Proximity switch assembly having haptic feedback and method
First Claim
1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
- a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field;
control circuitry processing a signal associated with the sense activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger transitioning between two proximity switches; and
a feedback device generating a tactile or audible feedback when the finger is detected transitioning from first to second proximity switches in a region therebetween without selecting the switches.
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Abstract
A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and providing feedback is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field. The assembly also includes control circuitry processing a signal associated with the activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger located between two proximity switches. The assembly further includes a feedback device generating a feedback when the finger is detected between the two proximity switches. In addition, the assembly may detect speed of movement of a finger interfacing with the proximity switches and vary the feedback based on the detected speed.
604 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field; control circuitry processing a signal associated with the sense activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger transitioning between two proximity switches; and a feedback device generating a tactile or audible feedback when the finger is detected transitioning from first to second proximity switches in a region therebetween without selecting the switches. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field; control circuitry processing a signal associated with the sense activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting speed of a finger moving across the proximity switches; and a feedback device generating a tactile or audible feedback when the finger is transitioning from first to second proximity switches in a region therebetween and that varies based on the detected speed of the finger moving across the proximity switches without selecting the switches. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A method of providing feedback for a proximity switch assembly comprising:
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generating a plurality of sense activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors associated with a plurality of proximity switches; detecting a finger transitioning from a first proximity switch to a second proximity switch; and generating a tactile or audible feedback when the finger is detected transitioning from first to second proximity switches in a region therebetween without selecting the switches. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of providing feedback for a proximity switch assembly comprising:
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generating a plurality of sense activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors associated with a plurality of proximity switches; detecting speed of movement of a finger moving across the proximity switches; and generating a tactile or audible feedback when the finger is transitioning from first to second proximity switches in a region therebetween and that varies based on the detected speed of the finger moving across the proximity switches without selecting the switches.
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Specification