RU2669655C2 - Proximity switch activation method in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: measurement; testing.SUBSTANCE: activation field associated with a proximity sensor is generated. Signal indicative of the activation field is monitored. First amplitude is determined when the signal is stable for a minimum time period during user sensor interaction. Subsequent second amplitude is determined when the signal is stable for the minimum time period during the same user sensor interaction. Activation output is generated when the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by a known amount. Proximity switch activation method, a proximity switch assembly are also proposed.EFFECT: reliability and ergonomics are improved.20 cl, 27 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

State of the art

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

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

Disclosure of invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for activating a proximity switch is provided. This method includes the step of generating an activation field for each proximity sensor and the step of tracking a signal characteristic of each activation field. The method also includes the step of determining a first amplitude at which the signal is stable for a minimum period of time, and the step of determining a subsequent second amplitude at which the signal is stable for a minimum period of time. The method also includes the step of generating an output activation signal when the second amplitude is greater than the first amplitude by a predetermined amount.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for activating a proximity switch is provided. This method includes the step of generating several activation fields using several contactless sensors and the step of monitoring signals specific to these activation fields. This method also includes the step of detecting the movement (sliding) of the user's finger based on multiple signals and entering the search mode, the step of determining the first stable amplitude of one of the signals for a certain period of time and the step of determining the second stable amplitude of this signal for a certain period of time . This method also includes the step of generating an activation field when the second stable amplitude is greater than the first stable amplitude by a predetermined amount.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a proximity switch unit is provided. The proximity switch block includes several proximity switches, each of which has a touch activation field. The proximity switch block also includes a control loop that monitors signals characteristic of the activation fields, determines a first stable signal amplitude for a certain period of time, determines a subsequent second stable signal amplitude for a certain period of time, and generates an activation output signal when the second stable the signal amplitude is greater than the first stable signal amplitude by a predetermined amount.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

These drawings show the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The implementation of the invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the slow forward movement of depiction shown in FIG. 8, additional processing may be performed to confirm that there is no activation intent. As seen in FIG. 8, the first communication channel (50A) has a lower rate of level increase within the time period t _{active-threshold} or t _active-peak , which results in a transition to the search mode. If upon detection of the sliding-motion / search and at a time period t _{ASSETS-threshold} high compared with the time period t _{neposr_nazhatie,} channel violating this condition, a first communication channel that enters the search mode and is the maximum channel (channel having the highest intensity ) when the capacity decreases to a level below the value LEVEL_PRESSION_THRESHOLD at point 60, the activation of the switch is initiated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Depending on the value of d _ak , in order for the recognized activation not to be rejected, the signal in the channel must be clean, i.e. the signature value must be higher than a predetermined threshold value. In accordance with one embodiment, α _{daк = 1} = 0.4, and α _{daк = 2} = 0.67. If the d _ak value is greater than 2, in accordance with one embodiment, no activation is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 17 depicts a procedure 200 for determining a state change from a value of NON-SWITCH to ACTIVE_CHANGE in accordance with one embodiment. Procedure 200 begins at step 202, where the processing of the NULL_SHIP value is not processed, and proceeds to decision block 204, which determines whether the value of the max_channel parameter exceeds the LEVEL OF ACTIVITY. If the max_channel parameter value is greater than the ACTIVITY LEVEL value, then the proximity switch block changes its state from NON-SWITCH to ACTIVE SWITCH, and then the procedure ends at step 210. If the max_channel parameter is not higher than the ACTIVITY_GROUP value, then the 200 procedure checks whether to select the 20 mode8 check box to check the 20 mode8 flag before completing work at step 210. Thus, the state changes from NO_SHIP to ACTIVE_SHIP when the max_channel parameter exceeds 3 Achen UROVEN_AKTIVNOSTI If channel values remain below a given level, after a certain timeout flag search mode, if set, is reset to lack search that is one of the ways out of the search mode.

