Keyless entry touch pad system and method

• US 20060238385A1
• Filed: 12/22/2005
• Published: 10/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Inventors: Taylor, Michael J., Steenwyk, Timothy E., Dzioba, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,733,332 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/33
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0228 Hand-activated mechanical switches B60N2/0229 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00714 with passive electrical components, e.g. resistor, capacitor, inductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/04 Mimics of controlled apparatus or symbol
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/074 Actuation by finger touch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/008 Application power seats
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9602 characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes

Abstract

A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A keyless entry pad system for unlocking a door of the automobile, comprising:

a dielectric substrate having first and second opposite surfaces;

a plurality of touch zones disposed on said first surface;

a printed circuit board having first and second sides, said first side adjacent said second surface;

a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on said first side, each of said electrode patterns having an inner electrode and an outer electrode, each of said inner electrodes aligned with one of said touch zones, said electrodes electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said first side;

a plurality of integrated control circuits (ICCs) disposed on said second side, each of said ICCs electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said second side, wherein said plates on said first side are capacitively coupled to said plates on said second side so that said ICCs are electrically coupled to said patterns, each of said ICCs energizing the electrodes of a corresponding pattern such that electric fields emanate from the electrodes, wherein the electric field of the associated inner electrode is disturbed when a stimulus is proximate the corresponding touch zone, thereby causing said ICC to output a signal indicative of a touch to said touch zone;

a controller in communication with said ICC, said controller causing the unlocking of said door upon receipt of predetermined signals from said ICCs in a predetermined sequence.

2. The keyless entry pad system of claim 1, wherein said substrate is translucent.

3. The keyless entry pad system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of LEDs electrically coupled to said ICCs, said LEDs triggered when one of said ICCs outputs a predetermined signal.

4. The keyless entry pad system of claim 3, wherein said LEDs are proximate said substrate so that said substrate is illuminated by said LEDs.

5. The keyless entry pad system of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a portion of said automobile.

6. The keyless entry pad system of claim 5, wherein said substrate is one of a rear view mirror, a trim piece, or a pillar.

7. The keyless entry pad system of claim 1, further comprising printed graphics on said second surface, said graphics aligned with said touch zones and visible from said first surface.

8. The keyless entry pad system of claim 1, wherein said printed circuit board is flexible.

9. A keyless entry touch pad system, comprising:

a dielectric substrate having first and second opposite surfaces;

a plurality of touch zones defined on said first surface;

a plurality of electrode patterns adjacent said second surface, each of said electrode patterns having an inner electrode and an outer electrode and each of said inner electrodes coaxially aligned with one of said touch zones;

a plurality of integrated control circuits (ICCs), each of said ICCs electrically coupled to and energizing the electrodes of one of said patterns such that electric fields emanate from said electrodes, wherein the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed when a stimulus is proximate the corresponding touch zone thereby causing said ICC to output a signal indicative of a touch to said touch zone; and

a controller in communication with said components, said controller receiving signals from said ICCs and generating a command signal in response thereto.

10. The keyless entry pad system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of LEDs electrically coupled to said components, said LEDs activated when one of said components is activated.

11. The keyless entry pad system of claim 10, wherein said LEDs are disposed on said second surface, and each of said LEDs is aligned with one of said touch zones.

12. The keyless entry pad system of claim 9, wherein said substrate is formed from a material selected from a group consisting of glass, plastic and fiberglass reinforced epoxy resin.

13. The keyless entry pad system of claim 9, wherein said touch zones are provided on an exteriorly disposed surface of a vehicle.

14. The keyless entry pad system of claim 13, wherein said surface is selected from the group consisting of an exterior mirror, a B pillar, an A pillar, a door handle, and a trim piece.

15. The keyless entry pad system of claim 13, wherein said surface is secured within an opening in one of a B pillar, an A pillar, and a trim piece on the automobile.

16. The keyless entry pad system of claim 10, wherein said controller generates a control signal for unlocking a door of a vehicle upon activation of said components in a predetermined sequence.

17. The keyless entry pad system of claim 10, wherein said substrate includes printed graphics on said second surface, said graphics aligned with said touch zones and visible from said first surface.

18. The keyless entry pad system of claim 10, wherein said touch zones include printed graphics.

19. The keyless entry pad system of claim 10, wherein said ICCs are disposed on said second surface.

20. A capacitively coupled electrode pattern field effect touch sensor apparatus, comprising:

a dielectric substrate having first and second opposite surfaces;

an electrode pattern having an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed on said first surface, each of said inner and outer electrodes electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said first surface;

an integrated control circuit (ICC) disposed on said second surface, said ICC electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said second surface, wherein said plates on said first surface are capacitively coupled to said plates on said second surface so that said ICC is electrically coupled to said electrodes, said ICC energizes said electrodes such that an electric field emanates from each said electrodes, and said ICC senses disturbances in the electric fields; and

a controller in communication with said ICC, wherein said ICC transmits signals to said controller in response to a disturbed electric field.

21. The touch sensor apparatus of claim 20, wherein said ICC applies a strobe signal to each of said electrodes for energizing said electrodes.

22. The touch sensor apparatus of claim 20, wherein said substrate is flexible.

23. A method of unlocking a door of an automobile, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of touch zones disposed on an exteriorly disposed surface of an automobile;

providing a plurality of electrode patterns, each pattern aligned with a corresponding touch zone;

providing a plurality of integrated control circuits (ICCs), each ICC electrically coupled to a corresponding pattern;

energizing the patterns such that an electric field is created about each of the touch zones, wherein disruption of the electric field activates the corresponding ICC;

disrupting the electric fields in a predetermined sequence and thereby activating the corresponding ICCs in said predetermined sequence;

generating a command signal causing the door to unlock upon activation of the ICCs in said predetermined sequence.