Improved tactile and sensitive steering wheel switches

Abstract

The device may include a piezoelectric actuator and a processor. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to a first user contact associated with a switchpack and to generate haptic feedback based on the control signal. The processor is configured to determine, at least in part, that the first user contact indicates a first user action and to generate a control signal based on the first user action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,859, filed on April 13, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing and providing tactile feedback. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a steering wheel switch for sensing user input and providing tactile feedback.

Background Art

[0003] Steering wheel assemblies are associated with many automotive applications to enable a driver to maneuver a vehicle. Current steering wheel assemblies are mainly used to control the movement of a vehicle. However, there are many other functions that a driver may need to change or update during driving, such as for example, selection of driving assistance functions, activation of a direction indicator, activation of a horn, air - conditioning control (e.g., raising or lowering the in - vehicle temperature, or raising or lowering the air - flow volume), making a phone call, or another operation.

[0004] Some steering wheel assemblies include one or more force - sensing components disposed in a steering wheel switch. The force - sensing component generates an electrical signal in response to a force applied to the steering wheel switch. The steering wheel switch may further integrate a tactile device to provide tactile feedback. However, additional costs may occur for integrating separate devices to implement both the force - sensing function and the tactile - feedback function. Furthermore, although it is very important to reliably execute these functions, it may be very difficult under limited hardware resources.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment relates to a switch pack for a vehicle. The switch pack comprises sensors adapted to generate electrical signals in response to force applied to the sensors by a user and to provide tactile feedback to the user in response to the force applied to the sensors.

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

[0007] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack and further includes a first button and a capacitive foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to a first user contact, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user action.

[0008] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack, where a first user action is the user pressing down a first button, or the user touching the first button without pressing down the first button.

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

[0010] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack and further includes a scroll wheel and a first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact to the scroll wheel, the processor further configured to determine, at least in part, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

[0011] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack, and the second user action is pressing the scroll wheel, tilting the scroll wheel to the right, or tilting the scroll wheel to the left.

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

[0013] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack and further includes a second 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to a second user contact, the processor further determining, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

[0014] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack, and determining that a second user contact indicates a second user action includes adding a first sensing signal and a third sensing signal along the x-axis, adding a first sensing signal and a third sensing signal along the y-axis, or adding a first sensing signal and a third sensing signal along the z-axis.

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

[0016] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a switch pack, wherein the scroll wheel includes a first scroll tick and a second scroll tick, the first and second scroll ticks having an offset of about 15 degrees with respect to the magnetization line of the magnet.

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

[0018] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel and further includes a button and a capacitive foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to a first user contact, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user action.

[0019] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a steering wheel and further includes a scroll wheel and a first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact to the scroll wheel, the processor further configured to determine, at least in part, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

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

[0021] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a processor determining, based further on a second sensing signal, that a second user contact indicates a second user action.

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

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

[0024] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a method further comprising sensing a first 3D magnetic field associated with a non-pressed state at a first discrete angular position and sensing a second 3D magnetic field associated with a pressed state at a first discrete angular position, wherein determining the first 3D magnetic field difference is based on the first 3D magnetic field and the second 3D magnetic field.

[0025] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a method, further comprising: recording a first 3D magnetic field difference; setting the scroll wheel to a second discrete angular position; pressing down the scroll wheel to change the scroll wheel from an unpressed state to a pressed state; determining a second 3D magnetic field difference associated with the unpressed and pressed states at the second discrete angular position; and recording the second 3D magnetic field difference.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes generating a sensing signal in response to a first user contact with a scroll wheel, and determining that the first user contact indicates a first user action based at least in part on the sensing signal and a first 3D magnetic field difference, where the first user action is a depression of the scroll wheel, an inclination of the scroll wheel to the right, or an inclination of the scroll wheel to the left. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

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

[0029] [Figure 2] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing components of a steering wheel switch utilized to provide a sensing function and a tactile function according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 3] An exemplary internal view of the steering wheel switch shown in FIG. 1 is shown.

[0031] [Figure 4] An exemplary waveform of a voltage generated by a force sensing device, such as the piezoelectric actuator and capacitive foil of FIG. 2, is shown.

[0032] [Figure 5] An exemplary waveform related to a tactile device, such as the piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 2 and the piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 3, is shown.

