BR102015015181A2 - Proximity switch assembly with groove between adjacent proximity sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

groove proximity switch assembly between adjacent proximity sensors. The present invention relates to a proximity switch assembly and a method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches, each having a proximity sensor that provides a pickup activation field and a set of control circuitry that processes the activation field of each proximity switch to pickup activation. soft material overlaps the proximity sensors. The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a limit when a user's finger presses the malleable material. the malleable material may further include a raised portion and an air gap between the raised portion and the sensor.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report: "ASSEMBLY OF DUCTED PROXIMITY SWITCH AMONG ADJACENT PROXIMITY SENSORS".

[001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[002] This application is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 284,659, filed May 22, 2014, entitled "PLIABLE PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD", which is a partial continuation of Patent Application No. 5 US 14 / 168,614, filed January 30, 2014, entitled "PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD HAVING VIRTUAL BUTTON MODE", which is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 13 / 444,393, filed April 11, 2012 , 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 generally relates to switches and, more particularly, to proximity switches that have an improved determination of switch activation.

[005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[006] Automotive vehicles are typically equipped with various user-actuable switches, such as switches for operating devices including power windows, headlights, windscreen wipers, lunar or sunroofs, interior lighting, radio devices, and informational entertainment, and various other devices. Generally, these types of switches need to be actuated by a user to enable or disable a device or perform some kind of control function. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, employ one or more proximity sensors to generate a pickup activation field and capture variations in the activation field indicative of switch user actuation, typically caused by one of the user's fingers at close range. proximity or contact with the sensor. Capacitive switches are typically configured to detect user actuation of the switch based on comparing the pickup activation field to a threshold.

Switch assemblies generally employ a plurality of 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, such as use in a car, the driver of the vehicle has the limited ability to view switches due to driver distraction. In such applications, it is desired to allow the user to explore switch mounting for a specific button while avoiding premature switch activation determination. Thus, it is desired to discriminate whether the user intends to activate a switch, or simply exploit a specific switch button while focusing on a higher priority task such as driving, or does not intend to activate a switch. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a proximity switch arrangement that enhances the use of proximity switches by a person, such as a driver of a vehicle.

[008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a proximity switch assembly is provided. The proximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor that generates an activation field, a malleable material that overlaps the proximity sensor, and a control circuitry that monitors the activation field and determines activation of a proximity switch. based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a limit when a user's finger presses the soft material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of activating a proximity switch. 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 period of time and generating an activation output when the amplitude exceeds a first amplitude by a known amount indicative of a user's push on an overlapping malleable material. the proximity sensor.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and recognized by those skilled in the art by studying the following descriptive report, claims and accompanying drawings.

[012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[013] In the drawings: [014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having a suspended console employing a proximity switch assembly according to one embodiment;

[015] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the hanging console and proximity switch assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 11-1 in Figure 2 showing a set of proximity switches relative to a user's finger;

[017] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a capacitive sensor employed on each of the capacitive switches shown in Figure 3;

[018] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the proximity switch assembly according to one embodiment;

[019] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the signal count of a channel associated with a capacitive sensor showing an activation motion profile;

[020] Figure 7 is a graph illustrating the two channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors showing a sliding scan / scan motion profile;

[021] Figure 8 is a graph illustrating the signal count of a signal channel associated with capacitive sensors showing a slow activation motion profile;

Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the two-channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors showing a fast slide scan / scan motion profile;

[023] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the three channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors in a scan / search mode illustrating stable peak press activation according to one embodiment;

[11] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating the three-channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors in a scan / search mode illustrating stable push-in activation at below-peak signal drop, according to another embodiment;

Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the three channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors in a scan / search mode illustrating an increased stable pressure on a pad to activate a switch according to an additional embodiment;

[13] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating the three channel signal count associated with capacitive sensors in a scanning mode and selecting a pad based on increased stable pressure according to an additional embodiment;

Figure 14 is a state diagram illustrating five states of the capacitive switch assembly deployed with a state machine, according to one embodiment;

[028] Figure 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for performing a method of activating a switch assembly switch according to one embodiment;

[029] Figure 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing of switch activation and switch release;

[17] Figure 17 is a flow diagram illustrating logic for switching between switchless and active switch states;

[031] Figure 18 is a flow diagram illustrating logic for switching from the active switch state to the no switch or switch limit state;

Figure 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for switching between switch limit states and switch search;

[20] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating a virtual button method that implements the switch search state;

Figure 21 is a graph illustrating the signal count of a channel associated with a capacitive sensor that has a scan mode and a virtual button mode for activating a switch according to an additional embodiment;

[035] Figure 22 is a graph illustrating the virtual button mode signal count in which an activation is not triggered;

Figure 23 is a graph illustrating the capacitive sensor signal count in scan mode which further illustrates when the switch is activated according to the embodiment of Figure 21;

[037] Figure 24 is a graph illustrating the signal count of a capacitive sensor further illustrating when activations are triggered according to the embodiment of Figure 21;

[038] Figure 25 is a graph illustrating the signal count of a capacitive sensor further illustrating a timeout for exiting virtual button mode and re-entering virtual button mode according to the embodiment of Figure 21;

Figure 26 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for processing the signal channel with a virtual button mode, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 21;

Fig. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating a virtual button method for processing the signal channel according to the embodiment of Fig. 21;

[041] Figure 28A is a cross-sectional view of a proximity switch assembly having proximity switches and a malleable material overlapped with one of the user's fingers shown in a first position according to another embodiment;

[042] Figure 28B is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 28A further illustrating the user's finger in a second position;

[043] Figure 28C is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 28A further illustrating finger pressing on the malleable layer in a third position;

[044] Figure 28D is a graph illustrating the signal generated by one of the proximity sensors in response to finger movement and soft cover pressing as seen in Figures 28A to 28C;

[045] Figure 29A is a cross-sectional view of a proximity switch assembly employing a soft cover material having raised air gap regions and one of the user's fingers shown in a first position according to a additional modality;

[046] Figure 29B is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 29A further illustrating the user's finger in a second position;

[047] Figure 29C is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly as seen in Figure 29A further illustrating pressing of the switch by one of the user's fingers in a third position;

[048] Figure 29D is a graph illustrating a signal generated by one of the sensors in response to finger movement as shown in Figures 29A to 29C;

[049] Figure 30 is a state diagram illustrating various states of the capacitive switch assembly having soft material coverage and virtual button mode;

[31] Figure 31 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for processing the signal generated with a proximity switch having a malleable material cover, according to one embodiment;

[051] Figure 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle overhead console having a proximity switch assembly employing substrate depressions and a soft cover according to one embodiment;

[33] Figure 33 is a top view of the suspended console and switch assembly shown in Figure 32 with the sensors and depressions shown in dashed hidden lines;

[053] Figure 34A is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly shown in Figure 32, and one of the user's fingers shown in a first position according to one embodiment;

[054] Figure 34B is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 34A further illustrating the user's finger in a second position;

[055] Figure 34C is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly as seen in Figure 34A further illustrating pressing of the switch by one of the user's fingers in a third position;

[056] Figure 34D is a graph illustrating a signal generated by one of the proximity sensors in response to finger movement as shown in Figures 34A to 34C;

[057] Figure 35 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle overhead console having a proximity switch assembly employing a groove between adjacent sensors, in another embodiment;

[058] Figure 36 is a top view of the suspended console and switch assembly shown in Figure 35 with the sensors, depressions, and grooves shown in hidden lines;

[059] Figure 37A is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly shown in Figure 35, and one of the user's fingers shown in a first position according to another embodiment;

[060] Figure 37B is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly of Figure 37A further illustrating the user's finger in a second position;

[061] Figure 37C is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly as seen in Figure 37A further illustrating the user's finger in a third position;

[062] Figure 37D is a cross-sectional view of the proximity switch assembly as seen in Figure 37A which further illustrates the user's finger in a fourth position;

[063] Figure 37E is a graph illustrating two signals generated by two of the sensors in response to finger movement as shown in Figures 37A to 37D; and [064] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of a proximity switch assembly employing a malleable cover material having a depression and a high region in the malleable material above each depression, according to an additional embodiment.

[065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it will be understood that the embodiments described are merely exemplary of the invention and may be incorporated in various and alternative forms. Figures are not necessarily represented in a detailed drawing; Some schemes can be overstated or minimized to show the function overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details described herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching an element skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the interior of an automotive vehicle 10 is generally illustrated with a passenger compartment and a switch assembly 20 employing a plurality of proximity switches 22 which have switch activation monitoring and determination. , according to one embodiment. Vehicle 10 generally includes a suspended console 12 mounted on the roof covering at the bottom of the roof or roof at the top of the vehicle's passenger compartment, usually above the front passenger seat area. The switch assembly 20 has a plurality of proximity switches 22 disposed next to each other on the hanging console 12 according to one embodiment. The various proximity switches 22 can control any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such as controlling the movement of a sunroof or moonroof 16, controlling the movement of a moonroof sunroof 18, controlling the activation of one or more lighting devices such as interior map / reading and ceiling lights 30, and various other devices and functions. However, it should be appreciated that proximity switches 22 may be located elsewhere in the vehicle 10, such as the dashboard, other consoles such as a center console, integrated in a touchscreen 14 for a radio system or informational entertainment such as a navigation and / or audio screen, or located elsewhere on board vehicle 10 according to various other vehicle applications.

Proximity switches 22 are shown and described herein as capacitive switches according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22 includes at least one proximity sensor that provides a pickup activation field when capturing a user's contact or close proximity (for example, within a millimeter) to one or more proximity sensors, such as a flick of a user's finger. Thus, the pickup activation field of each proximity switch 22 is a capacitive field in the exemplary embodiment and the user's finger has electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a variation or change in the pickup activation field as should be apparent to the users. elements skilled in the art. However, it should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art 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 described in the ATMEL® Touch Sensors Design Guide, April 9, 2009, 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09, the full reference of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[069] Each proximity switch 22 shown in Figures 1 and 2 provides control of a vehicle component or device or provides a designated control function. One or more of the proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of a sunroof or lunar ceiling 16 to cause the lunar ceiling 16 to move in an open or closed direction, to tilt the lunar ceiling, or to stop the movement of the sunroof. lunar ceiling based on a control algorithm. One or more other proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of a lunar ceiling shade cap 18 between open and closed positions. Each of the lunar roof 16 and sun shade cover 18 may be actuated by an electric motor in response to the actuation of the corresponding proximity switch 22. Other proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controlling other devices, such as turning on a warning light. interior map / reading 30, turn off an interior map / reading light 30, turn on or turn off a ceiling lamp, unlock a trunk, open a tailgate, or turn off a door light switch. Additional controls via proximity switches 22 may include operating the door and door power windows up and down. Various other vehicle controls can be controlled via the proximity switches 22 described herein.

[070] Referring to Figure 3, a portion of the proximity switch assembly 20 is illustrated having an array of three proximity switches serially disposed 22 closely with respect to a user's finger 34 during use of the assembly. Each proximity switch 22 includes one or more proximity sensors 24 for generating a pickup activation field. According to one embodiment, each of the proximity sensors 24 may be formed by conductive ink printing on the upper surface of the polymeric hanging console 12. An example of a printed ink proximity sensor 24 is shown in Figure 4 generally with a drive electrode 26 and a receiving electrode 28 having interdigitated fingers to generate a capacitive field 32. It should be appreciated that each of the proximity sensors 24 may be otherwise formed by mounting a pre-conductive circuit trace. formed on a substrate according to other embodiments. The drive electrode 26 receives square wave excitation pulses applied at voltage Vi. The receiving electrode 28 has an output for generating an output voltage Vo. It should be appreciated that electrodes 26 and 28 may be arranged in various other configurations to generate the capacitive field as the activation field 32.

[071] In the embodiment shown and described herein, the trigger electrode 26 of each proximity sensor 24 is applied with voltage input Vi as square wave pulses that have a sufficient charge pulse cycle to charge the receiving electrode 28 to a desired voltage. Thus, the receiving electrode 28 serves as a measuring electrode. In the embodiment shown, adjacent pickup activation fields 32 generated by adjacent proximity switches 22 overlap slightly, however, overlap may not occur according to other embodiments. When a user or operator, such as user finger 34, enters an activation field 32, the proximity switch assembly 20 detects the disturbance caused by finger 34 to activation field 32 and determines whether the disturbance is sufficient to activate the corresponding proximity switch 22. Activation field disturbance 32 is detected by processing the load pulse signal associated with the corresponding signal channel. When user finger 34 contacts two activation fields 32, the proximity switch assembly 20 detects disturbance of both contacted activation fields 32 through separate signal channels. Each proximity switch 22 has its own dedicated signal channel that generates pulse load counts which are processed as discussed herein.

Referring to Figure 5, the proximity switch assembly 20 is illustrated according to one embodiment. A plurality of proximity sensors 24 are shown providing inputs to a controller 40, such as a microcontroller. Controller 40 may include a control circuitry such as a microprocessor 42 and memory 48. The control circuitry may include a sensing control circuitry that processes the activation field of each sensor 22 to detect activation. corresponding switch user when comparing the activation field signal with one or more limits according to one or more control routines. It should be appreciated that another set of analog and / or digital control circuits may be employed to process each activation field, determine user activation, and initiate an action. Controller 40 may employ an available ATMEL® QMatrix acquisition method according to one embodiment. The ATMEL acquisition method employs a WINDOWS® C / C ++ host compiler and WinAVR debugger to simplify development and test the Hawkeye utility that enables real-time monitoring of the internal state of critical variables in the software as well as collecting post-processing data logs. .

[073] Controller 40 provides an output signal to one or more devices that are configured to perform dedicated actions responsive to the correct activation of a proximity switch. For example, one or more devices may include a lunar roof 16 having a motor for moving the lunar roof panel between open and closed and slanted positions, a lunar sunroof cover 18 that moves between open positions and closed, and lighting devices 30 which can be switched on and off. Other devices can be controlled such as a radio to perform on and off functions, volume control, tracking, and other types of devices to perform other dedicated functions. One of the proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to actuate the closed lunar roof, another proximity switch 22 may be dedicated to actuate the open lunar ceiling, and an additional switch 22 may be dedicated to actuate the lunar ceiling to an inclined position. These cause an engine to move the moon roof to a desired position. The lunar ceiling shade cap 18 may be opened in response to a proximity switch 22 and may be closed in response to another proximity switch 22.

Controller 40 is further shown having an analog to digital comparator (AJO) 44 coupled to microprocessor 42. The A / D comparator 44 receives the output voltage Vo from each of the proximity switches 22, converts the analog signal to a digital signal, and provides the digital signal to microprocessor 42. In addition, controller 40 includes a pulse counter 46 coupled to microprocessor 42. Pulse counter 46 counts the charge signal pulses that are applied to each pulse trigger electrode. each proximity sensor counts the pulses required to charge the capacitor until the voltage output Vo reaches a predetermined voltage, and provides the count to microprocessor 42. The pulse count is indicative of the capacitance change of the corresponding capacitive sensor. Controller 40 is further shown communicating with a pulse width modulated unit buffer 15. Controller 40 provides a pulse width modulated signal to pulse width modulated unit buffer 15 to generate a square wave pulse train. I have seen that it is applied to each trigger electrode of each proximity sensor / switch 22. Controller 40 processes a control routine 100 stored in memory to monitor and make a determination of activation of one of the proximity switches.

[075] In Figures 6 to 13, the variation in sensor load pulse counts shown as Sensor Count Δ for a plurality of signal channels associated with a plurality of proximity switches 22, such as the three switches 22 shown in Figure 3 is illustrated according to several examples. Sensor load pulse count variation is the difference between a said count value initialized without any fingers or other objects present in the activation field and the corresponding sensor reading. In these examples, the user's finger enters the activation fields 32 associated with each of the three proximity switches 22, generally one pickup activation field at a time which overlaps the adjacent activation fields 32 as the user's finger moves through the switch assembly. Channel 1 is the change in sensor load pulse count associated with a first capacitive sensor 24, channel 2 is the change in sensor load pulse count associated with the second adjacent capacitive sensor 24, and channel 3 is the variation in sensor load pulse count associated with the third capacitive sensor 24 adjacent the second capacitive sensor. In the embodiment described, proximity sensors 24 are capacitive sensors. When a user's finger is in contact with or in close proximity to a sensor 24, the finger changes the capacitance measured on the corresponding sensor 24. The capacitance is parallel to the parasitic capacitance of the untouched sensor pad, and as such measurements as a detour. User or operator induced capacitance is proportional to the dielectric constant of the user's finger or other body part, the surface exposed to the capacitive pad, and is inversely proportional to the distance from the user's limb to the switch button. According to one embodiment, each sensor is excited with a voltage pulse train via pulse width modulation (PWM) electronics until the sensor is charged to an adjusted voltage potential. Such an acquisition 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. Positioning a user's finger on the touch surface of switch 24 inserts the external capacitance that increases the amount of charge transferred in each cycle, thereby reducing the total number of cycles required for the measuring capacitance to reach the predetermined voltage. . The user's finger causes the variation in sensor load pulse count to increase since this value is based on the initialized reference count minus the sensor reading.

[076] Proximity switch assembly 20 has the ability to recognize the movement of the user's hand when the hand, particularly a finger, is in close proximity to the proximity switches 22, to discriminate whether the user's intention is to activate a switch. 22, exploiting a specific switch button while focusing on higher priority tasks, such as driving, or is the result of a task such as adjusting the rearview mirror that has nothing to do with the actuation of a proximity switch 22. Mounting Proximity Switch 20 can operate in a scan or search mode that allows the user to explore keyboards or buttons by swiping or sliding a finger in close proximity to the switches without triggering a switch activation until the user's intent is determined. . Proximity switch assembly 20 monitors the amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field, determines a differential variation in the generated signal, and generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a limit. As a result, scanning of proximity switch assembly 20 is allowed, so that users are free to explore the switch interface pad with their fingers without inadvertently generating an event, interface response time is fast, activation This occurs when the finger contacts a surface panel, and inadvertent activation of the switch is prevented or reduced.

