DE102015109549A1 - Proximity switch assembly with a groove between adjacent proximity sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting the activation of a proximity switch assembly are provided. The arrangement comprises a plurality of proximity switches, each having a proximity sensor providing a detection activation field, and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to detect activation. A docile material lies above the proximity sensors. The control circuit monitors the activation field and determines activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor with respect to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the compliant material. The compliant material may further include a raised portion and an air gap between the raised portion and the sensor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a partial continuation of the submissions submitted on May 22, 2014 U.S. Patent Application 14/284,659 titled "PLIABLE PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD", which is a continuation of the submission of January 30, 2014 U.S. Patent Application 14 / 168,614 entitled "PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD HAVING VIRTUAL BUTTON MODE" which is a divisional application filed on April 11, 2012 U.S. Patent Application 13 / 444,393 entitled "PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD WITH EXPLORATION MODE". The aforementioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to switches, and more particularly to proximity switches having an improved determination of switch activation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicles are typically provided with various user-operable switches, such as switches for operating devices such as powered windows, headlamps, windshield wipers, glass sunroofs or sunroofs, interior lighting, radio and information and entertainment devices, and various other devices. In general, these types of switches must be operated by a user to activate or deactivate a device or to perform any type of control function. Capacitive switch type proximity switches use one or more proximity sensors to generate a detection enable field and detect changes to the activation field that indicate user actuation of the switch, which is typically caused by a user's finger in close proximity or in contact with the sensor. Capacitive switches are typically configured to detect user actuation of the switch based on a comparison of the detection enable field with a threshold.

Switch assemblies often use multiple capacitive switches in close proximity to each other and generally require a user to select a single desired capacitive switch to perform the intended operation. In some applications in the manner of use in a motor vehicle, the driver of the vehicle has a limited ability to see the switches due to distraction of the driver. In these applications, it is desirable to allow the user to examine the switch assembly for a particular key while avoiding premature determination of switch activation. Accordingly, it is desirable to distinguish whether the user wants to activate a switch or simply examines a specific switch button while concentrating on a higher priority task in the manner of driving or has no intention to activate a switch. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a proximity switch assembly which enhances the use of proximity switches by a person such as a driver of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a proximity switch assembly is provided. The proximity switch assembly includes an activation field generating proximity sensor, a compliant material over the proximity sensor, and a control circuit that monitors the activation field and activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor with respect to a threshold when a user's finger is compliant Press down material, determined.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of activating a proximity switch is provided. The method includes the steps of generating an activation field associated with a proximity sensor and monitoring a signal indicative of the activation field. The method also includes the steps of determining an amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum amount of time and generating an activation output when the amplitude exceeds a first amplitude by a known amount, indicating that a user is at the above the proximity sensor depressing lying docile material.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the following description, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Show it:

1 a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with an overhead console, wherein a proximity switch assembly is used, according to an embodiment,

2 an enlarged view of the overhead console and the proximity switch assembly, which in 1 are shown

3 an enlarged sectional view through a line III-III in 2 in which a multiple array of proximity switches is shown with respect to a user's finger,

4 a schematic diagram of a capacitive sensor, which in each of the in 3 illustrated capacitive switch is used

5 3 is a block diagram of the proximity switch arrangement according to an embodiment,

6 a graph of the signal count for a channel associated with a capacitive sensor, illustrating an activation motion profile;

7 Figure 4 is a graph of the signal count for two channels associated with the capacitive sensors, illustrating a sliding exploration / exploration motion profile;

8th a graph of the signal count for a signal channel associated with the capacitive sensors, representing a slow activation motion profile;

9 Figure 4 is a graph of the signal count for two channels associated with the capacitive sensors, illustrating a fast sliding examination / exploration motion profile;

10 FIG. 4 is a graph of the signal count for three channels associated with the capacitive sensors in an exploration / exploration mode, demonstrating stable tip trigger activation, according to one embodiment; FIG.

11 FIG. 3 is a graph of the signal count for three channels associated with the capacitive sensors in an exploratory / exploratory mode, demonstrating stable pusher activation upon a signal drop below the tip, according to another embodiment; FIG.

12 FIG. 3 is a graph of the signal count for three channels associated with the capacitive sensors in an exploration / exploration mode, illustrating an increased stable pressure on a pad for activating a switch, according to another embodiment; FIG.

13 FIG. 3 is a graph of the signal count for three channels associated with the capacitive sensors in an examination mode and selection of a pad based on increased stable pressure according to another embodiment; FIG.

14 5 shows a state diagram of five states of the capacitive switch arrangement implemented with a state machine according to an embodiment,

15 5 is a flowchart of a routine for carrying out a method for activating a switch of the switch arrangement according to an embodiment,

16 a flow chart of the processing of the switch activation and the switch enable,

17 a flow chart of logic for switching between the switch-off and switch-active states,

18 a flow chart of logic for switching from the active switch state to the switch-off or switch threshold state,

19 FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a routine for switching between the switch threshold and switch exploration states. FIG.

20 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a virtual key procedure implementing the switch exploration state. FIG.

21 1 is a graph of the signal count for a channel associated with a capacitive sensor having an examination mode and a virtual key mode for activating a switch according to another embodiment;

22 a graph of the signal count value for the virtual key mode, wherein an activation is not triggered,

23 FIG. 12 is a graph of the signal count value for the capacitive sensor in the inspection mode, which is further shown when the switch is activated, according to the embodiment 21 .

24 a graph of the signal count for a capacitive sensor, which is further shown when activations are triggered, according to the embodiment of 21 .

25 a graph of the signal count for a capacitive sensor, which further shows a time-out for leaving the virtual key mode and re-entering the virtual key mode, according to the embodiment of 21 .

26 a flowchart of a routine for processing the signal channel with a virtual key mode according to the in 21 illustrated embodiment,

27 a flowchart of a virtual key method for processing the signal channel according to the embodiment of 21 .

28A 3 a sectional view of a proximity switch arrangement with proximity switches and an overlying compliant material with respect to a finger of a user shown in a first position according to another embodiment,

28B a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly 28A wherein the user's finger is further shown in a second position,

28C a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly 28A further comprising depressing the finger into the mating layer in a third position,

28D a graph of the signal generated by one of the proximity sensors in response to a movement of the finger and a depression of the matey cover, as in 28A - 28C is shown

29A 5 is a sectional view of a proximity switch assembly using a conformable cover material with raised areas with air gaps and a finger of a user shown in a first position according to another embodiment;

29B FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of FIG. 29A, further illustrating the user's finger in a second position. FIG.

29C a sectional view of in 29A illustrated proximity switch assembly, further wherein the depression of the switch is represented by a finger of a user in a third position,

29D a graph of one by one of the sensors in response to a movement of the finger, as in the 29A - 29C is shown, generated signal,

30 a state diagram of various states of the capacitive switch assembly with the covering compliant material and a virtual key mode,

31 a flowchart of a routine for processing the signal generated by a proximity switch with a cover of a ductile material according to an embodiment.

32 a perspective sectional view of a vehicle overhead console with a proximity switch assembly that uses recesses in the substrate and a matey cover according to one embodiment;

33 a plan view of the overhead console and the switch assembly, which in 32 with the sensors and pits shown in hidden dashed lines;

34A a sectional view of in 32 shown proximity switch assembly and a finger of a user who is in the representation in a first position, according to one embodiment;

34B a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 34A, further illustrating the user's finger in a second position;

34C a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly, as in 34A further showing depressing the switch by a user's finger in a third position;

34D a graph illustrating one by one of the proximity sensors in response to a movement of the finger, as in 34A - 34C shown, generated signal;

35 a perspective sectional view of a vehicle overhead console with a proximity switch assembly, which uses a groove between adjacent sensors, according to another embodiment;

36 a plan view of the overhead console and the switch assembly, which in 35 with the sensors, recesses and grooves shown in hidden lines;

37A a sectional view of in 35 shown proximity switch assembly and a finger of a user who is in the representation in a first position, according to another embodiment;

37B a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly 37A further wherein the user's finger is shown in a second position;

37C a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly, as in 37A further showing wherein the user's finger is shown in a third position;

37D a sectional view of the proximity switch assembly, as in 37A to see further wherein the user's finger is shown in a fourth position;

37E a graph illustrating two of two of the sensors in response to a movement of the finger, as in 37A - 37D represented, generated signals; and

38 a sectional view of a proximity switch assembly, which uses a compliant cover material with a recess and a raised area in the ductile material over each recess, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, but it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily follow a detailed design, and some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional ones disclosed herein are Details are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for guiding a person skilled in the art to practice the present invention in various ways.

In the 1 and 2 is the interior of a motor vehicle 10 generally as a passenger compartment and a switch assembly 20 shown having multiple proximity switches 22 be used with a switch activation monitoring and determination, according to one embodiment. The vehicle 10 generally has an overhead console 12 mounted on the headliner on the underside of the roof or ceiling on the upper part of the vehicle passenger compartment, generally above the front passenger seat area. The switch arrangement 20 has several proximity switches 22 according to one embodiment, close to each other in the overhead console 12 are arranged. The different proximity switches 22 may control any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such as the movement of a sunroof or glass sunroof 16 control the movement of a glass sunroof 18 control, the activation of one or more lighting devices in the nature of inner cards / reading and ceiling lights 30 control and control various other devices and functions.

However, it should be understood that the proximity switches 22 also elsewhere on the vehicle 10 as in the dashboard, other consoles in the manner of a center console, in a touch screen display 14 integrated for a radio or information and entertainment system such as a navigation and / or audio display, or according to various vehicle applications elsewhere on board the vehicle 10 can be located.

