Vehicle touch input device and methods of making same
First Claim
1. A touch input device for interacting with electronic systems in a vehicle that includes an airbag, comprising:
- an airbag cover having a surface accessible to and touchable by an occupant of the vehicle; and
a capacitive touch sensor disposed between the airbag and the airbag cover, the touch sensor configured so that a touch to a designated area of the surface of the airbag cover allows capacitive coupling between the touch and the touch sensor through the airbag cover, the touch sensor adapted for connecting to a controller capable of using signals generated by the capacitive coupling to interact with electronic systems of the vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a touch input device for use in a vehicle such as an automobile. The touch input device includes a capacitive touch sensor that is disposed underneath a surface of the vehicle'"'"'s interior that is accessible and touchable by an occupant of the vehicle. The touch sensor is configured so that a touch to a designated area of the surface activates the touch sensor by capacitive coupling between the touch implement and the touch sensor through the surface. The signals generated can be used to control or otherwise interact with displays and other electronic systems in the vehicle. The touch sensor can be constructed using a wide variety of substrate materials, including paper, cloth, plastic, and the object forming the touch surface. The touch surface can be provided by an airbag cover, and the touch sensor can be constructed to safely blow apart upon airbag deployment. Methods of making a touch input device for use in a vehicle are also provided.
224 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A touch input device for interacting with electronic systems in a vehicle that includes an airbag, comprising:
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an airbag cover having a surface accessible to and touchable by an occupant of the vehicle; and
a capacitive touch sensor disposed between the airbag and the airbag cover, the touch sensor configured so that a touch to a designated area of the surface of the airbag cover allows capacitive coupling between the touch and the touch sensor through the airbag cover, the touch sensor adapted for connecting to a controller capable of using signals generated by the capacitive coupling to interact with electronic systems of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of making a touch-enabled airbag cover, comprising:
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providing an airbag cover configured for enclosing an airbag in a vehicle and for providing a finished surface; and
disposing a capacitive touch sensor on a back surface of the airbag cover opposing the finished surface, the touch sensor configured so that a touch to a designated area of the finished surface allows capacitive coupling between the touch and the touch sensor through the airbag cover, the touch sensor adapted for connecting to a controller capable of using signals generated by the capacitive coupling to interact with electronic systems of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A touch input device for interacting with electronic systems in a vehicle, comprising:
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a capacitive touch sensor disposed behind a surface in the vehicle that is accessible and touchable by an occupant in the vehicle, the touch sensor disposed in a manner such that the presence of the touch sensor maintains the look, feel, and functionality of the surface as if the touch sensor was excluded, wherein the touch sensor is configured so that a touch to a designated area of the surface allows capacitive coupling between the touch and the touch sensor through the surface, the touch sensor being adapted for connecting to a controller capable of using signals generated by the capacitive coupling to interact with electronic systems of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification