Single Sensor Detecting Capacitance and Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors are limited in their ability to simultaneously detect multiple parameters, such as conductive objects and environmental parameters, using a single apparatus, as they often require separate mechanisms for capacitance and resistance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a sensor with variable capacitance and resistance, where different input signals are provided at different times to measure capacitance and resistance independently, allowing for the detection of multiple parameters using a single sensor with processing circuitry and memory to calculate and store these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for capacitance and resistance measurements, then measurement precision for each parameter is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitance and resistance sensing capabilities into a single sensor apparatus. The sensor structure integrates both capacitive and resistive sensing elements, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions that previously required separate sensors. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the measurement precision of both parameters through dedicated measurement circuits for each parameter type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to detect both capacitance changes (for conductive object detection) and resistance changes (for environmental parameter detection). The universal sensor structure can operate in different modes depending on the input signal applied, enabling a single device to serve multiple sensing purposes and reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors.
2Device complexity
If multiple parameters are sensed using a single sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for each parameter may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct measurement phases and circuits. The controller sequentially applies different input signals (first input signal for capacitance, second input signal for resistance) and uses separate measurement circuits to process each parameter independently. This temporal and circuit segmentation allows the single sensor to maintain measurement precision for both parameters by isolating the measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor measurement process uses periodic action where the controller alternates between providing the first input signal for capacitance measurement and the second input signal for resistance measurement. This periodic switching allows the sensor to be measured for different parameters at different times, preventing interference between parameter measurements and maintaining precision for each parameter type.
3Measurement precision
If different input signals are provided at different times for capacitance and resistance measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system maintains continuous operation by sequentially measuring both capacitance and resistance parameters without idle time between measurements. The controller continuously provides appropriate input signals and processes output signals in rapid succession, ensuring that the sensor is constantly being measured for different parameters. This continuous measurement approach minimizes downtime and maintains high productivity while preserving measurement precision through proper signal sequencing.
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 simultaneous detection of multiple parameters, including conductive objects and environmental parameters, with improved sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for a wider range of user inputs and applications, such as touch sensing and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor may be configured to provide a variable capacitance that varies in response to a first sensed parameter
Implementation Method 2
a variable resistance that varies in response to a second sensed parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program wherein the method comprises: providing a first input signal to a sensor; measuring a first output signal provided from the sensor in response to the first input signal and calculating capacitance of the sensor from the first measured output signal; providing a second input signal to the sensor; measuring the output signal provided from the sensor in response to the second input signal and calculating resistance of the sensor from the second measured output signal; wherein the first and second input signals are provided at different times.