Nested Capacitive Sensors for Earphone Wearing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearing detection systems for smart wearable devices, such as headphones, often inaccurately determine when the device is worn by a human ear due to false triggers from touch objects like fingers or palms, leading to unwanted activation of functions.
Innovation Solution
A wearing detection apparatus with at least one first capacitive sensor and one second capacitive sensor, where the first sensor is disposed inside the second sensor, detects the difference in coupling capacitance between a touch object and both sensors to accurately determine if the headphone is worn by a human ear, reducing false triggers by utilizing the distinct capacitance changes caused by different touch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitive sensor is used to detect wearing status, then the device structure is simple, but false detection occurs when touch objects like fingers or palms contact the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple capacitive sensors (first capacitive sensor and second capacitive sensor) positioned at different locations. The first sensor detects coupling capacitance when touched by a touch object, while the second sensor detects capacitance change when the earphone is worn. By segmenting the detection function across multiple sensors, the system can distinguish between false touches and actual wearing events, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive sensors are deployed at different positions, then wearing detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first capacitive sensor inside the second capacitive sensor, creating a nested sensor arrangement. This nesting structure allows both sensors to be integrated into a compact space, minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling the system to detect different capacitance patterns for wearing versus touching events. The nested configuration efficiently uses space and reduces structural complexity compared to separate sensor placements.
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 solution improves the accuracy of wearing detection, reduces false response rates, and enhances user experience by correctly distinguishing between human ear contact and other touch objects, thereby optimizing sensor placement and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor is disposed in the headset, and when the headset is close to the ear, whether the headset is worn well is determined according to a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A wearing detection apparatus and method, and an earphone are provided. The wearing detection apparatus is configured to be mounted on an earphone and includes: at least one first capacitive sensor and at least one second capacitive sensor, where the first capacitive sensor is disposed at an inner side of the second capacitive sensor; and a detection module configured to detect a first coupling capacitance between a touch object touching the earphone and the first capacitive sensor and a second coupling capacitance between the touch object and the second capacitive sensor when the earphone is touched, and to determine whether the earphone is worn by a human ear according to a difference between the first coupling capacitance and the second coupling capacitance.