Patent classifications
H03K2217/96073
WIRELESS CAPACITIVE PRESENCE DETECTION
Systems and methods for wireless capacitive presence detection are disclosed. In embodiments, a method includes: generating, by a tank circuit of a wireless presence detector, an electric field applied to a balanced electrode of the wireless presence detector utilizing power from a battery of the wireless presence detector; measuring, by a capacitive sensor of the wireless presence detector, a change in capacitance of the balance electrode; determining, by a microcontroller of the wireless presence detector, that the change in capacitance indicates a presence of a person within a predetermined distance of the balance electrode; and sending, by a radio circuit of the wireless presence detector, an alert to a remote gateway using a radio frequency sub-gigahertz (Ghz) transmission, wherein the alert is based on the determining that the change in capacitance indicates the presence of a person within the predetermined distance of the balance electrode.
Wireless Power Transmission Using a Capacitive Sensor
A capacitor sensor array (or grid) over a wireless power transmission coil can include a first set of lines; a second set of lines intersecting the first set of lines; a first multiplexer coupled to provide a charge (e.g. in the form of a DC voltage) from a voltage source to the first set of lines and provide first signals to detect voltages on each line; and a second multiplexer coupled to provide a charge from the voltage source to the second set of lines and provide second signals to detect voltages on each line, wherein an object positioned with respect to the first set of lines and the second set of lines is located. According to some embodiments, a wireless power receive coil and a rectifier circuit can be used in forming a capacitor sensor, to sense the capacitance between the receive and transmit coils for better alignment between the two coils. Other embodiments are also provided.
Input device and electronic apparatus
Provided are an input device and an electronic apparatus each including capacitive elements and being capable of allowing a plurality of information items to be separately input by simple operations. The input device includes: a capacitive element; a conductor that can be electrostatically coupled to the capacitive element; an operation portion that allows a load to be applied to the conductor; and a retaining portion that retains the conductor apart from the capacitive element. The retaining portion is capable of displacing the conductor with respect to the capacitive element in a stepwise manner in accordance with the load that is applied to the conductor through intermediation of the operation portion, and is capable of retaining the conductor at a plurality of positions with respect to the capacitive element.
Capacitive sensor arrangement and vehicle outer handle
A capacitive sensor arrangement (4), for sensing an approaching object (5), is configured as a contact sensor (9) including a plurality of aligned, flat, spaced apart electrodes (4.1 to 4.n). One electrode (4.1) is a main electrode (S) and other electrodes are auxiliary electrodes (H). The evaluation unit (6) monitors the electrodes (4.1 to 4.n) together, such that changes in the capacitances of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and changes in the capacitance of the main electrode are sensed and compared with one another and/or are compared with prescribed reference values. The evaluation unit (6) plausibility checks the sensed changes (D(S)) in the capacitance of the main electrode (S) on the basis of the sensed changes (D(H)) in the capacitances of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes (H) as to whether or not contacting of the main electrode or an approach towards the main electrode (S) has taken place.
Adaptive bias circuit for power event detection comparator
A system includes: a power supply; an adaptively biased power event detection comparator; and an adaptive bias circuit for the adaptively biased power event detection comparator. The adaptively biased power event detection comparator is configured to compare a first input corresponding to a voltage level of the power supply with a second input corresponding to a reference voltage. The adaptive bias circuit is configured to increase a bias current for the adaptively biased power event detection comparator based on the voltage level of the power supply decreasing to be closer to the reference voltage.
Capacitance sensing and inductance sensing in different modes
An apparatus for inductive sensing or capacitive sensing is described. The apparatus may include a signal generator to output on a first terminal a first signal in a first mode and a second signal in a second mode. The apparatus may include a charge measuring circuit to receive on a second terminal a third signal in the first mode and a fourth signal in the second mode. The third signal is representative of an inductance of a sense unit coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal. The fourth signal is representative of a capacitance of the sense unit.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING NARROW BEZEL AND PROXIMITY SENSING METHOD FOR THE SAME
Disclosed are an electronic device including a narrow bezel and a proximity sensing method for the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a first sensor configured to be arranged in a first area which is at least part of the non-display area of a front surface including a display, and to detect first capacitance between a first object in front of the front surface and the first sensor; a second sensor configured to be arranged in a first side surface adjacent to the first area, and to detect second capacitance between a second object in front of the first side surface and the second sensor; and a processor configured to generate sensing information by compensating the first capacitance based on the second capacitance, and to determine the proximity of the first object based on the sensing information.
Fluid connector with exhaust valve
An fluid connector apparatus having an exhalation insert that provides an improved exhalation feature whereby exhaled breathing gas flows out of the fluid connector apparatus in the form of elongated blades of gas. The elongated blades of gas enable improved fluid flow when compared with conventional circular jets of gas and advantageously also entrain atmospheric gases adjacent the gas blades to facilitate diffusion and dissipation of the gas blades. The fluid connector apparatus includes one or more elongated flow channels formed between the exhalation insert and the fluid connector. The exhaust gas flows through the flow channels, and the flow channels cause the discharged gas to be output in the form of the elongated blades of gas. The exhalation feature enables the outputting of exhaled breathing gas in greater volumes, at reduced velocities, and with reduced acoustic signature.
Capacitive sensor readout circuit
A capacitive sensor device is provided. The capacitive sensor device may include a clock module configured to generate a clock signal, a sensor module configured to generate a reference signal and a sense signal, and sample a difference between the reference signal and the sense signal according to the clock signal, and a current supply module configured to selectively generate a bias current according to the clock signal, and charge each of the clock module and the sensor module based on the bias current and according to the clock signal.
Elastomer suspension with actuation functionality or sensing functionality
A haptic-enabled user interface device comprising a user input component, an elastomer suspension, a signal generating circuit, a signal sensing circuit, one or more switches, and a control unit is presented. The elastomer suspension is formed by at least one stack that includes an elastomeric layer, wherein the at least one stack forms at least one capacitor. The control unit is configured, in an actuation mode, to cause the one or more switches to electrically connect the signal generating circuit to the at least one capacitor and to electrically disconnect the signal sensing circuit from at least one capacitor, and to cause the signal generating circuit to apply a drive signal to the at least one capacitor. The control unit is further configured, in a sensing mode, to cause the one or more switches to electrically connect the signal sensing circuit to the at least one capacitor.