Interface panel and associated system
The interface panel integrates force measurement modules and capacitive sensors with piezoelectric elements to address bulkiness and synchronization issues, achieving efficient and compact user interface operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2019007132
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-06-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing interface panels with capacitive touch sensors and haptic feedback systems are bulkier due to the combination of force measurement and haptic feedback mechanisms, which complicates manufacturing and increases thickness, and there is a need for improved synchronization between force detection and haptic feedback.
An interface panel design incorporating a functional film with integrated force measurement modules and capacitive sensors, utilizing piezoelectric elements and a processing circuit to provide haptic feedback, while maintaining sensitivity and reducing bulk by avoiding overlaps between haptic modules and light sources.
The solution enables accurate force detection and synchronized haptic feedback, reducing panel thickness and simplifying manufacturing by integrating force measurement and haptic feedback systems, thus enhancing user interface performance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Interface panel and associated system
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of user interfaces, in particular on board a vehicle.
[0002] The present invention relates in particular to an interface panel and an associated system.
[0003] Interface panels comprising capacitive touch sensors and separate elements intended to provide haptic feedback to the user are known, for example to provide the user with haptic feedback when performing a particular command using the capacitive touch sensor.
[0004] In this context, the invention proposes an interface panel comprising:
[0005] - a functional film comprising at least one module designed to measure a force support on said module and to provide haptic feedback,
[0006] - a set of capacitive sensors extending along the functional film.
[0007] Such an interface panel allows both a measurement of the support force of the user and better synchronization between this measurement and the haptic feedback provided (thanks to the use of modules combining force measurement and haptic feedback), while maintaining good sensitivity thanks to capacitive sensors (these provide a signal as soon as a finger of the user is approached).
[0008] Such an interface panel also makes it possible to combine the detection function of capacitive sensors and a trigger force threshold function (made possible by the force measurement of the module), which is useful for example for accurately validating the activation of a function.
[0009] The combination of force measurement and the provision of haptic feedback within the module(s) of the functional film also makes it possible to reduce the bulk in the direction orthogonal to the interface panel.
[0010] This results in an interface panel comprising two superimposed and independent detection systems.
[0011] According to other features that may be considered as optional features:
[0012] - said module includes a piezoelectric element and / or a measurement circuit of a voltage across the terminals of the piezoelectric element and / or an excitation circuit of the piezoelectric element;
[0013] - the interface panel includes another functional film including the sensors ca pacifists;
[0014] - the functional film includes the capacitive sensors;
[0015] - the interface panel includes a set of light sources;
[0016] - the interface panel includes a printed circuit board;
[0017] - the light sources are carried by the printed circuit board;
[0018] - another functional film includes the light sources;
[0019] - the functional film includes the light sources;
[0020] - the functional film includes a decorative layer;
[0021] - the interface panel includes a decorative film (forming an external surface of the interface panel);
[0022] - the functional film comprises a transparent plastic film.
[0023] In practice, the different elements (haptic effect modules or capacitive sensors or light sources) of a functional layer or film can be organized (for example deposited) in matrix form (in the plane of the film or layer concerned).
[0024] The invention also proposes a system comprising an interface panel as proposed above and a processing circuit connected to the measurement circuit and the excitation circuit.
[0025] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.
[0026] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:
[0027] [Fig. 1] represents a first example of an interface panel according to the invention;
[0028] [Fig.2] represents a second example of an interface panel according to the invention;
[0029] [Fig.3] represents a third example of an interface panel according to the invention;
[0030] [Fig.4] represents a fourth example of an interface panel according to the invention;
[0031] [Fig. 5] represents a fifth example of an interface panel according to the invention; and
[0032] [Fig.6] represents a system comprising a haptic effect module usable in these interface panels.
[0033] Five examples of interface panels made in particular by means of at least one functional film are described below. This (or these) functional film(s) can be produced by means of a plastic film (here transparent and / or made, for example, of polyethylene terephthalate or PET for "polyethylene terephthalate", or of polycarbonate or PC), on which conductive tracks are deposited (for example, by screen printing) and / or electronic components are mounted. Such a functional film may exhibit a certain degree of flexibility.
[0034] These interface panels can each be used on board a vehicle (such as a motor vehicle), for example to control a vehicle function following the detection of a user instruction via the interface panel.
[0035] Fig. 1 represents a first example of interface panel 10.
[0036] According to this first example, the interface panel 10 comprises three functional films, namely (successively, from bottom to top in [Fig. 1]):
[0037] - a first functional film 12 comprising a plurality of effect modules haptics 22;
[0038] - a second functional film 14 comprising a plurality of light sources 24; And
[0039] - a third functional film 16 comprising a set of capacitive sensors.
[0040] The three functional films 12, 14, 16 are stacked so as to form a panel relatively thin interface 10.
[0041] The third functional film 16 (as well as the set of three functional films 12, 14, 16) is covered by a decorative film 18. The decorative film 18 has a first surface in contact with the third functional film 16 and a second surface, opposite the first surface and which forms the external surface of the interface panel 10.
[0042] In this first example, each functional film carries only one type of electronic elements (haptic effect modules, light sources, capacitive sensors), which avoids a multilayer construction of the functional films and therefore simplifies their manufacture.
[0043] Each haptic effect module 22 is, on the one hand, capable of measuring the force with which a user presses on this haptic effect module 22 (i.e., exerts a force on the relevant haptic effect module 22); each haptic effect module 22 is also capable of providing haptic feedback to the user, for example by means of a vibration of the haptic effect module 22. An example of such a haptic effect module 22 is described below with reference to [Fig.6].
[0044] The plurality of light sources 24 is located in the plane of the second functional film 14. Conductive tracks are deposited (for example by silkscreen printing) on at least one face of the second functional film so as to bring an electric current to the level of each light source 24.
[0045] The first functional film 12 and the second functional film 4 are positioned relative to each other such that, for at least one haptic effect module 22, this haptic effect module 22 is located between two light sources 24. Thus, the haptic effect module 22 does not overlap any light source 24. Consequently, the light sources 24 do not interact in the function operation of the haptic effect module 22, and a press on the haptic effect module 22 and / or the haptic feedback of the haptic effect module 22 do not risk damaging a light source 24.
[0046] The capacitive sensors of the third functional film 16 are also formed by depositing conductive tracks, for example by screen printing and / or on at least one face of the third functional film 16. Each capacitive sensor is, for example, formed by an antenna (here having a rounded shape). For such an antenna, for example, can be provided with a surface area of at least 100 mm² and / or a surface resistance of less than 10 kΩ squared.
[0047] It can be foreseen that the third functional film 16 (as well as the second functional film 14) is relatively flexible so that pressure from a finger of the user will cause a local deformation of the third functional film 16 (and of the second functional film 14) and that the corresponding force will therefore only be measured by the haptic effect module 22 located at the right of the user's finger (i.e. at the right of the place where the pressure is exerted).
[0048] Fig. 2 represents a second example of interface panel 30.
[0049] According to this second example, the interface panel 30 comprises two functional films, namely (successively, from bottom to top in [Fig.2]):
[0050] - a first functional film 32 comprising a plurality of effect modules haptic 42; and
[0051] - a second functional film 34 comprising a first layer 33 incorporating a plurality of light sources 44 and a second layer 35 comprising a set of capacitive sensors.
[0052] By combining the capacitive sensing and lighting functions in the second functional film 34, the number of functional films and thus the number of connectors required is reduced. The haptic effect modules 42 can, in turn, be positioned only where their function is needed.
[0053] The two functional films 32, 34 are placed in contact with each other (a main face of the first functional film 32 being in contact with a main face of the second functional film 34).
[0054] The second functional film 34 (as well as the set of the two functional films 32, 34) is covered by a decorative film 38. The decorative film 38 has a first surface in contact with the second functional film 34 and a second surface, opposite to the first surface and which forms the external surface of the interface panel 30.
[0055] Each haptic effect module 42 is, on the one hand, capable of measuring the force with which a user presses on this haptic effect module 42 (i.e., exerts a force on the haptic effect module 42 concerned); each haptic effect module haptic 42 is also capable of providing haptic feedback to the user, for example through a vibration of the haptic effect module 42. An example of such a haptic effect module 42 is described below with reference to [Fig.6].
[0056] The plurality of light sources 44 is for example deposited on a first main face (here the lower main face) of the second functional film 34. Conductive tracks are then further deposited (for example by silkscreening) on this first main face so as to bring an electric current to the level of each light source 24.
[0057] The capacitive sensors can then be formed by depositing conductive tracks, for example by silkscreening, on the second main face (opposite to the first main face), here the upper main face, of the second functional film 34.
[0058] Alternatively, it is possible to obtain the second functional film 34 by producing a first temporary film comprising the plurality of light sources 44, producing a second temporary film comprising the set of capacitive sensors and assembling (for example by gluing) the first and second temporary films.
[0059] The first functional film 32 and the second functional film 34 are positioned so as not to form any overlap between a haptic effect module 42 and a light source 44 (such an overlap being detrimental to the proper functioning of these elements as already indicated).
[0060] It can be foreseen that the second functional film 34 is relatively flexible so that pressure from a finger of the user will cause a local deformation of the second functional film 34 and that the corresponding force will therefore only be measured by the haptic effect module 42 located at the right of the user's finger (i.e. at the right of the place where the pressure is exerted).
