PLIABLE PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD
First Claim
1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
- a proximity sensor generating an activation field;
a pliable material overlaying the proximity sensor; and
control circuitry monitoring the activation field and determining an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user'"'"'s finger depresses the pliable material.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. A pliable material overlays the proximity sensors. The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user'"'"'s finger depresses the pliable material. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion and an air gap between the elevated portion and the sensor.
41 Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
-
a proximity sensor generating an activation field; a pliable material overlaying the proximity sensor; and control circuitry monitoring the activation field and determining an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user'"'"'s finger depresses the pliable material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
-
generating an activation field associated with a proximity sensor; monitoring a signal indicative of the activation field; determining an amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum time period; and generating an activation output when the amplitude exceeds a first amplitude by a known amount indicative of a user depressing on a pliable material overlaying the proximity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification