Vehicle Input Apparatus Noise Filtering via Random Electrode Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive proximity sensors in vehicles face reduced sensing sensitivity due to ambient noise, particularly when devices like smartphones are placed in the detection area, leading to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with multiple sensor electrodes and a controller that determines a capacitance reference value based on information from a subset of randomly selected electrodes, excluding those with noise and non-adjacent electrodes, to improve noise filtering and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all sensor electrodes are used to determine capacitance reference value, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the plurality of sensor electrodes into multiple groups and selectively determines capacitance reference values for each group based on noise detection results. This segmentation allows the system to process only relevant electrode data, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining measurement precision for active electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by determining capacitance reference values for only some sensor electrode groups rather than all electrodes. When noise is detected in a group, the system performs partial determination for remaining groups, reducing processing load while still achieving accurate reference values for the subset of functional electrodes.
2Loss of information
If noise-affected sensor electrodes are included in capacitance reference value determination, then data completeness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and identifies sensor electrodes affected by noise through detection mechanisms, then excludes these specific electrodes from capacitance reference value determination. This extraction of problematic data points allows the system to maintain completeness of overall sensor coverage while ensuring precision by excluding only the noisy measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor electrode outputs for noise conditions and using this information to dynamically adjust which electrodes are included in capacitance reference value calculations. This feedback loop ensures that noisy electrodes are excluded from determination processes, maintaining measurement precision while preserving data from functional electrodes.
3Reliability
If capacitance reference value is determined using all sensor electrodes, then reliability is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sensor electrodes into multiple groups and determines capacitance reference values for each group independently based on noise detection. This segmentation enables parallel or selective processing of electrode groups, significantly improving processing speed while maintaining reliability through group-by-group verification and noise filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by determining capacitance reference values for only those sensor electrode groups that are not affected by noise. When noise is detected in a group, the system skips determination for that group and proceeds with remaining groups, thereby improving overall processing speed while maintaining sensing accuracy for functional electrodes.
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
Enhances the accuracy and processing speed of capacitance reference value calculation by filtering noise and reducing data processing, thereby improving the overall performance of the input apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive proximity sensor technology is configured to detect a change in capacitance of a proximity sensor caused by an object that is approaching
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus for a vehicle is provided with a plurality of sensor electrodes; and a controller is configured to determine a capacitance reference value of the input apparatus based on information about sensor values collected from a subset of sensor electrodes, which is randomly selected from the plurality of sensor electrodes.