Proximity switch having sensitivity control and method therefor

摘要

A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control based on a user selected sensitivity input. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the sense activation field to a threshold. The proximity switch further includes a user sensitivity input for receiving a user selected sensitivity input. The control circuitry controls sensitivity of the comparison based on the user selected sensitivity input.

主权项

1. A proximity switch having sensitivity control comprising:
a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field; control circuitry processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the sense activation field to a threshold; and a user sensitivity input for receiving a user selected sensitivity input, wherein the proximity sensor and the user sensitivity input each include capacitive plates or electrode pads which are formed as part of a capacitor and electronic circuitry, wherein electrical signals are applied to each of the proximity sensor and the user sensitivity input, and wherein the sensitivity of the proximity switch may be adjusted by changing a charge burst length of an electrical signal applied to the proximity sensor based on the user selected sensitivity input.