Patent Publication Number: US-2023140718-A1

Title: Capacitive touch textiles and vehicle applications

Description:
FIELD 
     The field to which the disclosure generally relates is vehicles, and more particularly to vehicle interfaces or dashboards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automotive vehicles typically have instrument panels or dashboards that permit user input for various vehicle operations. These operations include operating music or media, adjusting climate controls, turning wipers on and the like. Typically, buttons and switches are used to make these adjustments. 
     Additionally, automotive vehicles are continually adding new systems or features that require user input or control. For example, some cars include seat warmers and seat coolers. These additional features increase the number of buttons required. 
     It is appreciated that the increased number of buttons and switches can create a confusing dashboard. Additionally, the overloaded dashboard may not be aesthetically pleasing. 
     What is needed is an improved vehicle interface system that can accommodate the additional features. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of the textile layer  102  of the conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating a vehicle interface system  400  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an interface system  500  in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow diagram illustrating a method  600  of operating a vehicle interface system in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. The description and examples are presented herein solely for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the disclosure. While compositions of the present disclosure are described herein as comprising certain materials, it should be understood that the composition could optionally comprise two or more chemically different materials. In addition, the composition can also comprise some components other than the ones already cited. In the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. 
     Also, in the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, it should be understood that a range or dimension listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value or dimension within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors had possession of the entire range and all points within the range. 
     Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone 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). 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of concepts according to the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated. 
     The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited. 
     Also, as used herein any references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. 
     Automotive vehicles typically have instrument panels or dashboards that permit user input for various vehicle operations. These operations include operating music or media, adjusting climate controls, turning wipers on and the like. Typically, buttons and switches are used to make these adjustments. 
     Additionally, automotive vehicles are continually adding new systems or features that require user input or control. For example, some cars include seat warmers and seat coolers. These additional features increase the number of buttons required. 
     It is appreciated that the increased number of buttons and switches can create a confusing dashboard. Additionally, the overloaded dashboard may not be aesthetically pleasing. 
     What is needed is an improved vehicle interface system that can accommodate the additional features. 
     One or more embodiments are included that utilize conductive/capacitive sensing for controlling and/or operating vehicle features. 
     Capacitive sensing is a technology based on capacitive coupling that can detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric different from air. Many types of sensors use capacitive sensing, including sensors to detect and measure proximity, pressure, position and displacement, force, humidity, fluid level, and acceleration. 
     The conductive or capacitive sensing can be incorporated into textiles, dashboard surfaces and the like. 
     A conductive textile is a fabric which can conduct electricity. Generally, conductive textiles include conductive strands, fibers or yarns woven into the construction of the textiles. The conductive textiles have conductive strands or yarns and non-conductive strands, fibers or yarn. These strands, fibers or yarns can be woven together. The conductive textiles can also have impregnated conductive materials, such as carbon or metal based powders. 
     Embodiments are disclosed that include a vehicle user interface that incorporates conductive textiles for operation. The user interface utilizes the conductive textiles for inputting information. The user interface can omit or mitigate the use of typical buttons, switches, knobs and the like. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments. The diagram is a cutaway view. It is appreciated that the diagram is provided for illustrative purposes and the suitable variations are contemplated. Further, the textile  100  is an example of a suitable textile that can be utilized for various embodiments or aspects. 
     The conductive textile  100  includes a textile layer  102  and an outer layer  106 . The textile layer  102  includes a conductive fiber  104 . The fiber  104  can be embedded or woven into the layer  102 . 
     In one example, the conductive fiber  104  is arranged in rows and columns having selected spacing. 
     The outer layer  106  is a protective layer, such as vinyl. The outer layer has a thickness based on protecting the layer  102  while also allowing pressure/position to interact with individual conductive fibers. 
     The textile  100  utilizes capacitive sensing based on capacitive coupling to detect and/or measure contact with something that is conductive or has a dielectric property different from air. The textile  100  is configured to use capacitive sensing to sense or detect and measure proximity, pressure, position, displacement, force, humidity, fluid level, acceleration and the like, which can be provided as input information or user input information. 
     The textile  100  can also utilize conductive resistivity. Thus, the resistivity for an area or length of the textile  100  can vary in response to pressure or touch. 
       FIG.  2    is a top view of the textile layer  102  of the conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. 
     This view shows the conductive fibers arranged in a plurality of columns going from left to right across the page and a plurality of rows going from top to bottom of the page. 
       FIG.  3    is a side view of the conductive textile  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. 
     Here, the outer layer  106  is shown formed on the textile layer  102 . An individual conductive fiber of the fibers  104  is shown within the layer  102 . 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating a vehicle interface system  400  in accordance with one or more embodiments or aspects. It is appreciated that the diagram is provided for illustrative purposes and the suitable variations are contemplated. 
     It is appreciated that they interface system  400  can be utilized for marine applications. 
     The system  400  includes the conductive textile  100 , interface circuitry  408 , a first interface  410  and a second interface  412 . 
     The connection interfaces  410  and  412  interface with the conductive textile  100 . In one example, the first interface  410  is configured to provide a first coordinate or position (x) and the second interface  412  is configured to provide a second coordinate or position (y). 
     The circuitry  408  is connected to the interfaces  410  and  412  and is configured to receive input information or user input information from the textile  100 . 
     In one example, the user input information is in the form of capacitive touch information. The information can also include conductive resistivity based information. 
     The user input information can be based on touch from a finger or other item that has a different dielectric from air, as described above. 
     The circuitry  408  analyzes the user input information to identify locations and timing of touching of the conductive textile  100 . The circuitry  408  can utilize the locations and timing to identify inputs and/or associated commands. The inputs can include button pressing, swiping, dragging, gestures and the like. 