The proximity switches 22 are shown and described here according to an embodiment as a capacitive switch. Every proximity switch 22 comprises at least one proximity sensor providing a detection activation field for detecting a contact or an immediate proximity (eg within one millimeter) of a user with respect to the one or more proximity sensors, such as a swipe of a user's finger. Accordingly, the detection activation field is any proximity switch 22 According to the exemplary embodiment, a capacitive field and the user's finger has electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change or perturbation of the detection activation field, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, or the like, or a combination thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors are in the "Touch Sensors Design Guide", 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09 dated April 9, 2009 by ATMEL® which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The in the 1 and 2 shown proximity switch 22 each provide control of a vehicle component or device or provide a designated control function. One or more of the proximity switches 22 can be specially provided for the movement of a sliding roof or glass sliding roof 16 to steer, to cause the glass sunroof 16 moved in an opening or closing direction to tilt the glass sunroof or to interrupt the movement of the glass sunroof based on a control algorithm. One or more other proximity switches 22 can be specially provided for the movement of a glass sunroof 18 between an open and a closed position. Both the glass sunroof 16 as well as the aperture 18 can each be responsive to an actuation of the corresponding proximity switch 22 be actuated by an electric motor. Other proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controlling other devices, such as an inner card reader / reader 30 turn on, an inner card / reading lamp 30 To turn off, turn on or off a ceiling light, to unlock the trunk, to open the rear door or to deactivate a door light switch. Additional controls via the proximity switches 22 may include powering up and shutting down electrically operated door windows. Various other vehicle controls may be through the proximity switches described herein 22 to be controlled.

3 shows a portion of the proximity switch assembly 20 with a multiple arrangement of three serially arranged proximity switches 22 in close relationship with each other with respect to a finger 34 a user while using the switch assembly 20 , Every proximity switch 22 has one or more proximity sensors 24 to generate a capture enable field. According to one embodiment, each of the proximity sensors 24 by printing conductive ink on the top surface of the polymeric overhead console 12 be formed. An example of a proximity sensor 24 in printed ink is in 4 represented, which generally a drive electrode 26 and a receiving electrode 28 each having entangled fingers for generating a capacitive field 32 exhibit. It was notices that each of the proximity sensors 24 can also be formed in other ways, for example by mounting a preformed track on a substrate according to other embodiments. The drive electrode 26 receives square wave drive pulses applied at a voltage V _I. The receiving electrode 28 has an output for generating an output voltage V _O. It should be noted that the electrodes 26 and 28 in various other configurations can be arranged to the capacitive field as the activation field 32 to create.

According to the embodiment shown and described here is to the drive electrode 26 every proximity sensor 24 a voltage input V _{I applied} as square wave pulses with a charge pulse cycle sufficient to the receiving electrode 28 to charge to a desired voltage. The receiving electrode 28 serves as a measuring electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent acquisition enable fields overlap 32 passing through adjacent proximity switches 22 however, according to other embodiments, no overlap may exist. If a user or operator in the way of the finger 34 of the user into an activation field 32 enters, detects the proximity switch assembly 20 by the finger on the activation box 32 caused interference and determines whether the fault is sufficient to the corresponding proximity switch 22 to activate. The disturbance of the activation field 32 is detected by processing the charge pulse signal in association with the corresponding signal channel. If the finger 34 of the user in contact with two activation fields 32 reaches, detects the proximity switch assembly 20 the disturbance of both contacted activation fields 32 via separate signal channels. Every proximity switch 22 has its own dedicated signal channel which generates charge pulse counts which are processed as discussed herein.

5 shows the proximity switch assembly 20 according to one embodiment. There are several proximity sensors 24 which is a control device 40 provide inputs in the manner of a microcontroller. The control device 40 may be a control circuit arrangement in the manner of a microprocessor 42 and a memory 48 exhibit. The control circuitry may include detection control circuitry that includes the activation field of each sensor 22 processing to detect user activation of the corresponding switch by comparing the activation field signal according to one or more control routines with one or more thresholds. It should be understood that other analog and / or digital control circuitry may also be used to process each activation field, determine user activation, and initiate an activity. The control device 40 may use a QMatrix detection method according to an embodiment, which is available from ATMEL ^®. The ATMEL detection method uses a Windows ^® -Host-C / C ++ - compiler and a debugger WinAVR to simplify the development and testing of the practical application of Hawkeye, which real-time monitoring of the internal state of critical variables in the software and data collection protocols for the post-processing allows.

The control device 40 provides an output signal to one or more devices configured to perform specific actions in response to a correct activation of a proximity switch. For example, the one or more devices may be a glass sunroof 16 , which has a motor to move the glass sunroof between open and closed and tilting positions, a glass sunroof 18 moving between open and closed positions and lighting devices 30 which can be switched on and off include. Other devices may be controlled, such as a radio, to perform on and off functions, control the volume, search for stations, and other types of devices to perform other dedicated functions. One of the proximity switches 22 may be intended to close the glass sunroof, another proximity switch 22 may be intended to open the glass sliding roof, and another switch 22 may be arranged to operate the glass sunroof in an inclined position, all of which cause a motor to move the glass sunroof in a desired position. The glass sunroof 18 can be responsive to a proximity switch 22 opened and responding to another proximity switch 22 getting closed.

The control device 40 is wider than an analog-to-digital (A / D) comparator 44 that with the microprocessor 42 is coupled, having shown. The A / D comparator 44 receives the voltage output V _O from each of the proximity switches 22 converts the analog signal into a digital signal and provides the digital signal to the microprocessor 42 ready. In addition, the control device 40 one with the microprocessor 42 coupled pulse counter 46 on. The pulse counter 46 When the charge signal pulses applied to each drive electrode of each proximity sensor counts down, a count of the pulses required to charge the capacitor until the voltage output V _{O reaches} a predetermined voltage is performed and the count is presented to the microprocessor 42 ready. The pulse count gives the capacity change of the corresponding capacitive sensor. The control device 40 Further, as shown, it communicates with a pulse width modulated drive buffer 15 , The control device 40 represents the pulse width modulated drive buffer 15 a pulse width modulated signal ready to generate a square wave pulse train VI to each drive electrode of each proximity sensor / switch 22 is created. The control device 40 processes a control routine stored in memory 100 to monitor one of the proximity switches and to determine if there is activation.

In the 6 - 13 is the change in sensor charge pulse counts for multiple signal channels, shown as Δ sensor count, associated with multiple proximity switches 22 in the way of the three in 3 illustrated switch 22 shown in different examples. The change in sensor charge pulse count is the difference between an initialized referenced count without a finger or other object present in the activation field and the corresponding sensor reading. In these examples, the user's finger enters the activation fields 32 in connection with each of three proximity switches 22 This is generally the case for a capture enable field at the time of overlap between adjacent enable fields 32 takes place while the user's finger moves over the multiple arrangement of switches. channel 1 is the change (Δ) of the sensor charge pulse count associated with the first capacitive sensor 24 , Channel 2 is the change in the sensor charge pulse count associated with the adjacent second capacitive sensor 24 , and channel 3 is the change in the sensor charge pulse count associated with the third capacitive sensor 24 adjacent to the second capacitive sensor. According to the disclosed embodiment, the proximity sensors are 24 capacitive sensors. When a user's finger is in contact with a sensor 24 is or is in the immediate vicinity of it, the finger changes the corresponding sensor 24 measured capacity. The capacitance is parallel to the parasitic capacity of the untouched sensor pad and is thus measured as an offset. The capacity induced by the user or operator is proportional to the dielectric constant of the finger or other body part of the user whose surface is facing the capacitive pad, and inversely proportional to the distance between the body part of the user and the switch button. According to one embodiment, each sensor is excited by pulse width modulation (PWM) electronics with a voltage pulse train until the sensor has been charged to a fixed voltage potential. Such a detection method charges the receiving electrode 28 to a known voltage potential. The cycle is repeated until the voltage across the measuring capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage. By placing a finger of a user on the touch surface of the switch 24 An external capacitance is introduced which increases the amount of charge transferred in each cycle, thereby reducing the total number of cycles required for the measurement capacitance to reach the predetermined voltage. The user's finger causes the change in the sensor charge pulse count to increase because this value is based on the initialized reference count minus the sensor reading.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 is able to detect the hand movement of the user when the hand, in particular a finger, in close proximity to the proximity switches 22 to determine if the user's intent is to use a switch 22 to activate to seek a specific switch button while focusing on higher priority tasks such as driving, or whether it is the result of a task in the manner of adjusting the rearview mirror, which is not the operation of a proximity switch 22 has to do. The proximity switch arrangement 20 may be operated in an exploratory or exploratory mode which allows the user to examine the buttons or buttons by sliding his finger over the switches or sliding in close proximity to the switches without triggering a switch until the intent of the user. The proximity switch arrangement 20 monitors the amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field, determines a differential change of the generated signal, and generates an activation output if the differential signal exceeds a threshold. This will be an investigation of the proximity switch assembly 20 allows users to freely examine the switch interface pad with their fingers without inadvertently triggering an event, the interface response time is short, activation occurs when the finger touches a surface panel, and prevents or reduces inadvertent activation of the switch.

Regarding 6 be noted that when the finger 34 the user a switch 22 in connection with the signal channel 1 approaching, the finger 34 in the activation field 32 in connection with the sensor 24 occurs, thereby causing an interruption of the capacitance, resulting in a sensor count increase, as shown by a signal 50A having a typical activation motion profile. An entry ramp ramping method may be used to determine whether the operator desires to depress a key or to inspect the interface, based on the input ramp in the signal, in accordance with one embodiment 50A the signal of the channel 1 from a point 52 where the signal 50A crosses the level-active (LVL_ACTIVE) count to one point 54 where the signal 50A crosses the level threshold (LVL_SHELL) count, increases. The slope of the entrance ramp is the differential change of the generated signal between the points 52 and 54 which occurred during the period between times t _th and t _ac . Because the level-threshold-level-active counter generally only changes when the presence of gloves is detected but otherwise constant, the slope can be calculated to be just the time that elapses from level-to-level. _Passing threshold, which is referred to as t _{aktiv_zu_Schwelle} , which is the difference between the time t _th and the time t _ac . Direct pressing against a switch pad typically can occur in a time range of about 40 to 60 milliseconds, in a period of time referred to as t _{direct_pressing} . If the time t _{active_to_slave is} less than or equal to the direct _press time t _{Direct_Drive} , it is determined that the activation of the switch is _occurring . Otherwise, it is determined that the switch is in an examining mode.