[0033] [Figure 6A]This shows exemplary waveforms that can be generated using different algorithms (e.g., addition or subtraction of outputs along a single x, y, or z axis) to process the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) under different user operations of a scroll wheel (e.g., a scroll wheel). [Figure 6B] This shows exemplary waveforms that can be generated using different algorithms (e.g., addition or subtraction of outputs along a single x, y, or z axis) to process the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) under different user operations of a scroll wheel (e.g., a scroll wheel). [Figure 6C] This shows exemplary waveforms that can be generated using different algorithms (e.g., addition or subtraction of outputs along a single x, y, or z axis) to process the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) under different user operations of a scroll wheel (e.g., a scroll wheel).

[0034] [Figure 7] The present disclosure provides exemplary routines for calibrating the scroll wheel of a steering wheel switch, such as the steering wheel switch shown in Figure 1, according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 8] This demonstrates an exemplary integration of a magnet, a scroll wheel (e.g., a scroll wheel), and two 3D Hall effect sensors (e.g., 3D Hall effect sensors).

[0036] [Figure 9] Figure 1 is an illustrative block diagram showing various components that can be housed within a steering wheel switch. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Generally speaking, one or more aspects of this disclosure correspond to systems and methods that provide both force sensing and tactile feedback functions using a single component. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods further implement techniques that utilize signal redundancy when sensing input to achieve reliability in the aforementioned functions. As an example, some aspects of this disclosure relate to a steering wheel switch that utilizes a piezoelectric actuator to sense a force applied (e.g., by a user's finger) and provide customized tactile feedback. In addition, the steering wheel switch may be further integrated with one or more capacitive foils for position sensing. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch may further include one or more Hall effect sensors for detecting various types of user contact, such as pressing, scrolling, and tilting in different directions or sides. In some embodiments, the combination of sensing outputs provided by the piezoelectric actuator, capacitive foil, and Hall effect sensors achieves system redundancy, resulting in more reliable sensing and tactile feedback functions.

[0038] In conventional designs, steering wheel assemblies typically employ separate hardware to provide sensing and haptic feedback functions. For example, a steering wheel switch (an integrated part of the steering wheel assembly) may employ a sensor (e.g., an optical or infrared (IR) sensor) to sense the force applied by the user, and a separate component to provide haptic feedback to the user. The separate component for providing haptic feedback may take the form of a coil, which can be heavy or occupy additional space. Such methods can also present challenges in layout and signal routing, as they require packaging and integrating more components together.

[0039] In addition, reliability in sensing user input and providing haptic feedback is crucial for ensuring functional safety. Some systems employ force calibration to standardize the quality of haptic feedback in order to ensure a superior user experience and safety. Other systems employ different types of sensing technologies to improve the accuracy of sensing and haptic feedback. However, these technologies do not always yield satisfactory results due to the limited accuracy of the sensors and the potential for inadequate calibration processes.

[0040] To address at least part of the above-mentioned problems, steering wheel switches or switch packs thereof are disclosed according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch can support both force sensing and haptic feedback functions without increasing the cost and complexity of integration. For example, the steering wheel switch may include a single piezoelectric actuator that senses the force applied to one or more buttons on the steering wheel switch. Depending on the applied force, the piezoelectric actuator may provide haptic feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the haptic feedback can be customized by the user to achieve different tactile sensations (e.g., such as a buzzer, weak, strong, or click), thereby achieving different or better user experiences. In other embodiments, there may be two or more piezoelectric actuators or other haptic devices integrated within the steering wheel switch. However, utilizing a single piezoelectric actuator to provide both force sensing and haptic feedback has the advantage of reducing costs and facilitating hardware integration.

[0041] In some embodiments, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator, the steering wheel switch may further employ another mechanism for sensing user input. For example, one or more capacitive foils (or capacitive films) that detect the placement of the user's fingers for position sensing may be deployed on the surface of the steering wheel switch. In some examples, the outputs generated by the piezoelectric actuator and the capacitive foil may correlate, which can be considered to result in some degree of "redundancy." However, such redundancy can be used to verify the outputs generated by the piezoelectric actuator and the capacitive foil, thereby making the relevant sensing and tactile feedback more reliable.

