Patent ID: 7733332
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: B60N,B60R,G07C,H01H,H03K

Abstract:
1. A keyless entry pad system for unlocking a door of an automobile, comprising: a dielectric substrate having first and second opposite surfaces; a plurality of touch zones disposed on said first surface; a printed circuit board having first and second sides, said first side adjacent said second surface; a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on said first side, each of said electrode patterns having an inner electrode and an outer electrode, each of said inner electrodes aligned with one of said touch zones, said electrodes electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said first side; a plurality of integrated control circuits (ICCs) disposed on said second side, each of said ICCs electrically coupled to capacitive plates disposed on said second side, wherein said plates on said first side are capacitively coupled to said plates on said second side so that said ICCs are electrically coupled to said patterns, each of said ICCs energizing the electrodes of a corresponding pattern such that electric fields emanate from the electrodes, wherein the electric field of the associated inner electrode is disturbed when a stimulus is proximate the corresponding touch zone, thereby causing the corresponding ICC to output a signal indicative of a touch to said touch zone; and a controller in communication with said ICC, said controller causing the unlocking of said door upon receipt of predetermined signals from said ICCs in a predetermined sequence.