FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to panel assemblies and more particularly, relates to compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assemblies.

BACKGROUND
In the past few decades, touch-sensitive switches have become quite popular. For example, nowadays, most of the mobile phones and laptops are equipped with touch-screens and touchpads, respectively. Even moving-contact based electrical-switches or valves have begun to be operable through the touch-sensitive switches. Such devices have prominent applications in automation industries as well, for example, in automobiles and aircrafts.

Figure 1 illustrates a prior art touch based switch as defined in the prior-art patent publication US9654103B2 A. Said patent publication illustrates a proximity-switch assembly and method for detecting activation of proximity switch assembly and providing feedback. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity-sensor providing a sense activation field. The assembly also includes control circuitry processing a signal associated with the activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger located between two proximity switches. The assembly further includes a feedback device generating a feedback when the finger is detected between the two proximity switches. In addition, the assembly may detect speed of movement of a finger interfacing with the proximity switches and vary the feedback based on the detected speed.

The touch-based or the proximity switch-assembly of Figure 1 leads to detection of finger speed movement and adjusts feedback accordingly. The same also varies feedback based on detecting the speed of finger-interfacing. However, the sensing-technology in Figure 1 is limited to capacitive- technology. Moreover, the space/area as occupied by the complete-assembly is large, high-package size, not compliant with prescribed-norms pertaining to International Protection Marking (IP67) and thereby remains exposed to moisture and dust contamination.

Figure 2 illustrates another prior art touch-sensitive switch defined in the US publication US20100250071A1. A control-interface system is disclosed, wherein the system comprises an input device that receives input of a user to control a plurality of systems and a plurality of dual function sensors interposed along a surface of said input device. Each of the dual-function sensors includes a first circuit that is sensitive to contact of the user with the surface of said input device and a second circuit sensitive to pressure exerted upon the surface of the input device greater than a predetermined threshold. The dual-function sensors generate a first signal when the first circuit senses the contact of the user and generate a second signal when the second circuit senses the pressure exerted upon the surface of the input device. The system further includes a processing unit which receives the first and second signals and controls the plurality of systems based upon the received signals.

Despite the presence of aforesaid prior-art mechanisms, when the user presses a single-functional touch button, it may actuate any nearby switches, for example, due to surface-rigidness. This would result in frequent false or unwanted triggering of switches.

Furthermore, a force sensing circuit within the prior art touch-sensitive switches is pressure-dependent, such that the same generate dual-functionality. For such purposes, the force-sensing mechanisms in the prior-art switches accordingly initially need a touch-based trigger signal to get activated. Therefore, the existing techniques are heavily-dependent on the touch-sensing mechanism for activation of switches.

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 not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly is disclosed. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a cover sheet adapted to interface with a user. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a plurality of switches disposed beneath the cover sheet such that the plurality of switches is visible to the user through the cover sheet. Each switch is adapted to control a predefined operation. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a first sensor in communication with a switch, from among the plurality of switches, and adapted to detect a contact of the user with the switch, and a second sensor in communication with the switch and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user to the switch. The force is detected subsequent to the detection of the contact by the first sensor. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor and adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the switch, based on a comparison of a value of the imposed force with a predefined threshold value of force.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly is disclosed. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a cover sheet formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fibre, and adapted to interface with a user. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a spacer disposed below the cover sheet and comprising a plurality of slots to accommodate a plurality of switches, such that the plurality of switches is visible to the user through the cover sheet. Each switch is adapted to control a predefined operation. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a sensor panel disposed below the spacer. The sensor panel includes the plurality of switches adapted to be accommodated in the plurality of slots of the spacer, a first sensor in communication with a switch, from among the plurality of switches, and adapted to detect a contact of the user with the switch, and at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the switch and adapted to illuminate the switch on the cover sheet. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly further includes a base panel disposed below the sensor panel and includes a second sensor in communication with the switch and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user to the switch. The force is detected subsequent to the detection of the contact by the first sensor. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor and adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the switch, based on a comparison of a value of the imposed force with a predefined threshold value of force.

