User interface with proximity sensing
DCFirst Claim
1. A user interface unit for use with a product comprising a power source or a connection to a power source, to control a selection of functions or modes, said user interface unit comprising:
- (a) a switch being a capacitive touch sensor structure; and
(b) a microchip having at least a first input coupled to the touch sensor structure, wherein the microchip is configured for controlling the display of information and/or providing information for selecting multiple modes or functions of the product or a load in response to proximity detection signals received through said first input;
wherein the microchip, in response to the signals received from the touch sensor, differentiates between proximity and physical contact events detected by the touch sensor to select or control different functions respectively.
1 Assignment
Litigations
1 Petition
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input. The microchip is further configured to interpret and react to the signals received from a user in a way that enhances ease of use of the product and to use the indicators to provide information to the user that is influenced by the signals received as well as the state of the product.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A user interface unit for use with a product comprising a power source or a connection to a power source, to control a selection of functions or modes, said user interface unit comprising:
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(a) a switch being a capacitive touch sensor structure; and (b) a microchip having at least a first input coupled to the touch sensor structure, wherein the microchip is configured for controlling the display of information and/or providing information for selecting multiple modes or functions of the product or a load in response to proximity detection signals received through said first input; wherein the microchip, in response to the signals received from the touch sensor, differentiates between proximity and physical contact events detected by the touch sensor to select or control different functions respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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- 24. A method of using a touch sensor circuit that forms a user interface switch as part of a product, wherein a microchip and a touch sensor switch structure are used in the implementation of the user interface switch, the method comprising the steps of (1) detecting a proximity event through an object approaching the touch sensor switch, and (2) displaying information regarding the modes and/or functions associated with the switch in response to the detection of the proximity event.
Specification