Capacitance Sensor Mode Switching for Contact Detection Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic capacitance detection devices are limited in detecting diverse modes of change in electrostatic capacitance, restricting their ability to accurately determine contact or approach of objects.

Innovation Solution

The electrostatic capacitance detection device employs a control unit with high-resolution and low-resolution detection modes, utilizing a standard capacitor configured with sub-capacitors and multiple switches to accurately determine the number-of-switchings difference, allowing for precise detection of object contact or approach by varying the electrostatic capacitance change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single detection mode is used to detect electrostatic capacitance changes, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to detect diverse contact or approach modes is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for diverse contact modesVSAvoiddetection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection process into multiple distinct detection modes (first detection mode and second detection mode), each optimized for different types of contact or approach events. This segmentation allows the device to handle diverse detection scenarios without requiring a completely different device structure for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different detection modes based on the detection needs. The control unit can selectively activate the first or second detection mode depending on the situation, making the device adaptable to various contact modes while maintaining a unified structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution detection mode is used for all detections, then detection precision is improved, but detection speed and response time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic capacitance change detection precisionVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial high-resolution detection by using the first detection mode (with higher precision) only when necessary, while employing the second detection mode for routine detections. This partial application of high-resolution detection maintains overall detection speed while achieving precise measurements when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes detection parameters (such as sampling frequency, measurement granularity, or threshold settings) between the two detection modes. The first detection mode uses parameters optimized for precision, while the second mode uses parameters optimized for speed, allowing the system to adapt to different detection requirements dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables the detection of multiple change modes in electrostatic capacitance, improving the accuracy and speed of determining object contact or approach, while also distinguishing between different types of objects and gestures.

Implementation Method 1

An electrostatic capacitance detection device includes an electrostatic capacitance sensor and determines presence or absence of contact or approach of an object based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic capacitance sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The electrostatic capacitance detection device employs a control unit with high-resolution and low-resolution detection modes, utilizing a standard capacitor configured with sub-capacitors and multiple switches to accurately determine the number-of-switchings difference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance measurement: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3163751B1Electrostatic capacitance detection device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 AISIN CORP
  • EP3163751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163751B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3163751B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B

AI summary

An electrostatic capacitance detection device (2) includes: an electrostatic capacitance sensor (10); and a control device (11) that is configured to control the electrostatic capacitance sensor, wherein the control device has a plurality of detection modes for detecting a capacitance change amount corresponding to a change amount of electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic capacitance sensor, is configured to detect the capacitance change amount in each of the plurality of detection modes, and is configured to determine presence or absence of contact or approach of an object to the electrostatic capacitance sensor based on the capacitance change amount.