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 drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

Figure 1 illustrates a touch-based switch, according to one of the existing techniques;
Figure 2 illustrates another touch-based switch with haptic-feedback, according to one of the existing techniques;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly in a resting state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly in a functional operating state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a top sectional view of a sensor panel of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a top sectional view of a spacer of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart depicting operation of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 illustrates a graph depicting operation of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly with Bluetooth® computability, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 13 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly having an ultrasonic sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 14 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly having domes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly 300 may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as the compact panel assembly 300, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may be disposed in an automobile. In other embodiments, the compact panel assembly 300 may be disposed in any other location, for example, in home appliances and heavy machines, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the compact panel assembly 300 may include, but is not limited to, a cover sheet 402, a spacer 404, a sensor panel 406, a top frame 408, a base panel 410, a plurality of spring mechanisms 412, a cover case 414, and a plurality of mounting brackets 416. The cover sheet 402 may be adapted to interface with a user. Therefore, the user may operate the compact panel assembly 300 by contacting the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the cover sheet 402 may be formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fiber. The cover sheet 402 may be used for showing positions of touch-buttons and symbols, which can be illuminative as well as non-illuminative, as per the requirement.

Further, the spacer 404 may be disposed below the cover sheet 402. The spacer 404 may include a plurality of slots 418 to accommodate a plurality of switches 420, also referred to as the touch switches 420. The slots 418 may be positioned on the spacer 404 such that the switches 420 are visible to the user through the cover sheet 402. Therefore, the spacer 404 may be guided on frame and used as light guide for illuminating symbols and image on the cover sheet 402. Each switch 420 may be adapted to control a predefined operation. In an embodiment when the compact panel assembly 300 is disposed in a vehicle, the switches 420 may be operated to control operations associated with the vehicle. The switches 420 may be disposed on the sensor panel 406.

In an embodiment, the sensor panel 406 may be disposed below the spacer 404. In an embodiment, the sensor panel 406 may be attached to the spacer 404, for example, by glue. The sensor panel 406 may include, but is not limited to, the switches 420 adapted to be accommodated in the slots 418 of the spacer 404. The sensor panel 406 may further include a first sensor 422 in communication with a switch 420, from among the switches 420. The first sensor 422 may be adapted to detect a contact of the user with the switch 420. The first sensor 422 may also interchangeably be referred to as the touch sensor 422. The sensor panel 406 may also include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the switch 420. The LED may be adapted to illuminate the switch 420 or an image or a symbol on the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the LED may be activated based on detection of contact of the user with the switch 420. In an embodiment, the sensor panel 406 may be disposed above the top frame 408, which may further be disposed on the base panel 410.

The base panel 410 may include a second sensor 424 in communication with the switch 420. The second sensor 424 may be adapted to detect a force imposed by the user to the switch 420. In an embodiment, the second sensor 424 may interchangeably be referred to as the force sensor 424. In an embodiment, the force may be detected subsequent to the detection of the contact by the first sensor 422. In an embodiment, on a bottom side of the sensor panel 406, the second sensor 424 may be provided in alignment with another second sensor 424 disposed on the top of the base panel 410. In an embodiment, each of the first sensor 422 and the second sensor 424 is one of capacitive-type, resistive-type, and inductive-type.

In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may include a controller 426 in communication with the first sensor 422 and the second sensor 424. In an embodiment, the controller 426 may be disposed on the base panel 410. The controller 426 may be adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the switch 420. In an embodiment, the controller 426 may determine a value of the imposed force. The value may then be compared with a predefined threshold value of force. Therefore, the controller 426 may control the associated predefined operation of the switch 420, based on the comparison of the determined value with the threshold value of force.

In an embodiment, threshold values for actuation of the switches 420 may be different for different switches 420. The threshold values may vary based on a position of a respective switch 420 in the compact panel assembly 300. Therefore, the second sensor 424 may detect different force values for each switch position.

In an embodiment, the controller 426 may further be adapted to disable actuation of other switches 420, from among the switches 420, upon detection of the contact on the switch 420. Therefore, once the contact is detected at one of the switches 420, the controller 426 may ensure that only the switch 420 is then operated by the user, eliminating the possibility of incorrect actuation of any other switch 420.

