Capacitance Sensor Calibration for Vehicle Operation Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitance sensors in vehicle operation input detection systems face sensitivity decreases due to environmental changes, leading to increased power consumption and frequent recalibration when objects like people or walls are nearby, which affects detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An operation input detection device with a movement detector and sensor output correction unit that calibrates the capacitance sensor when the vehicle shifts from a traveling to a stopped state, setting a new reference for the sensor output and reducing power consumption by adjusting calibration intervals based on vehicle movement and environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is repeated in short intervals to maintain detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases and charged capacity of on-board power supply decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration execution interval is dynamically adjusted based on vehicle movement state. When the vehicle is stationary, calibration is executed at longer intervals to save power. When the vehicle is moving, calibration is executed at shorter intervals to maintain detection sensitivity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining detection sensitivity and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration execution interval parameter is changed based on vehicle movement conditions. The control unit sets different calibration intervals according to whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and power consumption by adapting the calibration frequency to operational conditions.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is executed frequently to compensate for environmental changes, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration frequency based on vehicle movement state. During movement, when environmental changes are more likely to affect the sensor, calibration is performed more frequently. When stationary, calibration interval is extended to reduce power consumption, thus dynamically optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration is performed periodically with variable intervals based on vehicle movement. The control unit determines calibration timing by detecting vehicle movement state, creating a periodic calibration schedule that adapts to operational conditions, ensuring detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
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
Maintains satisfactory detection sensitivity for operation inputs while minimizing power consumption by calibrating the sensor at optimal times, such as when the vehicle stops, reducing the frequency of recalibrations and stabilizing sensor output in changing environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor output of a capacitance sensor that changes when a detection subject moves toward and away from the operation input unit
Implementation Method 2
The movement detector detects movement of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An operation input determination device includes an operation input detector, a movement detector, and a sensor output correction unit. The operation input detector detects an operation input to an operation input unit, which is arranged on a vehicle surface, based on a sensor output of a capacitance sensor that changes when a detection subject moves toward and away from the operation input unit. The movement detector detects movement of a vehicle. The sensor output correction unit executes calibration on the capacitance sensor when movement of the vehicle is detected.