Capacitive Button Threshold Adjustment for Glove Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive-sensing devices face challenges in accurately detecting actuations by both bare fingers and fingers covered with gloves due to the limitations of fixed threshold sensitivity settings, which are not adaptable to different types of actuation methods.
Innovation Solution
The capacitive-sensing device dynamically adjusts its actuation detection threshold based on temperature measurements from an infrared sensor and proximity signals, allowing for adaptive sensitivity settings between low and high sensitivity thresholds depending on whether a bare finger or a gloved finger is used, ensuring optimal detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed threshold sensitivity setting is used for capacitive sensing, then the device structure remains simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when different types of actuation (bare finger vs. gloved finger) are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by detecting the temperature of the actuating object. The system automatically adapts the sensitivity threshold based on whether the object is warm (bare finger) or cold (gloved finger), transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter (threshold value) based on temperature detection. By measuring the temperature of the actuating object and adjusting the threshold accordingly, the system optimizes detection accuracy for different actuation types without requiring complex mechanical adjustments
2Measurement precision
If the detection threshold is set to be sensitive enough for bare fingers, then bare finger actuation is detected accurately, but false detections increase when gloved fingers are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback through temperature detection. The system continuously monitors the temperature of the actuating object and uses this information to adjust the detection threshold in real-time, preventing false detections by adapting to the actual actuation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the detection threshold parameter based on temperature measurements. When a cold object (gloved finger) is detected, the threshold is adjusted to prevent false positives, while maintaining high sensitivity for warm objects (bare fingers)
3Measurement precision
If the detection threshold is set to be less sensitive to accommodate gloved fingers, then gloved finger actuation is detected, but detection accuracy deteriorates for bare finger actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection threshold dynamic rather than fixed. By continuously adapting the threshold based on temperature feedback, the system can optimize sensitivity for each specific actuation event, preventing missed detections while avoiding false positives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the detection threshold parameter based on temperature measurements. When a warm object (bare finger) is detected, the threshold is lowered to ensure accurate detection, while for cold objects (gloved fingers), the threshold is raised to maintain detection accuracy
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 adaptive threshold adjustment significantly improves the detection accuracy of capacitive-sensing buttons by tailoring sensitivity to the specific type of actuation, enhancing user interaction in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation acts to alter a capacitance charge value of the capacitive-sensing button. The actuation detection electrical circuit has a threshold value and it outputs a button actuation signal when its capacitance charge value exceeds the threshold value.
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor generates a proximity signal when an object is placed in an area that is near the capacitive-sensing button.
Implementation Method 3
The intra-red temperature sensor measures a temperature of this nearby area and it often uses infra-red techniques for the measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application provides an input device for a control system of a vehicle. The input device includes at least one capacitive-sensing button, an actuation detection electrical circuit, a proximity sensor, a proximity temperature sensor, and a processor. In use, the capacitive-sensing button receives an actuation from a user. The actuation alters a capacitance value of the button. The detection electrical circuit comprises a threshold value and it outputs a button actuation signal when the capacitance value exceeds the threshold value. The proximity sensor generates a proximity signal when an object is provided near the capacitive-sensing button. The proximity temperature sensor provides a temperature measurement of the nearby area. The processor adjusts the threshold value to an adjustment value that is derived from the comparison signal.