation can be represented by: (1 + K vb ) × C base , where K vb a constant greater than zero. The virtual button mode continues to monitor signal 50 to determine when it has a second stable amplitude for the minimum period T. stable This is achieved, which occurs at point 304. At this point 304, the virtual key mode compares the second stable amplitude with the first stable amplitude and determines whether the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount of K. vb × Cbase If the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount, an activation output for the proximity switch is subsequently generated.

[0056] According to this embodiment, a stable signal amplitude must be maintained from the signal channel for at least a minimum period T. stable must be held before the virtual key mode is activated or it is determined that the switch has been activated. The sensor value upon entering virtual key mode is recorded as C. base The process monitors when a subsequent stable signal amplitude is reached again before a set period. If a stable signal amplitude is reached again before the end of the period and a delta value is greater than a desired percentage, approximately 12.5 percent of the previously recorded C, the process is triggered. base , then the activation is triggered. According to one embodiment, K vb × C baseA percentage increase in the delta signal count of at least 10 percent was provided.

[0057] The multiplier K vb is a factor of at least 0.1 or at least 10 percent of C base -value according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the multiplier K vb set to approximately 0.125, which corresponds to 12.5 percent. The stable period T stable According to one embodiment, it can be set to a time of at least 50 milliseconds. According to another embodiment, the stable period T can be set to stableThe stable amplitude can be set in the range of 50 to 100 milliseconds. The stable amplitude can be determined by ensuring that the signal amplitude is substantially stable within a range of twice the magnitude of the estimated noise in the signal, according to one embodiment, or within 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level, according to another embodiment, or a combination of twice the estimated noise of the signal added to 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level, according to a further embodiment.

[0058] Reference is made to Fig. 22, which represents a signal 50 for a signal channel assigned to a proximity switch, as it switches to search mode at point 300 and continues to rise to achieve a stable initial amplitude when the stable signal amplitude is maintained for a minimum period T stableexists at point 302, where the virtual key mode is activated. At this point, the C base The value is determined. It is then shown that the signal drops 50 and rises again to a second amplitude when the signal is present for the minimum period T. stable It is stable at point 306. However, in this situation, the second amplitude does not exceed the base value C at point 306. base of the signal at point 302 by the known amount of K vb × C base and as a result does not generate an activation output for the switch.

[0059] Reference is made to Fig. 23, which represents a signal 50 assigned to a signal channel, as it switches to search mode at point 300 and continues to rise to a first amplitude for a stable period T stable to be reached at point 302, where the virtual key mode is activated and C baseis determined. Afterwards, the signal 50 continues to rise to a second amplitude, which is determined for the minimum period T. stable It is stable at point 308. However, at point 308, the second amplitude does not exceed the base value C. base of the signal, which was detected at the first amplitude at point 302, by the known amount of K vb × C base , so the proximity switch assembly does not trigger a switch output. However, a new, updated base value for C is used. base The signal is generated at point 308 and used to determine the known value for comparison with the next stable amplitude. It is shown that the signal drops at 50 and then rises again to a third amplitude, which lasts for the minimum period T. stable It is stable at point 310. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by more than the known amount K. vb × C base , so that an activation output for the switch is generated.

[0060] Reference is now made to Fig. 24, which represents another example of a signal 50 as it enters search mode at point 300 and continues to rise to an initial amplitude that lasts for a minimum period T stable at point 302, where the virtual key mode is activated and C base is determined. Then, signal 50 is shown as it decays to a second amplitude, which lasts for the minimum period T. stable is stable at point 312. At point 312, the second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount of K. vb × C base , so that no trigger of the signal is generated. However, an updated C is generated at point 312. base A value is generated. Afterwards, the signal rises further to a third amplitude of 50, which lasts for the minimum period T. stable It is stable at point 310. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by the known amount K.vb × C base , so that a trigger or activation output for the switch is generated.

