FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a control panel for a vehicle and in particular, relates to systems and methods of generating a haptic feedback in the control panel.
BACKGROUND
With the advancement of technology in the realm of automobiles, a number of control units, such as mechanical switches and touch-enabled control panels, are employed for controlling various functionalities of a vehicle. The mechanical switches may include, but are not limited to, sliders, knobs, and buttons. Further, the touch-enabled control panels may include, but are not limited to, a capacitive touch LCD and a resistive touch LCD. 15
Generally, a driver of the vehicle may use a control unit for operating and controlling systems, such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). The driver may provide an input to the control unit, for example, a touch to the touch-enabled control panel or a push to a push button. In order to ensure that the input is received by the control unit and a 20 corresponding function is being performed, the driver usually has to look towards the control unit. For example, when the driver is scrolling upwards and downwards a menu, or touching a capacitive touch switch displayed on the touch-enabled control unit. Therefore, the driver has to divert his attention from the surrounding of the vehicle to the control unit. Since the driver is not focused towards the surrounding, this distraction may lead to an accident and consequently, an 25 injury to people as well as damage to the vehicle.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved control panel for performing various operations in the vehicle.
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SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither 2
intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a haptic feedback system for a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control panel is disclosed. The haptic feedback 5 system may include a receiving module configured to receive data from a touch sensor of the HVAC control panel. The data is indicative of a touch input received by the HVAC control panel. The haptic feedback system includes a comparing module configured to compare a value of the data with a threshold value of the data, based on the received data. Further, the haptic feedback system includes a generating module configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation 10 (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data. The haptic feedback system also includes an operating module configured to operate a haptic actuator of the HVAC control panel to generate a haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.
In another embodiment, a method of generating a haptic feedback in a Heating, 15 Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control panel is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a receiving module, data from a touch sensor of the HVAC control panel. The data is indicative of a touch input received by the HVAC control panel. The method includes comparing, by a comparing module, a value of the data with a threshold value of the data. Further, the method includes generating, by a generating module, Pulse Width Modulation 20 (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data. The method also includes operating, by an operating module, a haptic actuator of the HVAC control panel to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.
In yet another embodiment, a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control 25 panel is disclosed. The HVAC control panel includes a touch sensor configured to generate data based on a touch input received by the HVAC control panel. Further, the HVAC control panel includes a haptic actuator configured to generate a haptic feedback on the HVAC control panel. The HVAC control panel also includes a haptic feedback system in communication with the touch sensor and the haptic actuator. The haptic feedback system includes a receiving module 30 configured to receive the data from the touch sensor. Further, the haptic feedback system includes a comparing module configured to compare a value of the data with a threshold value of the data. The haptic feedback system also includes a generating module configured to
3
generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data. Furthermore, the haptic feedback system includes an operating module configured to operate the haptic actuator to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.
5
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the 10 accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
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Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a control panel for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 25
Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of a haptic actuator of the control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3b illustrates an exploded view of the haptic actuator, according to an embodiment 30 of the present disclosure;
4
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a haptic feedback system of the control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture of the haptic feedback system for the control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 5
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of an arrangement of the haptic actuator and the haptic feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a waveform indicating data received from a touch sensor of the HVAC 10 control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates exemplary waveforms indicating Pulse Width Modulation PWM signals from the haptic feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
15
Figure 9 illustrates a method for recognizing the data received from the touch sensor of the HVAC control panel 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method of generating a haptic feedback in the control panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 20
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of 25 the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. 30
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
5
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein 5 being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be 10 restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, 15 appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not 20 include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional 25 structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not 30 intended to be limiting.
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It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and 5 described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” 10 would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
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The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an 20 embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
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Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features 30 and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or 7
elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context
control panel 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the HVAC control panel 102 may be positioned on a dashboard 100 of the vehicle.
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the HVAC control panel 102 may include at least one control element 204, at least one touch sensor 206, at least one haptic actuator 208, and a haptic 5 feedback system 210. In an embodiment, the at least one control element 204, the at least one touch sensor 206, and the at least one haptic actuator 208 may interchangeably be referred to as the control element 204, the touch sensor 206, and the haptic actuator 208. The haptic feedback system 210 may be in communication with the control element 204, the touch sensor 206, and the haptic actuator 208. 10
The control element 204 may be adapted to be operated by the user to control the HVAC system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the control element 204 may be embodied as a touch panel 204, interchangeably referred as panel 204, to receive a touch input from the user. In one example, the touch panel 204 of the HVAC control panel 102 may be embodied as a display 15 panel. In another example, the touch panel 204 of the HVAC control panel 102 may be embodied as a touch pad.
In another embodiment, the control element 204 may be embodied as a mechanical switch operable by the user to operate the HVAC system. The mechanical switch may include, but is 20 not limited to, knobs, sliders, and buttons. In such an embodiment, the user may provide the touch input by sliding, rotating, or pushing the mechanical switch.
