| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20130043891 | High Voltage Sensing Capacitor and Indicator Device - A high-voltage sensing capacitor as an interface apparatus that may be used to attach an indicator unit to a high-voltage AC electrical bus and to provide safety to maintenance personnel. The high-impedance nature of the sensing capacitor effectively isolates the indicator unit from the high-voltage source to which it is connected. The sensing capacitor can be directly mounted between a high-voltage busbar and an indicator unit to provide visual and/or audible alerts to maintenance personnel when high voltage conditions are detected on the busbar. The sensing capacitor is comprised of a portable, unitary capacitive structure that includes a molded insulator body encapsulating two electrodes. The electrodes only partially or incompletely overlap within the insulator body. The electrode spacing and configuration is structured to provide a deliberate amount of coupling between the two electrodes in the presence of an AC electric field. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130027063 | DETERMINING THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIAL (TIM) THICKNESS CHANGE - An apparatus for determining a thickness change of thermal interface material (TIM) disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the TIM thickness is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to the TIM thickness change. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20100060301 | NOISE REJECTION - A capacitive sensing circuit including a microchip and a sense plate, wherein the microchip comprises a hardware Q RF noise detector module that provides a logical indication of when noise impacts on the integrated circuit. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20090134886 | ANGLE-MEASURING DEVICE WITH AN ABSOLUTE-TYPE DISK CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An absolute position measuring device suitable for wide-angle range measurement and providing the advantages of high precision, high resolution, and easy data processing. The measuring device comprises a disk capacitive sensor, a measurement signal processing unit, a data processing unit, and a display unit. The disk capacitive sensor comprises a rough division sensor and a fine division sensor. The pitch point value of the fine division sensor is at least two times higher than two resolutions of the rough division sensor. The rough division sensor and the fine division sensor have the same zero position. The grids of the two rough division and fine division sensors are independent to each other, are free of electric coherence, and are fixed relatively to each other. The grid has an exclusive absolute displacement value within a single pitch measurement range. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20110193573 | INTEGRATED SENSOR SYSTEM - An integrated sensor system for a lithography machine, the system comprising a projection lens system ( | 08-11-2011 |
| 20100109682 | SUBSTRATE CHARACTERIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING A SUBSTRATE - A substrate characterization device is provided which includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module has at least one contact surface configured to contact the substrate, the sensor module configured to measure a variance of capacitance in at least two dimensions of the substrate, the sensor module further configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured variance. The processor is in operative communication with a memory module and configured to execute a series of programmable instructions for making a comparison of the signal generated by the sensor module with at least one reference signal. The processor is further configured to generate at least one characterization signal based on the comparison. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100066391 | CAPACITANCE CHANGE MEASURING CIRCUIT OF CAPACITIVE SENSOR DEVICE, CAPACITIVE SENSOR MODULE, METHOD OF MEASURING CAPACITANCE CHANGE OF CAPACITIVE SENSOR DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Scanning rate in a capacitance change measuring circuit for a capacitive sensor device is enhanced. The circuit includes: an electrode drive section line-sequentially applying an input pulse signal to a plurality of columns of first electrode patterns in the capacitive sensor device; a peak hold circuit storing a peak level of a detection signal extracted from each column of second electrode patterns into a capacitive element as a corresponding potential; a current source initializing the potential in the capacitive element within one period of the input pulse signal; a comparator comparing the potential in the capacitive element with a reference value; and determination sections each determining whether or not an input operation using a human body or the like is executed, based on a timing information and a reference timing information, the timing information representing a timing when the potential held in the capacitive element crosses the reference value. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100066390 | CAPACITANCE VARIATION DETECTION CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - In a hybrid IC including, a semiconductor chip including a capacitance sensor and a semiconductor chip including a detection circuit for detecting a variation in capacitance, the number of bonding wires required between the chips is reduced. A rear surface of a sensor chip is connected to an electrode on a surface of a support substrate on which the sensor chip is mounted. A potential at one terminal of a capacitor of a sensor is set at a reference potential. A pad of another terminal is formed on a surface of the sensor chip. A detection circuit chip includes: a pad to serve as a connection terminal of the capacitor; a bias circuit connected to a terminal, for outputting a bias voltage to charge the capacitor; and a detection circuit connected to the terminal through a capacitor, for detecting a variation in potential of the terminal of the capacitor as an electrical signal. The chips are interconnected through a bonding wire between the pad of the terminal and the pad of the terminal. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20130088246 | Microcontroller with Optimized ADC Controller - An analog-to-digital (ADC) controller is used in combination with a digital processor of a microcontroller to control the operation of capacitance measurements using the capacitive voltage division (CVD) method. The ADC controller handles the CVD measurement process instead of the digital processor having to run additional program steps for controlling charging and discharging of a capacitive touch sensor and sample and hold capacitor, then coupling these two capacitors together, and measuring the resulting voltage charge thereon in determining the capacitance thereof. The ADC controller may be programmable and its programmable parameters stored in registers. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130069673 | COMBINED HEATING AND CAPACITIVE SEAT OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM - A combined heating and capacitive seat occupant sensing system comprises a common mode choke configured so as to satisfy at least one of a plurality of conditions, which is taken into account by a decision unit of the system in such a way that an influence of the common mode choke on the decision is compensated. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130057304 | CAPACITIVE ELEMENT SENSOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present disclosure relates to a capacitive element sensor and to a method for manufacturing same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a change in total capacitance brought about by the electrical charge of biomolecules attached to an electrode and to a sensor for measuring the change. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20090267623 | Method and automatic system for non-destructive determination physical-chemical properties of powdered materials - The present invention is a method and related automatic system for non-destructive determination of physical-chemical properties of powdered in particular as related to the quality control of powdered materials used in battery industry, for example determination of carbon monofluoride (CFx) degree of fluorination during the process of CFx synthesis. The invention consists of: scanner, which is used for movable measuring transducer within three co-ordinates; measuring generator containing electro capacitive sensor, which is used as an element of a resonance circuit; base generator similar (identical with) to the measuring one; block for subtraction the frequencies of the measuring and base generators; block of measuring the Q-factor of the resonance circuit together with an electro capacitive sensor; block for identifying extramal point of dependence of capacitive sensor capacitance upon time; block for comparative analysis of the Q-factor of the resonance circuit of the measuring autogenerator and capacitance of capacitive sensor; block for extrapolation of time dependence of capacitance of capacitive sensor at the moment when it is inserted into powder; block for computing the difference between the factual and extrapolated values of capacitance of capacitive sensor while the sensor is being inserted into powder; calibration block and registration block. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20130063167 | Integrated Test System for a Touch Sensor - In one embodiment, a method includes restricting current flow between a node of a touch sensor and each of a drive system of the touch sensor, a sense system of the touch sensor, and a test system of the touch sensor. The method further includes capacitively coupling the drive system to the sense system through the test system. The method further includes using at least the drive system and the test system, inducing a charge on the sense system. The method further includes measuring the induced charge on the sense system. The method further includes making a pass or fail determination for at least a portion of the touch sensor based at least in part on the measured induced charge. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130099805 | DETERMINING ACTUATION OF MULTI-SENSOR-ELECTRODE CAPACITIVE BUTTONS - In a method for determining actuation of a first capacitive button having a first set of at least three sensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinct sensor electrodes, and wherein a sensor electrode element of the first set of sensor electrode elements and a sensor electrode element of a second set of at least three sensor electrode elements of a second capacitive button share at least one sensor electrode in common, indicia is received from the at least three distinct sensor electrodes comprising the first capacitive button. At least three electrode values are generated from the indicia. The at least three electrode values are utilized to determine actuation of the capacitive button. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130120006 | FILM SENSOR - A film sensor includes a polarizing film, an antistatic layer and a capacitive sensor that are laminated in this order, the capacitive sensor having a transparent film, a transparent electrode pattern formed on one side of the transparent film, and an adhesive layer formed on the one side of the transparent film to embed the transparent electrode pattern. The transparent film is disposed between the antistatic layer and the transparent electrode pattern. The antistatic layer has a surface resistance value of 1.0×10 | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120005 | Separation of Capacitive Touch Areas - Methods and apparatuses for capacitive sensing are disclosed. In one example, a conductive material is arranged on the mobile device exterior surface outside of a capacitive coupling area undesirably coupling underlying electrodes beneath the surface. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130127480 | SINGLE SUBSTRATE CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSOR WITH INTEGRATED DIELECTRIC AND GROUND SHIELD LAYER - A compact touch sensor and a touch sensor stack are disclosed. The touch sensor can include a touch sensor circuit integrated with a ground layer on a single substrate. The touch sensor circuit can include two sets of conductive traces separated by a first insulation layer. A second insulation layer can be deposited over the top set of conductive traces of the touch sensor circuit. One or more vias can be included within the first insulation layer to route one or more conductive traces through the first insulation layer. One or more vias can also be included within the substrate to couple one or more conductive traces to the grounding layer. The touch sensor can be laminated to a cover material to form the touch sensor stack. Processes for making the touch sensor and touch sensor stack are also disclosed. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20100295564 | CAPACITIVE SENSING WITH COMBINATORIAL SENSOR LAYOUT - In a method for determining capacitance, a set of sensor electrodes is employed. The set of sensor electrodes comprises at least three sensor electrodes including first, second, and third sensor electrodes. The first sensor electrode meets the second sensor electrode at a first activation region of a plurality of activation regions. The first sensor electrode meets the third sensor at a second activation region of the plurality of activation regions. The second sensor electrode meets the third sensor electrode at a third activation region of the plurality of activation regions. The third sensor electrode transmits while first indicia are received with the first and the second sensor electrodes. The first sensor electrode transmits while second indicia are received with the second sensor electrode. Capacitances associated with the first, second and third activation regions are determined using at least the first indicia and second indicia. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110298482 | TOUCH SENSOR - It is provided a touch sensor stable against environmental variation comprising an oscillator | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110012623 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR ARRAY - A capacitive sensor array includes a sensor electrode, a shielding electrode and a background electrode which are surrounded by insulator materials and connected to a control and evaluation circuit. Using the sensor electrode that extends along a first coordinate line, the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode is detected. The control and evaluation circuit detects a capacity change of the sensor electrode as compared to a reference potential. The shielding electrode is connected to the sensor electrode via the control and evaluation circuit in such a manner that its potential follows. The three electrodes are arranged behind each other along a second coordinate line that is perpendicular to the first coordinate line. The insulating materials are arrayed between the sensor electrode and the detection zone. The central axis of the cylinder lies within the plane that is formed by the first and second coordinate lines. The insulator materials between the detection zone and the sensor electrode include at least one plastic layer that directly surrounds the sensor electrode and a plastic layer that is arrayed at a specified distance. The insulator materials are arranged so that the relative dielectricity constant initially assumes a relatively high value of the surrounding plastic layer as the distance from the sensor electrode increases, then drops to a value that approaches the value of 1, and then again rises to a relatively high value of the outer plastic layer. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110316567 | Lattice Structure for Capacitance Sensing Electrodes - One embodiment of a capacitive sensor array may comprise a first plurality of sensor elements and a second sensor element comprising a main trace, where the main trace intersects each of the first plurality of sensor elements to form a plurality of intersections. A unit cell may be associated with each of the intersections, and each unit cell may designate a set of locations nearest to the corresponding intersection. A contiguous section of the main trace may cross at least one of the plurality of unit cells. Within each unit cell, the second sensor element may comprise at least one primary subtrace branching away from the main trace. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110285412 | CURRENT DETECTION PRINTED BOARD, VOLTAGE DETECTION PRINTED BOARD, AND CURRENT/VOLTAGE DETECTOR USING SAME, AND CURRENT DETECTOR AND VOLTAGE DETECTOR - A current detection printed board includes: a board having a penetration hole that penetrates the board; and at least one wire that is formed in a coiled shape having both ends by penetrating the board along the periphery of the penetration hole and alternately connecting a front surface layer and a rear surface layer of the board, wherein, when a conductor, in which an AC current flows, is disposed to pass through the inside of the penetration hole, a current flowing in the wire is output through electromagnetic induction. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285411 | Impedance detecting circuit and impedance detection method - An impedance detection circuit includes a detection circuit, a correction circuit, a subtraction circuit, and an AC signal generator. The detection circuit has a first operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal coupled with one end of a signal line to whose other end a measured capacitor Cs is coupled, a non-inverting input terminal coupled with a shielding wire covering at least a part of the signal line and an output terminal of the AC signal generator, and an output terminal, and a second feedback resistor coupled between the output terminal and the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier. The correction circuit has a third resistor and a variable capacitor, and corrects a detection signal outputted from the first operational amplifier by adjusting a capacitance of the variable capacitor. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285410 | PARTICULATE MATTER DETECTION DEVICE - A particulate matter detection device that detects the diameter and the amount of particulates in exhaust gas while reducing detection error caused by deterioration such as the deterioration of electrodes is provided. In the particulate matter detection device, which measures particulates in a gaseous body, AC voltages having different frequencies are applied to a pair of electrodes disposed apart from each other. The resulting impedances to the different frequencies are detected. A resistance component and/or a capacitance component of the impedances to the different frequencies are calculated. The average diameter and/or the number of particulates in the gaseous body are estimated in accordance with changes in the resistance component and/or the capacitance component. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110298481 | Capacitance electrode and sensor-system capable of sensing contaminants and method therefor - Disclosed are an electrode and a sensor-system for capacitively and/or photovoltaic sensing contaminants in a fluid. A micro-reactor including such sensor-system and methods for measuring and producing are also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the capacitance electrode includes a transducing element; an affinity layer that in use is in contact with a fluid to be measured, wherein the affinity layer comprises a multi-array surface; and an insulating layer separating the transducing element and the affinity layer, wherein the electrode is arranged such that in use contaminants in the fluid may interact with the affinity layer. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20100033196 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR - A capacitive sensor includes a dielectric layer made of an elastomer and a pair of electrodes arranged via the dielectric layer, and detects deformation on the basis of electrostatic capacity variation between the pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes contain an elastomer and conductive fillers filled into the elastomer, are expandable and contractible in accordance with deformation of the dielectric layer, and exhibit little conductivity variation even when the pair of electrodes expand and contract. At least one of the dielectric layer and the electrodes is formed by a printing method using a dielectric layer coating containing a formation component of the dielectric layer or an electrode coating containing a formation component of the electrode. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20110215821 | EMITTER WHEEL ASSEMBLY - This abstract refers to an invention patent related to an emitter wheel assembly, more particularly with the association of a special sensitizer ring set ( | 09-08-2011 |
| 20090021267 | Variably dimensioned capacitance sensor elements - A capacitance sensing apparatus includes capacitance sensor elements covered by a layer of material. The layer of material has an uneven effect on a measure of capacitance induced in the capacitance sensor elements when an object is in proximity to a sensing surface. For example, the layer of material may have a non-uniform thickness, or a property of the material may be non-uniform across the layer. The capacitance sensor elements are dimensioned to compensate for the effect. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20080265914 | Proximity detector and proximity detecting method - A differential electrode is charged and discharged in the opposite phases. By obtaining the sum of stray capacitances of the differential electrode from charge/discharge characteristics, the approach or the position of an object is detected based on the stray capacitances from which noise is cancelled. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090309616 | TOUCH AND FORCE SENSING FOR INPUT DEVICES - A device may include a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a capacitive sensing component coupled to the first layer, and a force sensing component coupled to the first layer and the third layer and configured to detect the amount of force applied to the second layer. A method may include monitoring capacitance and voltage at one or more input sensors configured to detect changes in capacitance and to detect changes in applied force, detecting a change in capacitance, activating a capacitance response in response to detecting a change in capacitance, detecting a change in voltage, and activating a force response in response to detecting a change in voltage. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100141277 | CAPACITIVE POSITION SENSOR - Methods and apparatus related to a sensor are discussed herein. The sensor can include a sensing element having a sensing path, the sensing element coupled to a sensing channel, and a processor configured to interpret a signal generated by the sensing channel indicative of a capacitance between the sensing path and a system ground. The processor can have a first mode configured to set a parameter to a desired value. The desired value can be related to a first position of an object sensed along the sensing path and a range of parameter values mapped to a length of the sensing path. A second mode can adjust the parameter based on a displacement of the object along the sensing path. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20090206848 | CAPACITIVE FINGERPRINT SENSOR AND THE PANEL THEREOF - A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, a reference capacitor, a first transistor and a second transistor. The fingerprint capacitor C | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090206850 | Capacitive Fingerprint Sensor and the Panel Thereof - A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, a reference capacitor, a first transistor, a second transistor, a comparator and a multiplexer. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance C | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090206849 | CAPACITIVE FINGERPRINT SENSOR AND THE PANEL THEREOF - A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a first transistor, a second transistor, a fingerprint capacitor and a third transistor. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance C | 08-20-2009 |
