CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MATCHING MEASURED PRESSURE AND/OR HUMIDITY VALUES

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system for measuring pressure and/or humidity, comprising at least one apparatus for measuring pressure and/or humidity, comprising at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity, wherein the sensor comprises at least one capacitor comprising at least two electrodes that are arranged, in particular, in a horizontal direction along and on an, in particular, flexible support material relative to one another. At least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes, wherein at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-adsorbing moisture layer is arranged at least in some places on a side, facing away from the support material, of at least one electrode and/or of the dielectric layer. The at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer are thus then arranged between the support material and the moisture layer in a transverse direction, such that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the liquid at least partially hitting the dielectric layer, wherein a processing unit is designed and provided to measure and/or store measurement values of the sensor. This creates a capacitive moisture sensor. The invention is characterized in that the data measured by the sensor is transmitted by the processing unit to a central CPU, wherein this data is processed by the processing unit.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. A control system (1000) for matching measured pressure and/or humidity values with pressure and/or humidity values stored in a database, having at least one apparatus (100) for measuring pressure and/or humidity, comprising, at least one sensor (1) for measuring pressure and/or humidity, wherein the sensor (1) has at least one capacitor (20) comprising at least two electrodes (10, 11) that are arranged in a horizontal direction (H1) relative to one another along and on a flexible support material (13), wherein at least one dielectric layer (4) is arranged between the electrodes (10, 11), and wherein at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer (3) is arranged at least in some places on a side, facing away from the support material (13), of at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or of the dielectric layer (2), wherein the at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) are thus arranged between the support material (13) and the moisture layer (3) in a transverse direction (Q1), such that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the liquid contacting the dielectric layer (4), wherein a processing unit (5) is designed and provided to measure and/or store measurement values of the sensor (1), so as to create a capacitive moisture sensor, wherein the data measured by the sensor is transmitted by the processing unit (5) to a central CPU (40), wherein this data is processed by the processing unit (5), characterized in that the central CPU (40) and/or the processing unit (5) compares this data, i.e., the pressure and/or humidity values, with values stored in a database or corresponding values sent to the database, and the central CPU (40) transmits a release signal to a matching device (6) if there is a match with these stored values or corresponding value ranges, the matching device thereupon releasing a usage object (7) for use.

11. The control system (1000) according to claim 10, characterized by at least one transmitting device (8) that transmits predetermined values or value ranges of the pressure and/or humidity values to the matching device (6), and the matching device (6) compares these received values with the values or value ranges transmitted from the central CPU (40) to the matching device (6).

12. The control system (1000) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmitting device (8) is a vehicle key or is at least part thereof, wherein the transmitting device (8) is designed and provided to communicate with the matching device (6) and/or the central CPU (40) by means of a wireless connection.

13. The control system (1000) according to claim 12, characterized in that the matching device (6) is installed so as to be integrated into the vehicle key.

14. The control system (1000) according to claim 10, characterized in that the matching device (6) releases a vehicle lock, an immobilizer, a steering wheel lock, a gas and/or brake pedal for use if there is a data match.

15. The control system (1000) according to claim 10, characterized in that the central CPU (40) determines at least one respective characteristic value on the basis of the individual moisture and pressure values, from which characteristic value(s) it can be inferred which individual, according to weight and/or size, has just occupied the apparatus (100) for measuring pressure and/or humidity, and/or in that after the vehicle seat is occupied, a pre-stored seat position, a pre-stored light and/or sound ambiance, pre-stored music and/or radio station, or other personalized services are selected and/or applied, in accordance with the identified person.

16. The control system (1000) according to claim 10, characterized in that in the event that the measured data does not match the stored data and/or deviates by more than 25% from the stored data values, a face detection device (9) acquires a face of the user on the basis of image data (B1), and, despite the data deviation, the usage element is enabled if the face detection device (9) identifies a user face as being identical to a face stored in the face detection device (9).