The present disclosure is explained with the control element 204 as the touch panel 204. However, it should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that it should not be construed as 25 limiting, and the present disclosure is equally applicable to other examples of the control element 204, as well, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the control element 204 may interchangeably be referred to as the touch panel 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
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The touch sensor 206 may be configured to detect the touch input received from the user on the touch panel 204. In an embodiment, the touch sensor 206 may be embodied as a capacitor touch sensor. In an example, the touch sensor 206 may be embodied as a CapSense® sensor.
9
The touch sensor 206 may be interchangeably referred to as capacitive touch sensor 206, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of the haptic actuator 208 of the HVAC control panel 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2 and 5 Figure 3a, in an embodiment, the haptic actuator 208 may be embodied a haptic motor for generating a haptic feedback to the user. In an embodiment, the haptic actuator 208 may be embodied as a linear resonant actuator (LRA) haptic motor. The haptic actuator 208 may interchangeably be referred to as the haptic motor, without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The haptic actuator 208 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 10 assembly 302 for encapsulating various components of the haptic actuator 208.
Figure 3b illustrates an exploded view of the haptic actuator 208, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the haptic actuator 208 may be adapted to generate the haptic feedback, based on the touch input received on the HVAC control 15 panel 102. The haptic actuator 208 may be arranged within the HVAC control panel 102 in such a manner that the generated haptic feedback may be transmitted to the touch panel 204 of the HVAC control panel 102.
Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3b, as mentioned earlier, the haptic actuator 208 may 20 include the housing assembly 302 for encapsulating various components of the haptic actuator 208. The housing assembly 302 may further include a motor cover 304 and a motor chassis 306. In an embodiment, the motor cover 304 and the motor chassis 306 may be coupled together to form the housing assembly 302 for encapsulating various components of the haptic actuator 208.
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The haptic actuator 208 may include, but is not limited to, a wave spring 308, a moving mass 310, a voice coil 312, a flex PCB 314, and an AMG 32 flying leads 316. The moving mass 310 of the haptic actuator 208 may include a voice coil yoke 318 and a magnet 320. In an embodiment, the magnet 320 may be embodied as a NeFeB neodymium magnet. The haptic actuator 208 may be attached to the touch panel 204 of the HVAC control panel 102. 30
As explained earlier, the haptic actuator 208 may be adapted to generate the haptic feedback on the HVAC control panel 102 based on the touch input received from the user. The 10
haptic actuator 208 may be adapted to generate vibration, when the user provides the touch input to the touch panel 204 of the HVAC control panel 102. In an example, if the user touches the touch panel 204 to perform operations, such as A/C ON, A/C OFF, AUTO mode, or FRESH/RECIRC mode, of the HVAC system (not shown) of the vehicle, the haptic actuator 208 may provide the haptic feedback, such as the vibration to the user. In such a case, if the user
operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 404 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 406.
The memory 406 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and 5 dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.
The modules 408, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, 10 data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 208 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
Further, the modules 408 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a 15 processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 404, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions. In another aspect of 20 the present disclosure, the modules 408 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.
In an implementation, the modules 408 may include a receiving module 412, a comparing module 414, a generating module 416, an operating module 418, a determining module 420, and 25 an identification module 422. The receiving module 412, the comparing module 414, the generating module 416, the operating module 418, the determining module 420, and the identification module 422 are in communication with each other. The data 410 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 408. 30
The controlling unit 402 may be configured to receive data from the touch sensor 206 of the HVAC control panel 102. The data may be indicative of the touch input received by the
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HVAC control panel 102. In an embodiment, the data may be embodied as an input signal generated by the touch sensor 206, upon receiving the touch input from the user on the HVAC control panel 102. Therefore, the data may interchangeably be referred to as the input signal, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the receiving module 412 may be configured to receive the input signal from the touch sensor 206, based on
The controlling unit 402 may be configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, if the value of the input signal is greater than the threshold value of the input signal. In an embodiment, the generating module 416 may be configured to generate the PWM signals, if the value of the input signal is greater than the threshold value of the input signal. 5
Further, the controlling unit 402 may be configured to operate the haptic actuator 208 of the HVAC control panel 102 to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals. In embodiment, the operating module 418 may be configured to operate the haptic actuator 208 of the HVAC control panel 102 to generate the haptic feedback, based on the 10 generated PWM signals.
