Capacitive Sensor Calibration for Vehicle Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operation input detection devices for vehicles face challenges in maintaining detection sensitivity and reducing power consumption due to frequent calibration caused by environmental influences, leading to increased power consumption and potential erroneous detections.
Innovation Solution
An operation input detection device with a capacitive sensor and a sensor calibration section that executes calibration only when specific threshold conditions are met, such as changes in sensor output direction and duration, to set a new reference and prevent interference with operation input detection, thereby reducing power consumption and erroneous detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is repeated at short intervals to maintain detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is maintained, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration execution determination section dynamically adjusts the calibration frequency based on actual sensor output conditions. Instead of fixed periodic calibration, the system executes calibration only when specific conditions are met (sensor output changes in one direction exceeding first threshold, then changes in opposite direction exceeding second threshold within predetermined time), optimizing the balance between maintaining detection sensitivity and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration execution parameter from fixed periodic timing to condition-based timing. By monitoring sensor output parameter changes and comparing against thresholds, the system determines calibration execution timing adaptively, reducing unnecessary calibration operations while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If calibration is executed frequently to avoid erroneous detections, then detection accuracy is maintained, but stored energy of battery is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor calibration section uses feedback from sensor output changes to determine when calibration is needed. The calibration execution determination section monitors the sensor output, and when specific patterns are detected (changes exceeding thresholds in opposite directions within predetermined time), it triggers calibration. This feedback mechanism ensures calibration is performed only when necessary, maintaining detection accuracy while conserving battery energy.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is executed under influences of objects in vicinity, then new reference is set reliably, but detection sensitivity decreases due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor output changes before executing calibration. By monitoring whether sensor output changes meet specific conditions (exceeding thresholds in opposite directions within predetermined time), the system determines the appropriate timing for calibration, ensuring that calibration is executed at optimal moments when it will most effectively restore detection sensitivity without being unduly influenced by transient environmental factors.
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
The device effectively maintains detection sensitivity while minimizing power consumption by accurately setting new references for the capacitive sensor output, reducing the impact of environmental influences and foreign matter on detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor output of the capacitive sensor changes when an object to be detected approaches or separates from the operation input section
Data Source
AI summary
An operation input detection device includes an operation input section, a capacitive sensor, an operation input detecting section, and a sensor calibration section, which executes calibration of the capacitive sensor. The sensor calibration section includes an irregular calibration section. The irregular calibration section executes the calibration if the sensor output that has changed in the same direction as when the object to be detected approaches the operation input section exceeds a first threshold value, and the sensor output subsequently changes in the opposite direction and exceeds a second threshold value set in the opposite direction within a predetermined time.