Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

David Michael Whitton

Douglas Allen Pfau

Paul Fredrick Luther Weindorf

James Frederick Krier

Jay Patrick Dark

Andrew Cyril Krochmal

Daren Lee Harris

Rhodri Elliott

Carlos A Lopez

Omar Alejandro Martinez Vega

A display system includes a backlight configured to project light. A first display unit is disposed proximate the backlight. A second display unit is disposed proximate the first display unit. A microcontroller is in communication with one or more of the backlight, the first display unit and the second display unit. The microcontroller executes instructions to adjust the first display unit between a first transmissive state and a second transmissive state.

System and method for adjusting light intensity in a display system

A display system includes a backlight configured to project light including a housing and one or more light emitting elements received in the housing and one or more reflective portions disposed on the housing. A first display unit is disposed proximate the backlight includes a liquid crystal layer and at least one reflective polarizer. A second display unit is disposed proximate the first display unit. The second display unit includes a TFT display layer and at least one linear polarizer. At least one microcontroller is in communication with one or more of the backlight, the first display unit and the second display unit. The at least one microcontroller executes instructions to adjust the liquid crystal layer of the first display unit between a first transmissive state and a second transmissive state.

An input knob for use with a touch screen device includes stationary and moveable members. The stationary member adheres to a touch screen of the device. The moveable member moves relative to the stationary member, and is secured to the surface via the stationary member. The moveable member produces touch events on the touch surface as bits of data in response to movement of the moveable member. The moveable member may include a rotary encoder. The stationary member may include conductive pads in contact with the surface and in selective contact with a conductive mass of the moveable member. The moveable member may be ring-shaped, removeable and repositionable with respect to the surface, and/or constructed of or coated by dielectric materials. The knob may lack a direct hardwired electrical connection to or through the surface. A display system includes the touch screen device and knob.

Input knob for a touch-sensitive surface in a display system

A touch screen device includes a display screen having a touch surface, an input knob, and a microcontroller programmed to execute a method. The knob has a stationary member with conductive base pads facing the surface and a moveable member. The knob lacks a direct electrical connection to the surface. The microcontroller receives encoder signals as the moveable member moves with respect to the stationary member, with the signals being indicative of discrete touch events between the moveable member and the screen, e.g., via an intervening switch. The microcontroller processes the encoder signals to determine a direction of movement of the knob, and derives a true position of a center point of the knob using a position of each of the base pads. The microcontroller then controls an operation of the touch screen device.

System and method for registering and identifying an input knob of a touch screen device

A method of operating a touch assembly having a touch surface, a haptic feedback device and a switch is provided. The method includes activating the haptic feedback device in response to the switch deactivating. The method also includes monitoring and adjusting the monitoring of the switch in response to the switch deactivating to prevent continued deactivation of the switch by the haptic feedback. A method of operating a touch assembly having a touch surface, a base, a haptic feedback device and a switch is also provided. The method includes sensing the location of a touch force on the touch surface and deactivating a switch in response to the touch force moving the touch surface relative to the base. The method proceeds with transmitting a signal only in response to the location of the touch force being sensed and the at least one switch being in the deactivated configuration.

Touch surface and microprocessor assembly

Methods of forming a control panel include providing an electrically conductive substrate having a front surface. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the front surface of the substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on a front surface of the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer electrically isolates the first electrode layer from the substrate. The first electrode layer is in electrical communication with a switch circuit adapted to detect a change in a capacitance of the first electrode layer. A substantially transparent film can be provided to cover the electrode. The front surface of the substrate is a decorative surface substantially visible through the first dielectric layer, the first electrode layer, and the film.

Method for implementing capacitive sensing in the presence of conductive decorative materials

A touch assembly is provided including a touch surface for receiving a touch force. At least one haptic feedback device is coupled to the touch surface for selectively vibrating the touch surface. At least one switch is operably coupled with the touch surface and is adjustable between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration. At least one microprocessor is in electrical communication with the at least one haptic feedback device and the at least one switch for actuating the at least one haptic feedback device in response to the at least one switch adjusting from the activated configuration to the deactivated configuration.

The aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for and method of reducing rotary knob produced by a plurality of detents. In particular, a rotary retainer within a rotary knob assembly. The rotary retainer has a generally cylindrical body and an angular flange protruding outwardly from and around the generally cylindrical body and a plurality of detents disposed on the angular flange. The angular flange is made of a first material capable of sustaining a torque exceeding a first predetermined threshold and wherein the plurality of detents are made from a second material different from the first material, the second material being capable of sustaining a torque exceeding a second predetermined threshold, and the first material and the second material are configured to dampen noise generated by the plurality of detents when the rotary knob is operated.

Apparatus for and method of reducing rotary knob noise

A control panel is disclosed. The control panel includes an electrically conductive substrate having a front surface. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the front surface of the substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on a front surface of the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer electrically isolates the first electrode layer from the substrate. The first electrode layer is in electrical communication with a switch circuit adapted to detect a change in a capacitance of the first electrode layer. A substantially transparent film can be provided to cover the electrode. The front surface of the substrate is a decorative surface substantially visible through the first dielectric layer, the first electrode layer, and the film.

A capacitive sensor includes a conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, a dielectric portion disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, and a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion.

Proximity sensor including a multilayer elastomer assembly

A haptic system including a plurality of mechanical buttons driven by a single haptic feedback driver. The mechanical buttons are integrated within the haptic surface and are configured to move with the haptic interface relative to said base. The haptic surface may include a touch screen interface.

Haptic surface with mechanical buttons

A haptic system including a compliant member which limits the direction of motion of an interface surface providing haptic feedback to motion along a single axis. The compliant member allows for easy assembly, reduced ports, lighter weight and improved longevity and performance. The compliant member typically has a longitudinal extent that is greater than its lateral extent and height, and its height is greater than its lateral extent.

Mounting apparatus for a haptic surface

A method for reducing noise in a vehicle by adjusting the rotational speed of various rotational components.

Method for reducing audible noise in a vehicle

A vibration control system and a method for controlling vibration in a material surface are disclosed, wherein the vibration control system provides a desired motion of the material surface while militating against any undesirable motion of the surface. The vibration control system includes a sensor disposed adjacent a material surface having a first set of dynamic vibration properties, a displacement generating device disposed adjacent the material surface adapted to generate a localized motion in the material surface, and a controller adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor and transmit a control signal to the displacement generating device thereby controlling the localized motion in the material surface.

Growing community of inventors

Saline, MI, United States of America

David Michael Whitton