[0061] Reference is made to Fig. 25, which represents another example of a signal 50 for a signal channel as it enters search mode at point 300 and continues to rise to reach an initial amplitude that lasts for the minimum period T stable is stable at point 302, and therefore enters virtual key mode and C base determined. Next, the signal 50 rises further to a second amplitude, which is determined for the period T. stable The signal is stable at point 308. The second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount, so no switch trigger is generated at this point. Signal 50 is then shown as it decays to point 314, and during this process, a reset timer counts down from the reception of the last stable amplitude by the time T. resetspecified. If the reset timer expires, at point 314 the virtual key mode is terminated and search mode is entered instead, as soon as the virtual key mode has been exited. If this occurs, the previously determined C base The value is no longer valid. The signal 50 is then shown rising to a third amplitude, which lasts for the minimum period T. stable It is stable at point 316. At this point, the third amplitude determines an updated C. base -Value used to determine future activations of the switch. The signal 50 is then shown as it falls below the active threshold of 320, at which point the virtual button mode is terminated without any activations.

[0062] A method for activating a proximity switch with a virtual button mode using the proximity switch assembly is described in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 is shown. Reference is made to Fig. 26; Procedure 400 begins at step 402 and continues with step 404 to acquire all signal channels associated with all proximity switches. Procedure 400 continues with decision block 406 to determine if the state is set to ACTIVE and, if so, checks in step 414 whether the switch has been released before ending at step 416. If the state is not set to ACTIVE, Procedure 400 continues with step 408 to find the maximum channel (CHT). Next, after the maximum channel is found, Routine 400 continues with step 410 to process the maximum channel (CHT) using the virtual button procedure before ending at step 416. The virtual button procedure 410 for processing the maximum channel is described in Fig. Figure 27 is shown and described below. It can be seen that the procedure 400 may include an optional step 412 to also process the maximum channel signal using the tap method to detect when a user taps a proximity switch to generate an activation output.

[0063] The Virtual Key Method 410 for processing the maximum channel, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the process begins at step 420 and continues with step 422 to input the maximum channel signal. Accordingly, the maximum (largest) signal channel associated with one of the proximity switches is processed to determine the virtual button mode state and the switch's activation. At decision step 424, procedure 410 determines whether the switch is in the virtual button mode state, and if so, the procedure continues with decision step 426 to determine whether the signal channel value is lower than the active threshold. If the signal channel is lower than the active threshold, procedure 410 continues with step 428 to set the state to NONE and then returns to the beginning.If the signal channel is not lower than the active threshold, procedure 410 continues with decision step 430 to determine whether the signal is stable for a period greater than the stable period T. stable exhibits a stable first amplitude. If the stable signal channel exhibits a stable first amplitude for a period greater than the stable period T, stable If the signal channel is stable, procedure 410 continues with decision step 432 to decide whether the signal channel can be used for a period that includes the reset period T. reset exceeds the set value, is not stable, and if this is not the case, returns to step 422. If the signal channel is unstable for a period exceeding the reset period T, reset If the value exceeds the limit and is not stable, procedure 410 is continued to set the state to the search / swim state, and ends at step 460.

[0064] Return to decision step 430; if the signal channel is for a period that exceeds the stable period T stable If the value exceeds a certain threshold and is stable, procedure 410 continues with decision step 436 to determine whether the signal Ch(t) is reduced by a known value determined by K. vb × C base defined amount is greater than C base And if this is the case, the switch state is set to active to generate an activation output before the procedure ends at step 460. If the signal C base not by the known amount of K vb × C base If the value exceeds the specified value, procedure 410 is continued to determine the new C value at step 440. base -value to be set at the current stable signal amplitude before the procedure ends at step 460.

[0065] Returning to decision step 424, if the switch state is not set to Virtual Button mode, procedure 410 continues with decision step 442 to determine if the state is set to the Search state. If so, the procedure continues with decision step 444 to determine if the signal is greater than the Active threshold. If not, the state is set to NONE, and the procedure ends at step 460. If the signal is greater than the Active threshold, procedure 410 continues with decision step 448 to determine if the signal is present for a period greater than the minimum period T. stable The procedure ends at step 460 if the signal is stable at a certain amplitude, and if this is not the case. If the signal persists for a period greater than the minimum period T, the procedure ends at step 460. stableIf the amplitude is stable, procedure 410 continues with step 450 to set the state for the switch to the virtual key state and the new C base -To set the value for the signal channel at step 450, before the procedure ends at step 460.

[0066] Returning to decision step 442, if the switch state is not set to the search / swivel state, procedure 410 continues with decision step 452 to determine if the signal is greater than the active threshold, and if not, the procedure ends at step 460. If the signal is greater than the active threshold, procedure 410 continues with step 454 to set the state to the search / swivel state before the procedure ends at step 460.