Further, the base panel 410 may be supported on the cover case 414 through the spring mechanisms 412. The spring mechanisms 412 may be adapted to support the base panel 410. The spring mechanisms 412 may also impart uniform movement across the compact panel assembly 300, for example, in response to the force imparted by the user. The cover case 414 may therefore be adapted to house the spring mechanisms 412 and the base panel 410. The cover case 414 may then be installed on a surface through the mounting brackets 416. The mounting brackets 416 may be disposed on the surface through nuts 428 and screws 430.

In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may also include an actuator 432 in communication with the controller 426. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may be disposed on the sensor panel 406. In another embodiment, the actuator 432 may be disposed between the spacer 404 and the sensor panel 406. The actuator 432 may be adapted to generate a haptic feedback, for example, in form of vibrations. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be provided at a surface of the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may be a piezo-actuator. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may generate the haptic feedback upon the detection of the contact by the user. In another embodiment, the actuator 432 may generate the haptic feedback, when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value. Further, in an embodiment, an intensity of the haptic feedback may be proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the switch 420.
Therefore, if x force is exerted on the compact panel assembly 300, the actuator 432 may generate a vibration feedback of y. Further, when the exerted force is increased to x+1, the actuator 432 may then generate the vibration feedback of y+1.

In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may also include a buzzer (not shown) in communication with the controller 426. The buzzer may be adapted to generate a sound. In an embodiment, at least one of the actuator 432 and the buzzer may be activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.

Figure 5 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 in a resting state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 is in a non-operational state. A graphic overlay rests at the top. The compact panel assembly 300 may be understood to include a top overlay including the cover sheet 402 and the spacer 404. In an embodiment, force imposed by the user may be detected by a push-pull gauge for selecting specific springs which maintains distance according to required X and Y, as illustrated in Figure 5.
X= Distance between the sensor panel 406 and a bottom of the spring mechanism 412
Y= Distance between the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410
Z= Displacement of the compact panel assembly 300
Z= X-Y

Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 in a functional operating state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The functional operating state is indicative of an operational state of the compact panel assembly 300 when the user is imposing force. As can be deduced from Figure 5 and Figure 6, the value of X is constant and values of Y and Z vary when the user is imposing the force on the compact panel assembly 300 through the cover sheet 402. In order to optimize force uniformity on the compact panel assembly 300, Z retains the same value as X or slightly lower.

In Figure 6, the spring mechanisms 412 may be compressed when a finger of the user exerting pressure on the compact panel assembly 300, for activating or deactivating a particular operational-function. The spring mechanisms 412 ensure uniform ergonomics on the surface of the compact panel assembly 300. In an embodiment, when the finger may be gliding on the surface without any force on the compact panel assembly 300, the compact panel assembly 300 may detect it as a false trigger and ignore. In another embodiment, if the finger is pressed on the particular button with required nominal amount of force, then the compact panel assembly 300 may detect it as an authentic input and may generate output, for example, to the actuator 432 and the buzzer. The compact panel assembly 300 may also signal to Local Interconnect Network (LIN)/Controller Area Network (CAN) or High/Low side Switch.

Further, in order to avoid interference such as noise-signal and false-detection by the second sensor 424, the present disclosure at least renders a solution through a combination of firmware and hardware. For example, the compact panel assembly 300 may also include non-conductive tape on the bottom of the sensor panel 406 and on the top of the base panel 410. The non-conductive tape ensures a change of gap between the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410, i.e., Y. The springs guide may then be accordingly adjusted as well. Similarly, the firmware may be configured in accordance with one or more predefined threshold values for the contact detection and the force detection by the first sensor 422 and the second sensor 424, respectively.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to actuating a single functional switch and simultaneously actuating other functional switches in a predefined sequence. The same at least facilitates sequential activation/de-activation of multiple functions of the vehicle by the compact panel assembly 300.

Figure 7 illustrates a top sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, from the perspective of assembly, the sensor panel 406 may be assembled on the top frame 408. All the components of the sensor panel 406 may be positioned in their corresponding slots in the top frame 408, for example, over flanges of the top frame 408. In an embodiment, the components may be soldered on the sensor panel 406, for example, on the top side. Further, the actuator 432 may then be positioned on the sensor panel 406.