According to another embodiment, the slope of the entrance ramp may be the time difference between the time t _ac at the point 52 and time t _pk until the peak _count reaches the point 56 , which is referred to as the time t _{aktiv_zu_Spitze} be calculated. The time t _{active_tip} can be compared to a direct _push-tip , referred to as t _{direct-drain_peak} , which according to one embodiment may have a value of 100 milliseconds. If the time t _{active_to_slice is} less than or equal to the _{t_dir__peak} , it is determined that the activation of the switch occurs. Otherwise, the switch assembly operates in an examination mode.

In the example off 6 It is shown that the channel 1 signal rises when the capacitance disturbance from the point 52 fast to the peak at the point 56 increases. The proximity switch arrangement 20 determines the slope of the entry _ramp either as the period t _{active_to_target} or t _{active_to_tip} for the rise of the signal from the first threshold point 52 until either the second threshold at the point 54 or the peak threshold at the point 56 , The slope or differential change of the generated signal is then used for comparison with a representative direct _{push threshold} t _{direct_back} or _{t_dir__peak} to determine the activation of the proximity _switch . In particular, if the time t _{active_to_slice is} shorter than _{t_direct_delay} or _{t_active_to_slave is} shorter than _{t_direct_dry} , activation of the switch is detected. Otherwise, the switch assembly remains in the examination mode.

7 FIG. 12 shows an example of a sliding / examining movement over two switches when the finger passes over the activation field of two adjacent proximity sensors or slides, such as a signal channel 1 , referred to as 50A , and signal channel 2 , referred to as 50B , is shown. As the user's finger approaches a first switch, the finger enters the activation field associated with the first switch sensor, causing the change in the sensor count on the signal 50A increases at a slower rate so that a smaller differential change in the generated signal is determined. In this example, the profile of the signal channel is learned 1 a temporal change t _{aktiv_zu_Sitze,} which is not less than or equal to t _{Direct_Druck} , which leads to the fact that the investigation or investigation _mode is entered. Because t _{active_to_switch indicates} a slow differential change of the generated signal, according to one embodiment, no activation of the switch _key is initiated. According to another embodiment, because the time t _{active_to_tip is} not less than or equal to _{t_dir__peak, indicating} a slow differential change of the generated signal, no activation is initiated. The one with 50B designated second signal channel is as shown at a transition point 58 to the maximum signal and has an increasing change in the Δ sensor count with a differential change of the signal, similar to the signal 50A , Therefore, the first and second channels reflect 50A and 50B a sliding movement of the finger over two capacitive sensors in the examination mode, which does not lead to activation of a switch. Using the time period t _{active_to_target} or t _{active_to_tip} , a decision may be made to activate a proximity switch or not when its capacity level approaches the signal peak.

For a slow direct push, as in 8th Additional processing may be used to ensure that no activation is intended. As in 8th it can be seen that rises as a signal 50A identified signal channel 1 during the period t _{aktiv_zu_Schwelle} or t _{aktiv_zu_Speitze} slower, which would lead to the entry into the examination _mode . When such a slip condition / examination condition is detected, wherein the time t _{active_to_target is} greater than t _{direct_due} if the channel not satisfying the condition was the first signal channel that entered the examination mode and it is still the maximum channel ( Channel with the highest intensity) when the capacity at the point 60 below LVL_TASTE-UP_threshold, activation of the switch is initiated.

9 shows a quick movement of a user's finger via the proximity switch assembly without activating the switches. In this example, the relatively large differential change of the signal generated for the channels 1 and 2 detected, for both channels 1 and 2 as by lines 50A respectively. 50B is shown. The switch arrangement uses a delay period to delay the activation of a decision to the transition point 58 to which the second signal channel 50B to over the first signal channel 50A increases. The time delay could, according to one embodiment, be set equal to the time threshold t _{direct_peak_peak} . Accordingly, the very rapid examination of the proximity key panels prevents unwanted activation of a switch by using a delay period prior to determining activation of a switch. The introduction of the delay in response can make the interface less sensitive and work better when the operator's finger movement is substantially uniform.

If a previous threshold event has been detected recently that did not result in activation, then, according to one embodiment, the examination mode may automatically be entered. As a result, once inadvertent actuation has been detected and rejected, more caution may be exercised in the examination mode for a period of time.

Another way to allow an operator to enter the examination mode is to use one or more suitably marked and / or textured areas or pads on the switch panel surface in conjunction with the dedicated proximity switches having the function, the proximity switch assembly, the intent of the Operator to make a blind examination, signal. The one or more exploration engagement pads may be located in an easy to reach location where it is not likely to generate activity with other signal channels. In accordance with another embodiment, an unlabelled larger examination engagement pad may be used which surrounds the entire switch interface. Such an examination pad would probably be encountered first as the operator's hand slides over the trim in the overhead console, looking for a tag from which to initiate a blind examination of the proximity switch assembly.

Once the proximity sensor assembly determines whether an increase in the change of a sensor count is a switch activation or the result of an examination movement, the assembly continues to determine whether or not the examination movement should be terminated upon activation of a proximity switch or not. In one embodiment, the proximity switch assembly searches for a stable press of a switch button for at least a predetermined period of time. According to a specific embodiment, the predetermined period is greater than or equal to 50 milliseconds, and more preferably about 80 milliseconds. Examples of the switch disposition operation using a stable time methodology are disclosed in U.S.P. 10 - 13 shown.

10 shows the investigation of three proximity switches according to signal channels 1 - 3 , each as signals 50A - 50C while a finger slides over the first and second switches in the examination mode, and then the third switch in connection with the signal channel 3 activated. If the finger the first and the second switch in connection with the channels 1 and 2 No activation is detected because there is no stable signal on the lines 50A and 50B is available. The signal on the line 50A for the channel 1 starts as the maximum signal value until the channel 2 on the line 50B takes the maximum value and finally the channel 3 takes a maximum value. As shown, the signal channel points 3 a stable change of the sensor count near the peak for a sufficient period of time t _stably in the manner of 80 milliseconds sufficient to initiate the activation of the corresponding proximity switch. When the threshold level trigger condition has been met and a peak has been reached, the _stable level method activates the switch after the level at the switch has been _stably restricted in a narrow range at least during the period t. This allows the operator to examine the different proximity switch and activate a desired switch when he was found by the position of the user's finger during a stable period t is maintained _stably in the vicinity of the switch.

11 shows another embodiment of the stable level method, wherein the third signal channel on the line 50C has a change of the sensor count which has a stable condition when the signal is dropped. In this example, the change of the sensor count for the third channel exceeds the threshold level, and stable pressure for the period t is _stably detected, so that the activation of the third switch is determined.

According to another embodiment, the proximity switch assembly may employ a virtual key method wherein an initial peak of change in the sensor count is searched while in the assay mode followed by an additional substantial increase in the sensor count change to determine activation of the switch, as in the 12 and 13 is shown. In 12 the third signal channel rises on the line 50C to an initial peak and then continues to increase by a change in sensor count C _vb . This is equivalent to a user's finger stroking slightly over the surface of the switch assembly as it slides over the switch assembly, reaching the desired key, and then depressing the virtual mechanical switch so that the user's finger presses on the switch contact surface and the volume amount of the finger closer to the switch increases. The increase in capacitance is caused by the increased surface of the fingertip when it is pressed onto the support surface. The increased capacity may occur immediately after detection of a peak, as in 12 are shown, made or after a decrease in the change of the sensor count, as in 13 is shown. The proximity switch arrangement detects an initial peak value followed by a further increase in the sensor count value indicated by the capacitance C _vb at a stable level or stable time t _stable . A stable detection level generally means no change in sensor count in the absence of noise or a small change in sensor count in the absence of noise that may be determined during calibration.

It should be noted that a shorter time t can _stably lead to inadvertent activations, especially after a reversal in the direction of the finger movement, and that a longer t can _stably lead to a less sensitive interface.

It should also be noted that both the stable value method and the virtual key method can be active at the same time. In this case, the stable time t can be _stably attenuated to a longer one second-like value because the operator can always fire the key using the virtual key method without waiting for the end of the stable pressing.

The proximity switch assembly may also use robust noise cancellation to prevent spurious inadvertent operations. For example, accidentally opening and closing the glass sliding roof can be avoided with an overhead console. Too much noise suppression may eventually end up suppressing intended activations, which should be avoided. One approach to suppressing noise is to look at whether multiple adjacent channels are signaling simultaneous triggering events and, if so, to select the signal channel with the highest signal and activate it, ignoring all other signal channels until the next signal channel selected signal channel has been released.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 may comprise a signature noise suppression method based on two parameters, namely a signature parameter which is the ratio between the channel between the highest intensity (max_channel) and the cumulative total level (sum_channel) and the dac parameter which is the number of channels which are at least a certain fraction of the max_channel. In one embodiment, dac α _dac = 0.5. The signature parameter can be defined by the following equation:

The dac parameter can be defined by the following equation: dac = ∀channels _i > α _dac max_channel.

Depending on dac, in order for a detected activation not to be suppressed, the channel must generally be clean, ie the signature must be higher than a predefined threshold. According to one embodiment, α _{dac = 1} = 0.4 and α _{dac = 2} = 0.67. If dac is greater than 2, activation is suppressed according to one embodiment.

If a decision to enable a switch or disable a switch is made at the falling phase of the profile, then instead of max_channel and sum_channel, their Peak values peak_max_channel and peak_sum_channel can be used to calculate the signature. The signature can have the following equation:

It can become a noise canceler that triggers exploration mode. If a detected activation is suppressed because of a dirty signature, the exploration mode or examination mode should be applied automatically. Accordingly, if a blind examination is made, a user may reach out with all fingers, trying to establish a frame of reference from which to initiate an exploration. This allows multiple channels to be triggered simultaneously, resulting in a bad signature.

14 shows a state diagram for the proximity switch assembly 20 in a state machine implementation according to one embodiment. The state machine implementation, as shown, has five states, including a SW_KIN state 70 , a SW_ACTIVE state 72 , a SW_SCHWELLE state 74 , a SW_ERFORSCHEND state 76 and a SWITCH_ACTIVATED state 78 , The SW_KEIN state 70 is the state in which no sensor activity is detected. The SW_ACTIVE state is the state in which some activity is detected by the sensor, but not enough to trigger activation of the switch at that time. The SW_SHELD state is the state where the activity determined by the sensor is high enough to warrant activation, exploration / investigation or incidental movement of the switch assembly. It will be in the SW_ERFORSCHEND state 76 when the activity pattern determined by the switch assembly is compatible with the investigative / exploratory interaction. The SWITCH_ACTIVATED state 78 is the state in which activation of a switch has been identified. In the SWITCH_ACTIVATED state 78 the switch button remains active and no other selection is possible until the corresponding switch has been released.