[0067] Accordingly, the proximity switch assembly with the virtual button method 410 advantageously provides improved detection of switch activation by means of virtual buttons and improved suppression of unintentional activations. Method 410 can advantageously detect activation of a switch and suppresses unintentional activations that can be detected when a finger scans the switch assembly and reverses direction, or when a user's finger is covered by a glove. The improved activation detection advantageously provides an improved proximity switch assembly. The determination routine advantageously determines the activation of the proximity switches. The routine advantageously allows a user to scan the proximity switch pads, which is particularly useful when used in a motor vehicle, where driver distraction can be avoided.

[0068] The proximity switch assembly 20 can have a proximity sensor arrangement having electrodes with multiple electrode leads or fingers which are nested or intertwined with electrodes of adjacent sensors as shown in Fig. 28-33B shown and described in connection therewith. In some situations, the nested arrangement of the electrodes of adjacent proximity sensors can be advantageous for improved proximity detection and determination of the presence or position of an object, and for improved activation of a proximity switch. The proximity switch assembly 20 has an arrangement of proximity sensors that can form a proximity sensor assembly. The proximity sensors have a first proximity sensor that generates a first activation field and has first and second electrodes with first fingers interlocked with second fingers. The proximity sensors also have a second proximity sensor that generates a second activation field and includes third and fourth electrodes with third fingers interlocked with fourth fingers. The first and second proximity sensors are arranged adjacent to each other, e.g.Side by side in a linear arrangement. The first and second electrodes are nested with the third and fourth electrodes. It can be seen that further proximity sensors with additional electrodes, nested with other electrodes of neighboring proximity sensors, can be used. This nested arrangement of the electrodes of neighboring proximity sensors allows for improved sensitivity and object detection, as well as improved detection of switch activation.

[0069] In Fig. Figure 28 shows a user's finger 34 in close proximity to and interacting with a proximity switch assembly 20, which comprises a proximity sensor assembly with a linear arrangement of three proximity sensors 24A-24C, each associated with a corresponding individual proximity switch. Two additional proximity sensors are also provided, one at each of the opposite ends of the assembly shown, comprising a fourth proximity sensor 24D at one end and a fifth proximity sensor 24E at the opposite end. The fourth and fifth proximity sensors 24D and 24E, respectively, provide enhanced proximity detection at the opposite ends of the assembly 20 and improve the detection of a sliding movement of an object such as a user's finger.The proximity sensors 24A-24E generally have special sensor interface areas or pads that are separated from each other by a depth D, which defines the intermediate or transition area 500. According to one embodiment, the transition area 500 can have a width and a depth D of at least 2.0 mm. Thus, a user's finger 34 can slide from one sensor, such as sensor 24A, to another sensor, such as sensor 24B, across the assembly 20 by being moved through an intermediate transition area 500. The sensor interface area is the primary area of ​​the proximity sensor with which a user wants to interact to activate the sensor or the switch, and can have a pad or other detectable surface.

[0070] The proximity switch assembly 20 is further in Fig. 29A and Fig. Figure 29B shows multiple proximity sensors with nested electrodes according to a first embodiment. Similar to the one in Fig. The assembly 20 shown in 28 exhibits the Fig. The assembly 20 shown in Figure 29A comprises a first, a second, and a third proximity sensor, for example, capacitive sensors 24A-24C, arranged in a linear, side-by-side configuration. Each of the proximity sensors 24A-24C is separated from the adjacent sensor by a transition area 500. Furthermore, a fourth proximity sensor 24D is located at the left end and separated from the first sensor 24A by a transition area 500, and a fifth proximity sensor 24A is located at the right end and separated from the third proximity sensor 24C by a distance defined by the transition area 500. The fourth and fifth proximity sensors 24D and 24E, respectively, detect objects entering and exiting the ends of the assembly.