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

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

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

In FIG. 20 illustrates a method using a virtual button mode depending on the START_CHANGE state, in accordance with one embodiment. The method 260 begins at step 262, where the status of SWITCH_SEARCH is processed, and proceeds to step 264 of making a decision, which determines whether the MAX_CHANNEL parameter has dropped below the LEVEL_THRESHOP_THRESTER value, then, when a positive response is received, it sets the MAX_BASIC_PIC_VALUE_MIN.VALUE_MIN value (MIN. , MAX_CHANNEL) in step 272. If the value of the MAX_CHANNEL parameter falls below the LEVEL_PRESSION_THRESH value, then method 260 proceeds to step 266 for using the first- channel to start the search mode to check whether the event should start the activation button. This test is based on determining whether the first channel is the only one and whether a clean signal goes through it. Upon receipt of a positive response, method 260 sets, at step 270, the state of the active switch to a channel with maximum intensity, before completing operation at step 282. If there is no single channel or if there is interference in the signal transmitted through this channel, method 260 proceeds to step 268, which ignores and detects an undesired inclusion, as well as sets the value of the STATUS_SWITCH parameter to the STATUS_NO SWITCH state before completing operation at step 282.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Returning to decision block 430, if the communication channel is stable for a period of time longer than the constant pressing period T _constant , method 410 proceeds to decision block 436, where it is determined whether the signal Ch (t) exceeds the C _main value by a certain amount equal to K _VK × C _DOS , then, upon receipt of a positive response, the switch is set to the active state, as a result of which the activation output signal is generated until the operation is completed at step 460. If the signal value does not exceed C _DOS and a certain value equal to K _VK × C _DOS , the method 410 proceeds to set at step 440 a new value of _{D DOS} at the current amplitude level of the constant signal until the operation is completed at step 460.

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

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

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

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

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

Claims (37)

1. A method of activating a proximity switch, which includes the steps in which: generate an activation field corresponding to the proximity sensor; track the signal characteristic of the activation field; determining a first amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period of time with user touch interaction; determining a subsequent second amplitude when the signal is stable during this minimum period of time during the same user sensory interaction; and generating an activation output signal when the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by a known amount. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting the slip of the object in search mode before determining the first and second amplitudes. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the time period is at least 50 milliseconds. 4. The method according to p. 3, in which the period of time is in the range from 50 to 100 milliseconds. 5. The method according to p. 1, in which the known value is at least 110% of the magnitude of the first amplitude. 6. A method of activating a proximity switch, which includes the steps in which: generate an activation field, association with a proximity sensor; track the signal characteristic of the activation field; determining a first amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum period of time with user touch interaction; determining a subsequent second amplitude when the signal is stable during this minimum period of time; and the activation output signal is generated when the second amplitude exceeds the first amplitude by a known amount, and if the second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by a known amount, the method further comprises determining when the signal is stable at the third amplitude and when the third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by a known amount, an activation output signal is generated. 7. The method according to p. 1, further comprising the step of tracking time from the first stable amplitude, and the step of requiring the determination of another stable amplitude before the expiration of the reset time before generating the output activation signal. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal comprises changing the number of sensors associated with the activation field. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity switch is mounted in the vehicle for use by a passenger of the vehicle. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. 11. The method according to claim 1, in which the method generates an activation field for each of several proximity sensors and tracks the signal characteristic of each activation field, and determines the first and second signal amplitude with the highest value. 12. A method for activating a proximity switch, which includes the steps of: generate several activation fields with several proximity sensors; track signals characteristic of activation fields; detect sliding of the user's finger based on multiple signals and go into search mode; determine the first stable amplitude of one of the signals for a period of time during user sensory interaction; determining a second stable amplitude of one of the signals for this time period during the same user sensory interaction; and generating an activation field when the value of the second stable amplitude exceeds the value of the first stable amplitude by a known amount. 13. The method according to p. 12, in which the proximity switch is installed in the vehicle for use by the passenger of the vehicle. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprising one or more capacitive sensors. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the time period is at least 50 milliseconds. 16. The method according to p. 15, in which the time period is in the range from 50 to 100 milliseconds. 17. The block of proximity switches, which includes: several proximity switches, each of which provides a touch activation field; and a control loop tracking signals characteristic of activation fields, determining a first stable signal amplitude over a period of time during user touch interaction, determining a subsequent second stable signal amplitude over a period of time during the same user touch interaction, and generating an activation output signal for proximity switch, when the second stable signal amplitude exceeds the first stable signal amplitude by a known th magnitude. 18. The proximity switch block according to claim 17, wherein several proximity switches are mounted in the vehicle for use by a passenger of the vehicle. 19. The proximity switch block of claim 18, wherein the proximity switches comprise capacitive switches comprising one or more capacitive sensors. 20. The proximity switch block according to claim 17, wherein the control circuit determines the signal as the largest of the monitored signals, and if the second amplitude does not exceed the first amplitude by a known amount, the control circuit determines when the signal is stable at the third amplitude and when the third amplitude exceeds the second amplitude by a known amount, an activation output signal is generated.

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