DE102024117838A1 - CONTACT DETECTION ORDER - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement for spatially resolved touch detection, comprising a first electrically conductive detection surface (1) and at least one electrically conductive detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28), wherein the at least one detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is configured to temporarily extend a detection area of the first detection surface (1), wherein the detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged next to the first detection surface (1) and is configured to be temporarily switched to spatially resolved touch detection and/or wherein the detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged overlapping or sectionally overlapping with the first detection surface (1) in one spatial direction, in particular arranged spaced apart in another spatial direction, and is configured to be temporarily switched to to be switched to spatially resolved touch detection.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for position-resolving touch detection, in particular a steering wheel and/or a vehicle that has such an arrangement.

In particular, an object of the invention is to further improve spatially resolved touch detection.

The solution to this problem is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement for spatially resolved touch detection is provided. In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a first electrically conductive detection surface and at least one electrically conductive supplementary detection surface. In one embodiment, the supplementary detection surface is configured to temporarily, and in particular functionally, extend the detection range of the first detection surface.

The detection extension surface is arranged in one embodiment such that the projection of the detection surface is laterally extended by the (switched, in particular activated) detection extension surface; in particular, it is arranged "next to" the first detection surface (so that the detection surface is temporarily, in particular functionally, extended), wherein the detection extension surface is configured to be temporarily switched, in particular activated and/or deactivated, for position-resolving touch detection. Alternatively or additionally, the detection extension surface can be arranged overlapping or partially overlapping with the first detection surface in one, in particular exactly one, spatial direction, or in particular spaced apart in another spatial direction, wherein the detection extension surface is configured to be temporarily switched, in particular activated and/or deactivated, for position-resolving touch detection, and in particular to temporarily, in particular functionally, extend the detection surface.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, this enables a more precise spatial division of touch events, in particular an improved signal-to-noise ratio, especially compared to touch detection based (only) on the first detection surface. The use of at least one additional detection surface can, in one embodiment, contribute to improving the accuracy of the spatial division and, in particular, enable more precise control of a system controlled by the arrangement, especially by a user.

In one embodiment, the detection supplementary surface is configured to be grounded to deactivate the touch detection, or to be grounded when deactivated. This allows, in one embodiment, the touch detection of the detection supplementary surface to be temporarily interrupted. In another embodiment, the arrangement includes means for deactivating and reactivating the detection supplementary surface, in particular by means of a dedicated electrical circuit.

Advantageously, this can improve electromagnetic compatibility in one embodiment, in particular by making the arrangement less susceptible to electromagnetic effects.

In one embodiment, the arrangement has a second detection surface, wherein the at least one additional detection surface is configured to extend, in particular alternately, the detection range of the first detection surface and/or a detection range of the second detection surface, in particular temporarily.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, a detection range can be extended, or detection can be improved, particularly as required. Specifically, in one embodiment, a detection extension area can be used to temporarily extend different and/or independent detection areas, or is configured for this purpose. In particular, in one embodiment, the detection extension area can be switched in such a way that the detection of a contact event for the first detection area and/or the second detection area can be improved, by referring, in one embodiment, to a fraction of the time required for a contact, specifically a time span in the millisecond or microsecond range, and by switching the detection range for the first and second detection areas within a corresponding time span.

In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises an electrically inert, in particular electrically insulating, component arranged between the first detection surface and the detection supplementary surface. In one embodiment, particularly if the arrangement includes a second detection surface, the arrangement alternatively or additionally comprises an electrically inert, in particular electrically insulating, material arranged between the second detection surface and the detection supplementary surface.

Advantageously, this allows for a simpler electrical separation of the detection surface from the detection supplementary surface in one embodiment, or a simpler electrical implementation.

In one embodiment, the supplementary detection surface, particularly when arranged next to the first detection surface, is arranged on the same surface as the first detection surface. In another embodiment, when the supplementary detection surface is arranged next to the second detection surface, it is arranged on the same surface as the second detection surface, particularly on the same surface.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, a surface, in particular a substrate, can be used. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes an electrical control unit configured to switch, in particular to activate and/or deactivate, the detection surface and/or supplementary detection surface, which are arranged, in particular, side by side. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes electrical connections, in particular conductors, configured to implement spatially resolved touch detection using the arrangement.

