RU2676921C2 - Proximity switch and method for activation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: motor vehicle industry.SUBSTANCE: proximity switch assembly is disclosed. Proximity switch assembly comprises a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for generating an activation field. Proximity switch assembly also comprises soft material located on top of the proximity sensor and a control circuit. Control circuit controls the activation field and determines the activation of the proximity switch based on the signal generated by the sensor relative to the threshold value, when the user's finger presses on the soft material. Control circuit determines a first stable signal amplitude over a period of time as a result of user action, determines the next second stable signal amplitude during a second period of time and generates an activation output for the proximity switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount. Method of activating a proximity switch and a proximity switch assembly are also disclosed. Successful detection of switch activation is achieved, while preventing accidental activation of the switch, which can be detected when a finger examines a switch assembly or is in search. For an improved proximity switch assembly, enhanced activation detection is provided, which may be beneficial or useful in a vehicle to avoid driver distraction.EFFECT: proximity switch assembly successfully provides improved switch activation detection to improve the prevention of accidental activations.17 cl, 37 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to switches, in particular to proximity switches with an improved algorithm for determining the need for switching.

State of the art

Automobile vehicles are usually equipped with various user-activated switches, such as switches for controlling various devices, including power windows, headlights, windshield wipers, transparent or opaque sunroofs, interior lighting devices, a radio and infotainment systems, as well as many other devices. In the general case, to activate and deactivate a device or perform a certain type of control action, the user needs to change the position of the corresponding switches. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, use one or more proximity sensors (proximity sensors) that create a touch activation field and detect a change in the activation field that indicates the use of the switch by the user (for example, when approaching or contacting the user's finger sensor). Typically, capacitive switches are configured to detect switch activation by a user based on a comparison of the touch activation field with a threshold value.

The switch blocks often use several capacitive switches located in close proximity to each other, and the user is required to select one desired capacitive switch to perform the necessary operation. In some applications, for example, in a car, the driver of the vehicle cannot pay all the attention to the switches without being distracted from the road. In such cases, it is preferable to allow the user to search for the desired button on the switch block, in which there is no premature determination of the need to activate the switch. Thus, it is desirable to distinguish between situations where the user wants to activate the switch, when he simply searches for the desired switch button, focusing on a more important task, such as driving, and when the driver does not want to activate the switch. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide such a configuration of proximity switches in order to improve their use by the consumer, for example, the driver of the vehicle.

Disclosure of invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a proximity switch block that includes a proximity sensor generating an activation field, a soft pliable material covering the proximity sensor, and a control loop that controls the activation field and determines whether the proximity switch is activated based on a comparison of the signal generated sensor, with a threshold value, when the user's finger clicks on soft material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for activating a proximity switch is provided. The method involves generating an activation field using a proximity sensor and monitoring a signal indicative of an activation field. The method also involves determining the amplitude with a stable signal for a minimum period of time and generating an activation output signal when the first amplitude value is exceeded by a known value, indicating that the user clicks on the soft material covering the proximity sensor. These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after studying the following description, claims and accompanying features hedgehogs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These drawings show the following:

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle with a console above a windshield equipped with a proximity switch unit according to the invention.

In FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the console and proximity switch assembly of FIG. one.

In FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2, which shows the location of the proximity switch array relative to the user's finger.

In FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a capacitive sensor installed in each capacitive switch of FIG. 3.

In FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a device of the proximity switch block according to the invention.

In FIG. 6 is a graph showing a signal counting pulse for one channel corresponding to a specific capacitive sensor, showing an activation motion profile.

In FIG. 7 is a graph showing a signal count pulse for two channels corresponding to capacitive sensors, showing a search / oscillation motion profile.

In FIG. 8 is a graph showing a signal counting pulse for a communication channel corresponding to capacitive sensors, showing a profile of slow activation motion.

In FIG. 9 is a graph showing a signal count pulse for two channels corresponding to capacitive sensors, showing a profile of fast search motion.

In FIG. 10 is a graph showing a pulse of a signal count for three channels corresponding to capacitive sensors in a search / oscillation mode, illustrating sure-fire activation at a peak value, according to one embodiment.

In FIG. 11 is a graph showing a signal count pulse for three channels corresponding to capacitive sensors in a search mode, illustrating triggering by confident pressing at a signal level that falls below a peak value, according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 12 is a graph showing a signal counting pulse for three channels corresponding to capacitive sensors in a search mode, illustrating increased confident pressure on the touch panel to activate a switch, according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 13 is a graph showing a signal count pulse for three channels corresponding to capacitive sensors in search mode and a selection of a touch panel based on an increased sure press, according to yet another embodiment.

In FIG. 14 is a state diagram illustrating five states of a capacitive switch unit implemented by a state machine, according to one embodiment.

In FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flowchart of a method for activating a switch in a switch block in accordance with one embodiment.

In FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process for activating a switch and opening a switch.

In FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating logic for switching between a non-switching state and active switching states.

In FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating logic for switching from an active switching state to a non-switching state or a state of reaching a switching threshold.

In FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a switching order between a state of reaching a switching threshold and switch search states.

In FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a virtual button operation method realizing a switch search state.

In FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating a signal count pulse for a channel corresponding to capacitive sensors for which a search mode and a virtual button mode for activating a switch are provided, according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating a signal count pulse for a virtual button mode when activation is not triggered.

In FIG. 23 is a graph illustrating a signal count pulse for a capacitive sensor in search mode, further illustrating a state when the switch is activated, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In FIG. 24 is a graph illustrating a signal count pulse for a capacitive sensor, further illustrating a state when activation is triggered, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In FIG. 25 is a graph illustrating a signal count pulse for a capacitive sensor, further illustrating a time period for exiting virtual button mode and re-entering virtual button mode, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a processing order of a communication channel in a virtual button mode, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a virtual button to process a communication channel, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a proximity switch unit comprising proximity switches and soft material covering them, relative to a user's finger shown in a first position, in accordance with another embodiment.

In FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch block of FIG. 28, in which the user's finger is depicted in the second position.

In FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch block of FIG. 28, which also depicts a finger of a user in the third position on soft material.

In FIG. 31 is a graph showing a signal generated by one of the proximity sensors when detecting finger movement and pressing a soft coating, as shown in FIG. 28-30;

In FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a proximity switch unit in which a soft cover material having raised portions with air gaps and a user's finger shown in a first position are used in accordance with a further embodiment.

In FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch block of FIG. 32, further illustrating a user's finger in a second position.

In FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch block of FIG. 32, further illustrating the pressing of the switch with a user's finger in the third position.

In FIG. 35 is a graph showing a signal generated by one of the sensors when moving a finger, as shown in FIG. 32-34;

In FIG. 36 is a state diagram showing various states of a capacitive switch unit having a soft material coating and in which a virtual button mode is provided.

In FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing a signal generated by a proximity switch coated with soft material in accordance with one embodiment.

The implementation of the invention

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the invention. The described options are given solely as examples, which can be embodied in various forms. The figures are optionally made to scale. Some elements can be enlarged or reduced to display details of specific components. The specific structural and functional features set forth in this description should not be construed as limiting, and are given only as an illustration to familiarize specialists in the art with options for implementing the invention.

In FIG. 1 and 2, the interior of an automobile vehicle 10 is shown having a passenger compartment and a switch unit 20 in which several proximity switches 22 are used having the ability to monitor and determine the activation of the switch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Vehicle 10 comprises an upper console 12 integrated in the roof lining on the underside of the roof or on the ceiling in the upper part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, which is located above the front passenger seat. In accordance with one embodiment, unit 20 has several proximity switches 22 located next to each other in the upper console 12. Various proximity switches 22 can control any number of vehicle devices and functions, for example, moving a transparent or opaque sunroof 16 in the roof, moving the screen 18 a transparent sunroof, activation of one or more lighting devices, such as cabin lights 30 for reading a road map, as well as other devices and functions . However, it should be understood that in accordance with various vehicle configurations, the proximity switches 22 can be located anywhere on the vehicle 10, for example, on the dashboard, on other consoles, for example on the center console, integrated in the touch screen 14 for the radio or information an entertainment system, such as a navigation display and / or audio display, or anywhere else in the vehicle 10.