In an embodiment, the operating module 418 may be configured to control illumination of a portion of the HVAC control panel 102 based on a location of the touch input and the value of the input signal. For instance, the operating module 418 may control an intensity of illumination 15 of the portion of the HVAC control panel 102, based on the location of the touch input received from the user and the value of the input signal received from the touch sensor 206.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture of the haptic feedback system 210 for the HVAC control panel 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The haptic 20 feedback system 210 may be in communication with the touch panel 204 to provide the haptic feedback. The haptic feedback system 210 may include, but is not limited to, the touch sensor 206, a battery (not shown), a power supply section 502, an ignition sense section 504, and a microcontroller 506. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 506 may have similar functionalities as of the controlling unit 402 of the haptic feedback system 210 as explained in the description 25 of Figure 4, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The touch sensor 206 may be configured to transmit signals to the microcontroller 506, based on the touch input received by the HVAC control panel 102 from the user. The power supply section 502 and the ignition sense section 504 may be provided with a protection and 30 filtering circuit to protect it from the incoming surge and transients.
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The microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive power supply from the battery. More specifically, when the power supply section 502 is energised, it sends output to the microcontroller 506. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive power supply from the battery. The microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive signals from the battery and an ignition. Further, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to control, 5 but is not limited to, the touch sensor 206, the haptic actuator 208, and illuminations. More specifically, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive a battery signal and an ignition signal, and subsequently to control the touch sensor 206, the haptic actuator 208, illuminations etc. The microcontroller 506 may be configured to control the illumination of the portion of the touch panel 204 based on the location and the value of the touch input received 10 from the user.
The microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive the signals from the touch sensor 206 based on the touch input received from the user. More specifically, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to receive the signals from the touch sensor 206 based on the changes in 15 parasitic capacitance. Further, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to actuate the haptic actuator 208. More specifically, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to actuate the haptic actuator 208 based on the signals received from the touch sensor 206. The microcontroller 506 may be configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals through a microcontroller timer interrupt pin 602 (shown in Figure 6) to control actuation of the haptic 20 actuator 208.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram 600 of an arrangement of the haptic actuator 208 and the haptic feedback system 210, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 6, the haptic actuator 208 may be in communication with a metal-25 oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOFSET) 604 and the microcontroller 506 of the haptic feedback system 210. Further, the MOFSET 604 may be in communication with the controlling unit 402. In an embodiment, the MOFSET 604 may be in communication with the microcontroller 506 through the microcontroller timer interrupt pin 602.
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As discussed earlier, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to control the haptic actuator 208 based on the input signal received from the touch sensor 206. More specifically, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to send an output signal to the haptic actuator 208 15
through the MOFSET 604 based on the signals received from the touch sensor 206. Subsequently, based on the output signal received from the microcontroller 506, the haptic actuator 208 may be energized to generate the haptic feedback, such as the vibration. More specifically, the haptic actuator 208 may be configured to accelerate or de-accelerate corresponding to the output signal received from the microcontroller 506.
embodiment, the duty cycle of 50% yields the value of the output signal equals to 2.5 Volts, as shown in the waveform 806. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of 75% yields the value of the output signal equals to 3.75 Volts, as shown in waveform 808. In yet another embodiment, the duty cycle of 100% yields the value of the output signal equals to 5 Volts, as shown in waveform 810. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of 60% yields the value of the output
duration. Further, the controlling unit 402 may determine that the touch sensor 206 is in the in-active state, if the time duration of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, is less than the debounce time duration.
Also, the controlling unit 402 may determine the signal as the noise signal or an error, if 5 the time duration of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the touch sensor 206 is less than the debounce time duration. Referring to Figure 9, the step 910 is repeated, if the time duration of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’ received from the touch sensor 206 is less than the debounce time duration. Otherwise, if the time duration of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’ is equal or greater than the debounce time duration, the controlling unit 402 10 generates the PWM signal based on the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the touch sensor 206.
Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 1000 of generating the haptic feedback in the HVAC control panel 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 15 For the sake of brevity, features of the haptic feedback system 210 and the HVAC control panel 102 that are already explained in detail in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figures 3a, Figure 3b, Figures 4, Figures 5, Figures 6, Figures 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 10.
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At block 1002, the method 1000 includes receiving the input signal from the touch sensor 206 of the HVAC control panel 102. The input signal may be indicative of the touch input received by the HVAC control panel 102. In an embodiment, the receiving module 412 of the controlling unit 402 may receive the input signal from the touch sensor 206 of the HVAC control panel 102. 25
At block 1004, the method 1000 includes comparing the value of the input signal with the threshold value of the input signal, based on the received input signal from the touch sensor 206. In an embodiment, the comparing module 414 of the controlling unit 402 may compare the value of the input signal with the threshold value of the input signal. 30
At block 1006, the method 1000 includes generating the PWM signals, if the value of the input signal is greater than the threshold value of the input signal. In an embodiment, the 18
generating module 416 of the controlling unit 402 may generate the PWM signals, if the value of the input signal is greater than the threshold value of the input signal.