The state of the proximity switch arrangement 20 changes depending on the detection and processing of the detected signals. If it is in the SW_KEIN state 70 the system can 20 to the SW_ACTIVE state 72 override if some activity is detected by one or more sensors. If sufficient activity is detected to justify either an activation, exploration or incidental movement, the system may 20 directly to SW_SCHWELLE state 74 pass. If it is in SW_SHELP state 74 the system can 20 to the SW_ERFORSCHEND state 76 go over when a pattern indicating an investigation is detected, or it can go directly to the switch activation state 78 pass. When a switch activation is in the SW_ERFORSCHEND state, activation of the switch can be detected to go to the SWITCH_ACTIVATED state 78 switch. If the signal is suppressed and an unintentional action is detected, the system may go to the SW_KEIN state 70 to return.

15 shows the main procedure 100 for monitoring and determining when to generate an activation output with the proximity switch assembly, according to an embodiment. The procedure 100 starts in step 102 and gets in step 104 continued to perform an initial calibration that can be performed once. The calibrated signal channel values are calculated using raw channel data and calibrated reference values by subtracting the reference value from a raw data unit in step 106 calculated. Next, in step 108 of all the signal channel sensor readings, the highest count, designated max_channel, and the sum of all channel sensor readings, referred to as the sum_channel, are calculated. In addition, the number of active channels is determined. In step 110 calculates the procedure 100 the recent change of max_channel and sum_channel to determine later if a move is in progress or not.

After step 110 becomes the procedure 100 in the decision step 112 to see if any of the switches are active. If no switch is active, the procedure will be 100 in step 114 continued to perform online real-time calibration. Otherwise, the process processes 100 the switch release in step 116 , If a switch was already active, the process continues 100 then on to a module where it waits and holds the entire activity until release.

After the real-time calibration, the procedure becomes 100 in the decision step 118 continues to determine if there is a channel unlock that indicates a recent activation, and it will if so this is the case in step 120 continued to decrease the channel unlock timer. If no channel unlocks are detected, the procedure will be 100 in the decision step 122 continued to search for a new max_channel. If the current max_channel has been changed so that there is a new max_channel, the procedure will be 100 in step 124 resumed to reset max_channel, sum the ranges, and set the threshold levels. Accordingly, if a new max_channel is identified, the method resets the recent signal ranges and, if necessary, updates the exploration / investigation parameters. If the switch_status is less than SW_ACTIVE, the explore / investigate flag is set to true and the switch state is set to SW_KEIN. If the current max_channel has not been changed, the procedure will be 100 in step 126 continued to process the max_channel (no glove) finger status. This may involve processing the logic between the various states, as in the state diagram 14 is shown.

After step 126 becomes the procedure 100 in the decision step 128 continued to determine if a switch is active. If no switch activation is detected, the method becomes 100 in step 130 continued to detect a possible presence of a glove on the user's hand. The presence of a glove may be detected based on a decreased change in the capacity count. The procedure 100 will then step in 132 continued to update the history of max_channel and sum_channel. The index of the active switch, if any, then becomes in step 134 issued to the software hardware module before in step 136 is ended.

When a switch is active, a process switch enable routine is activated that is in 16 is shown. The process-the-switch-release routine 116 starts in step 140 and will be in the decision step 142 to see if the active channel is less than LVL_ENABLE, and it ends in step 152 if this is the case. If the active channel is less than LVL_ENABLE, the routine becomes 116 in the decision step 144 continued to determine if the LVL_DELTA_SHAVE is greater than 0 and it will be in step 146 if not, to raise the threshold level if the signal is stronger. This can be achieved by decreasing the LVL_DELTA_SHAVE. In step 146 The threshold, enable and active levels are also set. The routine 116 will then step in 148 continued to reset channel_max and the sum history timer for long stable signal exploration / investigation parameters. The switch status becomes in step 150 set to SW_KIN before in step 152 is ended. To exit the processing-the-switch-enable module, the signal on the active channel must drop below LVL_ENABLE, which is an adaptive threshold that changes when a glove interaction is detected. When the switch button is released, all internal parameters are reset and an unlock timer is triggered to prevent further activations before a certain wait time, for example 100 milliseconds, has elapsed. In addition, the threshold levels are adjusted depending on whether gloves are present or not.

17 shows a routine 200 for determining the state change from the SW_KEIN state to the SW_ACTIVE state, according to one embodiment. The routine 200 starts in step 202 with the processing of the SW_KIN state and then in the decision step 204 continued to determine if max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE. If max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE, the proximity switch assembly changes state from SW_KIN state to SW_ACTIVE state and ends in step 210 , If max_channel is not greater than LVL_ACTIVE, the routine checks 200 in step 208 whether the exploration hint is to be reset before in step 210 is ended. Accordingly, the state changes from SW_KEIN state to SW_ACTIVE state when max_channel is triggered above LVL_ACTIVE. If the channel remains below this level, the exploration hint, if set, will not be returned to exploration after a certain waiting period, which is one way to deviate from the exploratory mode.

18 shows a method 220 for processing the state of the SW_ACTIVE state, which changes to either the SW_SCHWELLE state or the SW_KEIN state, according to one embodiment. The procedure 220 starts in step 222 and will be in the decision step 224 continued. If max_channel is not greater than LVL_SCHWELLE, the procedure will be 220 in step 226 continues to determine if max_channel is less than LVL_ACTIVE and, if so, in step 228 continued to change the switch state to SW_KEIN. Accordingly, the state of the state machine changes from the SW_ACTIVE state to the SW_KEIN state when the max_channel signal drops below LVL_ACTIVE. A delta value can also be subtracted from LVL_ACTIVE to introduce some hysteresis. If max_channel is greater than LVL_SHAVE, the routine will be 220 in the decision step 230 to determine if a recent threshold event or glove has been detected and, if so, set the exploration on flag in step 232 on true. In step 234 the procedure changes 220 the state to the SW_CLOSE state before in step 236 is ended. Accordingly, if max_ Channel is triggered above the LVL_SELVE, the state changes to SW_SHELP state. If gloves are detected or a previous threshold event that did not result in activation has recently been detected, the exploration / examination mode can be automatically entered.

19 shows a method 240 for determining the activation of a switch from the SW_CLOSE state according to one embodiment. The procedure 240 starts in step 242 with the processing of the SW_SCHWELLE state, and it turns into a decision block 244 to determine if the signal is stable or if the signal channel is at a peak, and it ends in step 256 if this is not the case. If either the signal is stable or the signal channel is at a peak, the procedure will be 240 in the decision step 246 to determine whether the exploration or examination mode is active, and it jumps to step 250 if this is the case. If the exploration or examination mode is not active, the procedure will be 240 in the decision step 248 it continues to determine if the signal channel is clean and fast_active is greater than a threshold, and it sets in step 250 if so, switch_active equal to the maximum channel. The procedure 240 is in a decision block 252 continues to determine if there is a switch_active and ends in step 256 if this is the case. If there is no switch_active, the procedure will 240 in step 254 continues to initialize the exploration variables, setting SWITCH_STATUS equal to SWITCH_ERRECORDING and LOCK_MAX_BASIS equal to MAX_CHANNELS, before proceeding to step 256 is ended.

In the SW_SCHWELLE state, no decision is made until a peak in MAX_KANAL is detected. The detection of the peak depends on whether there is a reversal in the direction of the signal or whether both MAX_CANAL and SUM__CHANAL remain stable (within a range of 60 milliseconds) for at least one particular interval. Once the tip has been detected, the exploration hint is checked. If the exploration mode is off, the entry ramp slope method is used. If SW_ACTIVE has occurred at SW_SCHWELLE in less than a 60 millisecond threshold and the signature of the noise suppression method indicates this as a valid trigger event, the state is changed to SWITCH_ACTIVE and the process is transferred to the PROCESS DER SWITCH ENABLE module, and the exploration hint is otherwise set to true. If the delayed activation method is used instead of activating the switch immediately, the state is changed to SW_DELIVED_ACTIVATION, enforcing a delay at the end of which the button is activated if the current MAX_CANAL index has not changed.

20 FIG. 12 shows a virtual key method that implements the SW_ERFORSCHEND state, according to one embodiment. FIG. The procedure 260 starts in step 262 with the processing of the SW_ERFORSCHEND state and is in the decision step 264 to determine if MAX_KANAL has dropped below the LVL_TASTE_OPER_SHIFT and, if so, set MAX_SPITZE_BASIS in step 272 MIN (MAX_SPITZE_BASIS, MAX_CANAL). If MAX_KANAL has dropped below the LVL_TASTE_OB_SHIFT, the procedure will be 260 in step 266 continued to use the first channel trigger discovery method to check if the event should trigger the key activation. This is determined by determining if the first and only channels are going through and the signal is clean. If so, the procedure continues 260 the switch_active in step 270 equal to the maximum channel before in step 282 is ended. If the first and only channel is not traversed or if the signal is not clean, the procedure will be 260 in step 268 continues to give up and determine an inadvertent actuation and to set the SWITCH_STATUS equal to the SW_KEIN state, before in step 282 is ended.