[0071] The first, second, and third proximity sensors 24A-24C each have a pair of electrodes, referred to as the first or control electrode 26 and the second or receiving electrode 28. Each of the control electrodes 26 has several electrode fingers 506, which are generally shown extending horizontally to the right and left of a vertically oriented electrically conductive feed line and separated vertically from one another. Each of the receiving electrodes 28 has several electrode fingers 508, each extending horizontally from an electrically conductive signal line and parallel to one another vertically. In this embodiment, the several electrode fingers 506 of the control electrode 26 are interlocked with the several electrode fingers 508 of the receiving electrode 28 to form a capacitive coupling.The control electrode 26 receives a charging signal, while the receiving electrode 28 generates a voltage output, as described above in connection with the one in . Fig. The capacitive sensor shown in section 4 is described.

[0072] Reference is now made again to Fig. 29A; the fourth and fifth proximity sensors 24D and 24E, respectively, each also include a control electrode 26 and a receiving electrode 28. The control electrode 26 has several horizontally extending capacitive fingers 506 that extend away from a vertical electrically conductive feed line. The receiving electrode 28 similarly has several horizontally extending capacitive fingers 508. The capacitive fingers 506 and 508 of the fourth and fifth proximity sensors 24D and 24E, respectively, are interlocked in the same way to form a capacitive coupling according to the embodiment as a capacitive sensor. The control electrode 26 receives a charging signal, and the receiving electrode generates a voltage output.

[0073] The first proximity sensor 24A has electrodes 26 and 28 with sections 510, which are interleaved with sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 of the second proximity sensor 24B in the transition region 500 between them. Likewise, the electrodes 26 and 28 of the second proximity sensor 24B have sections 510, which are interleaved with sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 of the third proximity sensor 24C in the transition region 500 between them. Furthermore, the fourth proximity sensor 24D has electrodes 26 and 28 with sections 510, which are interleaved with sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 of the first proximity sensor 24A in the transition region 500 between them. Finally, the fifth proximity sensor 24E has electrodes 26 and 28 with sections 510, which are nested with sections 510 of the electrodes 26 and 28 of the third proximity sensor 24C in the transition area 500 between them.The nested sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 are shown stacked alternately on top of each other, extending over a considerable distance across the transition regions 500.

[0074] Nesting electrodes 26 and 28 and the corresponding electrode fingers 506 and 508, respectively, between adjacent proximity sensors within the transition regions 500 advantageously extends the proximity field (e.g., the capacitive field) of the sensors, improves crosstalk effects, and flattens the signal response around the peak response, which in turn further improves pan / search and virtual button detection. The nested electrode arrangement causes the electrode fingers 506 and 508 of adjacent proximity sensors to extend into a corresponding transition region 500 between the two adjacent proximity sensors, so that both adjacent proximity sensors detect an object between the primary sensor pad regions of the two sensors.In this embodiment, the nested electrodes 26 and 28 of each of the adjacent proximity sensors extend horizontally into the transition region 500 in a parallel arrangement and are vertically offset in an alternating arrangement. However, it is evident that other shapes and sizes of electrode configurations can be used that feature a nested design in a transition region 500 as described here.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the nested sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 associated with a proximity sensor are nested with the nested sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28 of an associated adjacent proximity sensor to a depth of at least 2.0 mm. The transition area 500, which contains the nested sections 510 of electrodes 26 and 28, has a depth D of at least 2.0 mm according to one embodiment. This allows the transition area 500 to enable improved detection between adjacent proximity sensors. The nested sections 510 of the electrodes associated with adjacent proximity sensors preferably extend over at least half the depth D in the transition area 500.

[0076] A user's finger 34 is shown in dashed lines at the first proximity sensor 24A. According to the example shown, when the user's finger moves from the left side of the proximity switch assembly 20 to the right side, the Fig. The signals shown in Figure 29B are generated by each of the signal channels corresponding to the respective proximity sensors, based on the position of the user's finger on the assembly as indicated by the distance X. In this example, signal 50D is shown, which is generated by the fourth proximity sensor 24D when the user's finger slides from left onto the fourth sensor 24D and then through the transition area 500 onto the first proximity sensor 24A. When the finger 34 approaches the first proximity sensor 24A, the signal 50D on signal channel 4 (Ch4) weakens up to point 550 and the signal 50A, which is assigned to the first proximity sensor 24A, is generated as the first signal channel, which is generally represented as increasing up to point 552 at the approach edge of the sensor, then to point 554 at a quarter of the cushion and up to a peak value at point 556, and then decreasing again in value.As the user's finger moves beyond the first proximity sensor 24A into the next transition area 500 to its right, the signal 50A on signal channel 1 (Ch1) is reduced, and the second proximity sensor 24B generates the signal 50B on signal channel 2 (Ch2), which follows a similar pattern, rising to a peak and then falling again, before a third signal 50C is generated on the third signal channel (Ch3) by the third proximity sensor 24C as the finger 34 moves through the next transition area 500 and approaches the third proximity sensor 24C. When the user's finger leaves the third proximity sensor 24C, the fifth proximity sensor 24E generates a signal 50E on signal channel 5 (Ch5) as the finger moves through the last transition area 500 and past the fifth proximity sensor 24E.