At block 1008, the method 1000 includes operating the haptic actuator 208 of the HVAC control panel 102 to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals. In an 5 embodiment, the operating module 418 of the controlling unit 402 may operate the haptic actuator 208 of the HVAC control panel 102 to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.
Further, the method 1000 includes determining the state of the touch sensor 206 based on 10 the debounce time duration. In one embodiment, the state of the touch sensor 206 may be determined as the working state, if the time duration of the input signal is equal to or greater than the debounce time duration. In another embodiment, the state of the touch sensor 206 may be determined as the in-active state, if the time duration of the input signal is less than the debounce time duration. 15
Furthermore, the method 1000 includes identifying the input signal as the noise, if the time duration of the input signal is less than the debounce time duration. In an embodiment, the identification module 422 may identify the input signal as the noise, if the time duration of the input signal is less than the debounce time duration. The method 1000 also includes controlling 20 illumination of the portion of the HVAC control panel 102, based on the location of the touch input and the value of the input signal. In an embodiment, the operating module 418 may control the illumination of the portion of the HVAC control panel 102 based on the location of the touch input and the value of the input single received from the touch sensor 206.
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As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers the HVAC control panel 102, the haptic feedback system 210, the method 900, and the method 1000 for generating the haptic feedback based on the touch input. The haptic feedback system 210 may be implemented with a touch-enabled panel, such as the touch panel 204, or with panels having mechanical switches, for providing the haptic feedback to the user. Therefore, the haptic feedback system 210 can be 30 implemented in a wide range of control panels, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure offers the HVAC control panel 102, the haptic
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feedback system 210, the method 900, and the method 1000 that are efficient, economical, flexible, and effective for generating the haptic feedback based on the touch input.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the 5 art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another 10 embodiment.

WE CLAIM:
1. A haptic feedback system (210) for a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control panel (102), the haptic feedback system (210) comprising:
a receiving module (412) configured to receive data from a touch sensor (206) of 5 the HVAC control panel (102), the data being indicative of a touch input received by the HVAC control panel (102);
a comparing module (414) configured to compare a value of the data with a threshold value of the data, based on the received data;
a generating module (416) configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation 10 (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data; and
an operating module (418) configured to operate a haptic actuator (208) of the HVAC control panel (102) to generate a haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.
2. The haptic feedback system (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch sensor (206) is a capacitive touch sensor.
3. The haptic feedback system (210) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a determining module (420) configured to: 20
determine a state of the touch sensor (206) based on a debounce time duration, wherein
the state of the touch sensor (206) is a working state, if a time duration of the data is equal to or greater than the debounce time duration; and
the state of the touch sensor (206) is an in-active state, if the time duration 25 of the data is less than the debounce time duration.
4. The haptic feedback system (210) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an identification module (422) configured to:
identify the data as a noise, if a time duration of the data is less than the debounce 30 time duration.
5. The haptic feedback system (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating module (418) is further configured to control illumination of a portion of the HVAC control panel (102) based on a location of the touch input and the value of the data.
6. The method (1000) of generating a haptic feedback in a Heating, Ventilation, and Air 5 Conditioning (HVAC) control panel (102), the method (1000) comprising:
receiving, by a receiving module (412), data from a touch sensor (206) of the HVAC control panel (102), the data being indicative of a touch input received by the HVAC control panel (102);
comparing, by a comparing module (414), a value of the data with a threshold 10 value of the data, based on the received data;
generating, by a generating module (416), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data; and
operating, by an operating module (418), a haptic actuator (208) of the HVAC control panel (102) to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM 15 signals.
7. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the touch sensor (206) is a capacitive touch sensor.
8. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
determining, by a determining module (420), a state of the touch sensor (206) based on a debounce time duration, wherein:
the state of the touch sensor (206) is a working state, if a time duration of the data is equal to or greater than the debounce time duration; and 25
the state of the touch sensor (206) is an in-active state, if a time duration of the data is less than the debounce time duration.
9. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
identifying, by an identification module (422), the data as a noise, if a time 30 duration of the data is less than the debounce time duration.
10. The method (1000 as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: 22
controlling, by the operating module (418), illumination of a portion of the HVAC control panel (102) based on a location of the touch input and the value of the data.
11. A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control panel (102) comprising: 5
a touch sensor (206) configured to generate data based on a touch input received by the HVAC control panel (102);
a haptic actuator (208) configured to generate a haptic feedback on the HVAC control panel (102); and
a haptic feedback system (210) in communication with the touch sensor (206) and 10 the haptic actuator (208), wherein the haptic feedback system (210) comprising:
a receiving module (412) configured to receive the data from the touch sensor (206);
a comparing module (414) configured to compare a value of the data with a threshold value of the data; 15
a generating module (416) configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, if the value of the data is greater than the threshold value of the data; and
an operating module (418) configured to operate the haptic actuator (208) to generate the haptic feedback, based on the generated PWM signals.