In accordance with one embodiment, the proximity switches 22 depicted and described are capacitive switches. Each proximity switch 22 includes at least one proximity sensor providing an activation sensor field for detecting a contact or close proximity (for example, less than one millimeter) of a user to one or more proximity sensors, for example, when a finger is drawn across them. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, the sensor activation field of each proximity switch 22 is a capacitive field, and the user's finger has electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the sensor activation field. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, including but not limited to inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, their analogs, or combinations of sensors of these types. Examples of proximity sensors are described in the ATMEL ^® 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09 Touch Screen Design Guide dated April 9, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The proximity switches 22 of FIG. 1 and 2 provide control of a component or device of a vehicle or the performance of a specific control function. One or more proximity switches 22 may be designed to control the movement of a transparent or opaque sunroof 16 in the roof, which provide movement of the sunroof 16 in the opening or closing direction, tilting the sunroof or stopping the movement of the sunroof, in accordance with the control algorithm. One or more other proximity switches 22 may be designed to control the movement of the sunroof screen 18 between the open or closed positions. The hatch 16 and the screen 18 can be set in motion by means of an electric motor when the corresponding proximity switch 22 is activated. Other proximity switches 22 can be used to control other devices, for example, turning on the interior lights 30 for reading the road map, turning off the lights 30, turning it on and off ceiling lights, unlocking the luggage compartment, opening the rear hatch or locking the door lamp warning switch. Additional control actions performed using the proximity switches 22 include the raising and lowering of door windows with a drive. The proximity switches 22 described herein also allow control of other vehicle controls.

In FIG. 3 shows a portion of the proximity switch unit 20 with an array of three proximity switches 22 sequentially located in close proximity to each other with respect to the user's finger 34 during use of the switch unit 20. Each proximity switch 22 includes one or more proximity sensors 24 for generating a touch activation field. In accordance with one embodiment, each proximity sensor 24 may be formed by printing with conductive ink on the upper surface of the polymer upper console 12. In accordance with one example of FIG. 4 shows a conductive ink printed contactless sensor 24 that has a drive electrode 26 and a receiving electrode 28, each of which has an interdigitated structure to create a capacitive field 32. It will be understood that, in accordance with other embodiments, each contactless sensor 24 may be formed in another way, for example, by mounting a prefabricated conductive printed conductor on a substrate. The electrode 26 of the drive receives a rectangular trigger pulses with a voltage of V _I. The receiving electrode 28 provides an output signal for generating an output voltage V _o . It should be understood that to generate a capacitive field, as the activation field 32, the electrodes 26 and 28 can be located in other configurations.

In accordance with the depicted and described embodiments, the input voltage _Vin is supplied to the drive electrode 26 of each proximity sensor 24 in the form of rectangular pulses with a charge pulse generation cycle sufficient to charge the receiving electrode 28 to the required voltage level. In this case, the receiving electrode 28 acts as a measuring electrode. In the depicted embodiment, the neighboring sensor activation fields 32 generated by the neighboring proximity switches 22 partially (slightly) overlap each other, however, in accordance with other embodiments, the overlap may not occur. When a user or an operator, for example, a user's finger 34, enters the activation field 32, the proximity switch unit 20 detects a disturbance of the activation field 32 generated by the finger 34 and determines whether the disturbance is sufficient to activate the corresponding proximity switch 22. Detection of the activation field 32 performed by processing the signal of the charge pulse corresponding to a specific communication channel. When the user's finger 34 is in contact with two activation fields 32, the proximity switch unit 20 detects a disturbance of both activation fields 32 using two separate communication channels. Each proximity switch 22 has its own dedicated communication channel, generating the number of charge pulses, processed in accordance with the following description.

In FIG. 5 illustrates a proximity switch unit 20 according to one embodiment of the invention. Also shown are several proximity sensors 24 that generate input signals for the controller 40, for example, for a microcontroller. The controller 40 may include a control loop, for example, a microprocessor 42 and a storage device 48. The control loop may include a sensory control loop that processes the activation field data of each sensor 22 to detect user activation of the corresponding switch by comparing the activation field signal with one or multiple thresholds in accordance with one or more control procedures. It should be understood that another analog and / or digital control loop can be used to process each activation field, determine user activation, and initiate an action. In accordance with one embodiment, the controller 40 may utilize ATMEL ^® QMatrix data acquisition technology. ATMEL data collection technology is based on the use of the C / C ++ compiler and the WinAVR debugger installed on the WINDOWS ^® host computer, which simplifies development and testing using the Hawkeye utility, which monitors the internal state of critical variables in the program, as well as data logs for subsequent processing in real time.

The controller 40 provides an output signal to one or more devices configured to perform the assigned actions in response to the correct activation of the proximity switch. For example, one or more devices can be a sunroof 16 with an electric motor for moving the sunroof panel between open, closed and tilted positions, a sunroof screen 18 that moves between open or closed positions, and lighting devices 30 that can be turned on and off . It may also be possible to control other devices, for example, a radio receiver, to perform on and off functions, adjust volume, search for stations, and other types of devices to perform other assigned functions. One of the proximity switches 22 may be designed to close the sunroof, the other proximity switch 22 may be designed to open the sunroof, and another switch 22 may be designed to position the sunroof in an inclined position, each such switch controls electric motor to move the hatch to the desired position. The hatch screen 18 may be opened upon receipt of a signal from one proximity switch 22 and closed upon receipt of a signal from another proximity switch 22.

The illustrated controller 40 also has an analog-to-digital (A / D) comparator 44 connected to the microprocessor 42. The analog-to-digital comparator 44 receives the output voltage V _o from each proximity switch 22, converts the analog signal to a digital signal, and provides a digital signal to the microprocessor 42 . In addition, the controller 40 includes a pulse counter 46 connected to the microprocessor 42. A pulse counter 46 counts the pulses of the charge signals supplied to each drive electrode of each proximity sensor, you olnyaet pulse count required for capacitor charge up until the output voltage V _O reaches a predetermined value, and outputs the number of pulses received value to the microprocessor 42. The number of pulses indicates a change in capacitance of the corresponding capacitive sensor. Also, the illustrated controller 40 is connected to a pulse width modulation drive buffer device 15. The controller 40 outputs a pulse width modulation drive to the buffer 15 with pulse-width modulation to generate a series of rectangular pulses V _Rin supplied to drive each electrode of each non-contact sensor / switch 22. The controller 40 performs a control procedure 100 stored on a memory device to monitoring and determining the activation status of one of the proximity switches.

In accordance with various examples in FIG. 6-13 show a change in the number of sensor charge pulses, which is denoted as Δ Number of Sensor Pulses for several communication channels corresponding to several proximity switches 22, for example, three switches 22 of FIG. 3. The change in the number of pulses of the charge of the sensor is the difference between the initial reference value of the number of pulses in the absence of fingers or other objects in the activation field and the corresponding sensor reading. In these examples, the user's finger enters the activation fields 32, corresponding to each of the three proximity switches 22, usually in one touch activation field at any time with overlapping between adjacent activation fields 32 when moving the finger through the matrix of switches. Channel 1 represents a change (Δ) in the number of sensor charge pulses corresponding to the first capacitive sensor 24, channel 2 represents a change in the number of sensor charge pulses corresponding to an adjacent second capacitive sensor 24, and channel 3 represents a change in the number of sensor charge pulses corresponding to the third capacitive a sensor 24 located adjacent to the second capacitive sensor. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the proximity sensors 24 are capacitive sensors. When a contact is detected and the user's finger approaches the sensor 24, the finger changes the measured capacitance of the corresponding sensor 24. The capacitance changes together with the stray capacitance of the unused sensor touch panel, on the basis of which the offset value can be measured. The capacity due to the presence of the user or operator is directly proportional to the dielectric constant of the user's finger or other part of the body, the surface in contact with the capacitive touch panel, and inversely proportional to the distance from the user's limb to the switch button. In accordance with one embodiment, each sensor is excited by a group of voltage pulses using pulse width modulated (PWM) electronic devices until the sensor is charged to the set voltage. This method of data collection allows you to charge the receiving electrode 28 to a certain voltage level. This cycle is repeated until the voltage across the measuring capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage. Placing the user's finger on the touch surface of the switch 24 increases the external capacitance, as a result of which the charge transmitted within one cycle increases, which leads to a decrease in the total number of cycles required for the measuring capacitor to reach a predetermined voltage level. The user's finger causes an increase in the number of charge pulses of the sensor, since this value corresponds to the difference between the initial reference value and the value obtained using the sensor.