[0077] The proximity switch assembly 20 can control circuits such as those in Fig. The control circuit 40 shown in Figure 5 is used to process the signals associated with the activation fields of the corresponding proximity sensors and to determine the activation of one or more of the proximity sensors as well as the activation of the associated proximity switch. The control circuit can receive and process the signals associated with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth proximity sensors 24A-24E and can use the processed signals to determine the activation of the first, second, and third proximity sensors 24A-24C. The control circuit can receive and process the signals associated with the fourth and fifth proximity sensors 24D and 24E, respectively, which can be used to indicate that a user's finger is approaching or leaving the first proximity sensor 24A or the third proximity sensor 24C at opposite ends of the assembly 20.The additional proximity sensors 24D and 24E advantageously provide edge detection of a finger approaching or leaving the assembly 20, thus improving activation of the proximity sensors. By determining the activation of one of the sensors 24A-24C, the proximity switch assembly 20 can advantageously determine the activation of one of the proximity switches. The nested electrodes advantageously allow for an improved signal level for the signal count when the finger interacts with the first, second, and third proximity sensors 24A-24C. The nested electrode design in the transition regions 500 expands the capacitive field of the sensors, improves crosstalk effects, flattens the signal response around the peak response values, and improves pan and virtual button detection.

[0078] Reference is made to Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B, which represent a proximity switch assembly 20 according to another embodiment, which has a nested, inclined interface design with tapered electrodes in the transition region 500. In this embodiment, the nested sections 510 of the electrodes 26 and 28 in the transition region 500 have a tapered end, which leads in an angled, zigzag arrangement of the electrodes 28, which are nested in the transition region 500. The inclined nested design results in the Fig. Figure 30B shows the detected signal patterns when the user slides their finger from left to right across assembly 20. This results in an improved signal response in each of the first, second, and third proximity sensors, as indicated by the high signal level before and after the peak value, as shown in Figure 30B. Fig. 30B is displayed.

[0079] Another embodiment of the proximity switch assembly 20 with several nested electrodes is described in Fig. 31A and Fig. Figure 31B shows that the inner fingers at the junction between the electrode fingers 506 are shortened or removed, resulting in a reduced electrode density and a corresponding reduction in the activation field directly on each proximity sensor 24A-24E. This significantly flattens the response across the proximity sensors and increases crosstalk effects. The overall sensitivity of the assembly 20 may decrease because the electrode finger density is reduced by approximately half in this example. The resulting signal response may be flatter than in Fig. Figure 31B illustrates that the electrode fingers can be adjusted by shortening them, which can improve performance and simultaneously reduce signal loss.

[0080] Reference is made to Fig. 32A and Fig. Figure 32B, which represents a high-density nested electrode finger geometry of a proximity switch assembly 20 according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the nested sections 510 of the electrodes 26 and 28 between adjacent proximity sensors within the transition region 500 are shown, which have vertically oriented electrode fingers 506A and 508A nested together in sections 510. The additional vertical extensions 506A and 508A of the respective electrode fingers 506 and 508 can further improve the signal response, as shown in the signal response in Fig. Figure 32B shows that other sizes, shapes, and numbers of electrode fingers can be used in the nested section 510 of the transition area 500.

[0081] Reference is made to Fig. 33A and Fig. Figure 33B, which represents a proximity switch assembly 20 with several tapered and nested electrode fingers 506 according to yet another embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrode fingers 506 associated with the electrode 26 taper conically from one end to the other, so that the height changes from one end to the other. The height at the end of the electrode fingers 506, which have the greatest height, is provided in the nested section 510 in the transition region 500 and is nested with electrodes of the adjacent sensor in the embodiment shown. The electrode fingers 508 associated with the electrodes 28 are shown with a substantially constant width. It can be seen that electrodes 508 can also have a conical shape.The conical shape of the electrode fingers allows the activation field of the proximity sensors to be adjusted so that it generates a flat signal at the peak value, as in . Fig. 33B shown.

