Water immune keypad

• US 9,965,983 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2015
• Issued: 05/08/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Mathews, Mark R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Olson, Jason C
• Application Number:
  US14/734,219
• Publication Number:
  US 20150360647A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,064 Days
• Field of Search: 345174
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0445 using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0446 using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/04 for presentation of a single character by selection from a plurality of characters, or by composing the character by combination of individual elements, e.g. segments using a combination of such display devices for composing words, rows or the like, in a frame with fixed character positions
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/9622 using a plurality of detectors, e.g. keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9602 characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes

Abstract

A keyless entry system for an automobile includes a capacitive touch screen having at least one drive line and at least one sense line, the drive and sense lines defining a plurality of touch detection nodes. The touch screen is associated with an exterior surface of the automobile. A control circuit coupled to the touch screen is configured to detect proximity of a stimulus to the touch detection nodes. The control circuit provides a control output to a lock or latch controller when the control circuit determines that the stimulus has been placed proximate the touch detection nodes according to predetermined criteria.

Claims