Referring to Figure 6, as user finger 34 approaches a switch 22 associated with signal channel 1, finger 34 enters the activation field 32 associated with sensor 24 which causes capacitance disturbance, resulting in thus at a sensor count increase as shown by signal 50A which has a typical activation motion profile. An input curve slope method can be used to determine whether the operator intends to press a button or explore the interface based on the slope of the input curve at signal 50A of channel signal 1 arising from point 52 where the signal 50A crosses the active level count (LVL_ACTIVE) to the point 54 where signal 50A crosses the threshold level count (LVL_LIMITE) according to one embodiment. The slope of the input curve is the differential variation in the signal generated between points 52 and 54 that occurred during the time period between times tth and tac. Because the limit level - active numerator level usually changes only when the presence of gloves is detected, but otherwise is a constant, the slope can be calculated only as the expired time to cross from the active level to the threshold level referred to as tactive2threshoid which is the difference between time tth and tac. A direct tap on a switch pad can typically occur within a period of time referred to as tdirectpush in the range of about 40 to 60 milliseconds. If the tactive2threshoid time is less than or equal to the tdirectpush direct press time, then switch activation is determined to occur. Otherwise, the switch is determined to be in a scan mode.

According to another embodiment, the slope of the input curve may be computed as the time difference from the time tac at point 52 to the time tPk to reach the peak count value at point 56, referred to as the tactive2Peak time. Time tactive2Peak.p can be compared to a direct press peak, referred to as tdirect_push_pk which can have a value of 100 milliseconds according to one embodiment. If the tactive2peak time is less than or equal to tdirect_push_Pk, switch activation is determined to occur. Otherwise, the switch assembly operates in a scan mode.

[079] In the example shown in Figure 6, channel signal 1 is shown increasing as the capacitance disturbance increases rapidly from point 52 to the peak value at point 56. Proximity switch assembly 20 determines the slope of the input curve as the time period tactive2 threshoid or tactive2Peak for the signal to increase from the first limit at point 52 to the second limit at point 54 or the peak limit at point 56. The slope or differential variation in the signal The generated value is then used for comparison with a representative direct press limit tdirect_push or tdirect_push_pk to determine proximity switch activation. Specifically, when the tactive2Peak time is less than tdirect_push or tactivemreshoid is less than tdirect_push, switch activation is determined. Otherwise, the switch assembly remains in scan mode.

Referring to Figure 7, an example of a sliding / scanning movement across two switches is illustrated as the finger passes or slides across the activation field of two adjacent proximity sensors shown as signal channel 1. labeled 50A and signal channel 2 labeled 50B. As the user's finger approaches a first switch, the finger enters the activation field associated with the first switch sensor causing the change in sensor count on signal 50A to increase at a slower rate so that a change reduced differential in the generated signal is determined. In this example, signal channel profile 1 experiences a tactive2Peak time variation that is no less than or equal to tdirect_push, thereby resulting in entering search or scan mode. Because tactive2threshoid is indicative of a slow differential variation in the generated signal, activation of the switch button is not initiated according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, because the tactive2Peak time is less than or equal to tdirect_push_pk, indicative of a slow differential variation in a generated signal, activation is not initiated according to another embodiment. The second labeled signal channel 50B is shown to become the maximum signal at transition point 58 and has an increasing variation in sensor count Δ with a differential variation in signal similar to that of signal 50A. As a result, the first and second channels 50A and 50B reflect sliding finger movement across two capacitive sensors in scan mode resulting in no activation of each switch. Using the tactive2threshoid or tactive2Peak time period, a decision can be made whether or not to activate a proximity switch as its capacitance level reaches the signal peak.

[081] For a slow forward press motion as shown in Figure 8, additional processing can be employed to ensure no activation is intended. As seen in Figure 8, signal channel 1 identified as signal 50A is shown to increase more slowly during the tactive2threshoid or tactive2Peak time period, which could result in entering scan mode. When such a slip / scan condition is detected, with time tactive2threshoid greater than tdirect_Push if the non-fulfilling channel is the first signal channel to enter scan mode and is still the maximum channel (channel with the highest intensity) As its capacitance drops below LVL_KEYUP_Limit at point 60, then activation of the switch is initiated.

[082] Referring to Figure 9, a rapid movement of a user's finger through the proximity switch assembly is illustrated without activation of the switches. In this example, the relatively large differential variation in the signal generated for channels 1 and 2 is detected for both channels 1 and 2 shown by lines 50A and 50B, respectively. The switch assembly employs a delay time to delay the activation of a decision to the transition point 58 at which the second signal channel 50B rises above the first signal channel 50A. The time delay could be set equal to the time limit tdirecLpushjk according to one embodiment. Thus, by employing a delay time before determining the activation of a switch, the very fast scanning of proximity keyboards prevents unintentional activation of a switch. Entering the time delay in response may make the interface less responsive and may work best when the operator finger movement is substantially uniform.

[083] If a previous threshold event that did not result in activation is recently detected, the scan mode can be automatically entered according to one mode. As a result, once inadvertent actuation is detected and rejected, more attention should be given over a period of time in scan mode.

[084] Another way to allow an operator to enter scan mode is to use one or more properly marked and / or textured areas or pads on the switch panel surface associated with dedicated proximity switches to indicate switch mounting of proximity the operator's intention to exploit blindly. The one or more scanning docking pads may be located within easy reach probably not to generate activity with other signal channels. According to another embodiment, an unmarked larger holding socket pad may be employed surrounding the entire switch interface. Such an exploration pad could probably be found first as the operator's hand slides over the casing on the overhead console looking for a reference point from which blind scanning of the proximity switch assembly begins.

[085] Since proximity sensor mounting determines whether an increase in sensor count variation is a switch activation or the result of a scan movement, the assembly proceeds to determine if and how the scan movement should end. or not on a proximity switch activation. According to one embodiment, the proximity switch assembly seeks a stable push on a switch button for at least a predetermined period of time. In a specific embodiment, the predetermined time period is equal to or greater than 50 milliseconds, and more preferably about 80 milliseconds. Examples of the switch assembly operation employing a stable time methodology are illustrated in Figures 10 to 13.

Referring to Figure 10, scanning of three proximity switches corresponding to signal channels 1-3 labeled 50A-50C, respectively, is illustrated as a finger slides through the first and second switches in scan mode and then activates the third switch associated with signal channel 3. As the finger operates the first and second switches associated with channels 1 and 2, no activation is determined due to the unstable signal on lines 50A and 50B. The signal on line 50A of channel 1 begins as the maximum signal value to channel 2 on line 50B becomes the maximum value and finally channel 3 becomes a maximum value. Signal channel 3 is shown to have a stable variation in sensor count near the peak value for a sufficient period of time such as 80 milliseconds that is sufficient to initiate activation of the corresponding proximity switch. When the threshold level trigger condition is met and a peak has been reached, the stable level method activates the switch after the switch level is associated in a narrow range for at least the tstabie time period. This allows the operator to explore the various proximity switches and activate a desired switch as it is found by maintaining the user's finger position in proximity to the switch for a stable tstabie time period.

Referring to Figure 11, another embodiment of the stable level method is illustrated wherein the third signal channel on line 50C has a variation in sensor count that has a stable condition on signal drop. In this example, the variation in the third channel sensor count exceeds the threshold level and has a stable push detected over time tstabie so that activation of the third switch is determined.

According to another embodiment, the proximity switch assembly may employ a virtual button method that seeks an initial peak value of sensor count variation while in scan mode followed by an additional sustained increase in sensor variation. sensor count to make a determination to activate the switch as shown in Figures 12 and 13. In Figure 12, the third signal channel on line 50C rises to an initial peak value and then further increases by a change in Cvb sensor count. This is equivalent to a user's finger gently running over the surface of the switch assembly as it slides through the switch assembly, reaching the desired button, and then pressing down the virtual mechanical switch so that the user's finger presses switch contact surface and increase the amount of finger volume closest to the switch. The increase in capacitance is caused by the enlarged surface of the fingertip as it is compressed onto the pad surface. Increased capacitance may occur immediately upon detection of a peak value shown in Figure 12 or may occur after a decline in sensor count variation as shown in Figure 13. The proximity switch assembly detects an initial peak value followed by an additional increased variation in sensor count indicated by Cvb capacitance at a stable level or a stable tstabie time period. A stable level of detection usually means no change in missing noise sensor count value or a slight change in missing noise sensor count value that can be predetermined during calibration.

[089] It should be appreciated that a shorter tstabie time period may result in accidental activations, especially after an inversion in the direction of finger movement and that a longer tstabie time period may result in a less responsive interface.

[090] It should also be evaluated that both the stable value method and the virtual button method can be active at the same time. Thus, the stable time tstabie can be extended as one second since the operator can always operate the button using the virtual button method without waiting for the stable press time.

[091] Proximity switch assembly can additionally employ strong noise rejection to prevent unintended unintended actuation. For example, with a suspended console, accidental opening and closing of the moon roof should be avoided. Too much noise rejection can end up rejecting intended activations, this could be avoided. One approach to noise rejection is to check if multiple adjacent channels are reporting simultaneous trigger events, and thus select the signal channel with the highest signal and activate it, thereby ignoring all other signal channels until the release of the selection signal channel.