[0082] Accordingly, the proximity sensor assembly and the switch assembly advantageously use nested electrodes with nested parts 510 in the transition region 500 between adjacent proximity sensors to further improve proximity detection. It is evident that, according to one embodiment, the proximity sensors advantageously use a capacitive sensor. However, it is also evident that other proximity sensors can use the nested design. The proximity switch assembly can detect the activation of a proximity sensor itself or can furthermore be used to detect the activation of a proximity switch.

[0083] It is understood that variations and modifications to the structure described above can be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that these concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

[1] Proximity sensor assembly comprising: a first proximity sensor (24A) that generates a first activation field (32) and includes first and second electrodes (26, 28) with first fingers (506) interlocked with second fingers (508); and a second proximity sensor (24B) generating a second activation field (32) and comprising third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) with third fingers (506) interlocked with fourth fingers (508), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) to a depth of at least 2.0 mm, wherein the nested parts of the first, second, third and fourth electrode (26, 28) taper conically, or wherein the first and third electrodes (26) have conically tapered first and third fingers (506). [2] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising control circuits (40) for processing signals associated with the first and second activation field (32) to determine the activation of the first or the second proximity sensor (24A, 24B), wherein the control (40) further determines the activation of a proximity switch (22) based on the determined activation of the first or the second proximity sensor (24A, 24B). [3] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first proximity sensor (24A) is arranged in a first sensor interface area and the second proximity sensor (24B) is arranged in a second sensor interface area, wherein sections of the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested in a transition area (500) between the first and second sensor interface areas with sections of the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28). [4] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second proximity sensors (24A, 24B) each comprise capacitive sensors, and wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are capacitively coupled to generate the first activation field (32), and the third and fourth electrode fingers (506, 508) are capacitively coupled to generate the second activation field (32). [5] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third proximity sensor (24C) generating a third activation field (32) and comprising fifth and sixth electrodes (26, 28) with fifth fingers (506) interlocked with sixth fingers (508), wherein the fifth and sixth electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28). [6] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an additional proximity sensor (24D, 24E) comprising an additional pair of electrodes (26, 28) nested with the first and second electrodes (26, 28). [7] Proximity sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein it is suitable for use in a vehicle (10). [8] Proximity switch assembly comprising: a first proximity switch (22) comprising a first proximity sensor (24A) which generates a first activation field (32) and comprises a first and a second electrode (26, 28) with first fingers (506) interlocked with second fingers (508); and a second proximity switch (22) comprising a second proximity sensor (24B) which generates a second activation field (32) and includes third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) with third fingers (506) interlocked with fourth fingers (508), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28), wherein the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) to a depth of at least 2.0 mm. [9] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, further comprising control circuits (40) for processing signals associated with the first and second activation field (32) to determine the activation of the first or second proximity switch (22). [10] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first proximity sensor (24A) is arranged in a first interface area and the second proximity sensor (24B) is arranged in a second interface area, wherein sections of the first and second electrodes (26, 28) are nested in a transition area (500) between the first and second sensor interface areas with sections of the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28). [11] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and second proximity sensors (24A, 24B) each comprise capacitive sensors and wherein the first and second electrode fingers (506, 508) are capacitively coupled to generate the first activation field (32) and the third and fourth electrode fingers (506, 508) are capacitively coupled to generate the second activation field (32). [12] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, wherein the nested sections (510) of the first, second, third and fourth electrodes (26, 28) are conically tapered. [13] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and third electrodes (26) have tapered first and second fingers (506). [14] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a third proximity switch (22) comprising a third proximity sensor (24C) which generates a third activation field (32), and comprising fifth and sixth electrodes (26, 28) comprising fifth fingers (506) interlocked with sixth fingers (508), wherein the fifth and sixth electrodes (26, 28) are nested with the third and fourth electrodes (26, 28). [15] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, further comprising an additional proximity sensor (24D, 24E) comprising an additional pair of electrodes (26, 28) nested with the first and second electrodes (26, 28). [16] Proximity switch assembly according to claim 8, wherein it is suitable for use in a vehicle (10).

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