Illuminating Device with Dual Electrode Capacitance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current planar illumination devices lack the capability to detect electrostatic capacitance with different sensitivities, limiting their ability to change light emission modes based on user operations such as touch and proximity detection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a planar first electrode and a planar second electrode with a light emitting layer between them, along with a first detection unit for touch operations and a second detection unit for proximity sensing, allowing for electrostatic capacitance detection with varying sensitivities through a control unit that manages light emission, touch, and proximity sensing periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only one touch detection circuit is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect both touch and proximity operations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection circuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device uses a single detection circuit to perform multiple functions: touch detection, proximity detection, and light emission control. The control unit switches the detection circuit between different detection modes based on the required function, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits for each operation type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit's sensitivity and function are dynamically adjusted by the control unit based on the current operation mode. The system transitions between touch detection mode, proximity detection mode, and light emission mode as needed, allowing one circuit to adapt to different detection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection circuits are provided for touch and proximity detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic capacitance detectionVSAvoiddetection circuit quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single detection circuit is designed to perform both touch and proximity detection functions by adjusting its operating parameters. The control unit configures the detection circuit to operate in different modes, achieving multiple detection capabilities without requiring multiple separate circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit's sensitivity and detection parameters are dynamically changed by the control unit to suit different detection needs. For touch detection, the circuit operates with one set of parameters, while for proximity detection, it switches to another parameter set, allowing one circuit to achieve precision detection for multiple operation types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the illumination device to detect touch and proximity with different sensitivities, simplifying configuration, reducing costs, and improving user interaction by seamlessly switching between touch and proximity detection modes without affecting light emission stability.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting layer which is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and emits light in accordance with a current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a first detection unit that is electrically connected to the first electrode and detects an electrostatic capacitance of the first electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a second detection unit electrically connected to the second electrode and detecting a capacitance of the second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3514452B1Illuminating device
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3514452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an illuminating device that can be detected with different sensitivities. An illumination device (100) is provided with: a planar anode (12); a planar cathode (14) that is disposed facing the anode (12); a light emitting layer (13), which is disposed between the anode (12) and the cathode (14), and which emits light in accordance with a current flowing between the anode (12) and the cathode (14); a detection unit (40) for detecting the capacitance of the anode (12), the detection circuit being electrically connected to the anode (12); and a detection circuit (50) for detecting the capacitance of the cathode (14), the detection circuit being electrically connected to the cathode (14).