Figure 8 illustrates a top sectional view of the spacer 404 of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 8, the sensor panel 406 is shown to be assembled on the top frame 408 from the top side, and then the spacer 404 is assembled on the sensor panel 406. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may include double-sided adhesive tape on both sides. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may be positioned in a closure in the top frame 408. The slots 418 of the spacer 404 may accommodate the components of the sensor panel 406. Further, the adhesive tape on the spacer 404 may fix the sensor panel 406 in the predefined position. Once the spacer 404 occupies the predefined position, a top graphic display sheet, for example, the cover sheet 402 may be positioned thereupon.

Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram 900 of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the sensor panel 406 is connected to the controller 426 having touch-sensing capabilities. In an embodiment, the sensor panel 406 may be connected to the controller 426 through encrypted communication. In an embodiment, the controller 426 may not support inbuilt touch-sensing capabilities. In such an embodiment, an external Integrated Circuit (IC) may be connected to detect the touch input, and then to transmit data to the controller 426. Further, a Piezo driver is connected to the controller 426. The Piezo driver may be used for driving the actuator 432. The actuator 432 may generate the vibration feedback when triggered by the Piezo driver, which again is triggered by the controller 426.

Therefore, the compact panel assembly 300 includes provision for multiple output, such as LED output, haptic feedback, LOW/HIGH side Switch, and LIN/CAN. In an embodiment, multiple and single color LEDs are implemented on the sensor panel 406 which functions when a touch button on the cover sheet 402 is pressed by the user. In an embodiment, an external Driver may be installed for LOW/HIGH side switch, which gives voltage signal to a Body Control Unit (BCU) with required current. LOW/High side can be configured internally in the controller 426 or externally using required voltage and current driving IC. A LIN/CAN transceiver may also be installed in the compact panel assembly 300 and connected to the controller 426. The LIN/CAN transmits output signal to the BCU for controlling various control operations.

Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart 1000 depicting operation of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the compact panel assembly 300 is turned ON, the controller 426 initializes the various required drivers, such as the first sensor 422, GPIOs, encrypted communications, and Piezo driver. Once initialization is completed, the controller 426 reads last state data from EEPROM/Flash and restores the LEDs and software flags in the last state. Post restoring configuration, continuous checking of state is initialized which checks whether the touch sensor is activated with required/nominal amount of force (force sensor and switch sensor threshold sensitivity value is explained in Figure 11). If the switch checking condition is triggered positive, then respective LEDs are turned ON and CAN/LIN data is sent to the BCU. The actuator 432 may be turned ON for fixed-interval of time and then value of the first sensor 422 is stored in EEPROM for resuming functions if cluster is turned OFF. Such cycle is continuously repeated in loop for switch detection and giving required output.

Figure 11 illustrates a graph 1100 depicting operation of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the graph 1100 depicts threshold values for the first sensor (touch sensor) 422 and the second sensor (force sensor) 424 for different switches 420. As shown, a threshold value of the force sensor 424 may be constant or variable for every touch button 420 and may accordingly be defined by the force sensors 424. Similarly, the value of the first sensor 422 is constant or varies depending upon required sensitivity for touch buttons. In an example, the value of the second sensor 424 is kept constant, whereas the value of the first sensor 422 varies based upon respective switch sensitivity.

Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram 1200 of the compact panel assembly 300 with Bluetooth® compatibility, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may include a Bluetooth® device adapted to communicate with an application adapted to be used by the user for controlling operations associated with the switches 420. In an embodiment, the Bluetooth® device may be incorporated within the controller 426 or may be externally connected with the controller 426. When BLE receives input from a mobile Application, the BLE communicates with the controller 426, for example, through encrypted communication. The controller 426 may accordingly transmit signals to the sensor panel 406 for changing current-state of the respective LED. Further, signal for LIN/CAN and Low/High side switch to the BCU is simultaneously processed. In an embodiment, the mobile application may be designed with various control icons that are adapted to receive the input signal at the mobile device. Further, respective-signal through Bluetooth-communication may be transmitted to the device.

