Proximity sensor with enhanced activation

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle component, and more particularly, a vehicle component having one or more proximity sensors with an enhanced activation field.

[0002] Typically, various vehicle components require switches, such as, switches for operating windows, headlights, windshield wipers, moon roofs, and radios. Generally, these types of switches need to be actuated in order to activate or deactivate the device or perform another type of control function. Thus, the switches themselves clearly indicate the type of actuation that is needed to create such a control signal.

[0003] Accordingly, in a first disclosed embodiment, a vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface, at least one circuit board proximate the console surface, and an array of proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board. Each of the proximity sensors emit a field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field extending approximately parallel to the console surface is greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface.

[0004] In another disclosed embodiment, a vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface, at least one circuit board proximate the console surface, and at least one light source intermediate to the at least one circuit board and the at least one console surface, wherein the at least one light source emits light into an area between the at least one circuit board and the at least one console surface and the emitted light is viewed through the at least one console surface. The vehicle component further includes an array of capacitive proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board, each of the capacitive proximity sensors emit a capacitive field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field extending approximately parallel to the console surface is greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface.

[0005] In another disclosed embodiment, a vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface that defines an activation surface, a circuit board proximate the activation surface, and an array of capacitive sensors, each of which emit a field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field is approximately equal to the activation surface and greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

[0017] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0018] With respect to FIGS. 3-9, a vehicle component is generally shown at reference identifier 100. The vehicle component can include a console surface generally indicated at reference identifier 102, and at least one circuit board 104 proximate the console surface 102. The vehicle component can also include an array of proximity sensors 106 that are electrically connected to the circuit board 104. Typically, each of the proximity sensors 106 can emit a field 108 that combine to form an activation field, generally indicated at reference identifier 110. A lateral direction of the activation field 110 extending approximately parallel to the console surface 102 (e.g., x-axis) can be greater than the longitudinal direction of the activation field 110 extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface 102 (e.g., y-axis), as described in greater detail herein.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a prior art proximity switch that includes a single proximity sensor 106′ emits a field that extends outwardly an adequate longitudinal distance, but does not extend laterally an adequate distance. In such a device, it can be difficult for a user to find and interfere with the field to actuate the switch, since the field does not adequately extend along the lateral distance. Alternatively, the prior art device illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a larger proximity sensor 106″, which emits a field that extends laterally an adequate distance, but extends a distance in the longitudinal direction that is greater than desired. By having the field extend longitudinally at an undesirably great distance, the sensor 106″ is more likely to be inadvertently actuated. For example if the proximity sensor 106″ is on a roof of a vehicle, the field extends downward longitudinally an undesirable distance into the vehicle cabin, which enhances the probability of an accidental activation as a passenger moves about the vehicle cabin. Additionally, it typically takes a much larger object to significantly interrupt the field in order to actuate the switch of FIG. 2, when compared to the switch of FIG. 1 (e.g., a whole hand may be required to activate the proximity switch rather than a fingertip).

[0020] Therefore, it can be desirable to have the activation field 110 that extends across an activation surface 112 laterally, but does not extend outwards longitudinally from the console surface 102 to an undesirably great distance. If the activation field extends from the console surface in the longitudinal direction, an undesirable distance, there can be an increased likelihood of inadvertent actuations. Further, such an undesirable longitudinal direction distance typically results in a field that requires larger objects to significantly interrupt, as compared to an activation field that does not extend to such a distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the activation field 110 can have approximately a rectangular shape as a result of each individual proximity sensor 106 having an arched shaped field 108. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the array of proximity sensors 106 can be a one- or two-dimensional array, and the activation field 110 can have a three dimensional shape. Any planar shape and distance along any dimension (e.g., the x-, y-, and/or z-axis) of the activation field 110 can be at least partially based upon and controlled by the spacing of the proximity sensors 106 within the array.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensors 106 can be capacitive sensors. Thus, the fields 108 of each proximity sensor 106 and the activation field 110 is a capacitive field. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors can be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, the like, or a combination thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors are described in the April, 2009 ATMEL® Touch Sensors Design Guide, 10620D-AT42-04/09, the entire reference hereby being incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] Typically, the console surface 102 defines the activation surface 112, wherein the lateral direction of the activation field 110 is approximately equal to the activation surface 112. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the array of proximity sensors 106 each create separate fields 108, but when combined form the activation field 110 that adequately extends along the lateral distance of the activation surface 112, while extending at an adequate distance longitudinally outwards from the console surface 102. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other elements of the vehicle component 100 or other vehicular elements proximate thereto can affect the shape of the fields 108 of the proximity sensors 106, and thus, the shape of the activation field 110.