In one embodiment, the arrangement is configured as a control element, in particular as a control element for a vehicle and/or for a vehicle's steering wheel; furthermore, in particular, the arrangement is configured for this purpose, especially for operating a function of a steering wheel and/or a function of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the arrangement is configured for operating a function of the vehicle via a steering wheel control element. In one embodiment, a control element has an arrangement as described herein.

In one embodiment, the arrangement has at least two or more detection extension surfaces, which can be switched independently of each other or together, or are designed to do so, in particular to temporarily extend the detection range of one, in particular the first and/or second, detection surface.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, this can further improve the spatial resolution of a touch detection, and in one embodiment, it is particularly accurate.

In one embodiment, the control element is a control element that can be actuated, in particular mechanically, or is designed for this purpose, such as (but without limiting the generality) a button, which is designed for mechanical actuation and, in particular by means of the arrangement described herein, actuation via touch, or is used or can be used for this purpose.

Advantageously, this allows for the simpler detection of touch types, sequences, and/or patterns in a single implementation, particularly with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, this approach significantly increases the robustness of touch detection, especially compared to using only a single detection surface (without an additional detection surface).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided with an arrangement described herein. In one embodiment, the vehicle has at least one arrangement described herein. In one embodiment, the arrangement is configured to influence and/or control, in particular regulate, at least one function of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the steering wheel of the vehicle has an arrangement as described herein, in particular the arrangement is arranged on a steering wheel of the vehicle and/or integrated into the steering wheel of the vehicle.

This makes it advantageous, especially when the material thickness of the control element exceeds the usual thicknesses of touch displays, in particular more than 1 mm, or more than 2 mm, or more than 3 mm, or more than 4 mm, or more than 5 mm; and/or less than 15 mm, a touch, in particular a location of a touch, more robustly detected.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for spatially resolved touch detection is provided, in particular using an arrangement described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching, in particular temporary switching, and further, in particular, activation, of the first detection surface and the detection supplementary surface. If, in one embodiment, the arrangement has a second detection surface, the method comprises (Additionally) switching, in particular activating, the second detection surface and the detection supplementary surface. In one embodiment, the method includes waiting for contact with the second detection surface. In another embodiment, the method includes switching, in particular deactivating, the second detection surface and the detection supplementary surface. In another embodiment, the method is repeated at least once, in particular for as long as the (spatially resolved) touch detection is to be activated, is being activated, or is in use or is intended to be in use. For this purpose, the arrangement and/or the vehicle may have means that predict the use of the arrangement. In one embodiment, the arrangement is used or switched when the vehicle is, at least substantially, put into operation. In another embodiment, the detection supplementary surface is activated with a time delay relative to the detection surface and/or deactivated before the detection surface. In another embodiment, the term "waiting" refers to a period in the millisecond or microsecond range.

In one version, the detection enhancement area is switched, in particular activated, when a signal-to-noise ratio corresponds to or falls below a predetermined value.

In one embodiment, this advantageously allows a detection supplementary area to be switched on and off as needed, in particular to be activated. In another embodiment, this applies in the opposite direction to deactivating the detection supplementary area.

It is within the scope of the invention that the process steps described above are carried out in a different order and/or process steps are combined and/or one process step is integrated into another process step.

The term "next to" as used herein is to be understood in particular as "adjacent to" and further, in particular, in such a way that, at least substantially, electrical separation is or can be ensured. In particular, in one embodiment, a detection supplementary surface is arranged "next to" a detection surface if these are located or arranged on a plane or on a surface, in particular on one (or the same) substrate. The term "next to", as used herein, is to be understood in particular as "laterally expanding", especially in such a way that a signal-to-noise ratio can be improved, especially in such a way that the detection area then available corresponds to at most 10 times the area, at most five times the area or at most three times the area of the (unsupplemented) detection area and/or at least 1.1 times the (unsupplemented) detection area, in particular, in one embodiment, a detection area can be enlarged from the size of a "fingertip" to a finger contact area, especially the entire finger.

Any terms used herein, such as "comprises," "includes," "features," "has," "with," or any other variant thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or features a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such method or apparatus.

Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

The terms "ein" or "eine," as used here, are defined as "one or more." The terms "ein anderer" and "ein Weitere," as well as any other variant thereof, are to be understood as "at least one more."