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

[0043] While various embodiments and combinations of features are described in this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the examples and combinations of features are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting. More specifically, embodiments of this application may be applicable to various types of steering wheel assemblies, steering wheel switches, switch packs, interfaces, etc. Furthermore, specific structures of steering wheel switches for providing force sensing, position sensing, and haptic feedback are described, but such exemplary steering wheel switch designs or structures should not be construed as limiting. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application are not necessarily limited to any particular type of steering wheel assembly, steering wheel infrastructure, or exemplary interaction between a user / driver and the vehicle's steering wheel.

[0044] Figure 1 shows an exemplary steering wheel switch 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel switch 100 is standalone. However, the steering wheel switch 100 may be mounted on a steering wheel (not shown in Figure 1) and integrated as part of the steering wheel of a vehicle. Examples of vehicles may include automobiles, vans, trucks, marine vessels, aircraft, or spacecraft. As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel switch 100 may include a scroll wheel 108, buttons 102, 104, and 106 on its surface. As also shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel switch 100 may further include connectors on different sides that allow the steering wheel switch 100 to be mechanically connected to other parts of the steering wheel of a vehicle (not shown in Figure 1). In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch 100 may house various sensors and components (not shown in Figure 1) for sensing a force applied to a particular surface of the steering wheel switch 100 (e.g., the surface of the scroll wheel 108) and providing tactile feedback in response to the sensed force.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the components of a steering wheel switch 200 used to provide sensing and tactile functions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The steering wheel switch 200 shown in Figure 2 can be identical to the steering wheel switch 100 in Figure 1. The components of the steering wheel switch 200 shown in Figure 2 include a piezoelectric actuator 210, a capacitive foil 212, two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, and a scroll wheel 208. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric actuator 210 senses the force applied to one or more buttons (not shown in Figure 2) mounted on the surface of the steering wheel switch 200 and converts the sensed force into an electrical signal (e.g., current or voltage). The electrical signal is further processed by analog and / or digital circuits (not shown in Figure 2) associated with the steering wheel switch 200 to facilitate different actions that the user intends to achieve. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the electrical signal may correlate (e.g., proportional) with the force applied to one or more buttons. In addition, the piezoelectric actuator 210 can generate tactile feedback in response to the sensed force, for example.

[0046] In some embodiments, the capacitive foil 212 senses user touch events to the capacitive foil 212 and detects the position of the user's finger. Two 3D Hall effect sensors 214 can sense user operations on the scroll wheel 208, corresponding to different types of user contact with the scroll wheel 208. In some embodiments, the two 3D Hall effect sensors 214 detect user presses, tilts to the left, and tilts to the right on the scroll wheel 208. Figure 2 shows one piezoelectric actuator 210, one capacitive foil 212, two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, and one scroll wheel 208, but the number of each component is adjustable, resulting in different combinations. For example, instead of having two 3D Hall effect sensors 214, the steering wheel switch 200 may include one 3D Hall effect sensor 214. In another example, multiple capacitive foils 212 may be present.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an exemplary interior view of a steering wheel switch 300, similar to the steering wheel switch 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the steering wheel switch 300 includes buttons 302, 304, and 306, a scroll wheel 308, and a piezoelectric actuator 310. During operation, when a force is applied to one of the buttons 302, 304, or 306, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can be compressed to some extent (e.g., depending on the level or intensity of the applied force). Accordingly, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can generate an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage fluctuation of several millivolts) that correlates with the magnitude of the applied force. Thus, the generated electrical signal can indicate the intensity of the force applied to the steering wheel switch 300.

[0048] In some embodiments, buttons 302, 304, 306, and / or the piezoelectric actuator 310 are arranged such that the distance from the center of each button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310 and the corresponding distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch adjacent to the piezoelectric actuator 310 maintain a constant ratio. More specifically, for button 302, the distance A_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 302 to the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310) divided by the distance A_1 (i.e., the distance extending from the center of the piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch) may equal the ratio R. Although not readily apparent from Figure 3, the same ratio R is derived when distance B_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 304 to the center of piezoelectric actuator 310) is divided by distance B_1 (i.e., the distance from the center of piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch), and when distance C_2 (i.e., the distance from the center of button 306 to the center of piezoelectric actuator 310) is divided by distance C_1 (i.e., the distance from the center of piezoelectric actuator 310 to the boundary of the steering wheel switch).