After step 272 becomes the procedure 260 in the decision step 274 continued to determine if the channel was clicked. This can be determined by determining if MAX_KANAL is greater than MAX_SPITZE_BASIS plus delta. If the channel is clicked, the procedure will be 260 in the decision step 276 continues to determine if the signal is stable and clean, and if so, sets the switch_active state in step 280 to the maximum channel before in step 282 is ended. If the channel has not been clicked, the procedure will be 260 in the decision step 278 to see if the signal is long, stable and clean and, if so, in step 280 continue to set the switch_active equal to the maximum channel before step 282 is ended.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 may according to another embodiment have a virtual key mode. In the 21 - 27 are the proximity switch assembly with a virtual key mode and a method for activating the proximity switch with the virtual key mode according to this embodiment shown. The proximity switch assembly may include one or more proximity switches each providing a detection enable field and control circuitry for controlling the activation field of each proximity switch to detect activation. The control circuitry monitors signals indicating the activation fields, determines a first stable amplitude of the signal for a period of time, determines a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for the period, and generates an activation output if the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount exceeds. The method may be used by the proximity switch assembly and includes the steps of generating an activation field associated with each of one or more of a plurality of proximity sensors and monitoring a signal indicative of each associated activation field. The method also includes the steps of determining a first amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period of time and determining a second amplitude when the signal is stable during the minimum time period. The method further comprises the step of generating an activation output if the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by a known amount. This provides a virtual button mode for the proximity switch, thereby preventing or reducing inadvertent or false activations that can be caused by a finger probing multiple proximity switch buttons and changing directions, or can be caused by a gloved finger ,

21 shows the examination and activation of a proximity switch for one of the as a signal 50 designated signal channels, when a user's finger slides over the corresponding switch, enters an examination mode and continues to activate the switch in the virtual key mode. It should be noted that the user's finger can examine several capacitive switches, as in the 10 - 12 in which signals are generated in association with each of the respective signal channels as the finger passes over the activation field of each channel. Multiple signal channels can be processed simultaneously, and the maximum signal channel can be processed to determine the activation of the corresponding proximity switch. In the examples shown in the signal diagrams from the 21 - 25 are provided, a single signal channel is shown in connection with a switch, but it could also be processed several signal channels. The signal 50 in connection with one of the signal channels is in 21 being shown, it being at one point 300 to an active threshold level 320 rises, the signal entering the examination mode at this point. The signal 50 thereafter continues to rise and reaches a first amplitude, the signal being stable at this point for a minimum period of time, which is shown as T stable, as at a point 302 is shown. At the point 302 the signal occurs 50 in the virtual key mode and generates a first base value CBasis, which is the delta signal count at the point 302 is. At this point, the virtual key mode generates an incremental activation threshold as a function of the base value CBasis multiplied by a constant K _vb . The activation threshold for determining activation can be represented by (1 + K _vb ) × CBasis, where K _{vb is} a constant greater than zero. The virtual key mode continues to monitor the signal 50 to determine when it reaches a second stable amplitude for the minimum time period Tstabil, which is at one point 304 happens. At this point 304 The virtual key mode compares the second stable amplitude with the first stable amplitude and determines whether the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount K _vb × CBasis. If the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount, an activation output for the proximity switch is generated.

According to this embodiment, a stable signal amplitude through the signal channel must be maintained stable for at least a minimum period of time before entering the virtual key mode or determining activation of the switch. The sensor value when entering the virtual key mode is recorded as CBasis. The method monitors for when a subsequent stable signal amplitude is reached again before a timeout period. If a stable signal amplitude with a delta count greater than a desired percentage, such as 12.5 percent of the previously recorded CBase value, is regained before the timeout period elapses, activation is initiated. In one embodiment, a percentage delta signal count increase of at least 10 percent is provided by K _vb × CBase.

The multiplier K _vb is, according to one embodiment, a factor of at least 0.1 or at least 10 percent of the CBasis value. According to another embodiment, the multiplier K _{vb is set} to about 0.125, which corresponds to 12.5 percent. The stable period Tstabil may be set to at least 50 milliseconds according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the stable period Tstabil may be set in the range of 50 to 100 milliseconds. The stable amplitude may be determined according to one embodiment by having the signal amplitude substantially stable within a range within twice the magnitude of the estimated noise on the signal, or in accordance with FIG In another embodiment, within 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level is substantially stable or, in another embodiment, is substantially stable in a combination of two times the estimated noise of the signal added to 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level ,

22 shows that a signal 50 for a signal channel associated with a proximity switch at a point 300 enters the examination mode and subsequently reaches a stable first amplitude when the stable signal amplitude at the point 302 in which the virtual key mode is entered, exists for a minimum period of time Tstabil. At this point, the CBasis value is determined. After that it is shown that the signal 50 falls off and rises again to a second amplitude when the signal is at a point 306 is stable over the minimum period of time. In this situation, the second amplitude exceeds the point 306 however, not the base value CBasis of the signal at the point 302 by the known amount K _vb × CBase and thereby does not generate an activation output for the switch.

As in 23 is shown, a signal occurs 50 in connection with a signal channel at the point 300 in the examination mode and reaches in the course of a first amplitude for a stable period Tstabil at the point 302 at which the virtual key mode is entered and CBasis is determined. Then the signal rises 50 continue to a second amplitude at one point 308 is stable for the minimum period of time. At the point 308 However, the second amplitude does not exceed the known amplitude K _vb × CBase at the point at the first amplitude 302 reached base value CBasis of the signal, so that the proximity switch arrangement does not trigger a switch output. It will, however, be at the point 308 generates and uses a new updated CBasis base to determine the known amount to compare to the next stable amplitude. The signal 50 drops as shown and then increases to a third amplitude at the point 310 is stable for the minimum period of time. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by more than the known amount K _vb × CBasis, so that an activation output is generated for the switch.

As in 24 is shown, another example of a signal occurs 50 at the point 300 enter the examination mode and continue to increase to a first amplitude at the point 302 is stable for a minimum period of time at which the virtual key mode is entered and CBasis is determined. After that, the signal drops 50 as shown, to a second amplitude at one point 312 is stable for the minimum period of time. At the point 312 the second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount K _vb × CBasis, so that no triggering of the signal is generated. However, there will be an updated CBasis base at the point 312 generated. Then the signal rises 50 continue to a third amplitude at the point 310 is stable for the minimum period of time. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by the known amount K _vb × CBasis, so that a triggering or activating output is generated for the switch.

As in 25 is shown, another example of a signal occurs 50 for a signal channel at the point 300 in the examination mode and reaches in the course of a first amplitude at the point 302 is stable for the minimum period of time, and therefore enters the virtual key mode, and CBasis is determined. Next, the signal rises 50 continue to a second amplitude at the point 308 stable for the period Tstabil. The second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount, so that at this point no triggering of the switch is generated. After that it is shown that the signal 50 to a point 314 and a reset timer expires because the last stable amplitude has been received, as shown by a time reset. When the reset timer expires, the virtual key mode will be at the point 314 and enters the exam mode as soon as the virtual key mode is exited. When this happens, the previously determined CBasis value is no longer valid. Then the signal rises 50 as shown, to a third amplitude at one point 316 is stable for the minimum period of time. At this point, the third amplitude reaches an updated value CBasis, which is used to determine future activations of the switch. After that, the signal drops 50 as shown below until below the active threshold 320 In this case, the virtual key mode is left without activations.

A method of activating a proximity switch with a virtual key mode using the proximity switch assembly is disclosed in US Pat 26 and 27 shown. As in 26 is shown, the method begins 400 in step 402 and continues to all the signal channels in connection with all proximity switches in step 404 capture. The procedure 400 is in a decision block 406 continues to determine if the state is set to the ACTIVE state and, if so, it checks in step 414 a release of the switch before it in step 416 is ended. If the state is not set to the ACTIVE state, the procedure will be 400 in step 408 continued to the maximum channel To find (CHT). Next is the routine 400 as soon as the maximum channel was found, in step 410 to process the Maximum Channel (CHT) Virtual Key procedure before proceeding to step 416 is ended. The processing of the maximum channel virtual key method 410 is in 27 and will be described below. It should be noted that the procedure 400 an optional step 412 to process also the maximum channel signal using a tap method to detect that a user is tapping a proximity switch to generate an activation output.

In the 27 illustrated processing of the maximum channel virtual key method 410 starts in step 420 and gets in step 422 continued to input the maximum channel signal. Therefore, the maximum signal channel is processed in conjunction with one of the proximity switches to determine the virtual key mode state and the activation of the switch. In the decision step 424 determines the procedure 410 Whether the switch is set to the virtual key mode state and, if so, in the decision step 426 to determine if the signal channel value is less than the active threshold. If the signal channel is smaller than the active threshold, the procedure will be 410 in step 428 continue to set the state equal to NO, and it returns to the beginning. If the signal channel is not smaller than the active threshold, the procedure will be 410 in the decision step 430 to determine whether the signal has a stable first amplitude for a period of time greater than the stable time period Tstabil. If the stable signal channel at the first amplitude is stable for a period of time greater than Tstabil, the process will be 410 in the decision step 432 to determine whether the signal channel is not stable for a period exceeding the reset period Trückset and, if not, to step 422 back. If the signal channel is not stable for a period exceeding the reset period, the procedure will become 410 continues to set the state equal to the examination / exploration state, and it ends in step 460 ,

To the decision step 430 returning, the procedure continues 410 if the signal channel is stable for a period exceeding the stable period Tstabil, with the decision step 436 to determine whether the signal Ch (t) is greater than CBase by a known amount defined by K _vb × CBasis and, if so, sets the switch state to active to be an enable output to generate it in step before 460 ends. If the signal does not exceed CBasis to the known amount K _vb × CBasis, the method is 410 continued to step in the new CBasis value 440 to set to the current stable signal amplitude before in step 460 is ended.

To the decision step 424 returning, the procedure continues 410 if the switch state is not set to the virtual key mode, with the decision step 442 to determine if the condition is set to the examination condition and, if so, to proceed with the decision step 444 to determine if the signal is greater than the active threshold, and if not, sets the state equal to the NO state and ends in step 460 , If the signal is greater than the active threshold, the procedure continues 410 with the decision step 448 to determine whether the signal is stable at an amplitude for a period exceeding the minimum period Tstabil, and if not, it ends in step 460 , If the signal is stable at an amplitude for a period exceeding the minimum period Tstabil, the method continues 410 with step 450 continues to set the state for the switch to the virtual key state and the new CBasis value for the signal channel in step 450 set before it in step 460 ends.

To the decision step 442 returning, the procedure continues 410 if the state of the switch is not set to the examination / exploration state, with the decision step 452 to determine if the signal is greater than the active threshold, and if not, it ends in step 460 , If the signal is greater than the active threshold, the procedure will be 410 in the decision step 454 continued to set the state to the examination / exploration state before in step 460 is ended.

