Capacitive Proximity Sensor for Electro-Optical Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electro-optical observation devices, such as thermal imaging and night-vision devices, face challenges in optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining user convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optical observation device incorporates a capacitive proximity sensor using an electrically conductive element, such as a housing component or lens mount, to detect user presence. This sensor controls the display unit, deactivating it when the user is not present to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display unit remains active continuously, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive proximity sensor detects user approach in advance before the display needs to be activated. When a user approaches the eyepiece, the sensor triggers the display to activate proactively, ensuring the display is ready for immediate use. This preliminary detection and activation prevents energy waste while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about user presence to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device dynamically adjusts the display state (on/off) in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures the display is active only when needed, optimizing the balance between user convenience and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display unit is deactivated to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive proximity sensor performs preliminary detection of user approach before the display is deactivated. When a user approaches, the sensor triggers early activation of the display, ensuring it is ready before the user needs to view the image. This prevents inconvenience while maintaining energy efficiency during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives continuous feedback from the capacitive proximity sensor about user presence and adjusts display activation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the display activates automatically when a user approaches, maintaining convenience while consuming energy only when necessary.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automatic display control based on proximity detection is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects user presence for display control, and can potentially serve other observation control functions. By making existing components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the capacitive proximity sensor to automatically detect user presence and control display activation without requiring manual user input or complex control interfaces. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting its own state based on sensor feedback, reducing the need for additional user interaction mechanisms and minimizing overall system complexity.
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 design enables energy-efficient operation by automatically switching the display on and off based on user presence, reducing unnecessary power consumption and preventing accidental illumination when the device is not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a control device which is in contact with the electrically conductive element and configured to form a capacitive proximity sensor with the electrically conductive element and control the display unit on the basis of a measured quantity ascertained with the capacitive proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical observation device includes a device housing, a lens group arranged in the device housing, and a display unit arranged in the device housing and being configured to display a captured image or overlay information on a beam path. Moreover, the observation device includes an eyepiece arranged on an exit side with respect to the display unit and including at least one electrically conductive element, and a control device. The control device is in contact with the electrically conductive element and configured to form a capacitive proximity sensor with the electrically conductive element and control the display unit based on a measured quantity ascertained with the capacitive proximity sensor.