[0024] Each of the proximity sensors 106 of the array are not typically independently controlled, such that any activation of any of the proximity sensors 106 of the array will activate the vehicle component 100, according to one embodiment. Thus, which proximity sensor 106 is activated first, the order of activation, or an amount of capacitive change of the individual fields 108 may not be considered, but only some capacitive change in one or more of the fields 108 may be determined. There can be a threshold value for a capacitive change in the fields 108 before the vehicle component 100 is activated, deactivated, and/or altered to reduce a likelihood of inadvertent actuation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the vehicle component 100 can be a hidden dome lamp, wherein the console surface 102 is a headliner of a vehicle generally indicated at reference identifier 113. In such an embodiment, the vehicle component 100 can include at least one light source 114 that is proximate to the console surface 102 and configured to emit light through the console surface 102. The light source 114 can be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Exemplary hidden dome lamps are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/390,495, entitled “CONCEALED INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR AUTOMOBILES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,519, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/577,294, entitled “HIDDEN LAMP MANUFACTURING PROCESS,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/858,486, entitled “VEHICLE INTERIOR LIGHT CONFIGURED TO COLOR CORRECT AND METHOD THEREOF,” now abandoned, the entire references hereby being incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In an embodiment where the vehicle component 100 is a hidden dome lamp, the circuit board 104 can be attached to a frame 115. Typically, such an attachment is a mechanical attachment; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable attachments can be utilized. The frame 115 can be attached to a roof support structure 126. Thus, the vehicle component 100 being a hidden dome lamp is integrated into a roof of the vehicle 113, and configured to emit light that is viewed through a lens 128 and the console surface 102.

[0027] Alternatively, as exemplary illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the vehicle component 100 can be a capacitive moon roof switch. In such an embodiment, activation of the proximity sensor 106 can cause the moon roof 116 to move in an open or closed direction, or stop movement of the moon roof 116 based upon a control algorithm, wherein at least a portion of the proximity sensors 106 forming the array are not independently controlled. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional or alternative control algorithms can be implemented. The capacitive moon roof switch can also include one or more light sources 117 that backlights the circuit board 104 or emits light between the circuit board 104 and the console surface 102, such that the emitted light is viewed through the console surface 102. An exemplary capacitive moon roof switch is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/788,663, entitled “VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH PROXIMITY SWITCH AND METHOD THEREOF,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,800, the entire reference hereby being incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the vehicle component 100 can include a plurality of arrays of proximity sensors 106, wherein each of the plurality of arrays are independently controlled. By way of explanation and not limitation, the vehicle component 100 can be the capacitive moon roof switch, wherein the “open” switch includes a first array, the “tilt” switch includes a second array, and the “close” switch includes a third array. Thus, the first, second, and third arrays can be independently controlled, while the individual proximity sensors 106 of each of the first, second, and third arrays are not independently controlled.

[0029] With respect to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, the vehicle component 100 can be a light bar switch. The light bar switch can be used to control at least one light source 118 contained therein, one or more other vehicle 113 component or device, the like, or a combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, other vehicle 113 components can include, but are not limited to, climate control, a radio, other entertainment systems, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0030] In such an embodiment, the light source 118 can be intermediate to the circuit board 104 and the console surface 102. The light source 118 can be one or more LEDs, configured to emit light having different hues (e.g., multi-color), the like, or a combination thereof. The light source 118 can emit light into an area 120 between the circuit board 104 and the console surface 102, wherein the emitted light is viewed through the console surface 102. The light bar switch can include an at least partially reflective surface 121 intermediate to the console surface 102 and the circuit board 104, such that the at least partially reflective surface 121 can be configured to reflect light to be viewed through the console surface 102 and be adequately opaque so the circuit board 114 is not viewed through the console surface 102.

[0031] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the console surface 102 can be other surfaces within a vehicle 122. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the console surface 102 can be a headliner, a dashboard, an interior panel, an exterior panel, a center console between a driver's seat 122 and a passenger's seat 124, a console extending along a pillar of the vehicle 113, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the array of proximity sensors 106 can be an N×1 array. Thus, the “1” sensor can be in the x or y direction, and the “N” sensor can be any number of sensors, in the other of the x and y direction, such that the array can be a 1×1 array, 2×1 array, a 3×1 array, etc. Alternatively, the array of proximity sensors 106 can be at least a 2×2 array, such that the array has at least two sensors in both the x and y direction.

[0033] In any of the embodiments described herein, the vehicle component 100 can include and/or be in communication with one or more controllers, one or more memory devices that store one or more executable software routines, other suitable hardware circuitry, other suitable software, the like, or a combination thereof, such that activation of the array of proximity sensors 106 can be communicated to perform a function.

[0034] Advantageously, the vehicle component 100 includes the array of proximity sensors 106 so that the activation field 110 extends adequately in the lateral direction to correspond with the activation surface 112, while not extending in a longitudinally direction at an undesirably great distance, which can increase the likelihood of accidental activation and can result in decreased sensitivity. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vehicle component 100 can have additional or alternative advantages not explicitly described herein. Further, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described components can be combined in additional or alternative manners, not explicitly described herein.

[0035] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.