Abstract: An integrated control panel for use in a motor vehicle/automobile, which includes a stack assembly and associated electronics modules for processing signals. The assembly includes one or more capacitive sensors between a decorative touch surface layer and a movable member. Between the movable member and a stationary member is a gap in which a plurality of metallic devices outputting a magnetic flux are positioned across from respective induction sensors. Supporting the movable member above the stationary member are flexible members that compress upon application of a force (touch) on the surface layer, which permits the distance separating the metallic devices and inductions sensors to decrease in a manner that is measurable. The electronics modules provide touch location and force information, which may be conveyed to the motor vehicle/automobile electronics.

Abstract: A capacitance based switch device employs an electric field imaging device electrically coupled via an electrical conductor to a conductive electrode member that is attached to the door or any other suitable surface. Such electric field imaging device generates a sine wave which is transmitted to the conductive electrode member and produces a surrounding electrical field. Any human body part which enters such electrical field will create a capacitance load due to the body being grounded to a surface. Reduction in distance between the body part and the conductive electrode will increase the capacitance and will decrease the voltage intermediate the resistor and conductive electrode which is an inverse function of the capacitance. Such change in voltage will be detected by a microcontroller by comparing voltages at each end of the resistor and the change exceeding a predetermined threshold will be associated with an output control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a directional attitude of a driven load in respect to a level plane is employed to adjust initial driving power requirements in order to overcome the effects of such attitude. The apparatus employs a sensor for measuring the attitude, a processor for comparing the measurement against a threshold and a driver for altering the initial driving power requirements. Additional sensors for measuring shock, vibration, and temperature levels that the load is subjected to prior to the movement may be employed for calibration of the directional attitude measuring sensor or for further adjustment of the initial driving power requirements.