Figure 13 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 having an ultrasonic sensor 1302, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1302 may be installed at the bottom of the sensor panel 406. In such an embodiment, the base panel 410 may include a slot 1304 to accommodate the ultrasonic sensor 1302. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1302 may be installed at the top of the base panel 410. When the force is exerted by a finger of the user in downward direction, the ultrasonic sensor 1302 may measure the travel distance and compare the measured travel distance with a predefined threshold value. In an embodiment, when the travel distance is more than the predefined threshold value, the switch 420 is then activated and signal is generated by the controller 426 accordingly.

Figure 14 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 having domes 1402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the domes 1402 may be placed on the base panel 410 instead of the spring mechanisms 412. The domes 1402 may also provide haptic feedback at the surface of the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the domes 1402 may be placed in such a manner that the compact panel assembly 300 moves uniformly from the top surface, and the haptic feedback is also noted upon pressing of the switch 420. In this mechanism, when force is asserted towards downward position with respect to the switch and the dome is pressed, the signal will be asserted as positive by the controller 426. The controller 426 accordingly transmits the output with respect to the switch 420 pressed to respective LEDs, LOW/HIGH side switch, and LIN/CAN.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers a compact panel assembly 300 to render a plurality of functional operations. The switches 420 are activated based on force-based sensors 424 incorporated within the compact panel assembly 300. In an example, in case of a vehicle, the cluster can be installed on top or at side of front-dashboard or on either side of vehicle-cabin for driver operations. The switches 420 may also be implemented as a part of mobile-devices, homes, appliances or any other analogous area where switching is required.

At least a purpose of the present force-based touch action is to determine the position of finger pressed with respect to the switch 420 with nominal/required amount of force accelerated in downward direction. Once the required amount of force and actuated switch 420 is determined, then trigger is asserted as true, and a particular-function is actuated accordingly. The actuated function triggers LEDs for symbol illumination and also a haptic feedback in form of vibration or a buzzer. The output signal is then transmitted to the BCU via CAN/LIN or simple High Side voltage ON/OFF signal which then accordingly turns ON/OFF relays of various controls, such as park lamp, head lamp, wiper, and washers.

The present disclosure is applicable for capacitive, resistive, and inductive type of sensor. There is an internal criteria implemented in firmware and structure design to prevent false trigger from water or any liquid droplet, dust or simple finger touch, wherein such actions are not intended to activate the switch 420. Also, the present force based switches 420 may be activated by the user while wearing gloves.

When compared with the prior art touch and force sensitive switches, the compact panel assembly 300 of the present disclosure renders a technical-advancement at least due to one or more of following features (or a combination thereof):
a) Force-imposition activating the touch-sensitive button to thereby result in a function. More specifically, the present invention is force-dependent. Touch switches just need force as input to get activated.
b) The touch-sensing and force sensing are done independently, but a combination of both is essential to result in the function. More specifically, the touch-buttons within the present subject matter having the first sensor 422 are installed on the sensor panel 406 and the second sensor 424 on the base panel 410, which is independent and separated from the touch mechanism (the sensor panel 406).
c) The type of function to be executed is decided by a particular button which has undergone force and touch imposition.
d) Moreover, force beyond a certain threshold or corresponding to a certain range is sensed to render the output.
e) Further, the force-threshold may vary across the force and touch-sensitive buttons. In an example, the readily accessible switch-buttons may be associated with a higher force-threshold than the far-located switches. In other example, the force-threshold as set may be same across all of the buttons or switches.
f) The level of force thresholds (whether fixed or variable across the buttons) as set is sufficient to prevent the unwanted triggering due to natural phenomenon related activities, such as noise-interference, moisture, exposure to conductive material, liquid-drop pressure, and application of dust.

Therefore, the present disclosure offers a glass or fiber rigid-cover having plurality of functional-buttons with touch mechanism on the surface. In operation, when the user presses a single functional touch button, due to surface rigidness it may actuate any nearby switches. This problem is eliminated by considering priority given to the touch-mechanism. For example, if the user touches a particular switch on the surface, first it actuates the priority signal to the controller 426. Accordingly, even if the surface of overall module get depressed, any other switch function is not actuated. However, if the user is not giving actuation force for depression of surface of the module, then corresponding switch 420 does not get activated.