[0061] Fig. 3 represents a third example of interface panel 50.
[0062] According to this third example, the interface panel 50 comprises two functional films, namely (successively, from bottom to top in [Fig.3]):
[0063] - a first functional film 52 comprising a plurality of effect modules haptic 62; and
[0064] - a second functional film 54 comprising (from bottom to top in [Fig.3]) a first layer 53 integrating a plurality of light sources 64, a second layer 55 comprising a set of capacitive sensors and a decoration layer 57.
[0065] The number of functional films used is therefore reduced here as well (by also incorporating the decoration layer). The reduction in the number of connectors is also taken advantage of here.
[0066] A first principal face (the lower face in [Fig. 3]) of the second functional film 54 is in contact with the first functional film 52 (specifically with a principal face of the first functional film 52). The second principal face of the second functional film 54 (opposite to the first main face and corresponding to the upper face on the [Fig.3]) then forms in this case the external surface of the interface panel 50.
[0067] Each haptic effect module 62 is, on the one hand, capable of measuring the force with which a user presses on this haptic effect module 62 (i.e. exerts a force on the relevant haptic effect module 62); each haptic effect module 62 is also capable of providing haptic feedback to the user, for example by means of a vibration of the haptic effect module 62. An example of such a haptic effect module 62 is described below with reference to [Fig.6].
[0068] As in the case of [Fig.2], the first layer 53 and the second layer 55 can be made by depositing elements (light sources 64, conductive tracks, capacitive sensors) respectively on two main (opposite) faces of the second functional film 54, or, alternatively, by forming two temporary films corresponding respectively to the first layer 53 and the second layer 55, and then assembling (for example by gluing) these two temporary films.
[0069] The decorative layer 57 can, for its part, be deposited on the assembly formed by the first layer 53 and the second layer 55, for example by gluing or by injection.
[0070] The first functional film 52 and the second functional film 54 are positioned so as not to form any overlap between a haptic effect module 62 and a light source 64 (such an overlap being detrimental to the proper functioning of these elements as already indicated).
[0071] It can be foreseen that the second functional film 54 is relatively flexible so that pressure from a finger of the user will cause a local deformation of the second functional film 54 and that the corresponding force will therefore only be measured by the haptic effect module 62 located at the right of the user's finger (i.e. at the right of the place where the pressure is exerted).
[0072] Fig. 4 represents a fourth example of interface panel 70.
[0073] This interface panel 70 is formed by a stacking of the following elements (from bottom to top in [Fig.4]):
[0074] - a printed circuit board 71 (or printed circuit board) which carries a plurality of light sources 84;
[0075] - a first functional film 72 comprising a plurality of effect modules haptic 82;
[0076] - a second functional film 76 comprising a set of capacitive sensors; and
[0077] - a set film 78.
[0078] The printed circuit board 71 may include electrical tracks for bringing an electric current to each light source 84.
[0079] The positioning of the light sources 84 on the printed circuit board makes it possible to reduce the number of functional films (as well as the use of multilayer films). As mentioned, the printed circuit board 71 is also used to carry the electrical current, and the connections are therefore simplified.
[0080] The first functional film 72 is positioned on the printed circuit board 71 so that, for at least one haptic effect module 82, this haptic effect module 82 is interposed between two light sources 84 in order to avoid any overlap between this haptic effect module 82 and a light source 84. Thus, the light sources 84 do not interact in the operation of the haptic effect module 82 and pressing on the haptic effect module and / or the haptic feedback of the haptic effect module does not risk damaging a light source 84.
[0081] Each haptic effect module 82 is, on the one hand, capable of measuring the force with which a user presses on this haptic effect module 82 (i.e. exerts a force on the relevant haptic effect module 82); each haptic effect module 82 is also capable of providing haptic feedback to the user, for example by means of a vibration of the haptic effect module 82. An example of such a haptic effect module 82 is described below with reference to [Fig.6].
[0082] Capacitive sensors are formed by conductive tracks deposited (for example by silkscreening) on one face (at least) of the second functional film 76.
[0083] It can be foreseen that the second functional film 76 is relatively flexible so that pressure from a finger of the user will cause a local deformation of the second functional film 76 and that the corresponding force will therefore only be measured by the haptic effect module 82 located at the right of the user's finger (i.e. at the right of the place where the pressure is exerted).
[0084] Fig. 5 represents a fifth example of interface panel 90.
[0085] According to this fifth example, the interface panel 90 comprises a (single) functional film 96 formed of a plurality of layers (successively in this order, from bottom to top in [Fig.5]):
[0086] - a first layer 91 comprising haptic effect modules 92;
[0087] - a second layer 93 comprising light sources 94;
[0088] - a third layer 95 comprising capacitive sensors
[0089] - a fourth layer 97 forming decoration.
[0090] Integrating all the functionalities into the same functional film 96 simplifies the connections. Furthermore, the production of the interface panel 90 from the functional film 96 is also simplified.
[0091] Each haptic effect module 92 is, on the one hand, capable of measuring the force with which a user presses on that haptic effect module 92 (i.e., exerts a force on the relevant haptic effect module 92); each haptic effect module 92 is also capable of providing haptic feedback to the user, for example thanks to a vibration of the haptic effect module 92. An example of such a haptic effect module 92 is described below with reference to [Fig.6].
[0092] The second layer 93 can integrate conductive tracks designed to carry current to the light sources 94.
[0093] The capacitive sensors of the third layer 95 can also be made by means of conductive tracks deposited at the level of the third layer 95.
[0094] The functional film 96 is obtained for example by making temporary films corresponding respectively to the different layers 91, 93, 95, 97, each temporary film comprising the elements (haptic effect modules 92, light sources 94, capacitive sensors) provided in the corresponding layer, and by assembling the different temporary films.
[0095] The haptic effect modules 92 and the light sources 94 are positioned in the first layer 91 and the second layer 93 so as to avoid any overlap between these elements in order to avoid generating (problematic) interaction between a haptic effect module 92 and a light source 94.
[0096] Fig. 6 represents a system comprising a processing circuit 5 and an example of a haptic effect module 2 usable in the interface panels 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 which have just been described.
[0097] Some at least of the haptic effect modules 22, 42, 62, 82, 92 mentioned above can thus be made in accordance with this example.
[0098] The haptic effect module 2 of [Fig.6] includes a piezoelectric element 100, a measurement circuit 102 of a voltage Vmes across the terminals of the piezoelectric element 100 and an excitation circuit 104 of the piezoelectric element 100.
[0099] The voltage Vmes measured by the measuring circuit 102 is representative of the pressure force (applied for example by a user) on the piezoelectric element 100, i.e. at the level of the haptic effect module.
[0100] The processing circuit 5 is connected to the measuring circuit 102 so as to acquire the voltage Vmes representing the aforementioned support force. In practice, the processing circuit 5 is, for example, connected on one side to a conductive layer 106 deposited on a functional film 108 carrying the piezoelectric element 100, and on the other side to the measuring circuit 102, the piezoelectric element 100 being interposed between the conductive layer 106 and the measuring circuit 102 so that the voltage Vmes is the voltage across the piezoelectric element 100.
[0101] In this regard, it is noted that the functional film 108 of [Fig.6] corresponds for example to the first functional film 12, 32, 52, 72 of figures 1 to 4, or to the functional film 96 of [Fig.5].
[0102] The processing circuit 5 can also apply a voltage Vh (for example, variable) to the excitation circuit 104 so as to cause a movement (by example a vibration) of the piezoelectric element 100, which provides a haptic effect to the haptic effect module 2. In practice, this voltage Vh is for example applied (by the processing circuit 5) between the aforementioned conductive layer 106 and the excitation circuit 104.
[0103] Finally, the processing circuit 5 can also be connected to each of the capacitive sensors (in order to monitor any detections made by these capacitive sensors) and / or to each of the light sources (in order to independently control each light source).
Claims
Demands
1. Interface panel (10; 30; 50; 70; 90) comprising: - a functional film (12; 32; 52; 72; 96) comprising at least one module (22; 42; 62; 82; 92) designed to measure a support force on said module (22; 42; 62; 82; 92) and to provide haptic feedback, - an array of capacitive sensors (16; 35; 55; 76; 95) extending along the functional film (12; 32; 52; 72; 96) characterized in that the panel further comprises an array of light sources (24; 44; 64; 84; 94).
2. Interface panel according to claim 1, wherein said module (22; 42; 62; 82; 92) comprises a piezoelectric element (100), a measurement circuit (102) of a voltage (Vmes) across the piezoelectric element (100) and an excitation circuit (104) of the piezoelectric element (100).
3. Interface panel according to claim 1 or 2, comprising another film function 1 (16; 34; 54; 76) including capacitive sensors.
4. Interface panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional film (96) comprises the capacitive sensors.
5. Interface panel according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a printed circuit board (71), in which the light sources (84) are carried by the printed circuit board (71).
6. Interface panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising another functional film (14; 34; 54) including the light sources (24; 44; 64).
7. Interface panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the functional film (96) comprises the light sources (94).
8. Interface panel according to claim 7, wherein the functional film comprises a decoration layer (97).
9. Interface panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a background film (18; 38; 78).
10. Interface panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional film comprises a transparent plastic film.
11. System comprising an interface panel (10; 30; 50; 70; 90) according to claim 2 and a processing circuit (5) connected to the measurement circuit (102) and the excitation circuit (104).