The term "plural", as it may be used here, is to be understood in the sense of "two or more".

The terms "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and their respective variations), as used here, mean that a device or component thereof already exists in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function, or at least is adjustable—i.e., configurable—so that it can perform the function after appropriate adjustment. Configuration can be achieved, for example, by adjusting process parameters or by using switches or similar devices to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device may have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that configuration is possible. This can be done by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

The various exemplary embodiments of the arrangement described herein, which, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible, can be combined with each other and with the other described aspects of the present solution, are arbitrarily combinable.

The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a non-volatile data carrier. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program itself is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can exist as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and be downloadable via a data connection, for example, the internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. Furthermore, the computer program can comprise a plurality of interacting individual program modules. The modules can be configured, in particular, or at least be usable, to be executed on different devices (computers or processor units) that are geographically separated and interconnected via a data network, in accordance with the principles of distributed computing.

The system may accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system may also be configured to access an external computer program, for example on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication link, in particular to exchange data with it that is used during the execution of the procedure or computer program or represents outputs of the computer program.

Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

• 1 schematisch eine Anordnung nach einer Ausführung in einer Draufsicht, sowie in einer entsprechenden Seitenansicht;
• 2 schematisch eine Anordnung nach einer anderen Ausführung in einer Draufsicht, sowie in einer entsprechenden Seitenansicht;
• 3 schematisch eine Anordnung nach einer weiteren Ausführung in einer Draufsicht; und.
• 4 ein Flussdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

This shows

• 1 schematically an arrangement according to a design in a top view, as well as in a corresponding side view;
• 2 schematically an arrangement according to another design in a top view, as well as in a corresponding side view;
• 3 schematically an arrangement according to a further embodiment in a top view; and.
• 4 a flowchart to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In the figures, identical reference symbols denote identical, similar, or corresponding elements. Elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements depicted in the figures are represented in such a way that their function and general purpose are understandable to a person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can, unless expressly stated otherwise, also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. Functional units can, in particular, be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

1 The diagram schematically shows an arrangement according to one design in a top view and in a corresponding side view (the lower of the two views). It shows... 1 A first detection surface 1 and a detection extension surface 10, which extends or enlarges the detection area of the detection surface 1, in particular such that the detection extension surface 10 overlaps the detection surface 1 section by section. In the side view, it can be seen that the detection surface 1 and the detection extension surface 10 are separated by a material layer 30, so that, in particular, direct electrical contact between the detection surface 1 and the detection extension surface 10 is prevented or can be prevented.

2 A schematic representation of an arrangement according to a different design is shown in a top view and in a corresponding side view (the lower of the two views). 2 a first detection surface 1 and a detection extension surface 10, which supplements or enlarges the detection area of the detection surface 1, in particular such that the detection extension surface 10 overlaps the detection surface 1 section by section. Furthermore, shows 2 a second detection surface 2 and a detection extension surface 11, which supplements or enlarges the detection area of detection surface 2, in particular such that the detection extension surface 11 overlaps with detection surface 2 in sections. The side view shows that detection surface 1 and the detection extension surface 10, as well as the detection surface 2 and the detection extension surface 11, are separated by a material layer 30, so that, in particular, direct electrical contact between the detection surfaces 1, 2 and the detection extension surfaces 10, 11 is prevented or can be prevented. In embodiments, the detection surface 1 and the detection extension surfaces 10, 11 can be switched, in particular activated, alternately with their respective associated detection surfaces 1, 2. In one embodiment, both the detection extension area 10 and the detection extension area 11 can be switched to extend the detection area 1 or the detection area 2, in particular such that the detection area 1 or the detection area 2 is or can be extended by the areas of the detection extension areas 10 and 11.

