Multi-Electrode Capacitive Sensing for Accurate Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensors face challenges in reliably detecting objects at a distance, especially when objects are far away and decoupled from the environmental potential, leading to issues with false positives and reduced detection accuracy due to varying object sizes and coupling to the environment.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor system comprising multiple sensors with spatial diversity, where measurement signals from multiple electrodes are evaluated to determine object position and shape, allowing for long-range detection independent of object properties and environmental coupling, using a processor to combine signals and estimate object location accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single capacitive sensor device is used for long-range detection, then the detection range is extended, but the detection accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to false positives and environmental coupling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple independent sensor devices (at least three) arranged in spatial distribution. Each sensor device independently measures objects in its own field region, and the evaluation device combines these measurements to achieve accurate long-range detection while eliminating false positives that would occur with a single sensor.
2Reliability
If the sensitivity of a capacitive sensor is increased to detect far-range objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the false positive rate increases due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device receives measurement signals from multiple sensor devices and processes them to determine object position and shape. By comparing and cross-validating measurements from multiple sensors, the system provides feedback that eliminates false positives while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting actual objects at a distance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor devices are used to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor devices into a unified sensor arrangement with a central evaluation device that processes all measurement signals. This merging approach achieves high detection accuracy through spatial diversity while managing complexity by using a coordinated system architecture where each sensor device follows the same structure and the evaluation device applies consistent processing algorithms.
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
The system enables reliable detection of objects at a distance, reducing false positives and improving robustness by accounting for object size and coupling, while maximizing sensitivity and detection range, thus enhancing safety and accuracy in proximity detection.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive sensors are used in a variety of ways to detect objects and in particular dielectric and conductive objects in the vicinity of an electric field. The capacitive operating principle is particularly well suited for recognizing persons and living beings.
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitive sensor device which has a first electrode and a second electrode between which a first electric field can be built up
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sensor arrangement (10) for detecting objects (50) with a first capacitive sensor device (2) which has a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) between which a first electric field (E1) can be established and with a second capacitive sensor device (4) which has a first electrode (42) and a second electrode (44) between which a second electric field (E2) can be established, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (10) has a third capacitive sensor device (6) which has a first electrode (62) and a second electrode (64) between which a third electric field (E3) can be established.