Proximity switch assembly and activation method with exploration mode
First Claim
1. A method of selecting a proximity switch, said method comprising:
- generating a plurality of activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors;
monitoring signals indicative of the activation fields;
detecting sliding of an object relative to the sensors in an exploration mode which enables the user to explore the proximity sensors without activating the proximity switch;
detecting one sensor having a largest signal; and
generating an activation output when the monitored signal associated with the one sensor has a stable amplitude for a predetermined time in the exploration mode.
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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. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.
468 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of selecting a proximity switch, said method comprising:
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generating a plurality of activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors; monitoring signals indicative of the activation fields; detecting sliding of an object relative to the sensors in an exploration mode which enables the user to explore the proximity sensors without activating the proximity switch; detecting one sensor having a largest signal; and generating an activation output when the monitored signal associated with the one sensor has a stable amplitude for a predetermined time in the exploration mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of selecting a proximity switch, said method comprising:
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generating a plurality of activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors; monitoring signals indicative of the activation fields; detecting sliding of a user'"'"'s finger based on multiple signals and entering an exploration mode which enables the user to explore the proximity sensors without activating the proximity switch; preventing tapping activation of the switch in the exploration mode; detecting one sensor having a largest signal; and generating an activation output when the largest signal has a stable amplitude for a predetermined time while in the exploration mode. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each providing a sense activation field; and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, said control circuitry monitoring signals indicative of the activation fields, detecting sliding of an object relative to the switches in an exploration mode which enables the user to explore the proximity sensors without activating the proximity switch, detecting a largest signal associated with one switch, and generating an activation output when the maximum signal has a stable amplitude for a predetermined time in the exploration mode. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification