Capacitive Object Examination Multi-Sample Signal Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for examining objects using electric fields struggle to differentiate between various object types due to similar peak values produced during coupling operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a set of active electrodes with a processor that sequentially energizes multiple transmitter electrodes and samples analog output signals from receiver electrodes multiple times during each coupling operation, producing additional data samples beyond the initial peak value to enhance differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single peak value is sampled during each coupling operation, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the ability to differentiate between object types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sampling process into multiple discrete sampling points within each coupling operation. Instead of taking a single peak value, the system samples the analog output signal at multiple time points (including before, at, and after the peak), creating segmented data points that collectively provide richer information for object differentiation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional peak value measurement to multi-dimensional signal characterization by sampling across multiple time dimensions. This creates a temporal profile of the coupling signal that adds dimensional information beyond the single peak value, enabling better differentiation of object types through their unique signal evolution patterns.
2Loss of information
If multiple samples are taken during each coupling operation, then more detailed signal characteristics are captured, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sampling actions during each coupling operation to capture the complete signal profile before full data processing occurs. By pre-capturing multiple signal characteristics (peak value, rise time, decay characteristics) during the coupling operation itself, the system prepares processed-ready data that reduces the complexity of subsequent analysis while preserving comprehensive signal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate data structures and processing steps that bridge the raw multi-sample data and the final object classification. These intermediaries (such as calculated signal parameters and feature extractions) organize the complex multi-dimensional data into manageable characteristics that facilitate subsequent analysis without losing important signal information.
3Productivity
If only peak value sampling is performed, then the coupling operation is fast, but the quality and detail of received data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial excessive action by sampling at multiple time points beyond the single peak value measurement. While this increases the number of samples taken, the system strategically selects specific sampling moments (including pre-peak, peak, and post-peak points) to capture essential signal characteristics without excessively multiplying the total sampling burden, thus maintaining operational speed while improving data quality.
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 improves the quality of data received by capturing more detailed signal characteristics, allowing for better differentiation between object types based on their electrical properties.
Implementation Method 1
an energized transmitter electrode and a monitored receiver electrode establish a coupled pair of capacitively coupled electrodes during a coupling operation
Data Source
AI summary
The examination of objects using electric fields is disclosed. A selected electrode (202) is energized as a transmitter and a different selected electrode (203) is monitored as a receiver to establish a capacitively coupled pair of electrodes defining a coupling operation. A plurality of transmitter electrodes are sequentially energized to establish a plurality of coupling operations during a scanning cycle. An analog output signal (205) from the monitored receiver electrode is sampled to produce first sample data (211) during each coupling operation. Further sampling of the analog output signal is then performed to produce additional sample data (213) during each coupling operation.