The proximity switch unit 20 is capable of recognizing the movement of the user's hand when the hand, in particular the finger, is in close proximity to the proximity switches 22, in order to distinguish between situations where the user wants to activate the switch 22, find a specific switch button, focusing attention on more important tasks, for example, while driving, or as a result of performing such tasks, for example, adjusting the rear-view mirror, which are not related to the activation of the proximity switch 22. Block 20 eskontaktnyh switches can operate in search mode that allows the user to find a key or button by moving or sliding the finger in the vicinity of the switch without activating the switch, until that user wants. The proximity switch unit 20 controls the amplitude of the signal generated in response to the activation field signal, determines the amount of change in the differential of the generated signal, and generates an activation output signal when the signal differential exceeds a threshold value. This approach allows the user to search for the touch panel of the switch with their fingers on the block of 20 proximity switches and eliminates the possibility of an undesired event triggering, as well as characterized by a short response time of the interface, and activation occurs when the finger touches the surface panel, and the likelihood of unwanted activation of the switch is eliminated or declining.

In FIG. 6 shows that when the user's finger 34 approaches the switch 22 corresponding to the communication channel 1, the finger 34 enters the activation field 32 corresponding to the sensor 24, which causes a change in capacitance and an increase in the number of sensor pulses, as shown by signal 50A for the standard movement profile activation. In accordance with one embodiment, a method based on determining the slope of the leading edge of the signal when a finger appears in the activation field can be used to determine whether the operator wants to click on a button or find a button on the interface using an increase in the ramp of signal 50A to communication channel 1, the value of which increases from point 52, at which signal 50A reaches the level of the number of pulses of the active state (ACTIVITY LEVEL), to point 54, at which signal 50A reaches level k lichestva pulses threshold state (UROVEN_POROG). The slope of the leading edge of the signal is the differential change for the generated signal between points 52 and 54 over a period of time from t _threshold to t _asset . Since the difference between the level of the threshold value of the counter and the level of the active state usually changes only when a gloved hand is detected (otherwise this value remains constant), the slope can be calculated after a period of time for the level to change from the level of the active state to the level of the threshold state designated as t is an _{asset threshold} and is equal to the difference between time instants t is a _threshold. and t _asset . Direct pressing of the touch panel of the switch usually occurs during a period of time designated as t _{short. a click} that changes between 40 and 60 milliseconds (approximately). If the time period t _{asset-threshold is} less than or equal to the period of the direct pressing of t is not _{immediate. pressing} , it will be determined that it is necessary to activate the switch. Otherwise, it will be determined that the switch search mode must be enabled.

According to another embodiment, the leading edge slope value can be obtained as the difference (time period t _asset-peak ) between the time t _asset at point 52 and the time t _peak at 56 when the peak number of pulses is reached. Time period t _{asset peak} . can be compared to a peak value when directly pressed (t not _{pressing peak_} ), which in accordance with one embodiment may be equal to 100 milliseconds. If the time period t _{asset-peak is} less than or equal to the value of t _{unspeakable_peaks} , then a decision will be made on whether to activate the switch. Otherwise, the switch assembly will operate in search mode.

In the example of FIG. Figure 6 shows that the value for communication channel 1 increases with a rapid increase in the change in capacitance from point 52 to a peak value at point 56. The proximity switch unit 20 determines the value of the slope of the leading edge with increasing time period t _{active threshold} or t _{active peak} for the signal from the first threshold value at point 52 to the second threshold value at point 54 or the peak threshold value at point 56. The amount of slope or differential change in the generated signal is then used to compare with st The default value for the direct pressing threshold value is t _non-pressing or t _{non-pressing peak} to determine whether the proximity switch needs to be activated. In particular, when the time period t _{asset peak is} less than the time period t _{failure to press} or when the time period t _{asset threshold is} less than the time period t _{failure to press} , the decision is made whether to activate the switch. Otherwise, the switch assembly remains in search mode.

In FIG. Figure 7 shows one example of a sliding / search motion along two switches when a finger passes or slides through the activation field of two adjacent proximity sensors depicted as communication channel 1 (indicated 50A) and communication channel 2 (indicated 50 V). When the user's finger approaches the first switch, the finger enters the activation field corresponding to the sensor of the first switch, as a result of which the number of sensor pulses in the signal 50A increases at a lower speed, i.e. the differential change for the generated signal is less important. In accordance with this example, the profile of the communication channel 1 changes over a period of time t _{asset peak} less than or equal to a period of time t _non-pressing , after which the transition to search mode occurs. Since the time period t _{asset-threshold} indicates a slow differential change in the generated signal, in accordance with one embodiment, the activation of the switch button is not performed. Since, in accordance with another embodiment, the time period t _{asset peak is} longer than the time period t _{non-pressing peak} , which indicates a slow change in the differential of the generated signal, activation is not performed. The depicted second communication channel (50V) reaches its maximum level at transition point 58, and also has an increasing value ** of the number of sensor pulses and the same change in signal differential as the signal 50A. In this case, the values of the first and second channels 50A and 50B indicate the sliding motion of a finger near two capacitive sensors in search mode, as a result of which no switch is activated. Using the time period t _{asset-threshold} or _asset-peak t, when the peak value of the capacitance for the signal is reached, a decision can be made about whether to activate the proximity switch.

With the slow forward movement of depiction shown in FIG. 8, additional processing may be performed to confirm that there is no activation intent. As seen in FIG. 8, the first communication channel (50A) has a lower rate of level increase within the time period t _{asset-threshold} or _asset-peak t, as a result of which the transition to the search mode occurs. If, when a slip / search motion is detected and with an _asset- time period t greater than the _{non-pressurization} period t, the channel that violated this condition is the first communication channel, which goes into search mode and remains the maximum channel (the channel with the highest intensity ) when the capacity decreases to a level below the value LEVEL_PRESSION_THRESHOLD at point 60, the activation of the switch is initiated.

In FIG. Figure 9 shows the quick movement of the user's finger next to the proximity switch block, without activating the switches. In accordance with this example, a relatively large differential change is detected in the generated signal for the first and second channels (lines 50A and 50B, respectively). The switch node uses a delayed time period to delay decision making until transition point 58 at which the value for the second communication channel 50B exceeds the value for the first communication channel 50A. In accordance with one embodiment, the time delay can be set to a threshold value of time t _{non-click_peaks} . Thus, using the time delay to decide whether to activate the switch, the very fast movement of the key search will prevent unwanted activation of the switch. Using a time delay can make the interface less sensitive, and it can work better with essentially uniform movement of the operator’s finger.

If a situation was detected some time ago when the achievement of the previous threshold value did not lead to activation, then in accordance with one embodiment, an automatic transition to the search mode can be performed. As a result, after detecting and rejecting an undesired response for some time in the search mode, tracking can be performed with greater care.

Another way in which the operator can enter the search mode is based on the use of one or more areas or touch panels with a certain marking and / or texture on the surface of the switch panel corresponding to a certain proximity switch with the function of issuing to the contactless switch block a signal that the operator is blind search. One or more touch panels to enable search mode can be located in an accessible place in which other communication channels are unlikely to affect its operation. According to another embodiment, unmarked touch panels having a relatively large size may be arranged around the switch interface. When sliding the operator’s hand over the console over the windshield to find a landmark, she will most likely first find this particular touch panel, from which a blind search for the proximity switch block will then be started.

After the proximity sensor block determines whether the increase in the number of sensor pulses is caused by the activation of the switch or the search movement, depending on the result, the block will go on to determine whether the search movement should end by activating the proximity switch (and how), or should not. In accordance with one embodiment, the proximity switch unit waits for the button of the switch to be pressed confidently for at least a predetermined period of time. In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined period of time is equal to or greater than 50 milliseconds, in a more preferred embodiment, it is approximately 80 milliseconds. Examples of the operating principles of the switch block used in determining the duration of steady depression are shown in FIG. 10-13.

In FIG. 10 shows a search for three proximity switches, designated as three communication channels, which correspond to signals 50A-50C, respectively, during which a finger slides along the first and second switches in search mode, and then activates a third switch corresponding to the third communication channel. When you move your finger next to the first and second switches corresponding to the first and second channels, activation is not performed due to the lack of a constant signal on lines 50A and 50B. The signal on line 50A for the first channel appears as the maximum signal value until the second channel value on line 50B becomes maximum, after which the maximum value is set in the third channel. The illustrated third communication channel has a stable (constant) change in the number of sensor pulses in the region near the peak value for a certain period of time t _constant , for example, for 80 milliseconds, sufficient to activate the corresponding proximity switch. When the switching condition is met when the threshold level is reached and the peak value is reached, the method based on the detection of a confident level activates the switch after detecting a situation where the level on the switch remains practically unchanged, i.e. remains within a narrow range, over a period of time t _constant . This allows the operator to find other proximity switches and activate the desired switch after it is detected and the user’s finger is held next to the switch for a period of confident pressing t _constant .

In FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a method based on the detection of a confident level, according to which in the third communication channel (via line 50C) the number of sensor pulses is changed so that the confident level is set at a lower portion of the signal. In accordance with this example, the magnitude of the change in the number of sensor pulses for the third channel exceeds the threshold level value and has a detected confident depression portion for a certain period of time t _constant so that activation of the third switch is determined.

According to another embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 and 13, the proximity switch block can use a method based on the virtual button mode, in which the search searches for the initial peak value of the change in the number of sensor pulses, after which there is an additional increase in the value of the change in the number of sensor pulses, at which a decision is made to activate the switch . In FIG. 12, the third communication channel increases along line 50C to the initial peak value, and then continues to increase due to a change in the number of sensor pulses C _vk . This situation is equivalent to a light touch of the user's finger on the surface of the switch block while moving along the switch block to the desired button and then pressing the virtual mechanical switch, during which the user's finger presses on the contact surface of the switch and increases the surface area of the finger closer to the switch. The increase in capacity is caused by the increase in the surface area of the finger pad when you press the surface of the touch panel. An increase in capacitance can occur immediately after a peak value is detected, as shown in FIG. 12, or after a slight decrease in the number of sensor pulses, as shown in FIG. 13. The proximity switch block detects the initial peak value, after which there is an increase in the number of sensor pulses, detected on the basis of a constant capacitance level C _vc or a constant pressing period t _constant . A stable detection level is expressed as the absence of a change in the number of sensor pulses without interference, or in the form of a small change in the number of sensor pulses without interference, which can be predefined during calibration.

It should be understood that a shorter duration of the time period t _constant can lead to accidental operation, especially after moving the finger in the opposite direction, and too long a period of time t _constant can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of the interface.

It should be understood that a method based on the use of a stable (constant) value, and a method based on the use of virtual button mode, can be used simultaneously. In this case, the period of confident pressing t _constant can be increased, for example, up to one second, since the operator can always use the method based on the virtual button mode to switch the button without waiting for the period of confident pressing.

The proximity switch box can also use high noise suppression to prevent unwanted operation too often. For example, when using the upper console, it is necessary to prevent accidental opening and closing of the sunroof. Using too strict a noise suppression criterion can lead to a rejection of the desired switching, which is unacceptable. In accordance with one approach to suppressing interference, a check is made for the presence of several neighboring channels that simultaneously signal a trip, and if this condition is met, the communication channel with the strongest signal is selected and activated, and all other communication channels are ignored until the selected communication channel is turned off.

The proximity switch block 20 may include suppressing noise using the signature value based on two parameters: the signature parameter, which is the ratio between the maximum channel intensity (max_channel) and the total total channel intensity level (total_channel), and the parameter d _ak , representing the number of channels , the coefficient value for which exceeds the coefficient value for the channel with maximum intensity (max_channel). In accordance with one embodiment, the activation coefficient α _dak = 0.5. The signature parameter can be determined in accordance with the following equation:

The parameter d _ak can be determined in accordance with the following equation:

Depending on the value of d _ak , in order for the recognized activation not to be rejected, the signal in the channel must be clean, i.e. the signature value must be higher than a predetermined threshold value. In accordance with one embodiment, α _{dak = 1} = 0.4, and α _{dak = 2} = 0.67. If the value is greater than 2, in accordance with one embodiment, activation is not performed.

If the decision about whether to activate the switch or not is made by lowering the profile, then to calculate the signature value, instead of the values of the parameters max_channel and total_channel, you can use their peak values of the parameters max_channel_peak and total_channel_pick. The signature can be determined in accordance with the following equation:

Noise reduction can be used to enable the search mode. If the detected activation is rejected due to a “dirty” signature (with interference), it is necessary to automatically turn on the search or oscillation mode. Thus, in a blind search, the user can use all fingers to find a landmark from which to start the search. In this case, several channels simultaneously trigger, which will lead to a deterioration in the signature.

In accordance with one embodiment of FIG. 14 is a state diagram for a proximity switch unit 20 implemented with a state machine. The implementation of the state machine is shown in five states, including state 70 NO_SHIP, state 72 ACTIVE_SHIFT, state 74 SWITCH_THRESH, state 76 SWITCH_SET, and state 78 SWITCH_ACTIVE. STATUS 70 NO_SHIPPING is a state in which the sensor does not detect activity. The ACTIVE_TOGGLE state is a state in which the sensor detects some activity, the level of which is insufficient to start the activation of the switch at the current time. THRESHOLD_STATUS state is a state in which the activity detected by the sensor is high enough to guarantee activation, search or oscillating movement, or arbitrary movement near the switch block. The transition to state 76 SEARCH_CHANGE occurs at the moment when the action scheme defined using the switch block corresponds to the search interaction. State 78 SWITCH_ACTIVATED is the state in which the activation of the switch has been identified. In state 78 SWITCH_ACTIVATED, the switch button remains active, and the selection of another option will not be possible until the corresponding switch is released.

The state of the proximity switch unit 20 changes depending on the results of detection and processing of the sent signals. If one or more sensors detects certain actions, the system 20 may transition from the state 70 ABSENCE_SHIP to the state 72 ACTIVE_SHIP. If this action is sufficient for guaranteed recognition of the activation movement, search search movement or arbitrary movement, the system 20 can go directly to the state 74 SWITCH_THRESH. From state 74 SWITCH_THRESHOLD, system 20 can go either to state 76 SWITCH_SEARCH, if the motion pattern corresponds to the search mode, or directly to state 78 SWITCH_ACTIVATED. When activating a switch in the STATUS_CHANGE state, the activation of the switch can be detected to change to state 78 SWITCH_ACTIVATED. If the signal is rejected and a random action is detected, the system 20 may return to the state 70 ABSENCE_SHIP.

In FIG. 15 depicts a basic method 100 for tracking and determining when an activation output signal is generated using the proximity switch configuration shown, in accordance with one embodiment. The method 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step 104, where once the initial calibration is performed. The calibrated values of the communication channel are calculated based on the raw data of the channel and the calibrated reference values by subtracting the reference value from the raw data at step 106. Then at step 108, using all the readings of the sensors of the communication channels, the largest value of the number of pulses, denoted as max_channel, and the sum of all channel sensor readings, designated as total_channel. The number of active channels is also determined. At step 110 of method 100, an actual range of parameter values max_channel and total_channel for subsequent motion detection is calculated.

After step 110, method 100 proceeds to decision block 112, on which active switches are detected. If there are no active switches, method 100 proceeds to step 114 to perform real-time calibration. Otherwise, at step 116 of the method 100, the switches open. Accordingly, if the switch was active, then the method 100 proceeds to the module for stopping and blocking activity until disconnected.

After real-time calibration, the method 100 proceeds to decision block 118 for detecting the blocking of a channel indicating its recent activation, and if this is detected, proceeds to step 120, where the value of the channel blocking timer decreases. If there is no channel blocking, method 100 proceeds to decision block 122 to detect a new max_channel parameter value. If the current value of the max_channel parameter is changed to a new value of the max_channel parameter, then the method 100 proceeds to step 124 to reset the value of the max_channel parameter, sum the ranges and set threshold threshold levels. Thus, when a new value of the max_channel parameter is detected, the method resets the last values of the signal ranges and updates, if necessary, the values of the search parameters. If the value of the switch_status parameter is less than the ACTIVE_SHIFT level, the search mode enable flag is set to true, after which the switch_status parameter is set to the value of NO SWITCH_. If the current value of the max_channel parameter has not changed, the method 100 proceeds to step 126, where the processing of the value of the max_channel parameter for bare (without gloves) fingers is processed. This procedure may include processing the switching logic between the various states shown in the state diagram of FIG. fourteen.

After step 126, method 100 proceeds to decision block 128, which determines whether any switch is activated. If there is no detected activation of the switch, method 100 proceeds to step 130, in which the presence of a glove on the user's hand is checked. The presence of a glove can be detected based on a reduced change in the number of pulses corresponding to the capacitance value. Then, the method 100 proceeds to step 132, where the previous values of the parameters max_channel and total_channel are updated. The number of the active switch, if any, is then issued to the software / hardware module in step 134 until completion of the operation in step 136.