3 A schematic arrangement according to a further embodiment in a top view. 3 The diagram shows detection areas 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as supplementary detection areas 10 to 13 and/or 21 to 28. Detection areas 1 to 4 can be extended, in particular optionally and/or temporarily, by supplementary detection areas 10 to 13 and/or 21 to 28; in particular, detection area 1 can be extended by means of supplementary detection areas 10, 12, 21, and/or 22; detection area 2 can be extended by means of supplementary detection areas 10, 13, 23, and/or 24; and detection area 3 can be extended by means of supplementary detection areas 11, 12, 25, and/or 26. and detection area 4 can be extended, in particular, by means of the detection extension areas 11, 13, 27 and/or 28. Other extensions are also possible or planned in some versions, such as, in particular for detection area 1, an extension with detection extension areas 23 and/or 13, etc. In particular, detection extension areas 10 to 13 can temporarily extend different detection areas 1 to 4. The in 4 The surfaces shown are, at least substantially, arranged side by side, and in particular electrically connected according to the intended/predetermined and/or predicted extension (not shown). In one embodiment, the electrical connection is arranged on the same surface as the detection surface(s) (1; 2) or on the side of the carrier material opposite the detection surface (1; 2). In the latter embodiment, it is possible for the electrical conductor(s) to be shielded by the inactive detection surface(s) (1; 2) and/or inactive supplementary detection surface(s) (10-13; 21-28), in particular by connecting these detection surface(s) (1; 2) and/or supplementary detection surface(s) (10-13; 21-28) to ground or to an auxiliary potential.

4 A flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. The method comprises a switching operation S10, in particular activation, a waiting operation S20, and a switching operation S30, in particular deactivation. This relates to a first detection area 1 and, in particular, the detection supplementary area(s) 10, 11, 10 to 13, and 21 to 28.

In one version, the in 4 The described methods involve switching S40, in particular activating, waiting S50, and switching S60, in particular deactivating (shown as dashed lines). This relates to a second detection surface 2 and in particular the detection supplementary surface(s) 10, 11 and 10 to 13 and 21 to 28, respectively.

Similarly, it shows 4 , that the procedure can be repeated or is repeated (also shown with dashed lines).

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a large number of variations exist. It should also be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples, and it is not intended to restrict the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without derogating from the subject matter defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

REFERENCE MARK LIST

1

first detection surface

2

second detection surface

3

third detection surface

4

fourth detection surface

10; 11; 12; 13

Detection extension area

21; ...; 28

Detection extension area

30

electrically inert material

Claims (10)

Arrangement for spatially resolved touch detection, comprising a first electrically conductive detection surface (1) and at least one electrically conductive detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28), wherein the at least one detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is configured to temporarily extend a detection area of the first detection surface (1), wherein the detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged next to the first detection surface (1) and is configured to be temporarily switched to spatially resolved touch detection and/or wherein the detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged overlapping or sectionally overlapping with the first detection surface (1) in one spatial direction, in particular arranged spaced apart in another spatial direction, and is configured to be temporarily switched to to be switched to spatially resolved touch detection. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28) is configured to be switched to ground for inactivation of the touch detection. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement has a second detection surface (2) and the at least one detection extension surface (10-13; 21-28) is configured to temporarily extend, in particular alternately, the detection area of the first detection surface (1) and/or a detection area of the second detection surface (2). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement comprises an electrically inert, in particular electrically insulating, material (30) arranged between the first detection surface (1) and the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28) and/or if the arrangement comprises a second detection surface (2), that the arrangement comprises an electrically inert, in particular electrically insulating, material (30) arranged between the second detection surface (2) and the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28), when the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged next to the first detection surface (1), is arranged with this first detection surface (1) on a surface, in particular on the same surface, and/or when the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged next to the second detection surface (2), the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28) is arranged with this second detection surface (2) on a surface, in particular on the same surface. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement is designed as a control element, in particular as a control element for a vehicle and/or for a steering wheel of a vehicle. Vehicle comprising at least one arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement is designed to influence and/or control, in particular regulate, at least one function of the vehicle. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement is arranged on a steering wheel of the vehicle and/or is integrated into the steering wheel of the vehicle. Method for spatially resolved contact detection with an arrangement according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 6 , comprising: - switching (S10), in particular activating, the first detection surface (1) and the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28); - waiting (S20) for a contact of the first detection surface (1); - switching (S30), in particular deactivating, the first detection surface (1) and the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28); and for an arrangement comprising a second detection surface (2): - switching (S40), in particular activating, the second detection surface (2) and the detection supplementary surface (10-13; 21-28); - waiting (S50) for a contact of the second detection surface (2); - Switching (S60), in particular deactivating, the second detection area (2) and the detection supplement area (10-13; 21-28). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection supplementary area (10-13; 21-28) is switched, in particular activated, when a signal-to-noise ratio corresponds to or falls below a predetermined value.