[092] Proximity switch assembly 20 may include a two-parameter signature noise rejection method, that is, a signature parameter which is the ratio of the channel between the highest intensity (max_channel) and the level cumulative sum (sum_channel), and the dac parameter which is the number of channels that are at least a given ratio of max_channel. In one embodiment, the dac adac = 0.5. The signature parameter can be defined by the following equation: [093] [094] The dac parameter can be defined by the following equation: [095] dac = Vchannelií> “*« max_channel.

[096] Depending on the dac, in order for a recognized activation not to be rejected, the channel must generally be clear, ie the subscription must be greater than a predefined limit. In one embodiment, adac = 1 = 0.4, and a, iac = 2 = 0.67. If dac is greater than 2, activation is rejected according to one mode.

[097] When a decision whether or not to activate a switch is made in the downward phase of the profile, then instead of max_channel and sum_channel, its peak values peak_max_channel and peak_sum_channel can be used to calculate the signature. The signature can have the following equation: [098] [099] A noise rejection that triggers search mode can be employed. When a detected activation is rejected due to a dirty signature, the search or scan mode should be automatically entered. Thus, when blind scanning is performed, a user can reach with all fingers extended by seeking to establish a frame of reference from which to begin the search. This can trigger multiple channels at the same time, thus resulting in a poor subscription.

[100] Referring to Figure 14, a status diagram of the proximity switch assembly 20 in a state machine deployment according to one embodiment is shown. The state machine deployment is shown having five states including state SW_NONE 70, state SW_ACTIVE 72, state SW_THRESHOLD 74, state SW_HUNTING 76, and state SWITCFI_ACTIVATED 78. State SW_NONE 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 sufficient to trigger the activation of the switch at that time point. The SW_THRESHOLD state is the state in which activity as determined by the sensor is high enough to warrant activation, search / scan, or casual movement of the switch assembly. SW_HUNTING state 76 is entered when the activity pattern as determined by the switch assembly is compatible with the scan / search interaction. State SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78 is the state in which the activation of a switch has been identified. In state SWITCH_ACTIVATED 78, the switch button will remain active and no further selection will be possible until the corresponding switch is released.

[101] The state of the proximity switch assembly 20 changes depending on the detection and processing of the detected signals. When in state SW_NONE 70, system 20 can advance to state SW_ACTIVE 72 when some activity is detected by one or more sensors. If sufficient activity to ensure activation, search or casual movement is detected, system 20 can proceed directly to state SW_THRESHOLD 74. When in state SW_THRESHOLD 74 system 20 can proceed to state SW_HUNTING 76 when an indicative pattern of scanning is detected or can proceed directly to switch activated state 78. When a switch activation is in SWJHUNTING state, a switch activation can be detected to switch to SWITCH_ACTIVATED state 78. If the signal is rejected and an inadvertent action is taken. detected, system 20 may return to state SW_NONE 70.

[102] Referring to Figure 15, the main method 100 of monitoring and determining when to generate an activation output with proximity switch arrangement according to one embodiment is shown. Method 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step 104 to perform an initial calibration that can be performed once. Calibrated signal channel values are computed from raw channel data and calibrated reference values by subtracting the raw data reference value from step 106. Then, in step 108, from all channel sensor readings signal, the highest count value referred to as max_channel and the sum of all channel sensor readings referred to as sum_channel are calculated. In addition, the number of active channels is determined. At step 110, method 100 calculates the recent max_channel and sum_channel range to determine later whether or not the movement is in progress.

[103] After step 110, method 100 proceeds to decision step 112 to determine if any of the switches are active. If no switches are active, method 100 proceeds to step 114 to perform a real time calibration. Otherwise, method 116 processes switch release at step 116. Accordingly, if a switch is already active, then method 100 proceeds to a module where it waits and blocks all activity until it is released.

[104] After real-time calibration, method 100 proceeds to decision step 118 to determine if there is any recent activation channel lock and, if any, proceeds to step 120 to reduce the channel lock timer. If no locks are detected, method 100 proceeds to decision step 122 to fetch a new max_channel. If the current max_channel changes so that there is a new max_channel, method 100 proceeds to step 124 to readjust the max_channel, sum the ranges, and adjust the threshold levels. Thus, if a new max_channel is identified, the method readjusts the recent signal ranges and updates, if necessary, the search / scan parameters. If switch_status is less than SW_ACTIVE, then the search / scan flag is set to true and the switch status is set to SW_NONE. If the current max_channel does not change, method 100 proceeds to step 126 to process max_channel (glove-free) bare-finger status. This may include processing the logic between the various states as shown in the state diagram of Figure 14.

[105] After step 126, method 100 proceeds to decision step 128 to determine if any switches are active. If no switch activation is detected, method 100 proceeds to step 130 to detect a possible glove presence on the user's hand. The presence of a glove can be detected based on a small variation in the capacitance count value. Method 100 then proceeds to step 132 to update the history of max_channel and sum_channel. The active switch index, if any, is then output to the software and hardware module at step 134 before ending at step 136.

[106] When a switch is active, a process switch release routine is activated and shown in Figure 16. Process switch release routine 116 begins at step 140 and proceeds to decision step 142 to determine if the active channel is less than LVL_RELEASE and therefore ends at step 152. If the active channel is less than LVL_RELEASE, then routine 116 proceeds to decision step 144 to determine if LVL_DELTA_THRESHOLD is greater than 0 and otherwise If so, proceed to step 146 to raise the threshold level if the signal is stronger. This can be achieved by reducing LVL_DELTA_THRESHOLD. Step 146 also adjusts the threshold, release, and active levels. Routine 116 then proceeds to step 148 to reset the maximum channel and sum history timer for long stable signal search / scan parameters. The switch status is set equal to SWJMONE at step 150 before ending at step 152. To exit the process switch release module, the signal on the active channel must fall below LVL_RELEASE, which is an adaptive limit that will change. as glove interaction is detected. As the button is released, all internal parameters are reset and a lock timer is started to prevent further activations before a certain timeout elapses, such as 100 milliseconds. In addition, limit levels are adjusted according to the presence or absence of gloves.

[107] Referring to Figure 17, a routine 200 for determining change of status from state SW_NONE to state SW_ACTIVE according to one embodiment is illustrated. Routine 200 begins at step 202 to process state SW_NONE, and then proceeds to decision step 204 to determine if max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE. If max_channel is greater than LVL_ACTIVE, then the proximity switch assembly changes state from SWJMONE state to SW_ACTIVE state and ends at step 210. If max_channel is not larger than LVL_ACTIVE, routine 200 checks whether to reset the search flag in step 208 before ending in step 210. Thus, the status changes from SW_NONE state to SW_ACTIVE state when max_channel is fired above LVL_ACTIVE. If the channels remain below this level after a certain waiting period, the search flag, if set, is reset to no search, which is a way to exit search mode.

[108] Referring to Figure 18, a method 220 for processing the state of the SW_ACTIVE state that changes to the SW_THRESHOLD state or the SW_NONE state, according to one embodiment, is illustrated. Method 220 begins at step 222 and proceeds to decision step 224. If max_channel is not greater than LVL_THRESHOLD, then method 220 proceeds to step 226 to determine if max_channel is less than LVL_ACTIVE and thus proceeds to Step 228 to change the switch status to SW_NONE. Consequently, the state machine status moves from SW_ACTIVE state to SW_NONE state when the max_channel signal drops below LVL_ACTIVE. A delta value can also be subtracted from LVL_ACTIVE to enter some hysteresis. If max_channel is larger than LVL_THRESHOLD, then routine 220 proceeds to decision step 230 to determine if a recent threshold event or glove has been detected and thus sets the search flag to true in step 232. In step 234, method 220 changes the status to the SW_THRESHOLD state before ending in step 236. Thus, if max_channel is triggered above LVL_THRESHOLD, the status changes to the SW_THRESHOLD state. If gloves are detected or a previous threshold event that did not result in activation is recently detected, then the search / scan mode can be entered automatically.

[109] Referring to Figure 19, a method 240 of determining activation of a switch from SW_THRESHOLD state according to one embodiment is illustrated. Method 240 begins at step 242 to process the SW_THRESHOLD state and proceeds to decision block 244 to determine if the signal is stable or if the signal channel is at a peak and otherwise ends at step 256. If the signal is stable or the signal channel is at a peak, then method 240 proceeds to decision step 246 to determine if search or scan mode is active and thus skips to step 250. If search mode If scanning or scanning is not active, method 240 proceeds to decision step 248 to determine if the signal channel is clear and the fast active level is greater than a threshold and thus sets the active switch level to the maximum channel. at step 250. Method 240 proceeds to decision block 252 to determine if there is an active switch and thus ends at step 256. If there is no active switch, method 240 proceeds to step 254 to initialize the var SWITCH_STATUS search variables set equal to SWITCHJHUNTING and PEAK_MAX_BASE equal to MAX_CHANNELS, before ending in step 256.