Accordingly, the proximity switch assembly provides the virtual key method 410 advantageously provides improved virtual key switch activation detection and improved cancellation of unwanted activations. The procedure 410 Advantageously, it may detect activation of a switch while suppressing unwanted activations that may be detected when a finger examines the switch assembly and reverses direction, or where the user's finger is wearing a glove. The improved activation detection advantageously provides an improved proximity switch arrangement.

Accordingly, the determination routine advantageously determines the activation of the proximity switches. The routine advantageously allows a user to explore the proximity switch pads, which may be particularly useful in an automotive application, while avoiding distraction of the driver.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 may comprise a compliant material overlying the proximity sensor, and the control circuitry may activate a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor with respect to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the compliant material, according to another embodiment. According to this embodiment, the proximity switch assembly 20 operate in virtual key mode and provide enhanced signal detection by using the compliant material that deforms to allow the user's finger to move closer to the proximity sensor. In addition, a void in the form of an air pocket may be provided between the compliant material and the proximity sensor, and an elevated or raised surface may be provided in the compliant material.

The 28A - 31 show the proximity switch assembly 20 which uses the compliant material and is operated in a virtual key mode, and a method of activating the proximity switch using the compliant material in the virtual key mode according to this embodiment. The proximity switch arrangement 22 may include a proximity sensor such as a capacitive sensor that generates an activation field. It should be noted that several proximity sensors 24 can be used, each generating an activation field. The proximity sensors 24 As shown, according to one embodiment, they are on the surface of a rigid substrate such as a polymeric overhead console 12 provided. Each of the proximity sensors 24 can be achieved by printing conductive ink on the surface of the polymeric overhead console 12 be formed. The proximity sensors 24 may also be formed in other ways, such as by mounting preformed traces on a substrate according to other embodiments.

A docile material 500 covered as shown the substrate 12 and should be the touch surface for the interaction of a finger 34 a user with proximity sensors 24 deploy to the switches 22 to activate. The docile material 500 As illustrated, it is formed as a cover layer, which according to one embodiment may be made of an elastic material, including rubber. The docile material 500 is with respect to the underlying substrate 12 Being relatively rigid, flexible. The docile material 500 lies above the proximity sensor 24 and is deformable when a finger 34 a user exerts pressure, leaving the finger 34 the docile material 500 compressed and inward to the proximity sensor 24 moves, as in 28C is shown. According to one embodiment, the compliant material 500 have a layer thickness in the range of about 0.1 to 10 millimeters and more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 uses control circuitry to monitor the activation field associated with each sensor 24 and determining activation of a proximity switch based on a proximity sensor 24 generated signal with respect to a threshold when a finger 34 a user's docile material 50 depressing. The control circuitry may have a stable amplitude from that of the proximity sensor 24 determine generated signal for a predetermined period of time and generate a switch activation output when the stable output exceeds a threshold. According to one embodiment, the control circuitry may determine a first stable amplitude of a signal for a period of time and determine a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for a period of time and generate a proximity switch enable output associated with the signal when the second stable signal is the first stable signal exceeds a known amount.

In the 28A - 28D is shown that the proximity switch assembly 20 According to a first embodiment, a compliant material 500 used that over one or more proximity sensors 24 lies. As in 28A is shown, a finger touches 34 of a user presented in a first position, the surface of the compliant material 500 at a location near a proximity sensor 24 , but laterally offset. In 28B is shown that the finger 34 the user moves by sliding sideways to a second position, which with a proximity sensor 24 is aligned without pressure on the matey material 500 exercise. This can happen when a user uses the proximity sensor assembly 20 examined in an investigative / exploratory mode without the intention of having the switch 22 to activate. In 28C exercises the finger 34 the user as shown a force on the proximity sensor 24 out to the docile material 500 to press down and the finger 34 the user to move to a third position, which is closer to the proximity sensor 24 lies. The finger 34 the user can access the docile material 500 Press and deform it to get closer to the proximity sensor 24 to move, and he can continue against the substrate 12 press and your finger 34 flatten out to an enlarged surface or increased volume of the finger in close proximity to the sensor 24 providing greater interaction with the associated activation field and thus providing a larger signal.

The in the 28A - 28C shown sequence of events will continue in 28D illustrated signal response explained. That through the proximity sensor 24 generated signal 506 rises to a first level as shown 506A which indicates that the finger 34 the user at the first position laterally away from the proximity sensor 24 in contact with the proximity switch assembly 20 stands, as in 28A is apparent. The signal 506 then rises to a level 506B indicating that the finger shown in the second position indicates 34 of the user with the proximity sensor 24 is aligned without exercising power, as in 28B is shown. Then the signal rises 506 then to a third raised level 506C which indicates that the finger 34 the user exerts a force at the third position to the matey material 500 to depress, as in 28C is shown. Accordingly, the signal 506 much bigger when the finger 34 the user into the docile material 500 push, enabling virtual key detection.

The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines activation of the proximity switch based on the signal 506 in relation to a threshold, when the user's finger against the docile material 500 suppressed. The process circuitry may include the in 5 shown control device 400 for executing a control routine having an in 31 illustrated and described herein in connection therewith 520 can include. In doing so, the process circuitry may use a virtual key method as described above to detect an exam mode and virtual key activations of one or more proximity switches.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 may further according to another embodiment with a ductile material 500 be provided having a raised or raised contact surface portion 502 that with each proximity sensor 24 is aligned, and a void or an air gap 504 that is between the elevated section 502 and the proximity sensor 24 is arranged as in the 24A - 24C is shown. According to this embodiment, the between the compliant material 500 and every proximity sensor 24 formed air gap 504 during switch activation provides a greater range of travel that can also serve as a haptic feel for a user. The air gap 504 According to one embodiment, it may have a height gap of less than 5.0 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters. The raised section 502 made of docile material 500 Hold your finger 34 the user in the non-depressed state further away from the proximity sensor 24 , As in 29A is shown, a finger touches 34 a user the proximity switch assembly 20 in a first position at a location near the proximity sensor 24 but spaced laterally therefrom. Next moves in 28B the finger 34 the user to a second position with the proximity sensor 24 on the raised section 52 made of docile material 500 is aligned. In this position can be a finger 34 of a user the proximity switches 22 in a study / exploration mode, but without activating a switch. In 29C is the finger 34 of the user in a third position in which he submits the docile material 500 on the raised section 502 presses down to the finger 34 to move into a completely depressed state in which the docile material 500 and the air gap 504 be compressed to allow the user's finger closer to the proximity sensor 24 located. When this happens, the control circuitry detects an intent of the user, the switch 22 and generates an activation output.

In 28D is responsive to activation of the activation field by the proximity sensor 24 generated signal 506 in relation to the finger actions of the user, as in the 29A - 29C is shown. The signal 506 rises as shown to a first level 506A on, indicating that the finger is 34 the user is in the first position in which he the proximity switch assembly 20 in a lateral distance from the in 29A shown sensor 24 touched. The signal 506 stays at the first level 506A as well as the level 506B is shown while the user's finger up to the second position at above the proximity sensor 24 aligned elevated section 502 is lifted without the docile material 500 to depress, as in 29B is shown. The raised section 502 it allows the signal 506 If a user's finger is in a scan mode and the switch is not intended, it remains low 22 to activate. The signal 506 rises as shown to a further increased level 506C indicating that the finger 34 the user depresses the compliant material in the third position by the raised portion 502 and the air gap 504 compressed as in 29C shown is the switch 22 to activate. The control circuitry processes the signal 506 to activate the switch 22 when this occurs, and may further detect an exploration / exploration mode as described above.

30 FIG. 12 shows a state diagram for the proximity switch arrangement in another state machine implementation using the compliant material and the virtual key mode, according to one embodiment. FIG. The state machine implementation has four states as shown, including the wait state 510 , the exploring state 512 , the virtual key state 514 and the key press state 516 , on. In the wait state 510 is entered when the signal is less than a threshold indicating that no sensor activity is detected. In the exploring state 512 is entered when the signal is greater than a threshold indicating an activity that has been determined to be compatible with an investigative / exploratory interaction. In the virtual key state 514 is entered when the signal is stable. The key press state 516 Press the switch hard to compress the docile material as soon as the virtual key state is entered. When the signal reaches a certain threshold, it enters the exploration / examination mode 512 occurred. If the signal is stable and greater than a base level, it will enter virtual key mode 514 occurred. If the signal is stable and greater than a base level plus a delta dome value, it will enter the key press mode 516 occurred. It should be noted that the base level can be updated as described above.

Regarding 31 become the routine 520 for controlling the proximity switch assembly and the method of activating using a compliant material as described above in connection with FIGS 28A - 30 described, illustrated and described. The routine 520 can in memory 48 are stored and by the controller 40 according to one embodiment. The routine 520 starts in step 522 with the processing of the maximum or maximum signal channel, which is the maximum signal channel associated with one of the proximity switches. In step 524 the maximum signal channel is input to the controller. Next, the routine determines 520 in the decision step 526 whether the current state is set to the wait state and, if so, in the decision step 528 to determine if the maximum signal channel is greater than a threshold. If the maximum signal channel is not greater than the threshold, the routine ends 520 in step 530 , If the maximum signal channel is greater than a threshold, the routine becomes 520 in step 532 continued to set the state to the exploring state before in step 530 is ended.

To the decision step 526 returning, it should be noted that if the state is set to the wait state, the routine 520 with the decision step 534 continues to determine if the condition is set to the exploratory state, and if so, it will be in the decision step 536 to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a threshold. If the maximum signal channel is less than the threshold, the routine becomes 520 in step 538 continues to set the state to the wait state, and then ends in step 530 , If the maximum signal channel is not smaller than the threshold 536 is the routine 520 in the decision step 540 to determine if all signal channels are stable, and if not, in step 530 , If all signal channels are stable, the routine becomes 520 in step 542 continues to set the state equal to the virtual key state and then sets in step 544 the channel base to the maximum signal channel before stepping in 530 ends.