17. The control system (1000) according to claim 16, characterized in that the acquired image data (B1) is compared with an authorization data (B2), which is also stored in the database, wherein this comparison involves a classification comparison of at least one data class of the image data (B1) with at least one data class of the authorization data (B2), wherein the image data (B1) is classified on the basis of motion vectors of the user in such a manner that a motion profile is created by the face detection device (9) from the user's movement over time, wherein the motion profile of the user comprises motion vectors thereof, and also wherein a user and/or user movements are summarized in at least one data blob or data cluster that are then classified by form and/or extension.

18. A method (200) for matching measured pressure and/or humidity values, comprising the following steps by means of which a control system (1000) is provided, the control system comprising: at least one sensor (1) for measuring pressure and/or humidity is provided, wherein the sensor (1), at least one capacitor (20) comprising at least two electrodes (10, 11) that are arranged, in particular, in a horizontal direction (H1) relative to one another, along and on a flexible support material (13), wherein at least one dielectric layer (4) is arranged between the electrodes (10, 11), wherein at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-adsorbing moisture layer (3) is arranged at least in some places on a side, facing away from the 30 support material (13), of at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or of the dielectric layer (4), wherein the at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) are thus arranged between the support material (13) and the moisture layer (3) in a transverse direction (Q1), such that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the liquid at least partially hitting the dielectric layer (4), wherein a processing unit (5) measures and/or stores measurement values of the sensor (1), so as to create a capacitive moisture sensor, characterized in that the central CPU (40) and/or the processing unit (5) compares this data, i.e., the pressure and/or humidity values, with values stored in a database or corresponding values sent to the database, and the central CPU (40) transmits a release signal to a matching device (6) if there is a match with these stored values or corresponding value ranges, the matching device thereupon releasing a usage object (7) for use.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Like components or similarly-behaving components are provided with like reference signs.

[0138] FIG. 1A to 1C show an embodiment of a control system described here according to the invention.

[0139] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exploded drawing, depicted in relation to the order of layers, of a sensor of the apparatus described here.

[0140] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of an apparatus described here.

[0141] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an apparatus described here.

[0142] FIG. 1A shows a portion of a schematic construction of a control system 1000 described here according to the invention. The drawing shows a processing unit 5, which is in data communication with a plurality of sensors 1. The processing unit 5 forms an apparatus 100 together with the sensors 1. The humidity and/or pressure values measured by the individual sensors 1 are transmitted to a central CPU 40 in order to be stored and/or further processed there. Also present is a temperature sensor 60 that measures an ambient temperature and/or a temperature of the sensor 1 and forwards same to the processing unit 4 of the apparatus 100 and/or to the central CPU 40.

[0143] The central CPU 40 and/or the processing unit 5 compares this data, i.e., the pressure and/or humidity values, with values stored in a database or corresponding values sent to the database, and the central CPU 40 transmits a release signal to a matching device 6 ifpreferably only ifthere is a match with these stored values or corresponding value ranges, the matching device thereupon releasing a usage object 7 for use.

[0144] A transmitting device 8, which transmits predetermined values or value ranges of the pressure and/or humidity values to the matching device 6, is present, wherein the matching device 6 compares these received values with the values or value ranges transmitted by the central CPU 40 to the matching device 6.

[0145] The central CPU 40 can determine at least one respective characteristic value on the basis of the individual moisture and pressure values, from which characteristic value(s) it can be inferred which individual, according to weight and/or size, has just occupied the apparatus 100 for measuring pressure and/or humidity.

[0146] A face detection device 9, by means of which the acquired image data B1 is compared with the authorization data B2 that is also stored in the database, is also depicted, wherein this comparison involves a classification comparison of data classes of the image data B1 with data classes of the authorization data B2, wherein the image data B1 is classified on the basis of motion vectors of the user in such a manner that first a motion profile is created by the face detection device 9 from the user's movement over time, wherein the motion profile of the user comprises motion vectors thereof, and also wherein a user and/or user movements are summarized in so-called data blobs or data clusters that are then classified by form and/or extension.

[0147] FIG. 1B schematically illustrates the entire control system 1000, comprising a plurality of sensor groups that are formed by the individual apparatuses 100 for measuring pressure and/or humidity and each show a processing unit 5. Each processing unit 5 is therefore associated with a plurality of sensors 1.

[0148] FIG. 1C schematically illustrates an installation and integration of the control system 1000 into a chair, in particular an office chair.

[0149] As can be seen in FIG. 2, an apparatus 100 for measuring pressure and/or humidity is illustrated therein.

[0150] A sensor 1 is depicted by way of example therein, wherein the sensor 1 shows a capacitor 20 stack comprising a capacitor 20, as well as a capacitor 30, wherein the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 are arranged over one another in the horizontal direction H1, wherein it goes without saying that, as an alternative thereto, however, an assembly of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of an individual capacitor 20, 30 may run or be arranged in the transverse direction Q1, which runs perpendicularly to the horizontal direction H1, and thus 25 also perpendicularly to the main extension direction of the sensor 1 illustrated therein.

[0151] The individual electrodes 10, 11 are arranged on a support material 13. The support material 13 may be, in particular, a woven fabric, in particular a flexible woven fabric.

[0152] A water-impermeable layer 4 is arranged on the support material 13, wherein the two electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 are printed in the horizontal direction H1 on this water-impermeable layer 4.

[0153] The electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 are completely surrounded by another water-impermeable layer 14. The other capacitor 30, comprising corresponding electrodes 10, 11, is printed on this water-impermeable layer 14 in the same form and manner. In addition, the present embodiment, exposed outer surfaces of he individual electyrodes 10, 11 of the other capacitor 30 are preferably completely surrounded by a water-permeable and/or water-absorbing moisture layer 3.

[0154] Via this moisture layer 3, water can hit a dielectric layer 4, which in the present case is arranged between the respective electrodes 10, 11 of a capacitor 20, 30 in the horizontal direction H1.

[0155] In the present embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the water-impermeable layer 4 itself constitutes a dielectric layer 4 of the capacitor 20. The same is true for the other water-impermeable layer 14 in relation to the other capacitor 30.

[0156] Impact and penetration of the humidity through the moisture layer 3 alters the dielectric properties, in particular, of the dielectric layer 2 of the other capacitor 30.

[0157] Also visible is a processing unit 5 that has a data connection with the two capacitors 20, 30, wherein this processing unit 5 is designed and provided to measure a change in the relative humidity of the environment and/or of the moisture layer 3.

[0158] The stackwise arrangement depicted in FIG. 3 and the fact that the other water-impermeable layer 14 prevents the capacitor 20 from coming into contact with humidity may therefore provide that only the other capacitor 30 and the dielectric layer 4 thereof are exposed to the humidity. For this purpose, the processing unit 5 may then compare a change in the capacitance of the other capacitor 30 with the stable capacitor capacitance of the capacitor 20, such that, for this purpose, an especially simple comparison may be produced in the change in the relative humidity and/also in the respective load pressure.

[0159] The arrow depicted in FIG. 2 also illustrates a direction of pressure in which the sensor 1 is subjected to pressure. Both can preferably be measured, evaluated, and stored by the sensor 1 and, in particular, by the apparatus 100. This is achieved in particular by the processing unit 5, which is presented as being essential in the invention and can also additionally measure and evaluate corresponding pressure values and, in this respect, related changes in the capacitance of the individual sensors 1, such that the processing unit 5 is additionally designed and provided to measure and/or store a change, caused by external pressure, in the capacitance of the capacitor 20 and, in particular, also of the other capacitor 30.