[110] In the SW_THRESHOLD state, no decision is made until a peak at MAX_CHANNEL is detected. Peak value detection is conditional on a reversal in signal direction, or both MAX_CHANNEL and SUM_CHANNEL remain stable (associated in a range) for at least a certain interval, such as 60 milliseconds. Once the peak is detected, the search flag is checked. If search mode is off, the input curve skew method is applied. If the SW_ACTIVE for SW_THRESHOLD is less than a limit such as 16 milliseconds, and the noise rejection method signature indicates it as a valid trigger event, then the state changes to SWITCH_ACTIVE and the process is transferred to the PROCESS_SWITCH_RELEASE module. otherwise the search flag is set to true. If the delayed activation method is employed instead of immediately activating the switch, the state changes to SW_DELAYED_ACTIVATION where a delay is applied at the end of it, if the current MAX_CHANNEL index is not changed, the button is activated.

[111] Referring to Figure 20, a virtual button method that implements the SW_HUNTING state according to one embodiment is illustrated. Method 260 begins at step 262 to process the SW_HUNTING state and proceeds to decision step 264 to determine if MAX_CHANNEL fell below LVL_KEYUP_THRESHOLD and thus sets the MAX_PEAK_BASE equal to MIN (MAX_PEAK_BASE, MAX_CHANNEL) at step 272. If MAX_CHANNEL falls below the LVL_KEYUP_THRESHOLD, then method 260 proceeds to step 266 to employ the first channel trigger search method to verify that the event should trigger the button activation. This is determined by defining whether the first and only channel has been traversed and the signal is clear. If so, method 260 sets the active switch state equal to the maximum channel at step 270 before ending at step 282. If the first and only channel is not traversed or the signal is not clear, method 260 proceeds to step 268 to give up and determine inadvertent actuation and set SWITCH_STATUS equal to state SW_NONE before ending in step 282.

[112] After step 272, method 260 proceeds to decision step 274 to determine if the channel is clicked. This can be determined by verifying that MAX_CHANNEL is greater than MAX_PEAK_BASE plus delta. If the channel is clicked, method 260 proceeds to decision step 276 to determine if the signal is stable and clear and thus adjusts the active switch state for the maximum channel at step 280 before terminating at step 282. If the channel is not clicked, method 260 proceeds to decision step 278 to verify that the signal is long, stable and clear, and thus proceeds to step 280 to set the active switch state equal to the maximum channel before. finish in step 282.

[113] Proximity switch assembly 20 may include a virtual button mode according to another embodiment. Referring to Figures 21 to 27, the proximity switch assembly having a virtual button mode and a method of activating the proximity switch with virtual button mode is shown here according to this embodiment. The proximity switch assembly may include one or more proximity switches that provide a pickup activation field and a set of control circuits to control the activation field of each proximity switch to pickup activation. The control circuitry monitors signals indicating activation fields, determines a stable first signal amplitude over a period of time, determines a subsequent stable second signal amplitude over a period of time, and generates an activation output when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount. The method may be employed by the proximity switch assembly and includes the steps of generating an activation field associated with each 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 for a minimum period of time. The method further includes the step of generating an activation output when the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by a known amount. As a result, a virtual button mode is provided to the proximity switch to prevent or reduce unintended or false activations that may be caused by a finger exploiting a plurality of proximity switch buttons and changing directions, or a finger covered by a glove.

[114] In Figure 21, scanning and activating a proximity switch is shown for one of the signal channels labeled as signal 50 as a user's finger slides through the corresponding switch, enters a scan mode, and proceeds to activate the switch in virtual button mode. It should be appreciated that the user's finger may exploit a plurality of capacitive switches as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 wherein the signals associated with each of the corresponding signal channels are generated as the finger passes through the activation field of each one. channel. A plurality of signal channels may be processed at the same time and the maximum signal channel may be processed to determine activation of the corresponding proximity switch. In the examples provided in the signal diagrams of Figures 21 to 25, a single signal channel associated with a switch is shown, however, a plurality of signal channels could be processed. Signal 50 associated with one of the signal channels is shown in Figure 21 rising to a threshold active level 320 at point 300 at which point the signal enters scan mode. Then, signal 50 continues to increase and reaches a first amplitude, at which point the signal is stable for a minimum period of time, shown as Tstable which is shown at point 302. At point 302, signal 50 enters button mode. and establishes a first Cbase base value which is the delta signal count at point 302. At that point, virtual button mode sets an incremental activation threshold as a function of the Cbase base value multiplied by a constant Kvt>. The activation threshold for determining an activation can be represented by: (1 + Kvb) * Cbase, where Kvb is a constant greater than zero. Virtual button mode continues to monitor signal 50 to determine when it reaches a second stable amplitude during the minimum Tstable time period that occurs at point 304. At this point 304, virtual button mode compares the second stable amplitude with the first stable amplitude and determines whether the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount of Kvb * Cbase. If the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by the known amount, an activation output to the proximity switch is then generated.

[115] According to this embodiment, a stable signal amplitude must be maintained by the signal channel for at least a minimum period of time before entering virtual button mode or determining switch activation. The sensor value as it enters virtual button mode is recorded as Cbase. The method monitors when a subsequent stable signal amplitude is reached again before an interval period.

If a stable signal amplitude is reached again before the interval period expires with a delta count value greater than a desired percentage, such as 12.5 percent of the previously recorded Cbase, then activation is triggered. According to one embodiment, an increase in the delta signal count percentage of at least 10 percent is provided by Kvb x Cbase.

[116] The Kvb multiplier is a factor of at least 0.1 or at least 10 percent of the Cbase value, according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the multiplier Kvb is adjusted by about 0.125 which equals 12.5 percent. The stable time period Tstable can be set to a time of at least 50 milliseconds according to one mode. According to another embodiment, the stable time period Tstable can be adjusted in the range of 50 to 100 milliseconds. Stable amplitude can be determined by the signal amplitude that is substantially stable over a range within twice the estimated noise level in the signal according to one embodiment, or within 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level. according to another embodiment or a combination of twice the estimated signal noise added at 2.5 to 5.0 percent of the signal level according to an additional embodiment.

[117] Referring to Figure 22, a signal 50 of a signal channel associated with a proximity switch is illustrated by entering scan mode at point 300 and proceeding to reach a stable first amplitude when stable signal amplitude occurs during a Tstable minimum time period at point 302 when the virtual button mode is entered. At this point, the Cbase value is determined. Then signal 50 is shown falling and again rising to a second amplitude when the signal is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 306. However, in this situation, the second amplitude at point 306 does not exceed the base value Cbase. signal at point 302 by the known amount of Kvb x Cbase, and as a result, does not generate an activation output for the switch.

[118] Referring to Figure 23, a signal 50 associated with a signal channel is illustrated by entering scan mode at point 300 and proceeding to reach a first amplitude for a stable time period Tstable at point 302 wherein virtual button is inserted and the Cbase is determined. Then signal 50 continues to increase to a second amplitude which is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 308. However, at point 308, the second amplitude does not exceed the base value Cbase of the signal set at the first amplitude at point 308. 302 by the known amount of KVb x Cbase, then the proximity switch assembly does not drive a switch output. However, a new updated base value is generated for Cbase at point 308 and is used to determine the known amount for comparison with the next stable amplitude. Signal 50 is shown falling and then rising to a third amplitude that is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 310. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by more than the known amount KVb x Cbase so that an output of activation for the switch is generated.

[119] With reference to Figure 24, another example of a signal 50 is illustrated by entering scan mode at point 300 and continues to rise to a first amplitude that is stable for a minimum time period Tstable at point 302 where Virtual button mode is entered and Cbase is determined. Then signal 50 is shown falling to a second amplitude which is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 312. At point 312, the second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount of Kvb x Cbase so that a trigger signal is not generated. However, an updated Cbase base value is generated at point 312. Then signal 50 continues to rise to a third amplitude that is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 310. The third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by the amount. Kvb x Cbase, so that a trigger or trigger output for the switch is generated.

[120] With reference to Figure 25, another example of a signal 50 of a signal channel is showing entering the scan mode at point 300 and proceeding to reach a first amplitude that is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 302. and therefore enters virtual button mode and determines Cbase. Then, signal 50 continues to increase to a second amplitude that is stable for the time period Tstable at point 308. The second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by the known amount so that a switch actuation is not generated at that point. Then signal 50 is shown falling to point 314 and in the process of doing so a reset timer expires since the last stable amplitude was received as shown by the Treset time. When the reset timer expires at point 314, the virtual button mode is exited and the explore mode is entered once the virtual button mode is exited. When this occurs, the previous given Cbase is no longer valid. Then, signal 50 is shown increasing to a third amplitude that is stable for the minimum time period Tstable at point 316. At that point, the third amplitude establishes an updated Cbase that is used to determine future switch activations. Then signal 50 is additionally shown falling below active limit value 320, in which case the virtual button mode is terminated without any activations.

