3D Capacitive Object Detection for Stable Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitance sensing systems face challenges in accurately detecting the presence and position of conductive objects due to unintentional movements and electrical noise, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
The method involves fitting a geometric shape to the detected presence of a conductive object, stabilizing the detection by assigning consistent capacitance values to regions, and using these shapes to mitigate the effects of noise and movement, allowing for more accurate position calculation and identification of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitance sensing is used to detect conductive objects, then user interface functionality is enabled, but detection accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to unintentional movements and electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by fitting a geometric shape to the detected presence and calculating expected capacitance values before final detection. This preliminary modeling allows the system to establish a reference framework that accounts for natural variations in conductive object placement, thereby improving subsequent detection accuracy and consistency despite unintentional movements or electrical noise
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by using fitted geometric shapes to transform raw capacitance measurements into standardized position calculations. By converting variable capacitance readings into consistent geometric parameters (such as center points of fitted shapes), the system maintains measurement precision even when the conductive object's exact position varies slightly or when electrical noise is present
2Measurement precision
If geometric shape fitting is applied to stabilize detection, then position calculation accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the capacitance sensing array into discrete regions and fitting geometric shapes to specific detected presences in each region. This segmentation allows independent processing of each detected object, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining position calculation accuracy for each individual object through localized shape fitting
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 enhances the accuracy and consistency of detecting the presence and position of conductive objects, reducing the impact of unintentional movements and electrical noise, thereby improving user input reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive sensing typically involves measuring a change in capacitance associated with the capacitive sensor elements to determine a presence or position of a conductive object relative to the capacitive sensor elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to determine a plurality of regions, each of the plurality of regions having a detected change in sensor value that meets or exceeds a threshold value, fit a three dimensional shape to the plurality of regions, and determine a position of an object.