To the decision step 534 returning, it should be noted that if the state is not set to the exploring state, the routine 520 with the decision step 546 continues to determine if the state is the virtual button state, and if it does not, it will be in step 548 continued to set the state to the key depression state. After that, the routine becomes 520 in the decision step 550 continues to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a threshold, and if not, ends in step 530 , If the maximum channel is less than a threshold, the routine continues 520 the state in step 552 on the wait state and then lifts the activation in step 554 on before they step in 530 ends.

To the decision step 546 returning, it should be noted that if the state is set equal to the virtual key state, the routine 520 with the decision step 556 continues to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a threshold and, if so, sets the state in step 558 on the wait before going in step 530 ends. If the maximum signal channel is not smaller than the Threshold is the routine 520 in the decision step 560 continues to determine if the virtual key timer is greater than a lapse of time, and if so, sets the state in step 562 on the exploring state before stepping in 530 ends. The virtual key timer may be set equal to a range of one to three seconds according to an embodiment. If the virtual key timer has not timed out, the routine will become 520 with the decision 564 continues to determine if all signal channels are stable and ends in step 530 if this is not the case. If it is determined that all signal channels are stable, the routine becomes 520 in the decision step 566 to determine if the rubber dome is being depressed, which may be determined by the maximum signal channel being greater than a signal channel base summed with a signal delta dome value. If the rubber dome is pushed down, the routine becomes 520 in the decision step 568 continues to set the state equal to the key depression state, and then generates it in step 570 Activation of the maximum signal channel before proceeding to step 530 ends. If the rubber dome is not pressed down, the routine becomes 520 in step 572 continues to determine that the finger is still sliding, and the base signal ChBasis in step 572 to upgrade to the maximum signal channel before going in step 530 ends.

Accordingly, the proximity switch assembly 20 with the docile material 500 and the virtual key mode advantageously provides enhanced virtual key switch activation detection to enhance the suppression of inadvertent activations. The procedure 520 Advantageously, it may detect activation of a switch, while suppressing undesired activation of a switch may be detected when a finger examines the switch assembly. The improved activation detection provides an improved proximity switch assembly that may be particularly advantageous or useful in an automotive application, where distraction of the driver may be avoided.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 may comprise a rigid substrate having first, upper, and second lower surfaces, a proximity sensor located on the substrate, a compliant material located on the upper surface of the substrate, and a depression located in the upper surface of the substrate in a Area between the compliant material and the proximity sensor is formed, according to an embodiment include. The recess is generally larger than the proximity sensor, so that the recess has a longer length and width compared to the proximity sensor. The recess allows the formation of an air gap between the compliant material and the proximity sensor.

Regarding 32 - 34D According to one embodiment, the proximity switch assembly 20 shown one above a stiff substrate 12 lying docile material 500 and in an upper surface of the substrate 12 trained wells 600 used. The proximity switch arrangement 20 includes the rigid substrate 12 , which is shown generally as a flat plate, with first and second surfaces shown as upper and lower surfaces. The first and second proximity sensor 24 , such as As capacitive sensors are, as shown, on the lower surface of the substrate 12 and each one generates for a corresponding proximity switch 22 an activation field. It should be understood that one or more proximity sensors 24 may be present, each sensor generating an activation field. As shown, according to one embodiment, the proximity sensors 24 on the bottom surface of the rigid substrate 12 provided, such. B. a polymeric overhead console 12 , Each of the proximity sensors 24 can be achieved by printing conductive ink on the lower surface of the rigid substrate 12 be formed. The proximity sensors 24 may according to other embodiments otherwise z. B. by mounting preformed conductive circuit traces on the substrate 12 be formed.

As shown, a docile material covers 500 the substrate 12 and meant for a finger 34 a user's touch surface for interaction with one or more of the proximity sensors 24 to one or more of the proximity switches 22 enable, deploy. The docile material 500 According to one embodiment, it may be formed as a covering layer, which may be made of an elastic material including rubber. The compliant material 500 is relative to the underlying substrate 12 Generally rigid, flexible. The docile material 500 lies above the proximity sensors 24 and is deformable when a user's finger exerts pressure, leaving the finger 34 the docile material 500 compressed and become the proximity sensor 24 emotional. The docile material 500 For example, a thickness as described above in connection with other embodiments may range from about 0.1 to 10 millimeters, and more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 further includes a recess 600 in the upper surface of the rigid substrate 12 in an area between the docile material 500 and every proximity sensor 24 , In the upper surface of the substrate 12 can separate wells 600 be formed, each one generally with one of the proximity sensors 24 lies. The depression 600 has a length and width that is greater than the proximity sensor 24 is. The relative size of the depression 600 relative to the proximity sensor 24 is in 33 shown. The depression 600 according to one embodiment has a first length L _D compared to the proximity sensor 24 having a second length L _S , wherein the first length L _D is at least 5 mm larger than the second length L _S. According to a more specific embodiment, the first length L _D is greater by a distance in the range of 5-10 mm than the second length L _S. The depression 600 also has a width W _D , which is greater than a width W _{S of} the proximity sensor 24 is. The width W _D may, according to an embodiment, be greater than the width W _S by an amount of at least 5 mm, and more particularly by a distance in the range of 5-10 mm. The depression 600 may in one embodiment have a thickness in the range of 0.5-2.0 mm.

While the proximity switch assembly 20 in the present case with all rectangular shaped proximity sensors 24 and depressions 600 is shown and described, it is understood that the sensor 24 and the depression 600 may have other shapes and sizes, such as a circular shape or another shape. This indicates the depression 600 a depth and also has a size dimension of the length and / or width, which is greater than a length and / or width dimension of the proximal proximity sensor 24 is. For a circular proximity sensor 24 and a circular recess 600 For example, the dimension may be a length measurement of the diameter of the circular shape for each sensor 24 and deepening 600 its being the dimension of the recess 600 according to one embodiment by an amount of at least 5 mm larger than the dimension of the proximity sensor 24 is, more specifically in the range of 5-10 mm.

According to one embodiment, it is in the rigid substrate 12 trained deepening 600 Space for an air gap that extends between the lower surface of the recess 600 of the substrate 12 and the overlying docile material 500 trains, on. The one in the depression 600 Trained air gap provides space for the user's finger while depressing the docile material 500 in and near the proximity sensor 24 , As shown and described herein, an air gap defines the void space within the recess 600 it is understood that another material, such as a liquid or other gas, may be in it. It is further understood that a soft compliant material in the recess 600 may be present, wherein the material is substantially less stiff than the rigid substrate 12 is.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 Further, a control circuit for monitoring the activation field in connection with each proximity sensor 24 and for determining activation of a corresponding proximity switch 22 based on one from the proximity sensor 24 generated signal with respect to a threshold when a finger 34 a user's docile material 500 into the depression 600 press down, use. The amplitude of the signal generally increases as the user's finger gets closer to the proximity sensor 24 moved on. The control circuit may be as described above in connection with the in 28A - 31 shown embodiments work described.

Regarding 34A - 34D used according to a first embodiment, the proximity switch assembly 20 as shown, the compliant material 500 which is about a recess 600 above each of the proximity sensors 24 lies. As in 34A to see, there is a finger 34 the user in a first position in contact with the upper surface of the compliant material 500 at a location close to but laterally displaced by a proximity sensor 24 and a depression 600 lies. In 34B the finger moves 34 the user as shown by sliding sideways into a second position, centrally over a proximity sensor 24 and a depression 600 Aligns without force or pressure on the matey material 500 exercise. This can happen when a user uses the proximity sensor assembly 20 explored in a research mode without the proximity switch 22 actually want to activate. In 34C exercises the finger 34 the user as shown a force in the direction of the proximity sensor 24 out to the docile material 500 squeeze down to the finger 34 the user in a third position closer to the proximity sensor 24 to move up to the docile material 500 to compress and in the depression 600 present air gap collapse, and can continue the finger against the substrate 12 inside the bottom of the well 600 Press and thus flatten to an improved surface area or an improved volume of the finger in close proximity to the sensor 24 providing a better interaction and hence a larger signal with the associated activation field.

The sequence of events in 34A - 34C is further shown in the behavior of the signal 606 represented in 34D is shown. The signal 606 that from the proximity switch 24 is produced, rises, as shown, to a first level 606A that indicates the finger 34 the user in contact with the proximity switch assembly 20 at the first position, the side of the proximity sensor 24 is located, as in 34A to see. The signal 606 maintains a signal amplitude at the level 606B at, indicating that the finger 34 the user, as shown, in the second position with the proximity sensor 24 and the depression 600 is aligned without exercising power, as in 34B shown. Then the signal rises 606 to a third elevated level 606C indicating that the user's finger applies force in the third position to the compliant material 500 into the depression 600 to depress, as in 34C shown. Thus, the signal 606 much bigger when the finger 34 the user's docile material 500 into the depression 600 depressed, allowing for improved switch detection. The control circuit can then activate the activation field and the signal 606 monitor and activation of the proximity switch 22 based on the signal 606 as described herein.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 According to another embodiment, it may be configured with one or more grooves formed in the rigid substrate between the first and second proximity sensors, as in FIG 35 - 37E shown. In this embodiment, as shown, there is a single furrow 610 between adjacent proximity sensors 24 to provide signal isolation between the adjacent proximity sensors 24 provide. It is understood that one or more furrows in the rigid substrate 12 between the adjacent proximity sensors 24 can be trained. In this embodiment, the furrow 610 in combination with wells 600 be used or without wells 600 be used. When using a combination of wells 600 and the furrow 610 An improved signal detection and a reduced signal disturbance can be achieved. When using the furrow 610 without the pits 600 can be a more compact proximity switch assembly 20 be achieved at the proximity switch 22 lie close to each other, without the enlarged depressions.

As in 35 and 36 to see is the furrow 610 in the upper surface of the rigid substrate 12 in an area between the first and second proximity sensors 24 educated. The furrow 610 may have a first dimension, shown as length L _G , which is at least as long as W _S , the width of the sensor 24 , is, or at least as long as W _D in the embodiment with the recess 600 and preferably 5 to 10 mm longer than the width W _S or 0 to 5 mm longer than the width W _D in the embodiment with the recess 600 , and a second dimension, shown as width W _G , in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. The depth of the furrow 610 can be in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. It is understood that the depth of the furrow 610 a considerable distance into the upper surface of the rigid substrate 12 can extend into it. In one embodiment, the rigid substrate is 12 made of plastic. The furrow 610 forms an air gap in it. The air gap has a low dielectric which effectively reduces the activation field in the region and reduces or prevents signal crosstalk or signal interference.