[0049] A common ratio associated with the button-actuator pairs allows buttons 302, 304, and 306 to apply approximately equal compression to the piezoelectric actuator 310. Advantageously, such equal compression can improve sensing accuracy and eliminate the need for force sensing calibration between buttons 302, 304, and 306.

[0050] In some embodiments, an input force threshold is implemented to improve the user experience. Specifically, forces applied to the button below the input force threshold do not need to be sensed by the steering wheel switch 300, nor do they need to provide haptic feedback. In some examples, the input force threshold can be adjusted to a dynamic reference value that takes into account various effects (e.g., changes in system stiffness due to temperature changes). In this way, the user experience may be improved.

[0051] Figure 4 shows exemplary waveforms of voltages generated by force-sensing devices, such as the piezoelectric actuator 210 and capacitive foil 212 in Figure 2. As shown in the upper waveform 400 of Figure 4, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 reaches a peak value around the time the user presses down a component of the steering wheel switch 200 (e.g., a button). On the other hand, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 drops sharply or gradually to near 0V around the time the user releases or stops pressing the button. In some examples, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 drops sharply towards 0V in response to a sudden release of the button, or gradually decays towards 0V in response to a gentle release of the button. Advantageously, different rates of voltage change can be leveraged to provide a more customized tactile profile.

[0052] At the bottom of Figure 4, the voltage waveform 420 generated by the capacitive foil 212 is shown superimposed on the voltage waveform 410 generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210. As shown at the bottom of Figure 4, a certain degree of temporal correlation can be observed between the voltage waveforms generated by the capacitive foil 212 and the piezoelectric actuator 210. In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch 200 can utilize this correlation to verify the sensing functions performed by the capacitive foil 212 and the piezoelectric actuator 210. As described above, this correlation can provide system "redundancy" and increase the reliability of the force sensing and tactile functions. For example, at a time interval around 402, the voltage waveform 410 generated by the piezoelectric actuator 210 remains around 0V, while the voltage waveform 420 generated by the capacitive foil 212 hovers around its peak value. The steering wheel switch 200 can then use both waveforms to determine that the user is simply touching the button or scroll wheel without pressing it down. Thus, the steering wheel switch 200 may determine that it should not generate tactile feedback that the user may desire or intend.

[0053] Figure 5 shows exemplary waveforms related to tactile devices such as the piezoelectric actuator 210 in Figure 2 and the piezoelectric actuator 310 in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the piezoelectric actuator 310 can utilize a sinusoidal waveform 500 to generate a specific tactile profile. The sinusoidal waveform 500 exemplifies a frequency of 250 Hz and an amplitude of 120 V. In some embodiments, isolation can be implemented between the steering wheel switch 100 and other components of the steering wheel when assembling the steering wheel, thereby achieving a pure resonant frequency of 250 Hz for tactile feedback.

[0054] In some embodiments, different tactile profiles can be implemented by associating other types of waveforms with different frequencies and amplitudes with the piezoelectric actuator 310. For example, the amplitude associated with the piezoelectric actuator 310 may exceed 120V (e.g., 130V) to achieve a stronger tactile sensation (e.g., a greater force felt by the user). As another example, instead of exciting or operating the piezoelectric actuator 310 with a sinusoidal waveform 500 that can give the user a smooth, "click-like" tactile sensation, the piezoelectric actuator 310 may be excited with a triangular waveform to achieve a "buzzer-like" tactile sensation. In particular, different or more customized tactile profiles can be achieved by associating other frequencies and amplitudes with the piezoelectric actuator 310.

[0055] Figures 6A to 6C show exemplary waveforms that can be generated using different algorithms (e.g., addition or subtraction of outputs along a single x, y, or z axis) to process the output of a Hall effect sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor 214) under different user operations of the scroll wheel (e.g., scroll wheel 108). Figure 6A shows the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user presses and scrolls the scroll wheel 108. Figure 6B shows the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user tilts the scroll wheel 108 by +5 degrees (e.g., tilting the scroll wheel 108 to the left). Figure 6C shows the waveform associated with the sensing performed by the Hall effect sensor 214 when the user tilts the scroll wheel 108 by -5 degrees (e.g., tilting the scroll wheel 108 to the right). Figures 6A to 6C demonstrate that by processing the output generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 of the steering wheel switch 200, user operation of the scroll wheel 108 can be sensed over the entire range of motion of the scroll wheel.

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the y-axis represents the magnitude of the detected magnetic flux (e.g., in Tesla), and the x-axis represents the angle at which the scroll wheel 108 can be pressed and scrolled (e.g., from 0 to 360 degrees). In Figure 6A, waveform 602 is the result of incorporating an algorithm that adds the outputs generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 along the z-axis, and waveform 604 is the result of also incorporating an algorithm that adds the outputs generated by the Hall effect sensor 214 along the y-axis. Waveform 602 shows that the detected magnetic flux is almost zero at 90 and 270 degrees of scrolling, while waveform 604 shows that the detected magnetic flux is almost zero at 180 and 360 degrees of scrolling. Thus, the almost zero magnetic flux at 90 and 270 degrees in waveform 602 is compensated by waveform 604, and the almost zero magnetic flux at 180 and 360 degrees in waveform 604 is compensated by waveform 602, so that press and scroll sensing from 0 to 360 degrees can be achieved.

[0057] In some embodiments, the number of 3D Hall effect sensors used to generate the waveforms shown in Figures 6A-6C is variable, and may be less than or more than two. For example, the steering wheel switch 100 may employ one 3D Hall effect sensor 214 to sense user actions of pressing, tilting to the left, and tilting to the right on the scroll wheel 108. In some embodiments, in addition to using one or more 3D Hall effect sensors to sense user actions of pressing and tilting on the scroll wheel 108, the steering wheel switch 100 may further employ mechanical microswitches to sense user actions of pressing and tilting. For example, three microswitches may be deployed within the steering wheel switch 100, one to sense user scrolling and pressing, another to sense user tilting to the left, and another to sense user tilting to the right. As described above, such a method provides system redundancy for verifying the sensing functions performed by both the 3D Hall effect sensors and the microswitches, thereby increasing the reliability of the sensing and tactile feedback provided by the steering wheel switch 100.

[0058] In some embodiments, a calibration process 700 can be performed on the steering wheel switch 100. The calibration process 700 can improve the switch pack's ability to distinguish between different types of user operations. Exemplary types of user operations include pressing versus scrolling the steering wheel switch 100. In certain embodiments, the calibration process 700 can reduce the likelihood that the switch pack will mistakenly detect that the user is pressing down the steering wheel switch 100 when the user is scrolling it, and vice versa. Advantageously, after the calibration process 700 is performed, the steering wheel switch 100 will be better able to distinguish between different types of movements (e.g., scrolling and pressing) associated with the scroll wheel 108 at various angular positions (e.g., 0 to 360 degrees).

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

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

[0061] In block 706, the 3D magnetic field difference between the unpressed and pressed states can be determined. For example, the magnitude of the magnetic flux along the x, y, and z axes, sensed by the 3D Hall effect sensor 214, can be measured both before and after the scroll wheel 108 is pressed down. In this way, the difference in the measured 3D magnetic field between the unpressed and pressed states can be determined.

[0062] Next, the calibration process 700 varies depending on whether there are other discrete angular positions in block 708 for which the 3D magnetic field difference or change is undetermined. If there are other discrete angular positions for which the 3D magnetic field difference is undetermined, the calibration process 700 returns to block 702. In block 702, the scroll wheel 108 can be set or aligned to the next discrete angular position. If there are no further discrete angular positions for which the 3D magnetic field should be measured, the calibration process 700 may be terminated. Advantageously, the determined 3D magnetic field changes between the pressed and unpressed states associated with the scroll wheel 108 at one or more discrete angular positions can be used to reduce the likelihood that the switch pack will incorrectly detect that the user is scrolling the steering wheel switch 100 when the user is actually pressing it down, and vice versa.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an exemplary integration of a magnet 802, a scroll wheel 108, and two 3D Hall effect sensors 814, which may be identical or similar to the 3D Hall effect sensor 214. As shown in Figure 8, the magnet 802 may be housed within the scroll wheel 108, which includes a scroll wheel plastic and a scroll tick positioned on the scroll wheel plastic. In addition, the two 3D Hall effect sensors 814 are positioned such that each 3D Hall effect sensor 814 is 4 mm away from the center of the magnet 802. In some embodiments, a 15-degree offset is provided between the scroll tick and the magnetization line 816 (e.g., a line extending from N to S of the magnet). Such an arrangement ensures that neither scroll tick coincides with the magnetic boundary line, as the magnetic field along the magnetic boundary line is minimal and may be difficult to detect by the two 3D Hall effect sensors 814. Thus, the 15-degree offset can result in better detection of the magnetic field by the two 3D Hall effect sensors 814. In other embodiments, offset angles other than 15 degrees may be employed.

