Capacitance Sensor Baseline Correction for Accurate Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately determining contact with users due to variations in sensor measurement values, making it difficult to provide precise functions based on user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitance sensor with a switch and control circuit to measure and correct capacitance values, allowing for accurate determination of contact through a calibrated threshold value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reference sensor value is arbitrarily set by a user to determine contact, then the determination process is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sensor value variations across different electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring a baseline capacitance value from the electrode before actual contact detection begins. This preliminary measurement establishes a reference point that accounts for device-specific variations, enabling accurate contact detection without requiring arbitrary user-set thresholds. The control circuit stores this baseline value and uses it to normalize subsequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from a fixed arbitrary value to a dynamically determined baseline capacitance value. By measuring and storing the actual capacitance of the electrode in the absence of contact objects, the system adapts the reference parameter to each specific device, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If capacitance sensor is used to detect external objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference from the electrode's own capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrode's own capacitance as a separate measurable quantity by measuring it in the absence of external objects. This extracted baseline capacitance value is then subtracted from subsequent measurements that include both the electrode's capacitance and any external object's capacitance, effectively isolating the external object's contribution and improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a baseline capacitance measurement as an intermediary step between the electrode and the final contact detection. This intermediary measurement serves as a reference that mediates the relationship between the raw capacitance sensor readings and the actual external object detection, enabling accurate separation of the electrode's inherent capacitance from external influences.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables precise detection of user contact, regardless of the type of external object, ensuring accurate functionality in wearable and mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance sensor; measure a first capacitance value using the capacitance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: at least one electrode having conductivity; a capacitance sensor, at least one switch electrically connected between the at least one electrode and the capacitance sensor, and capable of selectively connecting the at least one electrode and the capacitance sensor; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit measures a first capacitance value by using the capacitance sensor in a state where the at least one switch is open, measures a second capacitance value corresponding to an external object contacting the at least one electrode, by using the capacitance sensor in a state where the at least one switch is connected, corrects the second capacitance value by using the first capacitance value, and determines the corrected second capacitance value as a capacitance value for the external object. Various other embodiments are possible.