If there is an active switch, the switch opening procedure of FIG. 16. The switch opening procedure 116 begins at step 140 and proceeds to decision block 142, which determines whether the level of the active channel exceeds the DISPLAY LEVEL, then, when a negative response is received, this procedure ends at step 152. If the active channel level is greater than the DISPLAY LEVEL , then the procedure 116 proceeds to decision step 144 to determine whether the THRESHOLD_THRESHAME_ is positive, then when a negative response is received, the process proceeds to step 14 6, at which the threshold level increases if the signal has a high intensity. This can be done by decreasing the value of CHANGE_THRESHOLD. At block 146, a threshold value, opening and activation levels are also set. Then, the procedure 116 proceeds to step 148 to reset the timer for the previous maximum and total channel values for the search parameters while maintaining a constant signal level for a sufficiently long time. At step 150, the state of the switch is set to the NONE OF SWITCH before completing the procedure at step 152. To complete the execution of the opening module of the switch, it is necessary to reduce the signal of the active channel to a level lower than the LEVEL OF OPEN, which is an adaptive threshold value that changes when a glove is detected. When you release the switch button, all the values of the internal parameters are reset, after which the lock timer is started, which allows to exclude subsequent activation before a certain timeout, for example, 100 milliseconds. In addition, threshold levels are dependent on the presence or absence of gloves.

In FIG. 17 depicts a procedure 200 for determining a state change from a value of NON-SWITCH to ACTIVE_CHANGE in accordance with one embodiment. Procedure 200 begins at step 202, where the processing of the NULL_SHIP value is not processed, and proceeds to decision block 204, which determines whether the value of the max_channel parameter exceeds the LEVEL OF ACTIVITY. If the max_channel parameter value is greater than the ACTIVITY LEVEL value, then the proximity switch block changes its state from NON-SWITCH to ACTIVE SWITCH, and then the procedure ends at step 210. If the max_channel parameter is not higher than the ACTIVITY_GROUP value, then the 200 procedure checks whether to select the 20 mode8 check box to check the 20 mode8 flag before completing work at step 210. Thus, the state changes from NO_SHIP to ACTIVE_SHIP when the max_channel parameter exceeds 3 Achen UROVEN_AKTIVNOSTI. If the channel values remain below this level, after a certain timeout, the search mode flag, if set, is reset to the no search value, which is one of the options for exiting the search mode.

In FIG. 18 depicts a method 220 for processing an ACTIVE_SHIFT state changing to a THRESHOOT or NO_SHIFT state in accordance with one embodiment. Method 220 begins at block 222 and proceeds to decision block 224. If the value of the max channel parameter is not greater than LEVEL_THRESHOLD, method 220 proceeds to step 226 to determine that the value of the max_channel parameter is lower than the ACTIVITY LEVEL, then, upon receipt of a positive response, proceeds to step 228 to change the state of the switch to the value NO SHOWING_. Correspondingly, the state of the state machine changes from the ACTIVE_CHANGE state to the NONE OF SWITCH state when the max_channel parameter falls below the ACTIVITY LEVEL value. The change value can also be subtracted from the ACTIVITY LEVEL value to use the hysteresis effect. If the value of the max_channel parameter exceeds the LEVEL_THRESHOLD value, then procedure 220 proceeds to decision block 230, which determines whether a threshold value has been reached or gloves are detected, then, when a positive response is received, the search enable parameter is set to true in step 232. at step 234, method 220 includes the STOP_THRESHOLD state before completing operation at step 236. Thus, if the max_channel parameter value is greater than the LEVEL_THRESHOLD value, the state I state PEREKLYUCHENIE_POROG. If gloves or a previous event of reaching a threshold value that did not lead to activation are detected, an automatic transition to search mode can be performed.

In FIG. 19 depicts a method 240 for detecting activation of a switch from a STOP_THRESHOLD state in accordance with one embodiment. Method 240 starts at step 242, where the THRESHOLD_STATUS state is processed, and proceeds to decision block 244, which determines whether the signal is constant and stable or has reached a peak level of the communication channel, then it ends at step negative 256. With a constant (stable) signal or peak level of the communication channel, method 240 proceeds to decision block 246, which determines whether the search mode is active, then upon receiving a positive response the transition proceeds to step 250. If the search mode is not active, the method 240 proceeds to decision block 248, which determines whether the signal in the communication channel is clean and whether the fast activation movement exceeds the threshold value, then upon receiving a positive response at step 250, the state the active switch is set equal to the channel with maximum intensity. The method 240 proceeds to decision block 252, which determines the presence of an active switch, then it ends at step 256. If there is no active switch, the method 240 proceeds to step 254, where the search mode variable START_SWITCH is initialized to the value of SELECT_SWITCH, and the variable MAX_Main_PIC_VALUE is equal to the value of MAX_CHANNELS, until the operation is completed at step 256.

In the STOP-THRESHOLD state, no decision is made until the peak value of the MAX_CHANNEL parameter is reached. Peak value is detected either when the signal direction changes, or while maintaining a constant level (within certain limits) of the MAX_CHANNEL and TOTAL_CHANNEL parameters for a certain interval, for example, 60 milliseconds. After the peak value is detected, the search mode flag is set. When search mode is off, a method based on determining the slope of the leading edge of the signal is used. If the switchover from the ACTIVE_CHANGE state to the THRESHOLD_THE SWITCH occurred during a threshold period of time, for example, 16 milliseconds, and the method using noise suppression using the signature value detects a triggering event, the state changes to the SWITCH_ACTIVE, and the method switches to the UNIT SWITCH_EN switch the search mode flag is set to true. When using an activation delay instead of instantly activating the switch, the state is set to the DELAY_CONTINUATION_LAY when the delay is used at the end if the current MAX_CHANNEL parameter index does not change, after which the switch is activated.

In FIG. 20 illustrates a method using a virtual button mode depending on the START_CHANGE state, in accordance with one embodiment. The method 260 starts at step 262, where the status of the SWITCH_SEARCH state is processed, and proceeds to step 264 of deciding where it is determined whether the MAX_CHANNEL parameter has dropped below the LEVEL_THE_PRESSION_THRESH value, then when it receives a positive response, it sets the parameter

MAX_PRIM_PEAK_VALUE equal to the MIN value (MAX_PIC_PRIMARY, MAX_CHANNEL) in step 272. If the MAX_CHANNEL parameter falls below the LEVEL_PRESS_THRESHOLD value, then method 260 proceeds to step 266 to use the first channel to trigger the search mode for the button. This test is based on determining whether the first channel is the only one and whether a clean signal goes through it. Upon receipt of a positive response, method 260 sets, at step 270, the state of the active switch to a channel with maximum intensity, before completing operation at step 282. If there is no single channel or if there is interference in the signal transmitted through this channel, method 260 proceeds to step 268, which ignores and detects an undesired inclusion, as well as sets the value of the STATUS_SWITCH parameter to the STATUS_NO SWITCH state before completing operation at step 282.

After step 272, method 260 proceeds to decision step 274, which determines whether a channel has been selected (whether there has been an indication or a “click”). This decision can be made on the basis of comparing the value of the parameter MAKC_KAHAЛ with the sum of the values MAX_PIC_BASIC VALUE and the magnitude of the change. When selecting a channel, method 260 proceeds to decision block 276, which determines whether the signal is constant and clean, then when a positive response is received in step 280, the state of the active switch is set to the maximum channel until operation is completed in step 282. If the channel was not selected , the method 260 proceeds to decision block 278, which determines whether the signal is long, constant, and clean, then when a positive response is received, it proceeds to step 280, where the active breakers is set equal to the maximum channel until completion in step 282.

In accordance with another embodiment, the proximity switch unit 20 may include a virtual button mode. According to this embodiment of FIG. 21-27, a block of proximity switches with a virtual button mode and a method for activating a proximity switch using a virtual button mode are shown. The proximity switch block may include one or more proximity switches, each of which creates a touch activation field, and a control loop for controlling the activation field of each proximity switch to detect activation. The control loop monitors the signals corresponding to the activation fields, determines the first stable signal amplitude for a certain period of time, determines the subsequent second stable signal amplitude for a certain period of time, and generates an activation output signal when the second stable signal amplitude is a certain amount greater than the first stable signal amplitude . The method can be used by the proximity switch block and includes the step of generating an activation field corresponding to one or more proximity sensors, and the step of tracking a signal corresponding to each activation field. The method also includes the step of determining a first amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period of time, and the step of determining a second amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period of time. The method also includes the step of generating an output activation signal when the second amplitude is greater than the first amplitude by a certain amount. Thus, the virtual button mode is used for a proximity switch, which prevents or reduces the likelihood of accidental or erroneous activation, which can be caused by finding several buttons of the proximity switch with your finger and changing the direction of movement of the finger or the presence of a glove on the fingers.