[121] A method of activating a proximity switch with a virtual button mode using the proximity switch assembly is illustrated in Figures 26 and 27. With reference to Figure 26, method 400 begins at step 402 and proceeds to acquire all signal channels associated with all proximity switches in step 404. Method 400 proceeds to decision block 406 to determine if the state is set to ACTIVE state, and thus checks for a release of the switch in step 414 before terminate at step 416. If the state is not set to the ACTIVE state, method 400 proceeds to step 408 to find the maximum channel (CHT). Then, once the maximum channel has been found, routine 400 proceeds to step 410 to process the maximum channel virtual button (CHT) method before terminating at step 416. The maximum channel virtual button method 410 is illustrated. in Figure 27 and described below. It should be appreciated that method 400 may include an optional step 412 also for processing the maximum channel signal using a touch method to detect a user touch on a proximity switch to generate an activation output.

[122] The process maximum channel virtual button method 410 shown in Figure 27 begins at step 420 and proceeds to step 422 to insert the maximum signal channel. Then, the maximum signal channel associated with one of the proximity switches is processed to determine the virtual button mode state and the activation of the switch. At decision step 424, method 410 determines whether the switch is set to the virtual button mode state and thus proceeds to decision step 426 to determine if the signal channel value is less than the active limit. . If the signal channel is less than the active limit, method 410 proceeds to step 428 to set the state equal to ΝΟΝΕ and returns to the beginning. If the signal channel is not less than the active threshold value, method 410 proceeds to decision step 430 to determine if the signal has a stable first amplitude over a period of time greater than the stable time period Tstable. If the stable signal channel in the first amplitude is stable for a time greater than Tstable, method 410 proceeds to decision step 432 to determine if the signal channel is not stable for a period of time exceeding the time period. Treset reset time, and otherwise returns to step 422. If the signal channel is not stable for a period of time exceeding the Treset reset time, method 410 proceeds to adjust the state equal to the scan / scan state. searches for and ends in step 460.

[123] Again with reference to decision step 430, if the signal channel is stable for a period of time exceeding the stable time period Tstable, method 410 proceeds to decision step 436 to determine if signal Ch ( t) is greater than Cbase by a known amount defined by Kvb x Cbase, and thus sets the switch state to active to generate an activation output before terminating at step 460. If the signal does not exceed Cbase by the amount known as Kvb x Cbase, method 410 proceeds to adjust the new Cbase value at the current stable signal amplitude at step 440 before ending at step 460.

[124] Again with reference to decision step 424, if the switch state is not set to virtual button mode, method 410 proceeds to decision step 442 to determine if the state is set to scan state and therefore proceeds to decision step 444 to determine if the signal is greater than the active limit and otherwise sets the state equal to state ΝΟΝΕ and ends at step 460. If the signal is greater than the active limit , method 410 proceeds to decision step 448 to determine if the signal is stable at an amplitude for a period of time exceeding the minimum time period Tstable and otherwise ends at step 460. If the signal is stable at an amplitude over a period of time exceeding the minimum time period Tstable, method 410 proceeds to step 450 to set the switch state to the virtual button state and set the new s channel channel value Cbase. at step 450 before ending at step 460.

[125] Again with reference to decision step 442, if the switch state is not adjusted to the scan / search state, method 410 proceeds to decision step 452 to determine if the signal is greater than the active limit and otherwise it ends at step 460. If the signal is greater than the active threshold, method 410 proceeds to decision step 454 to adjust the state to the scan / search state before ending at step 460.

[126] Consequently, the proximity switch assembly having the virtual button method 410 advantageously provides improved detection of virtual button switch activation and improved rejection of unintended activations. Method 410 may advantageously detect an activation of a switch while rejecting unintended activations that may be detected when a finger explores the switch assembly and reverses the direction or where the user's finger is wearing a glove. Enhanced activation detection advantageously provides enhanced proximity switch assembly.

[127] Accordingly, the determination routine advantageously determines the activation of the proximity switches. The routine advantageously allows a user to explore proximity switch pads which may be particularly useful in an automotive application where driver distraction can be avoided.

[128] Proximity switch assembly 20 may include a malleable material that overlaps the proximity sensor and the control circuitry may activate a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor relative to a limit when a finger The user presses the malleable material according to an additional embodiment. In this embodiment, the proximity switch assembly 20 can operate in virtual button mode and can provide improved signal detection by employing the deformable malleable material to allow the user's finger to move closer to the proximity sensor. In addition, an empty space in the form of an air pocket may be provided between the malleable material and the proximity sensor and a raised or raised surface may additionally be provided in the malleable material.

[129] With reference to Figures 28A to 31, proximity switch assembly 20 employing the malleable material and operates in a virtual button mode and a method of activating the proximity switch using the malleable material in button mode. are shown in them according to this mode. Proximity switch assembly 22 may include a proximity sensor such as a capacitive sensor that generates an activation field. It should be appreciated that each of a plurality of proximity sensors 24 which generates an activation field may be employed. Proximity sensors 24 are shown provided on the surface of a rigid substrate, such as a polymeric suspended console 12, according to one embodiment. Proximity sensors 24 may each be formed by conductive ink printing on the surface of the polymeric hanging console 12. Proximity sensors 24 may otherwise be formed, such as by mounting the pre-conductive circuit traces -formed onto a substrate according to other embodiments.

[130] A malleable material 500 is shown covering the substrate 12 and is intended to provide the touch surface for a user's finger 34 to interact with proximity sensors 24 to activate the switches 22. The malleable material is shown. 500 is formed as a cover layer which may be made of an elastic material including rubber, according to one embodiment. The malleable material 500 is flexible with respect to the underlying substrate 12 which is generally rigid. Malleable material 500 overlaps proximity sensor 24 and is deformable when a user's finger 34 applies pressure so that finger 34 compresses malleable material 500 and moves inward toward proximity sensor 24, as shown in Figure 28C . According to one embodiment, the malleable material 500 may have a layer thickness in the range of approximately 0.1 to 10 mm and more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 mm.

[131] Proximity switch assembly 20 employs control circuitry to monitor the activation field associated with each sensor 24 and determine activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by proximity sensor 24 with respect to a limit when a user's finger 34 presses the malleable material 50. The control circuitry may determine a stable amplitude of a signal generated by the proximity sensor 24 for a predetermined period of time and may generate a switch activation output when stable output exceeds a limit value. According to one embodiment, the control circuitry may determine a first stable amplitude of a signal over a period of time, may determine a subsequent stable second amplitude of the signal over a period of time, and may generate an activation output for a proximity switch associated with the signal when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known value.

[132] Referring to Figures 28A through 28D, the proximity switch assembly 20 employing a malleable material 500 that overlaps one or more proximity sensors 24 according to a first embodiment is illustrated. As seen in Figure 28A, a user finger 34 shown in a first position contacts the surface of the malleable material 500 at a location close to but laterally displaced from a proximity sensor 24. Figure 28B shows user's finger 34 moving by sliding laterally to a second position aligned with a proximity sensor 24 without applying pressure to the malleable material 500. This can occur when a user is exploring the proximity sensor assembly 20 in a scan mode / searches without an intention to activate switch 22. In Figure 28C, user finger 34 is shown applying force toward proximity sensor 24 to push malleable material 500 to move user finger 34 to a third position closest to proximity sensor 24. User finger 34 can then press and deform malleable material 500 to move closer to proximity sensor. 24 and may further tighten and thereby flatten finger 34 against substrate 12 to provide an improved finger surface area or volume in close proximity to sensor 24 which provides greater interaction with the associated activation field and thus a bigger sign.

[133] The sequence of events shown in Figures 28A through 28C is further illustrated in the signal response shown in Figure 28D. The signal 506 generated by the proximity sensor 24 is shown increased to a first level 506A indicative of the user's finger 34 in contact with the proximity switch assembly 20 in the first laterally distant position of the proximity sensor 24 as seen in Figure 28A. Signal 506 then increases to the level 506B indicative of user finger 34 shown in the second position aligned with proximity sensor 24 without applying force, as shown in Figure 28B. Thereafter, the signal 506 then increases to a third high level 506C indicative of the user's finger 34 applying force in the third position to press the malleable material 500, as shown in Figure 28C. Thus, signal 506 is much larger when user finger 34 presses soft material 500 which allows for virtual button detection.

[134] The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines a proximity switch activation based on signal 506 relative to a limit when the user's finger presses soft material 500. The process circuitry can including controller 400 shown in Figure 5 to execute a control routine that may include routine 520 shown and described herein in connection with Figure 31. Thus, the process circuitry may use a virtual button method as described above to detect a scan mode and virtual button activations of one or more proximity switches.

[135] Proximity switch assembly 20 may be additionally configured with a malleable material 500 having a raised or raised touch surface portion 502 aligned with each proximity sensor 24 and a void or air gap 504 disposed between the raised portion 502 and proximity sensor 24 as shown in Figures 24A-24C according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the air gap 504 formed between the malleable material 500 and each proximity sensor 24 provides an improved travel distance during switch activation that can also serve as a tactile sensation for a user. The air gap 504 may have a height distance of less than 5.0 millimeters according to one embodiment, more preferably in the range 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters. The raised portion 502 of the malleable material 500 holds the most distal user finger 34 of the proximity sensor 24 in the non-pressed state. As shown in Figure 29A, a user's finger 34 contacts the proximity switch assembly 20 at a location near but laterally spaced from the proximity sensor 24 in a first position. Next, in Figure 28B, the user's finger 34 moves to a second position aligned with the proximity sensor 24 at the top of the raised portion 52 of the malleable material 500. In that position, a user finger 34 can operate the proximity switches. 22 in a scan / search mode, with no intention of activating a switch. In Figure 29C, the user's finger 34 is shown in a third position that presses the malleable material 500 on top of the raised portion 502 in order to move the finger 34 to a fully pressed state that compresses the malleable material 500 and the clearance. 504 to allow the user's finger to be closer to the proximity sensor 24. When this occurs, the control circuitry senses a user intent to activate switch 22 and generates an output signal from activation.

