INPUT DEVICE

• US 20100044120A1
• Filed: 05/02/2007
• Published: 02/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microchip Technology Germany GmbH (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: IDENT Technology AG (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Inventors: Richter, Wolfgang
• Granted Patent: US 9,250,705 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 178/18.10
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/044 by capacitive means
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device for a user to perform switching, control and other input and selection operations. Input devices of this type are known in particular in the form of switches, sliders and touch screens on electrical equipment and other controls, e.g. in the vehicle field. The object of the invention is to create solutions that make it possible to create with a large degree of freedom of design an input interface that is advantageous for a user, particularly one that is easy to operate intuitively. This object is attained according to the invention with an input device for providing an input surface for generating switching, control and other input and selection operations, according to an input operation performed by a user, with at least one input organ for forming an input point provided for the generation of that signal, and an evaluation circuit for detecting the input operation performed by the user near the input point, wherein the input organ is embodied such that it supplies a haptic feedback, and the evaluation circuit defines a detection zone in which the input organ is located.

Claims

1. An input device for providing an input surface for generating switching, control and other input and selection signal, according to an input operation performed by a user, wherein:

at least one input organ forms an input point provided for the generation of that signal,

an evaluation circuit detects the input operation by the user near the input point,

the input organ is embodied such that it supplies a haptic feedback, and

the evaluation circuit defines a detection zone in which the input organ is located.

2. The input device according to claim 1 wherein movements are detected in the detection zone, which movements are performed by the user on actuation of the input organ.

3. The input device according to claim 2 wherein the movement sequence is analyzed and input commands are derived from the movement sequence.

4. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the detection zone is generated as a zone within which electric-field changes can be detected.

5. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the evaluation circuit comprises a condenser system whose capacity or potential is influenced by penetration by the user into the detection zone, and that changes to the capacity or the potential of the condenser system are detected and evaluated in terms of switching technology.

6. The input device according to claim 1 wherein in interaction with the evaluation circuit there are contactless control elements arranged in a control area.

7. The input device according to claim 1 wherein an identification specific to the input organ or several input organs and established by the mounting position of the input organ is detected via the evaluation circuit.

8. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the approach by the user to the input organ, or the touching of same by the user is detected by the evaluation circuit and taken into account in the generation of the switching signal

9. The input device according to claim 1 wherein depending on actuation, in particular switch position, the input organs transmit a function value (e.g. actuation value, rotational angle value).

10. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the input organs are supplied with power in a contactless manner.

11. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the input organs can take over sensory functions, e.g. force or temperature measurement.

12. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the input organs have haptic properties, e.g. snapping, mechanical resistances, sounds, etc.

13. The input device according to claim 1 wherein the input organs obtain via electric fields power for illumination.

14. The input device according to claim 1 wherein, when approached or touched, the input organs can initiate optical trigger effects.

15. A control panel for an electric device with an input device according to claim 1, that as such has several input organs.

16. The control panel according to claim 15 wherein this component forms a household device.

17. A vehicle cockpit with an input device according to claim 1.

18. The vehicle cockpit according to claim 17 wherein a seat adjustment, a mirror adjustment, a ventilation nozzle adjustment, an audio/video adjustment and/or a navigation system adjustment can be performed via the input organs.

19. The vehicle cockpit according to claim 18 wherein it comprises a display device, and that the switching operation or a switch option that can be triggered by the input organ is visualized via the display device.

20. The vehicle cockpit according to claim 19 wherein a distinction among the occupants is carried out and the switching command assignment is carried out for the respective occupant.

21. The vehicle cockpit according to claim 20 wherein the distinction of occupants is carried out when a hand of the respective occupant approaches based on the detected path.