In FIG. 21 shows the search and activation of the proximity switch for one of the communication channels (signal 50) while sliding the user's finger through the corresponding switch, switching to search mode and activating the switch in virtual button mode. It should be understood that a user's finger may search for several capacitive switches, as shown in FIG. 10-12, as a result of which, when moving a finger through the activation field of each channel, signals of each corresponding communication channel are generated. Several communication channels can be processed simultaneously, while to determine the activation of the corresponding proximity switch, a communication channel with maximum intensity can be processed. According to the illustrated examples, the signal variation graphs of FIG. 21-25 depict individual communication channels corresponding to individual switches, however, it may be possible to process multiple communication channels. In FIG. 21 shows a signal 50 corresponding to one of the communication channels, which increases to a threshold value of the activity level 320 at a point 300 at which the signal enters the search mode. After that, the signal 50 continues to increase and reaches at point 302 a first constant amplitude at which the signal is stable for a minimum period of time (T _constant ). At point 302 the signal 50 enters the virtual buttons, and sets the first basic mode _DOS value C, which represents the change in the number of pulses of the signal at point 302. At this point, the virtual mode button installs large inclusion threshold value as a function depending on the basic values of C _est, multiplied by the constant K _VK . The threshold value of activation detection can be represented as follows: (1 + K _VK ) × C _DOS , where K _VK is a positive constant. The virtual button mode continues to track the signal 50 to determine when the second constant amplitude reaches the minimum _constant period T, which occurs at point 304. At this point 304, the virtual button mode compares the second stable amplitude with the first stable amplitude and determines whether the second amplitude exceeds the first the amplitude of a certain amount equal to K _VK × With _DOS . If the second amplitude is greater than the first amplitude by a certain amount, then an activation output signal is generated for the proximity switch.

In accordance with this embodiment, the stable amplitude of the signal must be maintained at the same level in the communication channel for a minimum period of time T _constant until the switch to the virtual button mode or detection of the activation of the switch. The value obtained with the sensor when entering the virtual button mode is recorded as C _main . The method monitors the moment when a stable signal amplitude is re-detected before the time-out. When the stable amplitude of the signal is reached again before the waiting time has expired and the required percentage is exceeded for changing the number of pulses, for example, 12.5 percent of the previously recorded C _main , then a decision is made to complete the activation. In accordance with one embodiment, the increase in the number of pulses of the signal, denoted as K _VK × C _DOS , exceeds 10 percent.

In accordance with one embodiment, the factor K _VK is a factor of at least 0.1 or 10 percent of C _os . In accordance with another embodiment, the factor K _{VK is} set to approximately 0.125, which is equivalent to 12.5 percent. In accordance with one embodiment, the period of stable steady pressing T _constant may exceed 50 milliseconds. In accordance with another embodiment, the period of stable pressing T _constant can be set in the range from 50 to 100 milliseconds. A stable amplitude can be detected while maintaining the signal amplitude at a sufficiently constant level within the limits corresponding to the double calculated value of the noise in the signal (in accordance with one embodiment), in the range from 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level (in accordance with another embodiment) or the sum of the double calculated interference value in the signal and 2.5-5.0 percent of the signal level (in accordance with the third embodiment).

In FIG. 22 shows a signal 50 for a communication channel corresponding to a proximity switch that switches to search mode at a point 300 and then is set at the level of the first stable amplitude when the stable amplitude of the signal remains at 302 for a minimum period of time T _constant , after which the transition into virtual button mode. At this point, the value of C _DOS . Then, the signal level 50 is lowered and raised to the level of a second amplitude at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at the point 306. However, in this situation at point 306 a second amplitude level does not exceed the basic value C _est signal from point 302 to some a value equal to K _VK × C _osn , as a result of which the activation output signal for the switch is not generated.

In FIG. 23 shows a signal 50 corresponding to a communication channel, which switches to the search mode at point 300, and then sets at the first amplitude over a period of time T _constant at point 302, in which the transition to virtual button mode is performed and C _{main is} determined. Thereafter, the signal level 50 continues to rise to the level of a second amplitude at which the signal remains constant basic value does not exceed C _est signal from point 302 to a certain value for a minimum period of time T _constant at the point 308. However, at point 308 the second amplitude level equal to To _VK × With _DOS , resulting in a block of proximity switches does not provide the output signal of the switch. However, at the point 308 is generated a new updated basic value C _est, which is used for determining a difference when comparing with the following constant amplitude. The signal 50 drops and rises to the level of the third amplitude, at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 310. The level of the third amplitude exceeds the level of the second amplitude by an amount exceeding the product K _vk × C _main , as a result of which an output signal is generated activation switch.

In FIG. 24 shows another example of a signal 50, which goes into search mode at point 300 and continues to increase to the level of the first amplitude, at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 302, after which it switches to virtual button mode and determines C _main After that, the signal 50 drops to the level of the second amplitude, at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 312. At point 312, the level of the second amplitude does not exceed the level of the first amplitude by a certain amount equal to K _VK × C _main , as a result which signal is not generated. However, the updated basic value C _est is generated at point 312. Thereafter, signal 50 continues to increase until the third amplitude level at which the signal remains constant during the minimum time period T _poskhoyanny at point 310. The third amplitude level is greater than the second amplitude level for a certain amount equal To _VC × C _DOS , as a result of which a trigger or activation signal is generated for the switch.

In FIG. 25 shows another example of a signal 50 for a communication channel that goes into search mode at point 300 and continues to increase to the level of the first amplitude, at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 302, after which it switches to virtual button mode and definition With _DOS . Then, the signal 50 continues to increase to the level of the second amplitude at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 308. The level of the second amplitude does not exceed the level of the first amplitude by a certain amount, as a result of which the switch trigger signal is not generated at this point. After that, the signal 50 drops to point 314, during this decrease, the timeout for the reset timer expires from the moment the last stable amplitude value is received (T _reset ). After the timeout for the reset timer, at point 314, the virtual button mode is exited and the search mode entered (immediately after exiting the virtual button mode). When this happens, the previously determined value of C _os ceases to be relevant. After that, the signal 50 increases to the level of the third amplitude, at which the signal remains constant for a minimum period of time T _constant at point 316. At this point, the level of the third amplitude sets the updated value of C _basic , which is used to determine whether the switch should be turned on in the future. Then, the signal 50 falls below the threshold value 320 of activity, as a result of which the virtual button mode is exited without activation.

In FIG. 26 and 27 show a method for activating a proximity switch using the virtual button mode used by the proximity switch unit. In FIG. 26, method 400 begins at step 402 and proceeds to data collection at step 404 from all communication channels corresponding to all proximity switches. The method 400 proceeds to decision block 406, which determines whether the state is set to ACTIVE, then upon receiving a positive response at step 414, a check is made to ensure that the switches are opened before completion of operation at step 416. If the state is not set to ACTIVE, method 400 proceeds to step 408, in which the search for the maximum channel (SNT) is performed. Then, after detecting the channel with maximum intensity, the procedure 400 proceeds to step 410, where the channel value (SNT) is processed with maximum intensity using the method based on the virtual button mode, after which operation ends at step 416. Method 410 of processing the maximum channel value using a method based on the virtual button mode shown in FIG. 27 and will be described in detail below. It should be understood that the method 400 may include an additional step 412, which performs the processing of the channel signal with the maximum intensity based on the tracking of clicks to detect a user pressing a proximity switch and generate an activation output signal.

The maximum channel value processing method 410 based on the virtual button mode shown in FIG. 27, starts at step 420 and proceeds to step 422, where the maximum channel value is entered. Therefore, to determine the state of the virtual button mode and activate the switch, the communication channel is processed with the maximum intensity corresponding to one of the proximity switches. At decision block 424, method 410 determines whether the switch is set to virtual button mode, then when a positive response is received, it proceeds to decision block 426, which determines whether the value of the communication channel exceeds the active threshold value. If the value of the communication channel is less than the active threshold value, method 410 proceeds to step 428 to set the state to NO and returns to the beginning. If the value of the communication channel is equal to or greater than the active threshold value, the method 410 proceeds to decision block 430, which determines whether the first amplitude of the signal was unstable for a period of time longer than the period of stable pressing T _constant . If the value of the communication channel of the stable signal with the first amplitude remains constant for a period of time greater than the value of T _constant , the method 410 proceeds to decision block 432, which determines whether the communication channel is at a stable level for a period of time longer than the reset wait time T _reset , then when a negative response is received, it returns to step 422. If the value of the communication channel remains stable for a period of time shorter than the reset wait time T _reset , method 410 proceeds to set the state to search mode and ends at step 460.

