Abstract: A method for determining a time of contact of a capacitive sensor includes continuously measuring a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor and processing the measured capacitance value into a digital sensor signal. The sensor signal is filtered to output a filter signal. Initial dynamics of the filter signal are identified upon the filter signal exceeding a first set filter threshold value. A time at which the filter signal falls below a second set filter threshold value is determined as being a potential time of contact of the capacitive sensor. An actual time of contact of the capacitive sensor is determined when the sensor signal relative to an offset of the sensor signal exceeds a sensor signal threshold value. The offset of the sensor signal is a value of the sensor signal prior to the contact of the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining a time of contact of a capacitive sensor includes continuously measuring a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor and processing the measured capacitance value into a digital sensor signal. The sensor signal is filtered to output a filter signal. Initial dynamics of the filter signal are identified upon the filter signal exceeding a first set filter threshold value. A time at which the filter signal falls below a second set filter threshold value is determined as being a potential time of contact of the capacitive sensor. An actual time of contact of the capacitive sensor is determined when the sensor signal relative to an offset of the sensor signal exceeds a sensor signal threshold value. The offset of the sensor signal is a value of the sensor signal prior to the contact of the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: An operating device for an actuator-adjustable motor vehicle seat includes a control element and multiple force sensors. The control element has a contour which simulates the outline shape of the motor vehicle seat. Pressing actuations directed to various locations on the contour of the control element trigger different adjustment movements of the vehicle seat. The pressing actuations are detected by the force sensors which can measure horizontal and vertical forces. The actuation position and the actuation direction of a finger on the control element may be detected from the reaction forces of the force sensors. The force sensors are designed as three force sensors that measure in one dimension; two of the force sensors are situated in parallel to one another; and a third force sensor is situated perpendicularly with respect to the other two force sensors.