[136] Referring to Figure 28D, signal 506 generated in response to activation of the activation field by proximity sensor 24 is shown relative to user finger actuations shown in Figures 29A to 29C. Signal 506 is shown increasing to a first level 506A indicative of user finger 34 in the first position that contacts proximity switch assembly 20 at a lateral distance away from sensor 24 shown in Figure 29A. Signal 506 remains at first level 506A, as also shown by level 506B as the user's finger rises to the second position in raised portion 502 aligned above proximity sensor 24 without pressing malleable material 500, as shown in Figure 29B. The raised portion 502 thus allows signal 506 to maintain a low signal when a user's finger is in a scan mode and is not intended to activate switch 22. Signal 506 is shown increasing to an additional high level 506C indicative 34 of the user finger pressing the malleable material into the third position by compressing the raised portion 502 and the air gap 504 as shown in Figure 29C to activate switch 22. The control circuitry processes signal 506 to detect an activation of switch 22 when this occurs, and may further detect a scan / search mode as described above.

[137] Referring to Figure 30, a status diagram is shown for proximity switch mounting in another state machine deployment utilizing soft material and virtual button mode according to one embodiment. The state machine deployment is shown which has four states, including standby state 510, search state 512, virtual button state 514, and button press state 516. Standby state 510 is entered when the signal is less than a threshold indicating no sensor activity detected. Search state 512 is entered when the signal is greater than a threshold indicative of activity determined to be compatible with a scan / search interaction. The virtual button state 514 is entered when the signal is stable. The button press state 516 is indicative of a vigorous push on the switch to compress the malleable material once in the virtual button state. When the signal reaches a certain limit, search / scan mode 512 is entered. When the signal is stable and is greater than a base level, virtual button mode 514 is entered. If the signal is stable and is greater than a base level plus a delta dome value, button press mode 516 is entered. It should be evaluated that the base level can be updated as described above.

[138] Referring to Figure 31, routine 520 for controlling proximity switch assembly and activation method using a malleable material as described above in connection with Figures 28A to 30 is shown and described herein. Routine 520 may be stored in memory 48 and executed by controller 40 according to one embodiment. Routine 520 begins at step 522 to process the largest or maximum signal channel, which is the maximum signal channel associated with one of the proximity switches. At step 524, the maximum signal channel is inserted into the controller. Next, at decision step 526, routine 520 determines whether the current state is set to standby, and thus proceeds to 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 limit, routine 520 ends at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is greater than a limit, routine 520 proceeds to adjust the state to the search state in step 532 before finish in step 530.

[139] Again with reference to decision step 526, if the state is set to standby, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 534 to determine if the state is set to search state and thus proceeds to decision step 536 to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a threshold. If the maximum signal channel is less than the limit, routine 520 proceeds to step 538 to set the state to the standby state and then terminates at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is not less than the limit 536 , routine 520 proceeds to decision step 540 to determine if all signal channels are stable and otherwise ends at step 530. If all signal channels are stable, routine 520 proceeds to step 542 to adjust the state is the same as the virtual button state, and then adjust the channel base to the maximum signal channel at step 544 before ending at step 530.

[140] Again with reference to decision step 534, if the state is not set equal to the search state, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 546 to determine if the state is in the virtual button state and otherwise , proceed to step 548 to adjust the state to the button press state. Subsequently, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 550 to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a limit and otherwise ends at step 530. If the maximum channel is less than a limit, routine 520 adjusts the state equal to the standby state at step 552 and then releases activation at step 554 before ending at step 530.

[141] Again with reference to decision step 546, if the state is set equal to the virtual button state, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 556 to determine if the maximum signal channel is less than a threshold and, where thus, set the state equal to the wait state at step 558 before ending at step 530. If the maximum signal channel is not less than the limit, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 560 to determine if the button timer is greater than a timeout, and thus adjusts the state to the search state in step 562 before ending in step 530. The virtual button timer can be set within a range of one to three seconds according to a modality. If virtual button timer has not timed out, routine 520 proceeds to decision 564 to determine if all signal channels are stable and otherwise ends at step 530. If all signal channels are determined to be stable , routine 520 proceeds to decision step 566 to determine if the rubber dome is pressed, which may be determined by the maximum signal channel greater than a signal channel base summed with a delta signal dome value. If the rubber dome is pressed, routine 520 proceeds to decision step 568 to set the state equal to the button press state, and subsequently generates a maximum signal channel activation at step 570 before terminating at step 530. If the rubber dome is not pressed, routine 520 proceeds to step 572 to determine that the finger is still sliding and to update the ChBase base signal to the maximum signal channel at step 572 before terminating at step 530.

[142] Consequently, the proximity switch assembly 20 having malleable material 500 and virtual button mode advantageously provides improved virtual button switch activation detection to enhance rejection of unintended activations. Method 520 may advantageously detect activation of a switch while rejection of unintended switch activation may be detected when a finger exploits the switch assembly. Improved activation detection advantageously provides improved proximity switch mounting that can be particularly advantageous or useful in an automotive application where driver distraction can be avoided.

[143] Proximity switch assembly 20 may include a rigid substrate having a first upper surface and a second lower surface, a proximity sensor disposed on the substrate, a malleable material disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, and a depression formed within. of the upper surface of the substrate in a region between the malleable material and the proximity sensor according to one embodiment. The depression is generally larger in size than the proximity sensor, so the depression has a longer length and width compared to the proximity sensor. The depression allows air to form between the malleable material and the proximity sensor.

[144] With reference to Figures 32 to 34D, proximity switch assembly 20 employing a malleable material 500 overlapping a rigid substrate 12, and depressions 600 formed within an upper surface of substrate 12 are illustrated according to one embodiment. . Proximity switch assembly 20 includes rigid substrate 12 generally shown as a flat sheet having the first and second surfaces shown as upper and lower surfaces. The first and second proximity sensors 24, such as capacitive sensors, are shown arranged on the bottom surface of the substrate 12, each of which generates an activation field for a corresponding proximity switch 22. It must be appreciated that one or more a plurality of proximity sensors 24 may be included, each sensor generating an activation field. Proximity sensors 24 are shown provided on the bottom surface of the rigid substrate 12, such as a polymeric suspended console 12, according to one embodiment. Proximity sensors 24 may each be formed by printing conductive ink onto the bottom surface of the rigid substrate 12. Proximity sensors 24 may otherwise be formed, such as by mounting pre-conductive circuit traces. formed on substrate 12 according to other embodiments.

[145] A malleable material 500 is shown that covers substrate 12 and is intended to provide the touch surface for a user's finger 34 to interact with one or more of the proximity sensors 24 to activate one or more of the proximity switches 22 The malleable material 500 may be formed as a cover layer which may be made of an elastic material including rubber, according to one embodiment. The malleable material 500 is flexible with respect to the generally rigid underlying substrate 12. Malleable material 500 overlaps proximity sensors 24 and is deformable when a user's finger applies pressure, so that finger 34 compresses malleable material 500 and moves toward a proximity sensor 24. Malleable material 500 may have a thickness as described above in connection with other embodiments, such as in the range 0.1 to 10 mm and more preferably in the range 1.0 to 2.0 mm.

[146] Proximity switch assembly 20 further includes a depression 600 within the upper surface of the rigid substrate 12 in a region between the malleable material 500 and each proximity sensor 24. Separate depressions 600 may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 12, each generally close to one of the proximity sensors 24. Depression 600 has a length and width that is larger in size than the proximity sensor 24. The relative size of the depression 600 relative to the proximity sensor 24 is illustrated in Figure 33. The depression 600 has a first length Ld compared to the proximity sensor 24 which has a second length Ls, wherein the first length Ld is greater than the second length Ls by at least 5 millimeters, according to one embodiment. According to a more specific embodiment, the first length Ld exceeds the second length Ls by a distance in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters. The depression 600 also has a width Wd which is greater than a width Ws of the proximity sensor 24. The width Wd may exceed the width Ws by a total of at least 5 millimeters, according to one embodiment and, more specifically, in one. distance in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters. The depression 600 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 millimeters according to one embodiment.

[147] Although proximity switch assembly 20 is shown and described herein having each proximity sensor 24 and depression 600 formed in a rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that sensor 24 and depression 600 may include other shapes and sizes, such as a circular shape or other shape. Thus, the depression 600 has a depth and also has a length and / or width size dimension that is larger than a length and / or width dimension of the proximity sensor 24 thereof. For a circular shaped proximity proximity 24 and depression 600, the dimension may be a measurement of the circular shaped diameter length for each of the sensor 24 and the depression 600, where the dimension of the depression 600 is larger than the dimension. proximity sensor 24 in an amount of at least 5 millimeters, according to one embodiment, more specifically in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters.