Returning to decision block 430, if the communication channel is stable for a period of time longer than the constant pressing period T _constant , method 410 proceeds to decision block 436, where it is determined whether the signal Ch (t) exceeds the C _main value by a certain amount equal to K × _VC C _DOS, then on receipt of a positive response switch is set to the active state, thereby generating an output activation signal to shutdown in step 460. If the signal value does not exceed C _est and a specific value equal to K × _VC C _est, the method 410 proceeds to step 440 for setting a new value C _est at a constant current level signal to the completion in step 460 of the amplitude.

If, at decision block 424, the state of the switch has not been set to virtual button mode, method 410 proceeds to decision block 442, which determines whether the search state is set, then when a positive response is received, it proceeds to decision block 444, which determines whether the signal exceeds the active threshold value, and when a negative response is received, the state is set to NO and the operation is completed at step 460. If the signal exceeds the active threshold value, b 410 proceeds to decision block 448, where it is determined whether the period of time during which the signal amplitude remains constant exceeds the minimum time period T is at _rest , then when a negative value is received, it ends at block 460. If the signal maintains a constant amplitude for period exceeding the minimum time _constant T, the method 410 proceeds to step 450, where the installation is performed in a virtual state of the switch, the mode and determining a new value _of C _n to a communication channel before exiting at step 460.

If it was determined at decision block 442 that the state of the switch was not set to search mode, method 410 proceeds to decision block 452, which determines whether the signal value exceeds the active threshold value, and then, when a negative value is obtained, the method ends at block 460. If the signal exceeds the active threshold value, method 410 proceeds to decision block 454, where the state is set to search mode until the operation is completed at block 460.

Accordingly, the proximity switch unit implementing the virtual button mode based method 410 preferably provides an improved method for activating the switch in virtual button mode and an improved activation rejection algorithm when not implied. An advantage of method 410 is the ability to detect switch activation and ignore cases of unwanted activation that may occur when searching for the touch panel on the switch block with a finger and changing the direction of finger movement, or if there is a glove on the user's finger. An improved method for detecting activation allows to improve the quality of operation of the proximity switch block.

Accordingly, this detection procedure provides a more accurate determination of the activation of proximity switches. The procedure simplifies the search for the touch panel of a proximity switch by the user, which can be especially useful in a car in situations where it is extremely undesirable to distract the driver.

The proximity switch unit 20 may include soft material covering the proximity sensor, and the control circuit may activate the proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor due to a threshold value when the user's finger presses on the soft material, in accordance with an additional embodiment. In this embodiment, the proximity switch unit 20 can operate in a virtual button mode and can provide better signal detection through the use of soft material that is deformed, allowing the user's finger to move closer to the proximity sensor. In addition, a cavity in the form of an air pocket may be provided between the soft material and the proximity sensor, and the soft material may have a raised or protruding surface.

In FIG. 28-37, a proximity switch block 20 is shown in which soft material is used, and which operates in a virtual button mode, and a method for activating a proximity switch using soft material in a virtual button mode, in this embodiment. The proximity switch unit 20 may include a proximity sensor, for example, a capacitive sensor, generating an activation field. It should be understood that several proximity sensors 24 may be used, each of which generates an activation field. Proximity sensors 24 are provided on the surface of a rigid substrate, such as a polymer ceiling bracket 12, in accordance with one embodiment. Each of the proximity sensors 24 may be formed by applying conductive ink to the surface of the polymer ceiling console 12. Otherwise, the proximity sensors 24 may be formed, for example, by mounting preformed printed conductors on a substrate, according to other embodiments.

The soft material 500 covers the substrate 12 and is designed to provide a touch surface for the user finger 34 to interact with the proximity sensors 24 to activate the switches 22. The soft material 500 is formed as a coating layer, which in accordance with one embodiment may be made of an elastic material, including rubber. The soft material 500 is soft relative to the substrate 12 located beneath it, which is generally rigid. The soft material 500 is located above the proximity sensor 24 and is deformed when the user's finger 34 applies pressure so that the finger 34 presses on the soft material 500 and moves inward towards the proximity sensor 24, as shown in FIG. 30. In accordance with one embodiment, the thickness of the layer of soft material 500 may be from about 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably in the range from 1.0 to 2.0 mm.

In the contactless switch unit 20, a control circuit is used that controls the activation field associated with each sensor 24 and determines the activation of the contactless switch based on the signal generated by the contactless sensor 24 relative to the threshold value when the user's finger 34 presses soft material 50. The control circuit can determine the stable amplitude of the signal generated by the proximity sensor 24 over a predetermined period of time, and can generate an output signal and a switch when a stable output signal exceeds a threshold value. In accordance with one embodiment, the control loop may determine a first stable signal amplitude for a period of time, may determine a next second stable signal amplitude for a period of time, and may generate an activation output signal for the proximity switch associated with this signal when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount.

In FIG. 28-31, it is shown that in one embodiment, in the proximity switch unit 20, flexible material 500 is used, lying on top of one or more proximity sensors 24. FIG. 28, a user's finger 34 is shown in a first position that touches the surface of the soft material 500 at a location close to but not offset from the proximity sensor 24. In FIG. 29, a user's finger 34 is shown sliding toward the second position aligned with the proximity sensor 24 without pressing on the soft material 500. This may occur when the user searches the proximity sensor unit 20 in search / oscillation mode without the intention to activate switch 22 In FIG. 30, a user finger 34 is shown which applies force to the proximity sensor 24 by pressing on the soft material 500 to move the user finger 34 to a third position closer to the proximity sensor 24. The user finger 34 can then press on the soft material 500 and deform it to move closer to the proximity sensor 24, and can then squeeze the soft material and thereby press the finger 34 against the substrate 12 to provide a larger surface area or volume of the finger in close proximity to the sensor 24, which provides better interaction with the corresponding activation field and, therefore, a more intense signal.

The sequence of events shown in FIG. 28-30 is also depicted as a signal response shown in FIG. 31. The signal 506 generated by the proximity sensor 24 is increased to the first level 506A, which indicates the contact of the user's finger 34 with the proximity switch unit 20 in the first position, at a distance to the side of the proximity sensor 24, as can be seen in FIG. 28. Then, the signal 506 is increased to a level of 506 V, which indicates the alignment of the user's finger 34 in the second position with the proximity sensor 24 without applying force, as shown in FIG. 29. After that, the signal 506 is increased to an increased third level 506C, which indicates the application of force by the finger 34 of the user in the third position to press the soft material 500, as shown in FIG. 30. Thus, the signal 506 is much more intense when the user's finger 34 presses the soft material 500, which makes it possible to detect the virtual button.

The control loop monitors the activation field and determines the activation of the proximity switch based on the signal 506 relative to the threshold value when the user's finger presses soft material 500. The processing loop may include a controller 400 shown in FIG. 5 to perform a control procedure, which may include a procedure 520 shown and described herein with reference to FIG. 37. Essentially, in the processing loop, the virtual button method described above can be applied to detect the search mode and activation of the virtual button of one or more proximity switches.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 32-35, the proximity switch unit 20 can also be made using soft material 500 having a raised or protruding touch surface portion 502 aligned with each proximity sensor 24 and an empty space or air gap 504 located between the raised portion 502 and the proximity sensor 24. In this embodiment, an air gap 504 formed between the soft material 500 and each proximity sensor 24 provides an increased travel distance when the switch is activated, which is also possible used as a tactile feedback to the user. In accordance with one embodiment, the air gap 504 may have a height distance of less than 5.0 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters. The raised portion 502 of soft material 500 holds the user's finger 34 at a greater distance from the proximity sensor 24, in the not pressed state. As shown in FIG. 32, the user's finger 34 touches the proximity switch unit 20 next to the proximity sensor 24, but with an offset to the side of it, in the first position. Further, as in FIG. 33, the user's finger 34 is moved to a second position aligned with the proximity sensor 24 from above on a raised portion 52 of soft material 500. In this position, the user's finger 34 can examine the proximity switches 22 in search / oscillation mode without the intention of activating the switch. In FIG. 34, the finger 34 of the user is shown in the third position when he presses the soft material 500 from above on the raised portion 502 so that the finger 34 moves into a fully depressed state that compresses the soft material 500 and the air gap 504, allowing the user finger to be closer to the contactless the sensor 24. When this happens, the control circuit detects the user’s intention to activate the switch 22 and generates an activation output.

