Capacitive Sensor Object Recognition Without Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive touch sensors struggle to effectively recognize non-grounded objects without electrical connection, particularly those embedded in non-conducting materials, as they rely on physical contact for capacitance detection.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor system that includes a mutual capacitance sensor and a controller to detect the spatial pattern of embedded detectable elements on non-grounded objects, generating an object identifier based on proximity and capacitance changes, allowing recognition without physical contact or electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact is required for capacitance detection, then detection reliability is improved, but the ability to detect non-grounded objects is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based detection with capacitive sensing that detects changes in capacitance values caused by the proximity or presence of objects, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitance changes as an intermediary to detect the presence and characteristics of non-grounded objects indirectly, allowing detection without direct electrical connection or physical contact
2Adaptability or versatility
If mutual capacitance sensing is used, then detection of non-grounded objects is improved, but measurement precision for embedded elements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing area into multiple sensor locations arranged in a matrix, with each location independently measuring capacitance values, allowing precise localization and identification of embedded detectable elements through pattern recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection thresholds and analysis methods to different regions of the sensor matrix, optimizing measurement precision for embedded elements by considering their specific spatial patterns and capacitance characteristics
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
Enables reliable recognition of non-grounded objects, including those embedded in non-conducting materials, by translating capacitance measurements into object identifiers, facilitating applications in game boards, security, and modular systems.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive touch sensor may be configured to detect changes in channel capacitance at one or more sensor locations of the capacitive touch sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a controller for an object-recognition system. The controller may include a capacitive-sensor-button controller configured to provide a button-status report at least partially responsive to proximity of the object to specified areas of a capacitive sensor. The controller may also include a recognizer configured to generate an object identifier at least partially responsive to the button-status report when an object having a plurality of detectable elements in a predetermined spatial pattern is in proximity thereof. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a controller for an object-recognition system. The controller may include a reader configured to capture channel-capacitance measurements of a capacitive sensor. The controller may also include a recognizer configured to generate an object identifier at least partially responsive to a set of channel-capacitance measurements captured by the reader when the object is in proximity to the capacitive sensor.