Regarding 37A - 37E used as shown, the proximity switch assembly 20 according to one embodiment, the compliant material 500 , the wells 600 and the furrow 610 , As in 37A to see, a finger contacts 34 the user in a first position a surface of the compliant material 500 at one point near but laterally displaced by a proximity sensor 24 , In 37B the finger moves 34 the user by sliding sideways in a second position, which with a first proximity sensor 24 Aligns without force or pressure on the matey material 500 exercise. This can happen when a user uses the proximity sensor assembly 20 explored in a research mode without the proximity switch 22 actually want to activate. In 37C the finger moves 34 of the user by sliding sideways over the furrow 610 into a third position aligned with a second proximity sensor without force or pressure on the compliant material 500 exercise, as can be done in the exploratory mode. In 37D the finger slides 34 the user further to a fourth position in the region of the second proximity sensor 34 , It is understood that a user is the docile material 500 via either the first or second proximity sensor 24 can press down to either the first or second proximity switch 22 to activate.

The sequence of events in 37A - 37D is further shown in the behavior of the first and second signals 608 and 609 represented in 37E are shown. The first signal 608 that from the first proximity switch 24 is generated, as shown, at a first level 608A when the user's finger is in contact with the proximity switch assembly 20 at both the first and second positions, as in 37A and 37B shown. When the user's finger of the furrow 610 between the first and second proximity sensors, the first signal falls 608 to a reduced or zero value. A second signal 609 that from the second proximity sensor 24 is generated, rises back to the signal level 608C and 608D when the user's finger off the furrow 610 moved away and approaching the third and fourth position, as in 37C and 37D shown. The effect that the signals 608 and 609 lying on a reduced or zero value, occurs when the finger 34 of the user over the furrow 610 between the first and second proximity sensors 24 emotional. The furrow 610 effectively isolates the signals 608 and 609 to reduce the signal values to a lower or zero value, thus preventing interference between adjacent proximity sensors 24 , The control circuit can thereby activate either the first or the second switch 22 based on the signals 608 and 609 determine with reduced signal interference.

The proximity switch arrangement 20 Further, as shown, according to another embodiment, is configured to be a compliant material 500 having an elevated or raised contact surface portion 620 that with each of the proximity sensors 24 and the wells 600 is aligned, as in 38 shown. In this embodiment, the increased surface area 620 provide improved travel distance between switch activations, which can also provide a haptic feel to a user. The height of the raised surface 620 may be in the range of 1 to 2 mm according to one embodiment. The raised surface 620 can the finger 34 hold the user more distal from the proximity sensor in the unpressed state. It is further understood that the increased surface area 620 with the wells 600 or with one or more furrows 610 , or with both the wells 600 as well as one or more furrows 610 can be used.

Accordingly, the proximity switch assembly 20 with the docile material 500 wells 600 and / or one or more furrows 610 to provide improved signal detection and switch activation.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the structure mentioned above without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless These claims expressly state otherwise by their language usage. Key Figure 16 140 START OF THE PROCESSING OF SWITCH RELEASE 142 IS ACTIVE CHANNEL <LVL_ENABLE? YES YES NO NO 144 IS LVL_DELTA_SHAVE> 0? 146 INCREASE THE THRESHOLD LEVEL IF THE SIGNAL IS STRONGER (THIS HAPPENS BY REDUCING THE LVL_DELTA_SHAVE), DETERMINE THE THRESHOLD, RELEASE, ACTIVE LEVELS 148 RESET: CHANNEL_MAX AND TIME HISTORY TEMPERATURE FOR LONG STABLE SIGNAL CHECK / RESEARCH PARAMETERS 150 SWITCH_STATUS = SW_NOK 152 THE END Fig. 17, 18 202 PROCESSING SW_KEIN CONDITION 204 IS MAX_CANAL> LVL_ACTIVE? 206 SWITCH_STATUS = SW_ACTIVE 208 CHECK WHETHER THE INVESTIGATION / RESEARCH LABEL IS RETURNED 210 THE END NO NO YES YES 222 PROCESSING SW_ACTIVE CONDITION 224 IS MAX_CANAL> LVL_SHAVE? 226 IS MAX_CANAL <LVL_ACTIVE? 228 SWITCH_STATUS = SW_NOK 230 HAS AN APPEARED THRESHOLD OR GLOVE BEEN DETECTED? 232 INVESTIGATION / RESEARCH_ON = TRUE 234 SCHALTER_STATUS = SW_SCHWELLE 236 THE END FIG. 19 242 PROCESSING SW_SCHWELLE CONDITION 244 IS THE SIGNAL STABLE OR IS THE CHANNEL AT A TIP? YES YES NO NO 256 THE END 246 INVESTIGATION / RESEARCH? 248 IS THE CHANNEL CLEAN AND IS QUICK_ACTIVE> THRESHOLD? 250 SWITCH_ACTIVE = MAX_CHANNEL 252 IS THERE A SWITCH_ACTIVE? 254 INITIALIZING EXAMINATION / RESEARCH VARIABLES, SWITCH_STATUS = SW_USERVIEW / RESEARCH, TIP_MAX_BASIS = MAX_CANELS 256 THE END FIG. 20 262 PROCESSING SW SWITCH / RESEARCH STATE 264 IST MAX_KANAL <LVL_TASTE-UP_SCHWELLE YES YES NO NO 266 IS THIS FIRST AND ONLY CHANNEL PASSING AND IS THE SIGNAL CLEAN? 268 TASK; UNINTENDED ACTUATION SWITCH_STATUS = SW_NOK 270 SWITCH_ACTIVE = MAX_CHANNEL 272 MAX_SPITZE_BASIS = MIN (MAX_SPITZE_BASIS, MAX_CANAL) 274 IS CHANNEL CLICKED (MAX_CANAL> MAX_SPITZE_BASIS + DELTA)? 276 IS SIGNAL STABLE AND CLEAN? 278 IS SIGNAL LONG STABLE AND CLEAN? 280 SWITCH_ACTIVE = MAX_CHANNEL 282 THE END FIG. 27 420 Processing by Max-Ch (t) 422 INPUT: Max-Ch (t) 424 State = VIRTUAL_BUTTON? 426 Ch (t) <active threshold? 428 . 446 Condition = NO 442 Condition = INVESTIGATION? YES YES NO NO 452 Ch (t)> active threshold? 454 Condition = INVESTIGATION 444 Ch (t) <active threshold? 430 Ch (t) _stabil> t stable? 448 Ch (t) _stabil> t stable? 432 Ch (t) _NICHT_stabil> t Reset? 450 State = VIRTUAL_Key CBasis = Ch (t) 440 CBasis = Ch (t) 436 Ch (t) - CBasis> Kvb · CBasis? 438 Condition = ACTIVE 434 Condition = INVESTIGATION 460 The End FIG. 31 522 PROCESSING MaxCh 524 INPUT: MaxCh 526 CONDITION = WAITING? 534 CONDITION = EXPLORING? 546 CONDITION = VIRTUAL BUTTON? 556 MaxCh <THRESHOLD? 560 VIRTUAL KEY TIMERS> TIMEOUT? 564 ALL CHANNELS STABLE? YES YES NO NO 530 THE END 528 MaxCh> THRESHOLD? 532 CONDITION = EXPLORING 536 MaxCh <THRESHOLD? 538 CONDITION = WAIT 540 ALL CHANNELS STABLE? 542 CONDITION = VIRTUAL BUTTON 544 ChBasis = MaxCh 548 CONDITION IS KEY PRINT 550 MaxCh <THRESHOLD? 552 CONDITION = WAIT 554 RELEASE ACTIVATION 568 CONDITION = KEY PRESSURE 570 ACTIVATE MaxCh 558 CONDITION = WAIT 562 CONDITION = EXPLORING 566 RUBBER HOOK DOWN (MaxCh> ChBasis + ChDeltaDome)? 572 FINGER STILL SMOOTH, UPGRADING THE BASIC SIGNAL ChBasis = MaxCh END THE END

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 14/284659 [0001]
• US 14/168614 [0001]
• US 13/444393 [0001]

Cited non-patent literature

• "Touch Sensors Design Guide", 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09 of April 9, 2009 by ATMEL® [0063]

Claims (20)

Proximity switch assembly, comprising: a rigid substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a first proximity sensor located at a surface of the substrate; a second proximity sensor located at a surface of the substrate adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween; compliant material located on the upper surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the groove has a longer dimension than the sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the groove dimension exceeds the sensor by 5 to 10 mm. The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the compliant material is rubber. The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the groove has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry for monitoring an activation field associated with the proximity sensor and determining activation of the proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor with respect to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the compliant material.  The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first recess formed in the rigid substrate between the flexible material and the first proximity sensor. The proximity switch assembly of claim 7, further comprising a second recess formed in the rigid substrate between the compliant material and the second proximity sensor. The proximity switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is mounted on a vehicle. A vehicle proximity switch assembly comprising: a rigid substrate having first and second surfaces; a first proximity sensor mounted on a lower surface of the substrate; a second proximity sensor mounted on the lower surface of the substrate adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween; a compliant material located on the upper surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. The proximity switch assembly of claim 11, wherein the groove has a longer dimension than the sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, wherein the groove dimension exceeds the sensor by 5 to 10 mm. The proximity switch assembly of claim 11, wherein the compliant material is rubber. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, wherein the groove has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a control circuit for monitoring an activation field in connection with the proximity sensor and for determining a Activation of the proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor with respect to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the compliant material.  The proximity switch assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first recess formed in the rigid substrate between the compliant material and the first proximity sensor. The proximity switch assembly of claim 17, further comprising a second recess formed in the rigid substrate between the compliant material and the second proximity sensor. The proximity switch assembly of claim 11, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, wherein the assembly is mounted on a vehicle.

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