As far as the controller 426 is configured, the same is programmed or feeding predetermined algorithm or instructed such a way that it will accept first touch signal (first sensor 422) to initiate respective functional switch 420, and based on the predetermined force (second sensor 424), it will actuate the respective vehicle function. If one switch 420 is touched, then other switches 420 are not-functional until that switch gets actuation force. Moreover, one or more switches 420 can be activated in such a manner that, first switch function should satisfy touch and force sensing, and second switch function should satisfy the second touch button and force sensing, and go on.

To assist the force-sensing, the spring mechanisms are used on four corner of the switch assembly and guided in header to impart uniform movement across the assembly, while the user presses switch, and thereby preventing false-triggering of the switches 420 on the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410. Further, for rendering haptic feedback, customized actuator 432 is designed and accordingly placed in the compact panel assembly 300 to give uniform feedback on the surface of the compact panel assembly 300, when the touch switch is activated. Therefore, the compact panel assembly 300 is easy to operate, ergonomically construed, durable, effective, cost-effective, and eliminates the possibility of incorrect actuation.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the 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 embodiment.

WE CLAIM:
1. A compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) comprising:
a cover sheet (402) adapted to interface with a user;
a plurality of switches (420) disposed beneath the cover sheet (402) such that the plurality of switches (420) is visible to the user through the cover sheet (402), wherein each switch (420) is adapted to control a predefined operation;
a first sensor (422) in communication with a switch (420), from among the plurality of switches (420), and adapted to detect a contact of the user with the switch (420);
a second sensor (424) in communication with the switch (420) and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user to the switch (420), wherein the force is detected subsequent to the detection of the contact by the first sensor (422); and
a controller (426) in communication with the first sensor (422) and the second sensor (424) and adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the switch (420), based on a comparison of a value of the imposed force with a predefined threshold value of force.

2. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (426) is adapted to disable actuation of other switches (420), from among the plurality of switches (420), upon detection of the contact on the switch (420).

3. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) adapted to be disposed around the switch (420) and adapted to illuminate; and
an actuator (432) in communication with the controller (426) and adapted to generate a haptic feedback, wherein an intensity of the haptic feedback is proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the switch (420);
a buzzer in communication with the controller (426) and adapted to generate a sound,
wherein at least one of the at least one LED, the actuator (432), and the buzzer is activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.

4. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a Bluetooth® device adapted to communicate with an application adapted to be used by the user for controlling operations associated with the plurality of switches (420).

5. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first sensor (422) and the second sensor (424) is one of capacitive-type, resistive-type, and inductive-type.

6. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein threshold values for actuation of the plurality of switches (420) are different for different switches (420).

7. A compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) comprising:
a cover sheet (402) formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fibre, and adapted to interface with a user;
a spacer disposed below the cover sheet (402) and comprising a plurality of slots to accommodate a plurality of switches (420), such that the plurality of switches (420) is visible to the user through the cover sheet (402), wherein each switch (420) is adapted to control a predefined operation;
a sensor panel (406) disposed below the spacer and comprising:
the plurality of switches (420) adapted to be accommodated in the plurality of slots of the spacer;
a first sensor (422) in communication with a switch (420), from among the plurality of switches (420), and adapted to detect a contact of the user with the switch (420); and
at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the switch (420) and adapted to illuminate the switch (420) on the cover sheet (402);
a base panel (410) disposed below the sensor panel (406) and comprising a second sensor (424) in communication with the switch (420) and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user to the switch (420), wherein the force is detected subsequent to the detection of the contact by the first sensor (422); and
a controller (426) in communication with the first sensor (422) and the second sensor (424) and adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the switch (420), based on a comparison of a value of the imposed force with a predefined threshold value of force.

8. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
a plurality of spring mechanisms (412) adapted to support the base panel (410) and to impart uniform movement across the assembly (300), in response to the force imparted by the user; and
a cover case (414) adapted to house the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) and the base panel (410).

9. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a plurality of domes (1402) disposed on the base panel (410) and adapted to generate haptic feedback, such that uniform movement is translated across the assembly (300), in response to the force imparted by the user.

10. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
an actuator (432) in communication with the controller (426) and adapted to generate a haptic feedback, wherein an intensity of the haptic feedback is proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the switch (420); and
a buzzer in communication with the controller (426) and adapted to generate a sound,
wherein at least one of the actuator (432) and the buzzer is activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.