Dynamic Capacitor Plate Arrangement for Non-Contact Input Field Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-contact input apparatuses using floating capacitive sensing technology face limitations in detecting objects beyond the coverage of the electric field generated by fixed capacitor plates, leading to reduced accuracy and effectiveness as the area of touch-positioning units increases, resulting in decreased detection precision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the intensity of the electric field by detecting a capacitance threshold and changing the relative position or connection of capacitor plates, allowing the electric field to be dynamically adjusted to maintain coverage of detection objects, including determining vector directions, forming curvatures, and switching between groups of capacitor plates with varying maximum capacitances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the area of touch-positioning units increases, then the coverage of the electric field increases, but the number of touch-positioning units decreases, resulting in decreased detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the capacitor plate arrangement changeable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the arrangement of capacitor plates based on detected object positions, allowing the system to optimize both coverage area and detection accuracy for different scenarios. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to have large coverage when needed while maintaining high detection accuracy through selective activation of appropriate capacitor plate configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of capacitor plate arrangement from fixed to variable. By controlling different groups of capacitor plates to be connected or disconnected based on detection needs, the system can adjust the effective area and distribution of the electric field. This parameter change allows the system to maintain multiple touch-positioning units with adequate spacing, preserving detection accuracy while providing sufficient coverage area.
2Device complexity
If the capacitor plates are fixed in arrangement, then the system structure is simple, but the electric field coverage is limited and cannot detect objects beyond the coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static capacitor plate arrangement into a dynamic configuration controlled by a control unit. The system can switch between different groups of capacitor plates based on the position and characteristics of detected objects, thereby expanding the effective coverage range without requiring a permanently complex structure. The complexity is managed through software control rather than permanent hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the capacitor plate system multi-functional by enabling different groups of capacitor plates to serve different detection zones. The same physical capacitor plates can be configured in different arrangements to cover various areas, making the system adaptable to objects at different positions and reducing the need for multiple dedicated sensor arrays for different zones.
3Area of stationary object
If the intensity of the electric field is increased to extend coverage, then the detection range increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of capacitor plate activation, where only the necessary groups of capacitor plates are connected and energized based on the current detection requirements. When objects are detected within the coverage area of certain capacitor plate groups, only those groups remain active while others are disconnected, significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to having all capacitor plates continuously powered for maximum coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic scanning and detection cycles, activating capacitor plate groups only when needed for detection cycles. Between detection cycles or when certain zones are not required, the corresponding capacitor plates are disconnected, creating a periodic pattern of energy consumption rather than continuous high-energy operation, thus reducing average power consumption while maintaining detection capability.
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 approach enhances the detection accuracy and precision by increasing the electric field intensity, ensuring that detection objects remain within the coverage area, thereby improving the overall performance of non-contact input systems.
Implementation Method 1
the distance between the detection object and the capacitor plate is detected
Implementation Method 2
the floating capacitive sensing
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a method for adjusting an electric field intensity, comprising: when detecting that a probe capacitance threshold generated by a capacitor plate group reaches a preset critical value, changing relative positions of or a connection relationship between capacitor plates in the capacitor plate group, and adjusting an electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group. By using the method for adjusting an electric field intensity of the present application, when an electric field intensity generated by a capacitor plate group cannot cover an object to be detected, the electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group is increased by changing relative positions of or a connection relationship between capacitor plates, so that the electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group can continue to cover the object to be detected.