Capacitive Sensor Calibration via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive touch panels often require calibration, which can be inaccurately set when an electrically charged object, such as a human hand, is present, leading to non-functional areas post-calibration due to incorrect baseline capacitance settings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proximity sensor to detect potential interactions with capacitive sensors, allowing for delayed calibration or activation of capacitive sensors only when no charged objects are detected, thereby preventing incorrect baseline settings and reducing power consumption by switching between active and idle modes based on proximity sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitive sensors are continuously monitored and calibrated, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive sensor operates in periodic calibration cycles rather than continuous monitoring. The sensor switches between active and idle modes, performing calibration only at scheduled intervals when needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when actually in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions the capacitive sensor between active and idle operational modes based on proximity detection. When no charged objects are detected, the sensor enters idle mode to conserve energy; when objects approach, it activates to maintain calibration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If calibration is performed continuously, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaseline capacitance accuracyVSAvoiddevice responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Calibration is performed periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This approach maintains baseline capacitance accuracy when needed while allowing the device to operate at full productivity during intermediate periods without calibration interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration in advance during idle periods or when the device is not in active use. By preparing the baseline capacitance settings beforehand, the device ensures measurement precision is ready when needed without interrupting productivity during critical operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If capacitive sensors remain in active mode, then measurement precision is maintained, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive sensor dynamically switches between active and idle modes based on proximity sensor input. When charged objects are detected approaching, the sensor remains or transitions to active mode to maintain precision; when no objects are present, it enters idle mode to reduce power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the capacitive sensor. The proximity sensor detects approaching charged objects and triggers the capacitive sensor to activate or remain active, ensuring precision is maintained only when necessary while reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures accurate calibration by avoiding interference from charged objects and optimizes power usage by dynamically managing the operational mode of capacitive sensors based on proximity sensor inputs.

Implementation Method 1

Capacitive sensors may detect changes in capacitance in an electrical conductor of the touch panel due to interactions of an electrically charged object, such as a human finger, with an electrostatic field of the electrical conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field detection: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

Capacitive sensors may detect changes in capacitance in an electrical conductor of the touch panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance measurement: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9904419B2Capacitive sensor action in response to proximity sensor data

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Techniques for performing a capacitive sensor action are described herein. Data may be received from a proximity sensor of a computing device. The proximity data may indicate potential capacitive interaction of an electrically charged object with a capacitive sensor of a touch panel of the computing device. An action may be performed at the capacitive sensor in response to the proximity sensor data.