     The circuitry  408  can determine (x,y) position information from the interfaces  410  and  412 . 
     The associated commands can include navigation commands, media control commands, heating and cooling commands, and the like. 
     As another example, the commands can be for vehicle control systems or control systems such as, engine speed, engine load, media, navigation, global positioning, communication, engine temperature, road speed, acceleration, wheel speed, steering angle, throttle position, fuel control, ignition control, idle speed, auto gearbox, antilock brake system (ABS), traction control, suspension control, tire pressure, tire load and the like. 
     As another example, the commands can be related to watercraft or marine applications, such as propulsion control, weather, navigation, radio communication, media, and the like. 
     The interface circuitry  408  generates signaling that conveys the commands to one or more vehicle systems, such as navigation control, heating and cooling, media systems, and the like. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an interface system  500  in accordance with one or more embodiments. The system  500  is provided for illustrative purposes as an example implementation. 
     The system  500  includes the conductive textile  100  and the circuitry  408 . The circuitry  410  and  412  can be the connection from the circuitry  408  to the textile  100 . 
     In this example, the conductive textile  100  receives user information associated with a keyboard. The black marks on the textile  100  correspond to keyboard positions and characters. 
     The circuitry  408  analyzes the user input information and identify when and which characters are touched. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow diagram illustrating a method  600  of operating a vehicle interface system in accordance with one or more embodiments. The diagram is provided for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated. 
     The method  600  can be performed with the above systems, including system  400 , system  500  and variations thereof. 
     A conductive textile generates input information in response to contact with the conductive textile at  602 . The contact can include a user touching a surface of the conductive textile. 
     Circuitry (such as circuitry  408 ) determines a vehicle control system from a plurality of vehicle control systems based on location of the input information at  604 . The plurality of vehicle control systems include engine speed, engine load, engine temperature, road speed, acceleration, wheel speed, steering angle, throttle position, fuel control, ignition control, idle speed, auto gearbox, antilock brake system (ABS), traction control, suspension control, tire pressure, tire load, windshield wiper control, headlight control, seat temperature control and the like. 
     In one example, the plurality of vehicle control systems have assigned regions or areas of the conductive textile. 
     The circuitry determines a command for the vehicle control system based on the input information at  606 . The command can include temperature adjustment, headlight setting and the like. 
     The circuitry determines a setting value at  608  based on the input information. 
     The circuitry causes the determined vehicle control system to adjust itself based on the setting value at  610 . 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficiently thorough, and will convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the disclosure that individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 
     A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus, system, and the like to perform the actions. 
     One general aspect includes an interface system, which includes a conductive textile  100  configured to provide user input information, where the user input information is in response to contact with the conductive textile; and circuitry configured  408  to analyze the user input information, identify a user input based on the user input information, and determine an associated command based on the identified user input. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The interface system where the interface system is a vehicle interface system. The interface system is a watercraft vessel interface system. The associated command operates a multimedia device. The associated command is for a marine control system. The user input information is a gesture or swipe. The circuitry is configured to identify a control system and send the associated command to the identified control system. The identified control system is a marine propulsion control. The conductive textile is capacitive touch enabled and uses a conductive touch of a human finger or a specialized device. The identified control system is one or more of engine speed, engine load, engine temperature, road speed, acceleration, wheel speed, steering angle, throttle position, fuel control, ignition control, idle speed, auto gearbox, antilock brake system (abs), traction control, suspension control, tire pressure, and tire load. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium. 
     One general aspect includes a vehicle interface system, which includes a vehicle surface  100  configured to provide capacitive sensing information as input information based on contact with the vehicle surface; and circuitry  408  configured to analyze the input information to determine a vehicle control system based on location of the input information, determine a command for the vehicle control system and determine a setting value for the determined command based on the input information. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The system where the vehicle surface is a conductive textile. The vehicle control system is one of engine speed, engine load, engine temperature, road speed, acceleration, wheel speed, steering angle, throttle position, fuel control, ignition control, idle speed, auto gearbox, antilock brake system (abs), traction control, suspension control, tire pressure, and tire load. The vehicle control system is vehicle climate control, the command is heat temperature and the setting value is a selected temperature. The vehicle surface is an automotive seat. The vehicle surface is a dashboard. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium. 
     One general aspect includes a method of operating a vehicle interface system. The method of operating also includes generating input information from a conductive textile in response to contact with the conductive textile. The method of operating also includes determining a vehicle control system from a plurality of vehicle control systems based on location of the input information. The method of operating also includes determining a command for the vehicle control system based on the input information. The method of operating also includes determining a setting value for the determined command based on the input information. The method of operating also includes adjusting the vehicle control system by the determined setting value. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method the plurality of vehicle control systems including a climate control system, a windshield wiper control system, a headlight control system and a seat temperature system. The input information is based on a gesture. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium. 
     Also, in some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Further, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that in the design, manufacture, and operation of apparatus to achieve that described in the disclosure, variations in apparatus design, construction, condition, erosion of components, gaps between components may present, for example. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner”, “adjacent”, “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Various aspects or features described herein can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROM, card, stick, key drive, etc.). Additionally, various storage media described herein can represent one or more devices and/or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” can include, without being limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and/or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. Additionally, a computer program product can include a computer readable medium having one or more instructions or codes operable to cause a computer to perform functions described herein. 
     Communications media embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. 
     Further, the actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination thereof. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to processor, such that processor can read information from, and write information to, storage medium. In the alternative, storage medium can be integral to processor. Further, in some aspects, processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, processor and storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the s and/or actions of a method or algorithm can reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine-readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which can be incorporated into a computer program product. 
     As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware. 
     As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device including, but not limited to including, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, a complex programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions and/or processes described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of mobile devices. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units. 
     Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.