Dual-Inductance Proximity Sensing for RF Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors in electronic devices rely on a single sensing method, leading to false detections due to environmental interference, which affects device performance and communication modules.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor utilizing two sensing signals, self-inductance and mutual-inductance modes, to accurately differentiate between human proximity and environmental factors like water, reducing interference with communication modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensing method is used for proximity detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensing accuracy deteriorates due to false detections from environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is divided into a first sensing part and a second sensing part, each performing different sensing operations (first and second sensing signals respectively). This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between human proximity and environmental factors like water, thereby improving sensing accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two different sensing methods with distinct sensing parameters (first sensing signal and second sensing signal) to detect proximity. By changing the sensing parameters and comparing results from both methods, the system can accurately distinguish human proximity from environmental interference, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy
2Reliability
If the proximity sensor operates continuously to improve detection reliability, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the interference with the communication module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit performs sensing operations periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the sensing element at specific intervals to generate sensing signals, then pauses to allow the communication module to operate without interference. This periodic action maintains detection reliability while reducing harmful interference to communication functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation by coordinating between sensing and communication modules. The controller manages the timing of sensing operations based on communication needs, making the sensing process adaptive rather than static. This dynamic approach ensures reliable proximity detection while minimizing interference with communication operations
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
Enhances sensing accuracy by distinguishing between human presence and environmental factors, thereby reducing the interference with communication modules, thus improving device performance.
Implementation Method 1
executing a self-inductance sensing mode and a mutual-inductance mode for generating a self-inductance sensing signal and a mutual-inductance sensing signal, respectively
Implementation Method 2
executing a self-inductance sensing mode and a mutual-inductance mode for generating a self-inductance sensing signal and a mutual-inductance sensing signal, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor and a proximity sensing method are disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a sensing element and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is coupled to the sensing element and transmits a first driving signal and a second signal to the sensing element, respectively. The sensing element receives the first driving signal and the second driving signal, respectively, and generates a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal, respectively. The sensing circuit generates a proximity signal according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. The accuracy of sensing the proximity of the human body whether near to the sensor is improved. In addition, the sensing circuit is further coupled to a radio-frequency circuit, and the sensing circuit transmits a driving signal or/and receives a sensing signal according to the state of the radio-frequency circuit, thereby reducing interference of the sensing circuit to the radio-frequency circuit.