Pliable proximity switch assembly and activation method
First Claim
1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
- a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for 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, wherein the control circuitry determines a first stable amplitude of the signal for a time period due to user interaction, determines a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for a second time period, and generates an activation output for the proximity switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount.
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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.
584 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for 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, wherein the control circuitry determines a first stable amplitude of the signal for a time period due to user interaction, determines a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for a second time period, and generates an activation output for the proximity switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
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generating an activation field associated with a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes; monitoring a signal indicative of the activation field; determining a first stable amplitude when the signal is stable for a minimum time period due to user interaction; determining a subsequent second stable amplitude of the signal for a second time period; and generating an activation output when the second stable amplitude exceeds a first stable amplitude by a known amount indicative of a user depressing on a pliable material overlaying the proximity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for generating an activation field; a non-conductive 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 compresses the non-conductive pliable material and moves towards the proximity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification