Proximity switch assembly and activation method
First Claim
1. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
- generating an activation field for each of a plurality of proximity sensors;
monitoring with a controller amplitude of a signal generated in response to each of the activation fields;
providing an exploration mode;
determining a base level at a peak value or a substantially stable amplitude of one signal during a user touch interaction in the exploration mode; and
generating an activation output when the one signal subsequently is substantially stable and exceeds the base level by a differential change in the signal during the same user touch interaction.
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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.
590 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
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generating an activation field for each of a plurality of proximity sensors; monitoring with a controller amplitude of a signal generated in response to each of the activation fields; providing an exploration mode; determining a base level at a peak value or a substantially stable amplitude of one signal during a user touch interaction in the exploration mode; and generating an activation output when the one signal subsequently is substantially stable and exceeds the base level by a differential change in the signal during the same user touch interaction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field; and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, said control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, detecting a first peak value or a substantially stable amplitude of the largest signal during a user touch interaction while in an exploration mode, establishing a base level at the determined peak value or stable amplitude, and generating an activation output when the signal is substantially stable and is greater than the base level by a differential signal during the same user touch interaction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
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generating an activation field with a plurality of proximity sensors; monitoring with a controller amplitude of a signal generated in response to each of the activation fields; determining a base level at a peak value of one signal during a user touch interaction in an exploration mode; and generating an activation output when the one signal subsequently exceeds the base level by a differential change in the signal during the same user touch interaction.
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Specification