| 20100033197 | PROXIMITY SENSOR - A proximity sensor includes an L-C resonator, an oscillator for oscillating the L-C resonator, an oscillation detector, an output circuit, and a burnout detecting means. The L-C resonator has a detection coil for detecting an object, and a resonant capacitor connected across the detection coil. The oscillation detector detects an oscillation of the L-C resonator. The burnout detecting means has a time counter for counting a length of a positive voltage period in which a voltage across the resonant capacitor is kept above a predetermined positive voltage, and a discriminator which determines burnout of the detection coil when the counted length exceeds a half of an oscillation cycle of the L-C resonator. The output circuit outputs a detection signal indicative of whether or not the object exists within a detection range of the detection coil, and provides a burnout signal indicative of the burnout of the detection coil. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20110169510 | CAPACITIVE DETECTION TYPE ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TRANSDUCER - A capacitive detection type electro-mechanical transducer comprises; a cell formed by a first electrode arranged on a substrate and a second electrode arranged on a vibration film, and a detection circuit for detecting a displacement of the vibration film, based on a capacity change between the first and second electrodes, wherein a plurality of the cells are classified into a plurality of groups, each one includes at least two cells, and the first electrodes or the second electrodes of the cells of the same one group are commonly connected to the same one detection circuit, and an addition circuit for adding, into single information, signals from the plurality of detection circuits corresponding to the plurality of groups, and for outputting the information, and a capacitive load for each one of the detectors are formulated to be dispersedly arranged. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169509 | ELECTROSTATIC MEMS DRIVER WITH ON-CHIP CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT FOR AUTOFOCUS APPLICATIONS - A driver and capacitance measuring circuit includes a voltage source that selectively generates an output voltage at a first node during a driver mode to alter a capacitance of a device that is connected to the first node and that has a variable capacitance. A current source selectively provides one of a charging and discharging current at the first node during a measurement mode. A capacitance calculating circuit samples a voltage at the first node during the measurement node, determines a voltage change rate of the first node during the measurement mode and calculates the capacitance of the device based on the voltage change rate and a value of the one of the charging and discharging current. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20090066347 | BIOSENSOR AND A METHOD OF MEASURING A CONCENTRATION OF AN ANALYTE WITHIN A MEDIUM - A biosensor for measuring a concentration of an analyte within a medium includes an electrical charge storage and a resistive layer including an electrical resistance which changes upon contact with the analyte. The electrical charge storage includes a sensor electrode, and the resistive layer may be contacted with the medium and is arranged between the medium and the sensor electrode such that during contact with the medium, a number of the electrical charges stored in the electrical charge storage pass the resistive layer. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090039902 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING A CAPACITANCE USING SIGMA-DELTA MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES - Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta measurement techniques. According to various embodiments, a voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance using a first switch. The measurable capacitance is allowed to share charge with a passive network. If the charge on the passive network is past a threshold value, then the charge on the passive network is changed by a known amount for a sufficient number of repetitions until the measurable capacitance can be detected. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to a button, slider, touchpad or other input sensor. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20080238448 | Capacitance sensing for percussion instruments and methods therefor - A percussion instrument data generating system can include a plurality of capacitance sensors coupled to the at least a first surface. A controller section can includes a plurality of switches for selectively connecting each capacitance sensor to a sense node. A capacitance sense circuit can be coupled to the common sense node and can measures a capacitance presented at the common sense node. An encoder section that generates a position value for a sensed input event based that varies according to which capacitance sensor detects the input event. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080278180 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Measuring Capacitance in a Stator Component - Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a capacitance paddle for measuring capacitance in a stator component such as a stator bar. In one embodiment, a system for measuring capacitance can include an output device operable to measure capacitance in an object. Furthermore, the system can include at least three contacts operable to mount to the object to be sensed. In addition, the system can include at least one conductive material operable to mount to the object to be sensed. Moreover, the system can include a compressible material adjacent to at least some of the at least three contacts and the at least one conductive material, wherein the compressible material can be compressed to permit the contacts to simultaneously contact the object to be sensed, and wherein the output device can output a measure of capacitance associated with the object. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20100201382 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CAPACITANCE VALUE - A circuit for determining a value of a variable capacitor comprises first circuitry for generating a first indication when a variable voltage across the variable capacitor exceeds a threshold voltage. Second circuitry generates a second indication when a reference voltage across a reference capacitor exceeds the threshold voltage. Control logic responsive to the first and second indications generate a control signal indicating whether the first indication or the second indication occurs first. A successive approximation engine generates an N-bit control value responsive to the control signal. A variable current source is responsive to the N-bit control value for generating a variable current to the first circuitry. A reference current source generates a reference current to the second circuitry. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20080246496 | Two-Dimensional Position Sensor - A two-dimensional position sensor is formed by drive electrodes ( | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080258741 | Parallel AC measurement method - A method for making electrical measurements of a first and a second DUT, the DUTs being in sufficient proximity to exhibit crosstalk therebetween, the method comprising: applying a first signal to the first DUT; applying a second signal to the second DUT, the first signal and the second signal being contemporaneous and orthogonal to each other; measuring a first DUT response; and measuring a second DUT response. The first and second DUT responses exhibit independence from the second and first signals, respectively. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20120105082 | ANGLE-MEASURING DEVICE WITH AN ABSOLUTE-TYPE DISK CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An absolute position measuring device suitable for wide-angle range measurement and providing the advantages of high precision, high resolution, and easy data processing. The measuring device includes a disk capacitive sensor, a measurement signal processing unit, a data processing unit, and a display unit. The disk capacitive sensor includes a rough division sensor and a fine division sensor. The pitch point value of the fine division sensor is at least two times higher than two resolutions of the rough division sensor. The rough division sensor and the fine division sensor have the same zero position. The grids of the two rough division and fine division sensors are independent to each other, are free of electric coherence, and are fixed relatively to each other. The grid has an exclusive absolute displacement value within a single pitch measurement range. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105081 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR, DEVICE AND METHOD - Exemplary capacitive sensors may be capable of determining presence and location of a touch and capable of determining a fingerprint pattern. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20090160463 | CHARACTERIZATION CIRCUIT FOR FAST DETERMINATION OF DEVICE CAPACITANCE VARIATION - A test circuit for fast determination of device capacitance variation statistics provides a mechanism for determining process variation and parameter statistics using low computing power and readily available test equipment. A test array having individually selectable devices is stimulated under computer control to select each of the devices sequentially. A test output from the array provides a current or voltage that dependent on a particular device parameter. The sequential selection of the devices produces a voltage or current waveform, characteristics of which are measured using a digital multi-meter that is interfaced to the computer. The rms value of the current or voltage at the test output is an indication of the standard deviation of the parameter variation and the DC value of the current or voltage is an indication of the mean value of the parameter. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20110012624 | SENSOR MODULE - A capacitive sensor module with a sensor electrode which is used to detect the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode, wherein the sensor electrode is formed from a wire. Parallel to the sensor electrode, auxiliary electrodes extend within a plastic carrier that possesses recesses to receive the sensor electrode and the auxiliary electrodes and partially surrounds them along their circumference. The sensor electrodes can be pressed into the plastic carrier by overcoming an elastic forming force and are held within their recesses by the elastic reshaping process. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20090160462 | MICROELECTROMECHANICAL CAPACITOR BASED DEVICE - A system and methods of a microelectromechanical capacitor based device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system of a microelectromechanical capacitive device includes a housing formed when a nonconductive material is deposited on a substrate, and a conductive plate mechanically coupled to the housing. The system further includes an additional housing coupled to the housing and an additional conductive plate that is substantially parallel to the conductive plate. The additional conductive plate is coupled to the additional conductive plate. The additional housing may be formed when an additional nonconductive material is deposited on an additional substrate. The substrate and the additional substrate may be dissolved using a chemical etching process when the housing and the additional housing are coupled. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20100259285 | PROVIDING FEEDBACK IN AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT - The invention relates to an electronic circuit and a method capable of providing feedback in the electronic circuit, such that the effect of leakage currents in the circuit are minimised. The method includes the steps of storing an analogue input signal using an analogue storage device, converting the stored analogue input signal into a digital signal and storing the digital signal, converting the stored digital signal into an analogue feedback signal, and providing feedback in the electronic circuit using the analogue feedback signal. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20110221457 | CAPACITIVE DYNAMIC QUANTITY SENSOR ELEMENT AND DYNAMIC QUANTITY SENSOR - In order to make it possible to have a simple structure and a small size, to deform flexibly, and to be used for various applications without restricting usage, a capacitive dynamic quantity sensor element includes a base material | 09-15-2011 |
| 20090045823 | Power efficient capacitive detection - Capacitive detection systems, modules, and methods. In one embodiment, a power saving mode is implemented when deemed appropriate, based on an analysis of previous detection or non-detection of the presence and/or position of an object near a capacitive sensing area. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20110227589 | Capacitive Position Sensor - In one embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more first signals indicating one or more first capacitive couplings of an object with a sensing element that comprises a sensing path that comprises a length. The first capacitive couplings correspond to the object coming into proximity with the sensing element at a first position along the sensing path of the sensing element. The method includes determining based on one or more of the first signals the first position of the object along the sensing path and setting a parameter to an initial value based on the first position of the object along the sensing path. The initial value includes a particular parameter value and is associated with a range of paratemeter values. The range of parameter values is associated with the length of the sensing path. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20090108853 | MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND MEASUREMENT METHOD - There are provided a measurement apparatus and a measurement method capable of stably measuring the physical quantity involved in a measurement object. Two or more electrostatic capacity type displacement sensing devices are mutually connected in their earths and apply to the measuring heads carrier signals each including a sinusoidal wave of a same frequency wherein a sum total of phases becomes 0°, respectively, so that a thickness of the measurement object is measured. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090206851 | Capacitive Fingerprint Sensor and the Panel Thereof - A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, an integrator, a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance C | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090243634 | CAPACITIVE SENSING IN AN AUTOMOTIVE MIRROR - An automotive mirror assembly includes a mirror and transparent substrate adjacent to the mirror. The patterned coating is attached to transparent substrate and defines at least part of capacitive element. A capacitance sensor is in communication with the patterned coating thereby allowing capacitance changes induced in the patterned coating to be monitored. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090146669 | Capacitive Fingerprint Sensor and the Panel Thereof - A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, a reference capacitor, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor. The fingerprint capacitor C | 06-11-2009 |
| 20100013502 | EVALUATION CIRCUIT FOR CAPACITANCE AND METHOD THEREOF - In an evaluation method, voltages at ends of a to-be-measured capacitor and a capacitance-adjustable circuit are switched in response to a first set of clock signals so as to adjust an integrated voltage to be a sum of the integrated voltage and a first difference voltage. Next, whether a first control event is received is judged. If not, the previous step is performed. If yes, an integration operation is performed to switch a voltage of an end of a known capacitor in order to adjust the integrated voltage to be a sum of the integrated voltage and a second difference voltage. Next, whether an integrating period ends is judged. If not, the first step is repeated. If yes, a capacitance of the to-be-measured capacitor is obtained according to the number of times that the integration operation is performed in the integrating period and a capacitance of the known capacitor. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090045822 | Capacitive detection systems, modules and methods - Capacitive detection systems, modules, and methods. In one embodiment, time interval measurement(s) are generated that are monotonic functions of the capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area. In one embodiment, the generated time interval measurement(s), or any other monotonic function(s) of capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area, may be analyzed to detect the presence of an object near the capacitive sensing area and/or to detect the position of an object near the capacitive sensing area. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090033342 | Sensor Device - The invention relates to a sensor device for producing signals that provide information as to whether an object, especially the limbs of a person, are present in an area of observation. The aim of the invention is to provide a sensor device which allows generation of measuring signals that have high informative value with respect to the presence of an object in an area of observation. For this purpose, a sensor device comprises a support structure extending along an area of observation. A plurality of detection sections is configured one after the other on the support structure for detecting detection events in the zone of observation defined by the respective detection section. The invention provides a monitoring circuit which allows an area of observation, extending along a boundary zone of some length, subdivided into small sections, for example a closing edge, to be monitored in an especially precise manner. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20100237882 | SWITCHING CONFIGURATION FOR DETERMINING THE CAPACITANCE OF A CAPACITIVE SENSOR ELEMENT - A circuit arrangement for determining a capacitance of a capacitive sensor element (C | 09-23-2010 |
| 20090115431 | Capacitive position sensor - A capacitive touch sensor is provided having sensing path for setting a color parameter to a desired value within a range, the color parameter being color hue, color saturation or color temperature. The sensor has a first mode of operation in which a parameter can be set approximately to a desired value and a second mode in which the value can be refined to the exact amount. In the first mode, the full range of possible values is mapped onto the sensing path and a user touch selects a value within the full range according to its position along the sensing path. In the second mode a finer adjustment is provided for, either by mapping a narrower sub-range of the full range onto the sensing path, or by allowing incremental adjustment of the parameter from the value initially set in the first mode, each incremental unit of adjustment being triggered by the object being displaced through a pre-determined threshold displacement along the sensing path. Switching from the first mode to the second mode is triggered if moving displacement of the object along the sensing path from the first point of touch exceeds a minimum threshold value. This provides an intuitive transition for the user from coarse to fine adjustment. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20110210756 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE LENGTH OF A SET OF BORING RODS - A device for detecting the length of a drilling column that has a plurality of pipes ( | 09-01-2011 |
| 20090115430 | SENSOR - A sensor including a carrier having two channels, a capacitive sensing element disposed on the carrier, and a cover is provided. The capacitive sensing element has a membrane, and a first chamber is formed between the membrane and the carrier. The cover is disposed on the carrier for covering the capacitive sensing element. A second chamber is formed between the membrane and the cover. The first chamber and the second chamber are located at two sides of the membrane, and the channels are respectively communicated with the first chamber and the second chamber. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20110031986 | Sub-Threshold Capfet Sensor for Sensing Analyte, A Method and System Thereof - The present invention relates to high sensitivity chemical sensors, more particularly relates to high sensitivity chemical sensors which are capacitively coupled, FET based analyte sensors. A sub-threshold capacitively coupled Field Effect Transistor (CapFET) sensor for sensing an analyte comprises fixed dielectric placed on substrate of the CapFET and second dielectric sensitive to the analyte, placed between gate terminal of the CapFET and the fixed dielectric, wherein presence of the analyte alters either dielectric constant of the second dielectric or work function of the gate. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20100301880 | OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM - An occupant detection system comprises a weight sensor and an electric field sensor, each operatively coupled to a seat. The electric field sensor generates an electric field from at least one electrode in the seat bottom of the seat, provides for generating a response to an influence of the occupant thereupon, and is adapted to provide for discriminating from the response a seated infant or child seating condition from another seating condition. If a measure of weight from the weight sensor is less than a threshold, or if a seated child seating condition is detected by the electric field sensor, then a signal processor provides for disabling an associated restraint actuator. The electric field sensor may comprise a plurality of electrodes over separate first and second regions of differing proximity to a seated infant or child, or at least one electrode in cooperation with a shield or void over at least one of the regions. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110241706 | NON-CONTACT DETECTION OF SURFACE FLUID DROPLETS - A system for detecting fluid on a substrate is provided. The system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor board, a first capacitive sensor, and a platform upon which the substrate is to be placed. The first capacitive sensor is mounted on the sensor board. The first capacitive sensor has a transmit sensor pad for transmitting a signal, a receive sensor pad for receiving the signal, and an analog-to-digital convertor connected with the receive sensor pad for analyzing the received signal. The platform is a first distance from the transmit and receive sensor pads. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110001495 | TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING COMMON-MODE CAPACITANCE - Disclosed is a test apparatus for measuring the common-mode parasitic capacitance between a first element and a second element being isolated from the first element. The test apparatus includes a signal generating device connected to the first element and having an internal signal source connected in series with a first internal impedance for sending a signal to the first element, and a signal receiving device connected between the second element and the first element and having a second internal impedance for measuring a signal response between the first element and the second element, thereby calculating the common-mode capacitance between the first element and the second element based on the signal response. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001496 | PRODUCTION METHOD FOR A CAPACITIVE SENSOR UNIT - An apparatus and production method for a watertight capacitive sensor unit is provided. Accordingly, a carrier, approximately U-shaped in cross section, is made from a water-impermeable material. At least one electrode strip is placed in an interior space of the carrier along the longitudinal extension of the carrier. The interior space is filled with a hardening filler material in such a way that the electrode strip is sealed outwardly watertight. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110018561 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR HAVING CYCLIC AND ABSOLUTE ELECTRODE SETS - A capacitive sensor includes first and second variable capacitor electrode sets, respectively disposed upon a planar support surface and a proof mass that is compliantly displaceable along a first axis substantially parallel to the planar support surface. The first electrode set produces a cyclic variation in capacitance over a range of displacement of the proof mass along the first axis, and the second electrode set produces an absolute capacitance variation throughout the range of displacement along the first axis. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20090322353 | READOUT-INTERFACE CIRCUIT FOR A CAPACITIVE MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SENSOR, AND CORRESPONDING SENSOR - In a capacitive sensor, a detection structure, of a microelectromechanical type, is provided with a fixed element and a mobile element, capacitively coupled to one another, generating a capacitive variation as a function of a quantity to be detected, and with a parasitic coupling element, capacitively coupled to at least one between the mobile element and the fixed element generating a first parasitic capacitance, intrinsic to the detection structure; a readout-interface circuit is connected to the detection structure and generates, on an output terminal thereof, an output signal as a function of the capacitive variation. The readout-interface circuit has a feedback path between the output terminal and the parasitic coupling element so as to drive the first intrinsic parasitic capacitance with the output signal. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090072840 | CANCELLING LOW FREQUENCY ERRORS IN MEMS SYSTEMS - Systems and methods are described below for cancelling low frequency errors in electronic systems including MEMS systems. The systems include a first circuit coupled to one or more switches. One or more bond wires are coupled to the switches and a second circuit. Control signals are coupled to the switches, and the control signals are configured to control coupling of the first circuit to the second circuit via the switch to cancel variable offsets introduced by the bond wire in an output of the first circuit. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20100219848 | Capacitive sensor device - A capacitive sensor device includes first and second sensor capacitors coupled in series, a clock signal generating part, an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, a compensating capacitor, and a compensating signal generating part. The clock signal generating part generates a first clock signal and the second clock signal applied to the first and second sensor capacitors, respectively. The compensating signal generating part generates a compensating signal applied to the compensating capacitor. The first clock signal and the second clock signal have the same frequency and the same amplitude and have phases being opposite each other. The compensating signal has a frequency same as the first clock signal and the second clock signal, has a phase same as one of the first clock signal and the second clock signal, and has an amplitude that is adjustable. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219846 | Capacitive Sensing - A multi-channel capacitive sensor for measuring the capacitances of a plurality of sense electrodes to a system reference potential. The sensor comprises a sample capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal, a first diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a first sense electrode, and a second diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a second sense electrode. The sample capacitor and diodes are coupled to a control circuit, e.g. implemented in a microcontroller. The control circuit is operable to apply a drive signal, e.g. a series of voltage pulses, to the first terminal of the sample capacitor while simultaneously applying a bias signal to the second terminal of one or other of the diodes to prevent the diode from conducting the drive signal. Thus charge transfer techniques can be used to measure multiple capacitances while sharing a common sample capacitor. This helps reduce inter-channel drift. Further measurement channels may be added by providing further diodes and corresponding sense electrodes. With three or more channels the scheme requires only one additional control circuit connection per additional channel. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20110210754 | CAPACITANCE SENSING MODULE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A capacitance sensing module adapted to an electronic apparatus having a first body and a second body hinged to the first body is provided. The capacitance sensing module includes a capacitance sensor and a metal conductor. The capacitance sensor is adapted to be fixed in the first body. The metal conductor is adapted to be fixed in the second body. When the metal conductor is moved towards the capacitance sensor along with the movement of the second body with respect to the first body and thus a capacitance sensed by the capacitance sensor changes, the capacitance sensor generates a command to start a default function of the electronic apparatus. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20100045310 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A CAPACITANCE AND SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING AN INDICATING TRANSDUCER - Systems and methods for sensing capacitances that are applicable to proximity sensor devices are provided. The systems and methods provide decreased implementation costs by reducing the number of output terminals required. Specifically, the systems and methods for sensing capacitances provide the ability to selectively activate indicating transducers, such as LEDs, with the same output terminals used for sensing capacitances. This reduces the need for additional, dedicated output terminals for activating the indicating transducers. As such, the system and method provides for efficient use of resources in proximity sensor devices. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20120200308 | SUPERCAPACITOR ELECTRODES - The present invention relates to a method of producing an electrodeposited metal oxide coating for a supercapacitor electrode. The present invention relates to the chronoamperometric electrodeposition of the metal oxide over a period from a few seconds, up to about 30 seconds leading to superior performance as a result of an increased surface area of the deposit. According to the present invention, the capacitances achieved are typically greater than 1300 F/g, and in some instances, over 4000 F/g. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20110062971 | SINGLE LAYER TRANSCAPACITIVE SENSING - First, second, and third sets of sensor electrodes are disposed in a single layer on a first surface of a substrate of a transcapacitive sensor device. Sensor electrodes of the first set are substantially parallel to a first axis and are substantially identical to one another. The second set comprises a rotated mirror symmetric version of the first set, disposed parallel to the first axis. The third set is disposed between sensor electrodes of said first set and said second set, and includes a sensor electrode comprising a rectangular shape with a long side aligned paralleling the first axis. The first and third sets of sensor electrodes are configured for providing a first capacitive coupling therebetween that varies substantially along the first axis. The second and third sets are configured for providing a second capacitive coupling therebetween that varies substantially inversely to the first capacitive coupling along the first axis. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110148441 | Quantum computing device and using method thereof - With a simple circuit configuration which does not conduct high frequency signal processing, a quantum computing device, a quantum bit readout processing unit of the quantum computing device, and a quantum bit readout processing method are provided. By controlling a quantum bit structure, which is formed with a counter electrode coupling with a quantum box electrode through a first tunnel barrier, with a gate voltage, a Cooper-pair extracted from the quantum box electrode after computation is accumulated in a trap electrode coupling with the quantum bit structure by sandwiching a second tunnel barrier. By coupling the trap electrode and an island electrode of a readout single electron transistor through a static capacitance, a change of electric charge in the trap electrode is read out as a direct current value of the single electron transistor. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20090201034 | METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - Various methods are described to characterize interferometric modulators or similar devices. Measured voltages across interferometric modulators may be used to characterize transition voltages of the interferometric modulators. Measured currents may be analyzed by integration of measured current to provide an indication of a dynamic response of the interferometric modulator. Frequency analysis may be used to provide an indication of a hysteresis window of the interferometric modulator or mechanical properties of the interferometric modulator. Capacitance may be determined through signal correlation, and spread-spectrum analysis may be used to minimize the effect of noise or interference on measurements of various interferometric modulator parameters. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20110210755 | OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE WITH VARIABLE SENSITIVITY ELECTRIC FIELD MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT - Three or more electrodes are arranged on either a window frame or window glass of an automobile. An electric field measurement unit measures the capacitance between various combinations of the electrodes to detect whether an object is located between the window frame and window glass. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20080204052 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT SYSTEM WITH MOS DEVICE - An integrated circuit system includes measuring capacitance for a base structure between a base gate and a base connector thereof, measuring capacitance for a test structure between a test gate and a test connector thereof, the test structure having the test gate, a test dielectric, and the test connector with the test dielectric extending thereunder, and determining a difference between the capacitances of the base structure and the test structure to determine parasitic capacitance for the base structure between the base gate and the base connector thereof. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20110163768 | TOUCH SCREEN DEVICE, CAPACITANCE MEASURING CIRCUIT THEREOF, AND METHOD OF MEASURING CAPACITANCE - According to the present invention, a charging and discharging circuit is electrically connected to an operation signal line and a detection signal line, and repeats a charging and discharging operation of a node capacitor. The present invention also includes an integration capacitor electrically connected to the detection signal line and an integration circuit charging the integration capacitor to a unit charging voltage every charging and discharging operation of the node capacitor such that the integration capacitor is charged to a first voltage that is integrated according to a charging and discharging number. The integration circuit may include a reset switch electrically connected to the integration capacitor and discharging the first voltage integrated and charged to the integration capacitor for initializing. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20100283486 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MEASURE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A method and system to predict dielectric behavior in a wide frequency range in a wellbore. The method comprising: deploying a tool in a wellbore, measuring the permittivity and conductivity at more than one frequency of a formation with the tool, and predicting the dielectric behavior of saline water in a wide band frequency range and temperature. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110109330 | Dynamic quantity detection device - A dynamic quantity detection device includes a detection portion, a signal process portion, and an operation mode switch portion. The detection portion detects a dynamic quantity applied from an outside and generates a sensor signal in accordance with the dynamic quantity. The signal process portion processes the sensor signal from the detection portion to have a property suitable for an external device. When the sensor signal output from the detection portion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the operation mode switch portion sets an operation mode to a power save mode by stopping an operation of the signal process portion. When the sensor signal output from the detection portion is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the operation mode switch portion switches the operation mode to a normal mode by activating the signal process portion. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20120062251 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACQUIRING AN OIL SAMPLE AND MONITORING THE QUALITY THEREOF - Methods and devices are disclosed which can provide an indication of oil quality by measuring a capacitive property of the oil. The methods and/or devices may use a sample acquisition probe comprising a microvolume oil acquisition basin with a capacitive sensing element that is located on the floor of the basin and that is laterally bounded by an oleophilic wetting feature. The methods may involve immersing a sample acquisition probe at least partially into a supply of oil and withdrawing the probe from the supply of oil such that a microvolume oil sample is retained within a microvolume oil acquisition basin of the probe, and measuring a capacitive property of the microvolume oil sample with a capacitive sensing element that is located in the basin. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062250 | CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSOR AND CAPACITIVE TOUCH APPARATUS - An exemplary capacitive touch sensor includes a first wire-like electrode and a second wire-like electrode. The first wire-like electrode includes at least a first main wire and multiple first sub-wires, the first main wire continuously extends along a first direction, and the first sub-wires are electrically connected with the first main wire. The second wire-like electrode includes at least a second main wire, and the second main wire continuously extends along a second direction different from the first direction. Moreover, the first wire-like electrode and the second wire-like electrode are electrically insulated from each other and each is made of an opaque conductive material. The second main line is arranged crossing over the first main wire. Furthermore, a capacitive touch apparatus using the above-mentioned capacitive touch sensor is provided. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20110260741 | INTEGRATED PASSIVE CIRCUIT ELEMENTS FOR SENSING DEVICES - Capacitive sensing devices are provided that include a sensing pattern of conductive traces disposed upon the surface of a substrate and a first passive circuit element that includes a metallic conductor disposed upon the same surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the first passive circuit element is a component of an electronic circuit that can be, for example, a low pass filter. Provided capacitive sensing devices are useful, for example, when incorporated into projected touch screen display panels for use on electronic devices. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110095771 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACCURATE CAPACITIVE MEASURED VALUE ACQUISITION - A device and a method for the capacitive detection of an object which is preferably arranged behind a flat article that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation or a wall, including a sensor incorporating sensor electrodes for the detection of the object, preferably for the detection of relative movements between the sensor and the flat article or a finger, where a control circuit serves for the control of the sensor electrodes and for the evaluation of the output signals of the sensor, and, due to the fact that the sensor comprises at least one sensor electrode which is surrounded by at least one further electrode, the surrounding further electrode is connected to the sensor electrode by the control circuit in such a manner that, in the event of a change of the potential of the sensor electrode, the potential of the surrounding further electrode is regulated in the opposite sense to the sensor electrode in such a way that the sensor electrode remains at a pre-determined or pre-definable potential, such that there is produced a capacitive sensor which does not react to tilting or small changes in the spacing from the surface. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20100060300 | SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR THE CAPACITIVE MEASUREMENT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS HAVING A BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN - The invention relates to a sensor system and several method for the capacitive measurement of electromagnetic signals having a biological origin. Such a sensor system comprises a capacitive electrode device ( | 03-11-2010 |
| 20080218183 | POWER-CONTROL DEVICE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A sensor unit is configured to have an insulating case covering a mobile phone, a conductive substrate provided on the inner surface of the case, and a sensor electrode fixed on the surface of the conductive substrate. When a part of the human body of a user, such as a finger or a hand of the user, touches the surface of the case, a detection unit detects a change in capacitance provided between the human body and the conductive substrate. When it is determined that the user has touched the mobile phone, an activation signal is output and the operation mode of the mobile phone is set to a normal power mode in which power is automatically supplied. With this configuration, the operability of the mobile phone can be improved. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20110215820 | Delta detection method for detecting capacitance changes - A delta detection method for detecting capacitance changes caused by relative movement between a physical object and a capacitance sensor. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20100026321 | CIRCUIT SYSTEM FOR A MICROMECHANICAL SENSOR ELEMENT HAVING A CAPACITOR ARRAY - A circuit system for a micromechanical sensor element having a capacitor array and a downstream amplifier for the useful signal of the capacitor array is described. Using this circuit system, setpoint deviations of the base capacitance of the capacitor array can easily be compensated. For this purpose, the circuit system includes a circuit using which a control signal is generated, which is decoupled from the useful signal of the capacitor array, but is a function of the base capacitance of the capacitor array, which is conveyed to the amplifier for controlling the gain. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20090174417 | SWITCHED CAPACITOR MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT FOR MEASURING THE CAPACITANCE OF AN INPUT CAPACITOR - A switched capacitor measurement circuit is provided for measuring the capacitance of an input capacitor with a parallel parasitic resistor. The circuit comprises a switching arrangement, a reference capacitor, a steered current sink and an operational amplifier with an output, a non-inverting input connected to a reference voltage source and an inverting input connected to a first terminal of the input capacitor. The current sink is steered to compensate for a charge current due to the parasitic resistor. Still further, the circuit comprises a digital adder and an analog-to-digital converter with an analog input connected to the output of the operational amplifier and a digital output connected to a first input of the digital adder. A second input of the digital adder receives a negative digital error signal and the output of the digital adder provides a digital capacitance measurement signal corrected for an error current which is integrated across the reference capacitor in the gain mode due to the slewing of the operational amplifier. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20100321043 | TWO-DIMENSIONAL POSITION SENSOR - A two-dimensional position sensor is formed by drive electrodes ( | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100219847 | ACTIVE DISCHARGE OF ELECTRODE - The disclosure is directed to a capacitive sensor for measuring a small biomedical electrical charge originating from an object under test comprising input circuit elements having an electrode for sensing the charge to provide an output signal that is a function of the charge being measured, wherein the electrode has no electrical contact with the object; amplification circuit elements (A) connected to the input circuit elements; processing circuit elements configured for receiving and processing the amplified output signal and to provide the measurement; and conditioning and monitoring circuit elements coupled to at least the input circuit elements comprising monitoring circuit elements and conditioning circuit elements; (Re wherein the monitoring circuit elements are configured for monitoring the amplified output signal to detect an error in a measurement that is greater than a preset value caused by charge buildup on the electrode; and wherein the conditioning circuit elements are configured to be activated for discharging the electrode when the error in the measurement is detected by the monitoring circuit elements and the conditioning circuit elements are configured to be deactivated, when the error in the measurement is no longer detected. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100039123 | CAPACITIVE SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A capacitive sensing system includes a conductive sensing element and a circuit configured to provide measurements related to a sensing current sent to the sensing element. The circuit is located remote from the sensing element. The system also includes a switch configured to selectively couple the sensing element to the circuit. The switch is located proximate to the sensing element. The system also includes an electrical conductor that electrically couples the switch and the circuit. The conductor carries sensing signals from the circuit to the sensing element when the switch is closed. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20120306512 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A capacitive sensor assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor element which has at least one first electrical conductor element, and a reference conductor element defining an electrical reference potential and being interspaced from the first electrical conductor element. The first electrical conductor element is designed as an outer conductor surrounding the reference conductor element which represents the inner conductor. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20110140720 | ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE-TYPE INPUT DEVICE, METHOD OF TESTING ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE-TYPE INPUT DEVICE, AND DRIVING DEVICE FOR ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE-TYPE INPUT DEVICE - An electrostatic capacitance-type input device includes: a plurality of first electrodes, which detect an input position, extending in a first direction in an input area on a substrate; a plurality of second electrodes, which detect an input POSITION, extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction in the input area; a plurality of signal wirings that extend from one-side end portions of the first electrodes and one-side end portions of the second electrodes on the substrate; a test electrode that faces the other-side end portions of at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes through an insulating film on the substrate; and a test wiring that is electrically connected to the test electrode. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20090001998 | Capacitance Detecting Apparatus - A capacitance detecting apparatus which can detect the change in minute capacitance of a measuring object with high sensitivity comprises a signal generator, a differential amplifying circuit, and a detecting unit. The signal generator generates a probe signal w(t) to be applied to one end of the measuring object. The differential amplifying circuit amplifies differentially a response signal v | 01-01-2009 |
| 20100097079 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING CLEARANCE IN A ROTARY MACHINE - Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring clearance in a rotary machine are provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method for monitoring clearance between a rotatable member and a stationary member in a rotary machine. The method may include providing a flex circuit capacitance sensor. The flex circuit capacitance sensor may include at least one capacitance sensing layer, at least one shielding layer adjacent to the capacitance sensing layer, at least one ground layer adjacent to the shielding layer, and a set of conducting leads connected to the capacitance sensing layer. Further, the method may include mounting the capacitance sensor between a portion of the rotatable member and a portion of the stationary member. Clearance may be determined between the rotatable member and the stationary member based at least in part on a capacitance indication from the capacitance sensor. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20120043977 | Mutual Capacitance Sensing Circuits, Methods and Systems - A capacitance sensing system may include a first selection circuit that couples N electrodes of a first electrode set to a capacitance sense circuit; and a second selection circuit that couples M electrodes of a second electrode set, substantially simultaneously, to a signal generator circuit as a group to induce current in the N electrodes by mutual capacitance between the M and N electrodes; wherein N is at least one, and M>N. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120062253 | CAPACITIVE SENSING SYSTEM - The invention relates to capacitive sensing system ( | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120001648 | Capacitance Sensors - A sensor assembly includes a housing assembly, an electrode arrangement and a diaphragm having a fixed portion secured to the housing assembly and an active portion movable relative to the electrode arrangement in response to a differential pressure applied to opposite sides of the diaphragm. The fixed portion of the diaphragm is secured at one or more locations relative to at least a portion of the housing assembly; and at least one groove is formed in the fixed portion of the diaphragm between the locations at which the diaphragm is fixed relative to the housing assembly and the active portion so as to relieve any stress on the active portion of the diaphragm. A method of making the sensor assembly is also disclosed. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120007615 | Analysis of a Dielectric Medium - A method of dealing with the electrode polarization error when analyzing a dielectric test medium is achieved by firstly applying an excitation current to the test medium at a test frequency, by means of a first electric couple ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120056631 | CAPACITIVE SENSING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a capacitive sensing apparatus for sensing an object, wherein the capacitive sensing apparatus comprises a capacitive sensor ( | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120019267 | HIGH FREQUENCY DETECTION DEVICE AND COAXIAL CABLE INCLUDING THE SAME - The present invention provides a high frequency detection device that detects a high frequency voltage signal according to a high frequency voltage generated in a power transmission body. The high frequency detection device includes a substrate and a capacitance conductor fixed to the substrate. The capacitance conductor includes a penetration portion and a capacitor electrode. In the penetration portion, the power transmission body is disposed so as to extend along the penetration portion in a state in which the axial direction of the power transmission body and the substrate are substantially orthogonal. The capacitor electrode is provided to be opposed to the power transmission body. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120019268 | CAPACITANCE SENSOR LAYOUT SCHEME FOR LINEARITY IMPROVEMENT - A capacitive touchpad includes a plurality of parallel traces configured in a capacitance sensor layout scheme such that the maximum sensor gap is smaller than the sensor pitch to improve the sensor response linearity of the capacitive touchpad. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20090015270 | Electrostatic capacity-type sensor - An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic capacity-type sensor which is excellent in durability and can detect bending-deformation. An electrostatic capacity-type sensor comprises a dielectric film made of an elastomer and a pair of electrodes arranged via the dielectric film, and detects the deformation based on a change in the electrostatic capacity between the pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes have an elastomer and a conductive filler blended in said elastomer, and are expansible/contractible depending on the deformation of the dielectric film, and exhibit a small change in the conductivity even when expanded and contracted. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20120112775 | Detection of the Conduction State of an RC-IGBT - A circuit arrangement includes: a reverse conducting IGBT configured to allow for conducting a load current in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, the IGBT having a load current path and a gate electrode; a gate control unit connected to the gate electrode and configured to activate or deactivate the IGBT by charging or, respectively, discharging the gate electrode in accordance with a gate control signal; a gate driver unit configured to detect whether the IGBT conducts current in the forward direction or the reverse direction by sensing a gate current caused by a change of a voltage drop across the load path due to a changing of the reverse conducting IGBT into its reverse conducting state, the gate control unit further configured to deactivate the IGBT or to prevent an activation of the IGBT via its gate electrode when the gate driver unit detects that the IGBT is in its reverse conducting state. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120025851 | CAPACITIVE SENSORS - The present disclosure includes capacitive sensors and methods of forming capacitive sensors. One capacitive sensor includes a first substrate structure having a first dielectric material formed thereon and electrodes of a first electrode array formed on the first dielectric material. The sensor includes a second substrate structure facing the first substrate structure and having a second dielectric material formed thereon and electrodes of a second electrode array formed on the second dielectric material. The sensor includes a removed portion of the first dielectric material forming a recess between adjacent electrodes of the first electrode array, and the first substrate structure is moveable with respect to the second substrate structure. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120062252 | PROTECTION DEVICE, CORRESPONDING METHOD AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE PRODUCT - A device is provided for protecting an electronic payment terminal, which includes at least one printed circuit and one casing. The device includes at least one capacitive detector having a first part electrically connected to the printed circuit and a second part mounted within the casing of the electronic payment terminal without being electrically connected to the first part. The at least one capacitive detector is configured to deliver a reference capacitance when it is mounted in the electronic payment terminal. The device also includes a capacitive measurement microprocessor electrically connected to the at least one capacitive detector and configured to detect a variation in capacitance of the at least one capacitive detector. The device includes a transmitter for transmitting a piece of information representing the variation in capacitance when an absolute value of a difference between the measured capacitance and the reference capacitance exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20110089956 | Fast Response Capacitive Gauging System Featuring Steep Slope Filter Discrimination Circuit - The high speed, high accuracy capacitive gauging system employs an oscillator fed through steep slope filter that is discriminates between very small changes in capacitance even in the presence of electrical noise. During intervals when the probe tip is retracted, the oscillator frequency is calibrated to match the sweet spot in the center of the linear operative region of the steep slope filter. This calibrates the system to overcome the effects of varying temperature and humidity in the manufacturing environment. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20120217982 | Capacitive Sensing Button On Chip - An embodiment of an integrated circuit device may comprise an integrated circuit package, a sensor element attached within the integrated circuit package, a capacitance sensor coupled with the sensor element and situated within the integrated circuit package, wherein the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance of the sensor element, and an output pin positioned at the exterior of the integrated circuit package, wherein the output pin is configured to carry a signal based on the measured capacitance of the sensor element. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20100289508 | ELECTRONIC ANALYSIS CIRCUIT WITH ALTERNATION OF CAPACITIVE/RESISTIVE MEASUREMENT FOR PASSIVE-MATRIX MULTICONTACT TACTILE SENSOR - An electronic analysis circuit for a passive-matrix multicontact tactile sensor including an electrical supply mechanism feeding one of two axes of the matrix, and a mechanism for detecting electrical characteristics along the other axis of the matrix, at intersections between the two axes. The electrical characteristic measured is alternately capacitance and resistance. A multicontact passive-matrix tactile sensor includes an electrical supply mechanism feeding one of the two axes of the matrix, a mechanism detecting electrical characteristics along the other axis of the matrix, at the intersections between the two axes, and such an electronic analysis circuit. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100289507 | MULTICONTACT TRANSPARENT TACTILE SENSOR BASED ON A METALIZED SURFACE DEPOSITION - A multicontact transparent tactile sensor including two at least partially conducting transparent layers, the layers being spaced apart by an insulating transparent material. At least one of the layers includes a transparent sheet on which is deposited an array of conducting tracks whose width is less than 80 microns. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20120212241 | INTERACTIVE PLAY SET WITH CAPACITIVE SENSORS - Embodiments of an interactive play set with capacitive sensors, the play set configured to detect human touch, the presence or identity of small play objects, and play sound effects in response thereof. In some embodiments, play sets have capacitive sensors that detect the presence of play objects with coplanar sensor pads and ground pads in various geometries. In some embodiments, play sets have capacitive sensors that identify particular play objects by detecting the presence or absence of conductive tabs at a plurality of tab locations on each of the play objects. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20090058429 | Detecting Closure of an Electronic Device Using Capacitive Sensors - System and method for determining closure of an electronic device. The electronic device may include a top portion and a bottom portion, and may be connecting via a hinge or other closing mechanism. The top portion and/or the bottom portion may include one or more capacitive sensors which provide signals corresponding to physical contact and a controller coupled to the one or more capacitive sensors. The controller may operate to receive the signals from the one or more capacitive sensors, determine if the electronic device has been closed based on the received signals, and initiate a sequence of events corresponding to the closure of the electronic device. The sequence of events may result in the device entering a low power state. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20120074965 | AREA-VARYING CAPACITIVE SENSOR, AND SELF COMPENSATION AND SIGNAL LINEARIZATION METHOD THEREOF - An area varying capacitive sensor for substantially reducing a drift and an offset without performing a complicated process by linearizing a signal while automatically compensating the offset and the drift by additionally disposing an electrode and performing a simple signal process without applying complicated signal processing to an area varying capacitive sensor having a periodic electrode, a self compensation and signal linearization method of the area varying capacitive sensor are provided. A self compensation and signal linearization method of the sensor having four electrode sets that are disposed to generate a phase difference signal of 90 degrees comprises: controlling the four electrode sets to respectively output a signal with a phase difference of 90 degrees; acquiring two signals from which common signal components including a drift and an offset are eliminated by subtracting the signals that have opposite phases from among the signals that are output by the four electrode sets; controlling peak values of the two signals from which the common signal components are eliminated to have the same size, and acquiring two signals from which absolute values are taken; and comparing sizes of the two signals from which the absolute values are taken, taking a lesser value, and acquiring a linearized triangular wave. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120074964 | DIFFERENTIAL SAND COMPACTION SENSOR - A device for monitoring the effectiveness of sand compaction on a production line comprising one or more sensors. The sensor's response measures the changes in sand compaction, which is affected by the mechanics of the vibration system, changes in the sand properties, and environmental changes. A sensor comprises multiple chambers where the sand is compacted, with each of these chambers having a different difficulty in resisting sand filling and compaction. The difficulty of filling and compacting the sand in these chambers can be controlled using factors such as geometry of each of the chambers and direction of the fill and compaction of sand. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20100271052 | Disconnection detecting device - A control circuit turns on a switching element to discharge a capacitor, and after a voltage between both ends of the capacitor becomes zero, the control circuit turns off the switching element. The control circuit measures the voltage V | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100007362 | RF-BIASED CAPACITIVELY-COUPLED ELECTROSTATIC (RFB-CCE) PROBE ARRANGEMENT FOR CHARACTERIZING A FILM IN A PLASMA PROCESSING CHAMBER - A method for characterizing deposited film on a substrate within a processing chamber during processing is provided. The method includes determining voltage-current characteristic for a probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a first capacitance value. The method also includes applying RF train to the probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a capacitance value greater than first capacitance value. The method further includes providing an initial resistance value and an initial capacitance value for the deposited film. The method yet also includes employing initial resistance value, initial capacitance value, and voltage-current characteristic to generate simulated voltage-time curve. The method yet further includes determining measured voltage-time curve, which represents potential drop across the deposited film for one RF train. The method more over includes comparing the two curves. If the difference is less than predefined threshold, employ initial resistance value and initial capacitance for characterizing the deposited film. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100188107 | CAPACITANCE-TO-VOLTAGE INTERFACE CIRCUIT WITH SHARED CAPACITOR BANK FOR OFFSETTING AND ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERSION - A capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit includes a capacitive sensing circuit, an amplification circuit adapted for selective coupling to the capacitive sensing circuit, a capacitor bank comprising a plurality of binary-weighted capacitors, and a switching architecture associated with the capacitive sensing circuit, the amplification circuit, and the capacitor bank. The switching architecture reconfigures the capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit for operation in a plurality of different phases, including an amplification phase and an analog-to-digital conversion phase. During the amplification phase, the capacitor bank is utilized for offsetting capacitance of the amplification circuit. During the analog-to-digital conversion phase, the capacitor bank is utilized in a successive approximation register. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20120256647 | CAPACITANCE SENSOR STRUCTURE - A capacitance sensor structure includes a first sensor in a first direction and a second sensor in a second direction for sensing a variation in the mutual capacitance between the first sensor and the second sensor by applying an excitation signal to the first sensor and detecting a response signal from the second sensor. The sensing area of the second sensor is intentionally reduced to be much smaller than the sensing area of the first sensor for noise performance improvement of the mutual capacitance sensing. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120256646 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TESTING OF ACOUSTIC DEVICES AND SYSTEMS - Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20090021269 | Method for measuring speed of conductor slipping through capacitive sensor - A method for measuring a speed of a conductor slipping through a capacitive sensor. The method includes: sampling a capacitance of a sensing electrode at each preset time; determining a first threshold value and a second threshold value according to a peak value of the capacitance when the capacitance achieves the peak value; and determining the speed of the conductor slipping through the capacitive sensor by the first period and the second period, wherein the first period is defined as a period of time ranging from the time when the capacitance reaches the first threshold value to the time when the capacitance reaches the peak value and the second period is defined as a period of time ranging from the time when the capacitance reaches the peak value to the time when the capacitance reaches the second threshold value. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090021268 | Touch sensor with electrostatic immunity and sensing method thereof - The present invention relates to a touch sensor with electrostatic immunity and sensing method thereof. The touch sensor includes a sensing electrode, a discharge element, a sensing-controlling terminal and an input-output (I/O) control terminal, wherein the discharge element is coupled between the sensing-controlling terminal and the I/O control terminal and the sensing electrode is coupled to the sensing-controlling terminal. The essence of the present invention is using charge-discharge through the sensing-controlling terminal and the I/O control terminal for sensing whether a conductor contacts the sensing electrode. There are corresponding compensations no matter an electrostatic charge on the sensing electrode is positive charge or negative charge. Therefore, the influence of electrostatic charge can be eliminated. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20110121843 | SENSOR - A sensor including a carrier, a plurality of conductive bumps, a capacitive sensing element connected to the carrier through the conductive bumps, and a cover is provided. The capacitive sensing element has a membrane, and a channel is formed among the capacitive sensing element, the conductive bumps, and the carrier. The cover is disposed on the carrier for covering the capacitive sensing element. A chamber is formed between the capacitive sensing element and the cover. The chamber and the channel are respectively located at two sides of the membrane. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121842 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR TO SENSE AN ELECTRIC FIELD GENERATED BY A CONDUCTOR - A capacitive sensor for detecting an electrical field generated by a live conductor comprises a source electrode ( | 05-26-2011 |
| 20080297176 | Capacitive Sensor and Method for Manufacturing the Same - The present disclosure relates to a capacitive sensor film ( | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297175 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CAPACITANCE TO GROUND OF CONDUCTOR - Apparatus and method for measuring the capacitance to ground of a conductor are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least three switching elements, a voltage measurement circuit, and a controller. Two terminals of a first switching element are connected respectively to a distal terminal of a sample capacitor and a first voltage. Two terminals of a second switching element are connected respectively to a proximal terminal of the sample capacitor and a second voltage. Two terminals of a third switching element are connected respectively to the proximal terminal and the first voltage. The proximal terminal is directly electrically connected to one conductor end. The conductor has an unknown capacitance to ground representative of an object to be sensed. The change in the capacitance of the unknown capacitance capacitor can be determined and a proximity or contact of the object can thus be sensed by using the above apparatus and method. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20120268145 | CURRENT SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A CAPACITANCE-SENSING DEVICE - A capacitance-sensing device including a current-to-voltage converter and an analog-to-digital converter is described. A sense element is coupled to an input of the current-to-voltage converter. The current-to-voltage converter is configured to convert current changes in the coupled sense element to an output voltage and to maintain a constant voltage at the input. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the output voltage generated by the current-to-voltage converter to a digital value. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120268146 | VOLTAGE DETECTOR - A voltage detector includes a radiator plate which is connected to the collector of an IGBT, a detection lead frame which forms a capacitor along with the radiator plate, and a collector voltage detection circuit which detects the collector voltage of the IGBT on the basis of the amount of changes in electric charges accumulated in the capacitor. With this voltage detector, the collector voltage of the IGBT can be detected without causing an increase in the size of the system even under a high-voltage condition. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20100231241 | Capacitance measurement system and method - A capacitance measurement system precharges first terminals ( | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231240 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING A CAPACITANCE VARIATION AND CAPACITIVE SENSOR FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A USER USING SUCH A DEVICE - A device for detecting a variation in the capacitance of a variable capacitive structure, wherein the device generates voltage pulses, charges the variable capacitive structure using the voltage pulses, discharges the variable capacitive structure toward a reference capacitor, detects a voltage threshold across the terminals of the reference capacitor, determines a number of charges and/or discharges of the variable capacitive structure corresponding to the voltage threshold, and detects a variation in the number of charges and/or discharges with respect to a number of charges and/or discharges previously obtained. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20110273194 | Object Detection Device for an Automotive Vehicle - A detection device for detecting an object by measuring the capacitance variation of the detection device includes at least a pair of sensor pads, each sensor pad being able to transmit or to receive an electric field. Each sensor pad can be used to measure the impedance variation of the pad, each sensor pad being driven by a driven rail impedance measuring system including an inverter, an oscillator, a power supply rail driver and switches, the measuring system being able to change the sensor pad function from electric field transmitter to electric field receiver or impedance measurer by turning on and off the oscillator to the input of the power supply rail driver of the inverter. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20130009654 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A capacitive sensor assembly for a motor vehicle for detecting seat occupancy is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor element which has at least one first electrical conductor element, and an electrical heating element which has at least one electrically operated heating conductor and which is interspaced from the first electrical conductor element. The first electrical conductor element is designed as an external conductor surrounding the heating conductor. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130021045 | PLURAL-FREQUENCY CAPACITIVE OCCUPANCY SENSING SYSTEM - A plural-frequency capacitive occupancy sensing system comprises an antenna electrode and a detection circuit, which is configured to drive the antenna electrode at least with a first and a second signal at a first and a second frequency, respectively, so as to obtain at least a first and a second measurement value indicative of at least one of conductance, susceptance, resistance, reactance and capacitance between the antenna electrode and a reference node, at the first frequency and the second frequency, respectively. The detection circuit compares the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node with a threshold capacitance, the threshold capacitance being derived from a difference between the first and second measurement values and/or the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node being corrected based upon the difference between the measurement values. The detection circuit outputs an occupancy state signal depending on the comparison. | 01-24-2013 |