[148] According to one embodiment, the depression 600 formed in the rigid substrate 12 provides a space for an air gap to form between the lower depression surface 600 of the substrate 12 and the overlapping malleable material 500. The air gap formed within the depression 600 provides a space for the user's finger to press the malleable material 500 inwardly and in close proximity to the proximity sensor 24. Although an air gap is shown and described herein to fill the void within the depression 600, it must be appreciated that another material such as a liquid or other gas may be disposed therein. It should further be appreciated that a soft malleable material may be disposed within depression 600, the material being substantially less rigid than the rigid substrate 12.

[149] Proximity switch assembly 20 may additionally employ the control circuitry to monitor the activation field associated with each proximity sensor 24 and determine activation of a corresponding proximity switch 22 based on a signal generated by the proximity sensor 24 relative to a limit when a user's finger 34 pushes the malleable material 500 into depression 600. The signal generally increases in amplitude as the user's finger moves closer to the proximity sensor 24. The assembly of control circuits may operate as described above in connection with the embodiments shown in Figures 28A through 31.

[150] Referring to Figures 34A through 34D, the proximity switch assembly 20 employing malleable material 500 overlapping a depression 600 above each of the proximity sensors 24 according to the first embodiment is illustrated. As seen in Figure 34A, a user finger 34 is shown in a first position that contacts the upper surface of the malleable material 500 at a location near but laterally displaced from a proximity sensor 24 and depression 600. Figure 34B is shown the user's finger 34 sliding laterally to a second centrally aligned position above a proximity sensor 24 and depression 600 without applying force or pressure to the malleable material 500. This may occur when a user explores Proximity Sensor Mounting 20 in a Scan / Search mode with no intention of activating Proximity Switch 22. Figure 34C shows the finger of user 34 applying a force toward Proximity Sensor 24, the in order to press the malleable material 500 to move the user's finger 34 to a third position closest to the proximity sensor 24 to compress the malleable material 5 00 and contract the air clearance provided within the depression 600, and may further tighten and thereby flatten the finger against the substrate 12 within the lower depression 600 to provide an improved area or surface volume of the finger in close proximity. to sensor 24 which provides greater interaction with the associated activation field and thus a larger signal.

[151] The sequence of events shown in Figures 34A through 34C is further illustrated in signal response 606 shown in Figure 34D. The signal 606 generated by the proximity switch 24 is shown increasing to a first level 606A indicative of the user's finger 34 in contact with the proximity switch assembly 20 in the first laterally distant position of the proximity sensor 24, as seen in Figure 34A. Signal 606 maintains a signal amplitude at level 606B indicative of user finger 34 shown in the second position aligned with proximity sensor 24 and depression 600 without applying force, as shown in Figure 34B. Thereafter, signal 606 then over up to a third raised level 606C indicative of the user's finger applying force in the third position to press malleable material 500 into depression 600, as shown in Figure 34C. Thus, signal 606 is much larger when user finger 34 pushes malleable material 500 into depression 600 which allows for improved switch detection. The control circuitry can then monitor the activation field and signal 606 and determine the activation of proximity switch 22 based on signal 606 as described herein.

[152] Proximity switch assembly 20 may be configured with one or more grooves formed in the rigid substrate between the first and second proximity sensors, as shown in Figures 35 to 37E, according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a single groove 610 is shown disposed between adjacent proximity sensors 24 to provide signal isolation between adjacent proximity sensors 24. It will be appreciated that one or a plurality of grooves may be formed in the rigid substrate 12 between the adjacent proximity sensors 24. In this embodiment, groove 610 may be employed in combination with depressions 600 or may be employed without depressions 600. By employing a combination of depressions 600 and 610 grooves, enhanced signal detection and noise interference may occur. Reduced signal can be obtained. By employing groove 610 without depressions 600, a more compact proximity switch assembly 20 can be obtained with proximity switches 22 located nearby without the enlarged depressions.

[153] As seen in Figures 35 and 36, groove 610 formed on the upper surface of rigid substrate 12 is shown in a region between the first and second proximity sensors 24. Groove 610 may have a first dimension shown as the length Lg which is at least as long as the width Ws of sensor 24, or at least as long as Wd in the mode with depression 600, and preferably 5 to 10 millimeters longer than width Ws or 0 to 5 millimeters. longer than width Wd in mode with depression 600, and a second dimension shown as width Wg in the range of 1 mm or 5 mm. The depth of groove 610 can be in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 millimeters. It should be appreciated that the depth of the groove 610 may extend a substantial distance to the upper surface of the rigid substrate 12. In one embodiment, the rigid substrate 12 is made of plastic. The groove 610 forms an air gap in it. Air clearance has a low dielectric value that effectively reduces the activation field in this region and reduces or prevents crosstalk or signal interference.

[154] Referring to Figures 37A to 37E, the proximity switch assembly 20 employing malleable material 500, depressions 600, and grooves 610 are illustrated in one embodiment. As seen in Figure 37A, a user finger 34 shown in a first position contacts a surface of the malleable material 500 at a location near but laterally displaced from a proximity sensor 24. In Figure 37B, it is shown user's finger 34 which moves laterally by sliding to a second position aligned with a first proximity sensor 24 without applying force or pressure to the malleable material 500. This can occur when a user exploits the proximity sensor assembly 20 in a mode scan / search without an intention to activate proximity switch 22. In Figure 37C, the user's finger 34 is shown moving sideways along groove 610 to a third position aligned with a second proximity sensor without applying force or pressure to the malleable material 500, such as may occur in scan / search mode. In Figure 37D, the user's finger 34 is shown sliding further to a fourth position in the region of the second proximity sensor 34. It should be appreciated that a user may press the malleable material 500 above the first or second proximity sensor 24. in order to activate the first or second proximity switch 22.

[155] The sequence of events shown in Figures 37A through 37D is further illustrated in the responses of the first and second signals 608 and 609 shown in Figure 37E. The first signal 608 generated by the first proximity sensor 24 is shown at a first level 608A, when the user's finger contacts the proximity switch assembly 20 in both the first and second positions, as seen in Figures 37A and 37B. . As the user's finger approaches groove 610 between the first and second proximity sensors, the first signal 608 drops to a reduced value or zero. A second signal 609 generated by the second proximity sensor 24 increases back to signal level 608C and 608D as the user's finger moves away from groove 610 and approaches third and fourth positions, as shown in Figures 37C and 37D. The effect of signals 608 and 609 being at a reduced or zero value occurs when user finger 34 passes along groove 610 between first and second proximity sensors 24. Groove 610 effectively isolates signals 608 and 609 to reduce signal values to a lower or zero value and thereby prevent interference between adjacent proximity sensors 24. The control circuitry can thus determine the activation of each of the first and second switches 22 based on signals 608 and 609 with reduced signal interference.

[156] Proximity switch assembly 20 is further illustrated configured with a malleable material 500 having a raised or raised touch surface portion 620 aligned with each of the proximity sensors 24 and depressions 500, as shown in Figure 38, according to an additional embodiment. In this embodiment, the raised surface 620 provides an improved travel distance between switch activations that can also serve as a tactile feel for a user. The height of the raised surface 620 may be in the range of 1 to 2 millimeters, according to one embodiment. The raised surface 620 can keep the finger of the most distal user 34 from the proximity sensor in the non-pressed state. It should further be appreciated that the raised surface 620 may be employed with depressions 600 or with one or more grooves 610, or with both depressions 600 as one or more grooves 610.

[157] Accordingly, proximity switch assembly 20 having malleable material 500 may employ depressions 600 and / or one or more grooves 610 to provide improved signal detection and switch activation.

[158] It will be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it will further be understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, except where such claims by their language indicate expressly to the contrary.

Claims (20)

Proximity switch assembly, comprising: a rigid substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a first proximity sensor near a substrate surface; a second proximity sensor near a substrate surface adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween; malleable material disposed on the upper surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove is larger than the sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove dimension exceeds the sensor by 5 to 10 millimeters. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the malleable material is rubber. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the groove has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a control circuitry that monitors an activation field associated with the proximity sensor and determines a proximity switch activation based on a signal generated by the proximity switch. sensor against a limit when a user's finger presses the soft material. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a first depression formed in the rigid substrate between the malleable material and the first proximity sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a second depression formed in the rigid substrate between the malleable material and the second proximity sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the assembly is mounted on a vehicle. Vehicle proximity switch assembly, characterized in that it comprises: 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 bottom surface of the substrate adjacent the first sensor with a region therebetween a malleable material disposed on the top surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the groove is larger than the sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the groove dimension exceeds the sensor by at least 5 to 10 millimeters. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 11, characterized in that the malleable material is rubber. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 11, characterized in that the groove has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a control circuitry that monitors an activation field associated with the proximity sensor and determines a proximity switch activation based on a signal generated by the proximity switch. sensor in relation to the limit when a user's finger presses the soft material. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a first depression formed in the rigid substrate between the malleable material and the first proximity sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a second depression formed in the rigid substrate between the malleable material and the second proximity sensor. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 11, characterized in that the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. Proximity switch assembly according to Claim 11, characterized in that the assembly is installed on a vehicle.