[0064] Figure 8 shows two Hall effect sensors 814, but in some embodiments, there may be one or more Hall effect sensors 814 employed to sense user scrolling, tilting, or other actions on the scroll wheel. In some embodiments, the distance between the 3D Hall effect sensor 814 and the center of the magnet may be less than 4 mm or greater than 4 mm.

[0065] Figure 9 is an exemplary block diagram showing various components that can be housed within a steering wheel switch, such as the steering wheel switch 100 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 9, the steering wheel switch includes a local interconnect network (LIN) transceiver 902, a programmable system-on-chip (PSoC) microcontroller 904, two Hall effect sensors 914, a capacitive touch film 912, a piezoelectric sensor 910, a tactile driver 920, three microswitches 930, three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 940, three LED drivers 950, a heater 960, and a power supply and regulator 970.

[0066] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric sensor 910 can be a piezoelectric actuator 210 or 310, the Hall effect sensor 914 can be a Hall effect sensor 214, and the capacitive touch film 912 can be a capacitive foil 212. As described above, the piezoelectric sensor 910 and the capacitive touch film 912 can enhance functional reliability by providing redundancy for sensing user contact and verifying the sensing function, respectively. The redundancy also enhances the reliability of sensing events on the scroll wheel (not shown in Figure 9), such as pressing, scrolling, and tilting to different sides or directions, using two Hall effect sensors 914 and three microswitches 930. In particular, the steering wheel switch shown in Figure 9 can achieve both force sensing and tactile feedback functions by using a piezoelectric sensor. Advantageously, the use of the piezoelectric sensor 910 allows for cost reduction and facilitates easier system integration.

[0067] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the exact form or specific field of use disclosed. Therefore, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the disclosure are possible in light of the disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein. While embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications to the form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0068] The above specification has described the disclosure with reference to specific embodiments. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the description is illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to create and use various embodiments of the disclosed steering wheel switch.

[0069] It should be understood that the forms of disclosure shown and described herein should be considered representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those representatively shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the descriptions of this disclosure. Expressions such as “includes,” “equipment,” “incorporates,” “consists of,” “has,” and “is” used to describe and assert this disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, that is, to allow for the existence of items, components, or elements not expressly described herein. Singular references should be interpreted as relating to plurals as well. Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and descriptive in nature and should never be interpreted as limiting this disclosure.

[0070] All references to joinings (e.g., mounting, fastening, joining, connection, etc.) are used solely to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and do not create any limitation on the location, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, references to joinings should be interpreted broadly. Furthermore, such references to joinings do not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected to each other. In addition, all numerical terms, including but not limited to “first,” “second,” “third,” “primary,” “secondary,” “main,” or any other common and / or numerical terms, should also be interpreted solely as identifiers to aid the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of this disclosure, and in particular, no limitation should be created in any element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification to or exceed another element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification, in terms of order or priority.

[0071] The exemplary algorithms described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASIC or FPGA devices), computer software running on computer hardware, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the various exemplary logic blocks and modules described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or run by machines such as digital signal processors ("DSPs"), application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), field-programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor device may be a microprocessor, but in alternative examples, the processor device may be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, or a combination thereof. The processor device may include electrical circuits configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, the processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. The processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although this specification primarily describes digital technologies, processor devices may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering techniques described herein may be implemented in analog circuits or mixed analog-digital circuits.Computing environments can include, but are not limited to, any type of computer system, such as microprocessor-based computer systems, mainframe computers, digital signal processors, portable computing devices, device controllers, or computing engines in electrical products.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner if useful for a particular application, and may even be omitted or depicted as non-functional in certain cases.

Claims

1. A switch pack for vehicles, A piezoelectric actuator, A first electrical signal is generated in response to a first user contact associated with the switch pack. A piezoelectric actuator configured to generate haptic feedback based on a control signal, It is a processor, Based at least in part on the first electrical signal, it is determined that the first user contact indicates a first user action. A processor configured to generate the control signal based on the first user action, A vehicle switch pack equipped with the following features.

