Dynamic Electrostatic Threshold Adjustment for Contact Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostatic switches face challenges in accurately determining contact by an operator due to variations in electrostatic capacity caused by factors like glove use and individual differences, and existing solutions require a mechanical switch to adjust threshold values, leading to potential misjudgment and delayed input acceptance.
Innovation Solution
An input accepting device that adjusts the threshold value for an electrostatic sensor without requiring a mechanical switch, using contact judging and setting means to determine contact based on detected electrostatic capacity values, setting the threshold value based on average or candidate values, and transitioning between states to optimize contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed threshold value is used for judging contact, then the device structure remains simple, but accurate judgment cannot be carried out when operators wear gloves or have individual differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the operator's electrostatic capacity when no contact is being made, stores this baseline value, and uses it to dynamically adjust the threshold. This preliminary action enables accurate contact detection adapted to each operator's characteristics without adding complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic sensor serves dual purposes: it both detects contact operations and measures the operator's electrostatic capacity characteristics. The system uses the sensor's own measurements to automatically adjust thresholds, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices or mechanical switches.
2Ease of operation
If the threshold value is adjusted based on mechanical switch depression, then the threshold can be adapted to operator characteristics, but the device cannot accept contact input until the mechanical switch is depressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the operator's electrostatic capacity during the approach phase (before contact), stores this baseline value, and pre-calculates the appropriate threshold. This eliminates the time delay because the threshold is already prepared when the operator approaches, allowing immediate contact detection without requiring mechanical switch depression first.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based threshold adjustment with an electrostatic sensing system that automatically measures operator characteristics and adjusts thresholds electronically. This substitution eliminates the requirement for mechanical switch depression and enables seamless contact operation acceptance from the beginning.
3Measurement precision
If a high threshold value is set to avoid false positives with bare hands, then contact detection is accurate for bare hands, but contact operations cannot be determined when operators wear gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the threshold parameter dynamically based on the measured operator's electrostatic capacity. By measuring each operator's baseline capacity (whether wearing gloves or not) and setting the threshold relative to this baseline, the system maintains accurate contact detection across different conditions without being constrained by fixed threshold values.
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold value transitions from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that automatically adapts to each operator's characteristics. The system continuously or periodically measures operator electrostatic capacity and adjusts the threshold accordingly, enabling the device to adapt to glove usage, individual differences, and changing conditions in real-time.
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 accurate and immediate contact detection regardless of glove use or individual differences, reducing false positives and negatives, and allowing for seamless operation without the need for mechanical switch activation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic sensor is provided at an operation surface, and input operation by an operator is accepted based on the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An input accepting device includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory. In a case in which a detected value of electrostatic capacity detected by an electrostatic sensor is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the processor accepts operation due to contact of an operator. In a case in which a state, in which the detected value of the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic sensor is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, continues for a first time period, the processor determines that there is contact by the operator. In a case in which it is determined that there is contact by the operator, the processor sets the first threshold value to a value that is greater than or equal to the second threshold value based on the detected value detected by the electrostatic sensor.