Turning to FIG. 35, the signal 506 generated when the activation field is activated by the proximity sensor 24 is shown in relation to the actions of the user's finger shown in FIG. 32-34. The signal 506 is increased to the first level 506A, indicating the contact of the user's finger 34 in the first position with the proximity switch unit 20 at a distance to the side of the sensor 24, as shown in FIG. 32. The signal 506 remains at a first level 506A, as also shown with a level 506B, while the user's finger rises to a second position in a raised portion 502 aligned with the proximity sensor 24 without pressing the soft material 500, as shown in FIG. 33. Thus, the raised portion 502 allows the signal 506 to be kept low when the user's finger is in the exam mode and the user does not intend to activate the switch 22. The signal 506 is increased to the next elevated level 506C, indicating that the finger 34 pressed the user on soft material in the third position, by forcing the raised portion 502 and the air gap 504, as shown in FIG. 34, to activate the switch 22. When this happens, the control circuit processes the signal 506 to detect the activation of the switch 22 and can further detect the search / oscillation mode, as described above.

In FIG. 36 is a state diagram for a proximity switch block in yet another embodiment of a state machine using soft material and a virtual button mode, in accordance with one embodiment. It is shown that the embodiment of the state machine has four states, including a wait state 510, an oscillation state 512, a virtual button state 514, and a pressed button state 516. Entering the standby state 510 occurs when the signal is less than a threshold value, indicating the absence of detected sensor activity. Entering 512 oscillation state occurs when the signal exceeds a threshold value, indicating the presence of activity, defined as comparable to the search / oscillation interaction. Entering virtual button state 514 occurs when the signal is stable. The state 516 of the pressed button indicates a strong pressing of the switch with squeezing of soft material from the state of the virtual button. When the signal reaches a certain threshold value, it enters the search / oscillation mode 512. When the signal is stable and exceeds the basic level, the virtual button mode 514 is entered. When the signal is stable and exceeds the sum of the base level and the value of the delta of the dome, you enter the 516 mode of the pressed button. It should be understood that the baseline can be updated as described above.

In FIG. 37 shows and describes a procedure 520 for controlling a proximity switch unit and an activation method using soft material, as described above with reference to FIG. 28-36. In accordance with one embodiment, procedure 520 may be stored on memory 48 and executed by controller 40. Procedure 520 begins at step 522, where the largest or maximum signal channel, which is the maximum signal channel associated with one of the proximity switches, is processed. At step 524, the maximum signal channel is input to the controller. Then, at decision block 526, procedure 520 determines whether the current state is set to the standby state, and if so, proceeds to decision block 528, where it is checked whether the value of the maximum signal channel exceeds the threshold value. If the maximum signal channel does not exceed a threshold value, procedure 520 ends at step 530. If the maximum signal channel exceeds a threshold value, procedure 520 proceeds to setting the state to an oscillation state at step 532 before ending at step 530.

If, at decision block 526, the state is set to an idle state, procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 534 to determine whether the state is set to an oscillation state, and if so, proceeds to decision block 536, where it is determined whether the maximum value is less than channel signal threshold value. If the maximum signal channel is less than the threshold value, procedure 520 proceeds to step 538, where the state is set to the standby state, and then ends at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is not less than the threshold value 536, procedure 520 proceeds to step 540, where all are checked whether the signal channels are stable, and if not, then ends at step 530. If all the signal channels are stable, procedure 520 proceeds to step 542, where the state is set to the state of the virtual button, and then at step 544 sets the base signal al on the maximum channel before ending at block 530.

If, at decision block 534, the state is not set to an oscillation state, procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 546, where they check whether the state of the virtual button is the set state, and if not, proceeds to block 548, where the state is set to “state pressed button. " After this, the procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 540, where it is checked whether the maximum signal channel of the threshold value is less, and if not, ends at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is less than the threshold value, procedure 520 sets the state to the “wait state” value step 552 and then resets activation at step 554 before ending at step 530.

If, at decision block 546, the state is set to “virtual button state”, procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 556, where it is checked whether the maximum signal channel of the threshold value is less, and if so, sets the state to “wait state” to step 558 before ending at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is not less than the threshold value, the routine 520 proceeds to decision step 560, where it is checked whether the timer indication of the virtual button exceeds the waiting period, and if so, it sets the status to "oscillation state" at step 562 before ending at step 530. In accordance with one embodiment, the virtual buttons timer may be set in the range of one to three seconds. If the virtual button timer does not exceed the waiting period, procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 564, where it checks whether all signal channels are constant, and if not all signal channels are stable, ends at step 530. If it is determined that all signal channels are stable , procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 566, where it is checked whether the rubber protrusion is pressed, which can be determined by exceeding the maximum channel of the base level signal summed with the protrusion delta value. If the rubber protrusion is depressed, procedure 520 proceeds to decision block 568, where the state is set to the “pressed button state”, and then generates an activation signal for the maximum signal channel at step 570 before ending at step 530. If the rubber protrusion is not depressed, procedure 520 proceeds to step 572, to determine that the finger is still sliding, and update the base signal of ChBase, setting its value to the maximum signal channel in step 572 before ending in step 530.

Accordingly, the proximity switch unit 20 with soft material 500 and virtual button mode successfully provides enhanced detection of the activation of a virtual button switch to improve rejection of random activations. Method 520 can successfully detect switch activation, while rejecting a random switch activation that can be detected when a finger examines the switch assembly or is in search. The enhanced proximity switch assembly provides improved activation detection, which may be beneficial or useful in the vehicle to avoid driver distraction.

It should be understood that various variations and modifications can be made to the design described above without departing from the essence of the present invention and that the essence of the invention is defined by the following claims, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

Claims (28)

1. A proximity switch block comprising: a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for generating an activation field; soft material located on top of the proximity sensor; and the control loop that controls the activation field and determines the activation of the proximity switch based on the signal generated by the sensor relative to the threshold value when the user's finger presses on soft material, and the control loop determines the first stable signal amplitude over a period of time as a result of user exposure, determines the next second stable signal amplitude for a second period of time and generates an activation output signal for contactless switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount. 2. The proximity switch block according to claim 1, which further comprises a substrate on which the first and second fixed electrodes of the proximity sensor are located and over which soft material is located. 3. The proximity switch block of claim 1, wherein the soft material is rubber. 4. The proximity switch block according to claim 1, wherein an air gap is provided between the flexible material and the proximity sensor, which makes it possible to further move the user's finger to the proximity sensor during the indentation movement. 5. The proximity switch block according to claim 4, which further has a raised contact surface provided in the flexible material above the air gap. 6. The proximity switch block according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit determines a stable amplitude of the signal generated by the sensor over a period of time, and generates a switch activation output signal when the stable output signal exceeds a threshold value. 7. The proximity switch block according to claim 1, wherein several proximity switches are installed in the vehicle for use by a passenger of the vehicle. 8. The proximity switch unit according to claim 1, wherein the proximity switch is a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. 9. The proximity switch block according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit determines the signal as the most intense of several monitored signals associated with several proximity switches. 10. A method of activating a proximity switch, in which: generating an activation field associated with a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes; monitoring a signal indicative of an activation field; determining a first stable amplitude with a stable signal for a minimum period of time as a result of user exposure; determine the next second stable amplitude of the signal during the second period of time; and an activation output signal is generated when the second stable amplitude exceeds the first stable amplitude by a known amount, indicating that the user presses soft material covering the proximity sensor. 11. The method according to p. 10, which further determine the signal as the most intense of several monitored signals associated with several proximity switches. 12. The method according to p. 10, in which the first and second fixed electrodes of the proximity sensor are located on the substrate, and the soft material is located on top of the substrate. 13. The method according to p. 10, in which the soft material is a rubber. 14. The method according to p. 10, in which between the flexible material and the proximity sensor perform an air gap, providing the possibility of additional movement of the user's finger to the proximity sensor during the movement of the indentation. 15. The method according to p. 10, in which in the flexible material above the air gap perform a protruding touch surface. 16. A proximity switch block comprising: a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for generating an activation field; non-conductive soft material located on top of the proximity sensor; and a control loop that controls the activation field and determines the activation of the proximity switch based on the signal generated by the sensor relative to the threshold value when the user's finger presses on a non-conductive soft material and moves in the direction of the proximity sensor. 17. The proximity switch block of claim 16, wherein the control circuit determines a first stable signal amplitude over a period of time as a result of a user touch action, determines a next second stable signal amplitude for a second time period during a same user touch operation, and generates the activation output for the proximity switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount.

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