2. The first button, A capacitive foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to the first user contact, Furthermore, The switch pack according to claim 1, wherein the processor further determines, based on a second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user operation.

3. The switch pack according to claim 2, wherein the first user action is the user pressing down the first button, or the user touching the first button without pressing down the first button.

4. It also has a second button, The switch pack according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first ratio of a first distance from the center of the first button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator to a second distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch pack is equal to the second ratio of a third distance from the center of the second button to the center of the piezoelectric actuator to a fourth distance from the center of the piezoelectric actuator to the edge of the switch pack.

5. Scroll wheel and, A first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact with the scroll wheel, Furthermore, The switch pack according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, at least in part, that the second user contact indicates a second user action based on the first sensing signal.

6. The switch pack according to claim 5, wherein the second user action is pressing the scroll wheel, tilting the scroll wheel to the right, or tilting the scroll wheel to the left.

7. The present invention further comprises a mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to the second user contact, The switch pack according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

8. The system further comprises a second 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to the second user contact, The switch pack according to claims 5 to 7, wherein the processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates the second user operation.

9. The switch pack according to claim 8, wherein determining that the second user contact indicates the second user action includes adding the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the x-axis, adding the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the y-axis, or adding the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal along the z-axis.

10. The scroll wheel further comprises a magnet at least partially surrounded by the scroll wheel, The switch pack according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first 3D Hall effect sensor and the second 3D Hall effect sensor are equidistant from the magnetization line of the magnet.

11. The switch pack according to claim 10, wherein the scroll wheel includes a first scroll tick and a second scroll tick, the first scroll tick and the second scroll tick having an offset of about 15 degrees with respect to the magnetization line of the magnet.

12. It is a sensor, A first electrical signal is generated in response to a first user contact associated with a steering wheel switch. A sensor configured to generate haptic feedback based on a control signal, It is a processor, Based at least in part on the first electrical signal, it is determined that the first user contact indicates a first user action. A processor configured to generate the control signal based on the first user action, A steering wheel for a vehicle, equipped with steering wheel switches.

13. Buttons and, A capacitive foil configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to the first user contact, Furthermore, The steering wheel according to claim 12, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the first user contact indicates a first user action.

14. Scroll wheel and, A first 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a second user contact with the scroll wheel, Furthermore, The steering wheel according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, at least in part, that the second user contact indicates the second user action, based on the first sensing signal.

15. The present invention further comprises a mechanical microswitch configured to generate a second sensing signal in response to the second user contact, The steering wheel according to claim 14, wherein the processor further determines, based on the second sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

16. The system further comprises a second 3D Hall effect sensor configured to generate a third sensing signal in response to the second user contact, The steering wheel according to claim 15, wherein the processor further determines, based on the third sensing signal, that the second user contact indicates a second user action.

17. A method for calibrating the steering wheel switches of a vehicle, The steps include setting the scroll wheel to a first discrete angular position, The steps include pressing down the scroll wheel to change the scroll wheel from an unpressed state to a pressed state, A step of determining a first 3D magnetic field difference related to the unpressed state and the pressed state at the first discrete angular position, Methods that include...

18. The steps include sensing a first 3D magnetic field associated with a non-pressed state at the first discrete angular position, The steps include sensing a second 3D magnetic field related to the pressing state at the first discrete angular position, It further includes, The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of determining the first 3D magnetic field difference is based on the first 3D magnetic field and the second 3D magnetic field.

19. The first step of recording the 3D magnetic field difference, The steps include setting the scroll wheel to a second discrete angular position, The steps include pressing down the scroll wheel to change the scroll wheel from an unpressed state to a pressed state, The steps include determining a second 3D magnetic field difference related to the unpressed state and the pressed state at the second discrete angular position, The second step of recording the 3D magnetic field difference, The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising:

20. The steps include generating a sensing signal in response to a first user contact with the scroll wheel, A step of determining that the first user contact indicates a first user action, based at least partially on the sensing signal and the first 3D magnetic field difference, It further includes, The method according to claim 17 or 19, wherein the first user action is pressing the scroll wheel, tilting the scroll wheel to the right, or tilting the scroll wheel to the left.

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