[0160] The moisture layer 3 may be configured so as to be flexible or non-flexible. It is also possible for the moisture layer 3 to be configured as a woven fabric. In particular, it may be a woven fabric that was mentioned by way of example in the introductory part of the present application. It is, however, also possible for the moisture layer 3 to be a substrate that is applied, for example adhered, to the other capacitor 30, for example in the form of an epitaxy or bonding process. 10

[0161] The water-impermeable layer 14 and/or the water-impermeable 15 may also be flexible and non-flexible, in particular may also be formed as a woven fabric or a substrate in the same manner as the moisture layer 3.

[0162] It may also be advantageously envisaged for the electrodes 10, 11 of the two capacitors 20, 30 to be printed onto the water-impermeable layer 14 and the other water-impermeable layer 15 in the form of a printing process, for example an ink jet printing process.

[0163] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view, wherein, in particular, the respective arrangement of the electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 emerges from FIG. 3. Also visible, in turn, is the direction of force, represented by the direction of the arrow, on the sensor 1, as well as the humidity acting through the individual, schematically depicted drops. In particular, it is again evident that the humidity penetrates, in particular between the electrodes 10, 11, and has a, for example, significant effect on the electrical property at the particular water-permeable layer 14, such that the capacitance of at least the other capacitor 30 changes, as explained in FIG. 1.

[0164] In another embodiment of the invention described here, FIG. 4 illustrates that the sensor 1 may be composed of two electrodes 10 and one electrode 11. The electrodes 10 have one polarity (preferably the same polarity), whereas the electrode 11 has a different polarity therefrom, wherein, however, the exploded view of the left part of FIG. 3 in the lower part of FIG. 3 illustrates and shows that three water-impermeable layers 4, 14, 15 are used. The electrodes 10 may also have different polarities and/or electrical potentials. The electrodes 10 may also be electrically connected to one another.

[0165] For example, the electrodes 10, 11 may also each have and/or generate a distinct polarity and/or a distinct electrical potential. The same may also apply to the ones in the following drawings in relation to the electrodes.

[0166] For example, the lowermost water-impermeable layer is in turn the water-impermeable layer 4, and the subsequent water-impermeable layer 14 and the water-impermeable layer 15 arranged thereon in the transverse direction Q1 are another water-impermeable layer, wherein in each case an electrode is applied, in particular printed, onto a separate water-impermeable layer.

[0167] This stacking of the individual water-impermeable layers 4, 14, and 15, by merging these layers, therefore produces the capacitor 20 illustrated in the left part of FIG. 4, wherein in this case, in the transverse direction Q1, the electrodes 10 are each arranged on different planes, as can be seen in the corresponding partial view.

[0168] As an alternative hereto, the electrode 11 may also be applied with at least one of the electrodes 10 in a shared plane, i.e., on or in a shared water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15, such that, for example, only the second one of the electrodes 10 still needs to be stacked onto a separate water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15.

[0169] In principle, therefore, the individual electrodes 10, 11 may be arranged in different planes relative to one another in the Q1 direction, for example a pairwise association of precisely one water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15 with precisely one electrode 10, 11. The invention is not limited by the description with reference to the embodiment. Rather the invention encompasses every novel feature, as well as every combination of features, including, in particular, every combination of features in the claims, even if such feature or combination is not itself explicitly set forth in the claims or in the embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0170] 1 Sensor [0171] 3 Moisture layer [0172] 4 Dielectric layer/water-impermeable layer [0173] 5 Processing unit [0174] 6 Matching device [0175] 7 Usage object [0176] 8 Transmitting device [0177] 9 Face detection device [0178] 10 Electrode [0179] 11 Electrode [0180] 12 Electrode [0181] 13 Support material [0182] 14 Water-impermeable layer [0183] 15 Water-impermeable layer [0184] 20 Capacitor [0185] 30 Capacitor [0186] 40 CPU [0187] 60 Temperature sensor [0188] 100 Apparatus [0189] 200 Method [0190] 1000 Control system [0191] B1 Image data [0192] B2 Authorization data [0193] H1 Horizontal direction [0194] Q1 Transverse direction