Abstract: The method is for measuring a physical parameter by an electronic circuit connected to a two differential capacitor sensor having two fixed electrodes and a common moving electrode. The electronic circuit supplies first and second digital measuring signals. Each measuring cycle consists on biasing the electrodes by the measuring voltage based on the first digital signal, connecting the fixed electrodes to a supply voltage source for a first biasing, biasing the electrodes by the measuring voltage based on the second digital measuring signal, and inversely connecting the fixed electrodes to a supply voltage source for a second biasing. In first successive measuring cycles, the first and second digital signals are adapted to each cycle by a large step value. In second successive measuring cycles, the first and second digital signals are adapted to each cycle by a small step value until the end of the conversion.

Abstract: A seat heater has heater electrodes in a film shape and a sensor electrode in a film shape. When detecting an occupant through the sensor electrode, the heater electrodes are disconnected from a heater unit to cause those electrodes to be substantially insulated from a vehicle. This makes it possible to detect the occupant seated on a seat without being affected by the heater electrodes. According to such a structure, it becomes possible to warm the occupant and to precisely detect the occupant.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.

Abstract: The present application provides a method for adjusting an electric field intensity, comprising: when detecting that a probe capacitance threshold generated by a capacitor plate group reaches a preset critical value, changing relative positions of or a connection relationship between capacitor plates in the capacitor plate group, and adjusting an electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group. By using the method for adjusting an electric field intensity of the present application, when an electric field intensity generated by a capacitor plate group cannot cover an object to be detected, the electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group is increased by changing relative positions of or a connection relationship between capacitor plates, so that the electric field intensity generated by the capacitor plate group can continue to cover the object to be detected.

Abstract: 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 th

Abstract: There is provided a capacitor sensor capable of controlling sensitivity, wherein the capacitor sensor measures the magnitude and direction of a shear force applied to the sensor, as well as the magnitude of a normal force applied on the surface of the sensor, and consists of a single cell including a pattern electrode capable of varying its shape to control the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of correcting the gain of a capacitive member having electrodes that are movable relative to each other including the steps of successively applying to one of the electrodes, reduced bias voltages having opposite signs and a common value below a threshold for which a remanent field generated by said reduced bias voltages can be measured, making corresponding measurements of the output signals from the capacitive member; taking an average, and correcting the gain of the capacitive member as a function of the measured output signal.

Abstract: A biometric sensor and button assembly and method of making same are disclosed which may comprise: a button housing comprising at least two side walls each forming a vertical load absorbing tower and defining an opening within the button housing; an insert within the opening within the housing; a sensor controller integrated circuit positioned within a cavity formed in one of the insert, the housing or a combination of the insert and the housing; and the insert and the housing cooperating to absorb vertical loading on the button housing, thereby protecting the integrated circuit from excess vertical loading. The assembly and method may also comprise the biometric comprising a fingerprint sensed by the biometric sensor. The assembly and method may also comprise the at least two side walls comprising at least four side walls, the cavity being formed within the bottom of the insert, within the housing, or both.

Abstract: Touchscreen testing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a conductor is placed proximal to a touchscreen device and the touchscreen device is tested by simulating a touch of a user by placing the conductor in a grounded state and lack of a touch by the user by placing the conductor in an ungrounded state.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a substrate, a fixation section and a wiring line provided to the substrate, a contact section adapted to electrically connect the fixation section and the wiring line to each other, and a movable electrode electrically connected to the wiring line via the fixation section. The contact section is disposed in the fixation section in a second area outside a first area obtained by imaginarily extending a fixed support area in a displacement direction of the movable electrode in a plan view. The fixed support area is sandwiched by edge portions of an area where the movable electrode and the fixation section are connected to each other.

Abstract: A protector with a sensor is installed on a sliding door for detecting an alien substance by touch between two core wires in a hollow part. In a terminal part of the protector with the sensor, the core wires drawn out are connected with a resistor or leads joined with a control unit. A primary seal is formed by injection molding for coating wire connection parts and another end side of an insert and a secondary seal is formed by the injection molding for coating a part formed with the primary seal for forming an external shape of a product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes running generally in a first direction. The sensor also includes a plurality of sense electrodes running generally in a second direction. The sense electrodes have branches running generally in the first direction. End portions of the adjacent branches of adjacent sense electrodes extend beyond one another to define respective coextensive portions of the branches.

Abstract: A multi purpose capacitive sensor suitable for indicating close proximity of a person to a surface along a large-size truck as well as along a medium-size painting or a pocket-size mobile phone is disclosed. The sensor comprises a voltage measuring device provided with a signal ground connected to a first pole of an oscillating voltage source that has a second pole connected to a signal input of the voltage measuring device. This input has a first capacitance to earth and a second capacitance to the signal ground. A third capacitance is exhibited to earth by the second pole of said voltage source. According to the invention, a prebias component is connected between the second pole of the voltage source and the signal input of the voltage measuring device.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a first plate, a second plate disposed over the first plate, and a first moveable plate disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The MEMS device further includes a second moveable plate disposed between the first moveable plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of receiving electrode sets, each of the plurality of receiving electrodes being defined by a coupled intersecting diagonal bar; a plurality of sets of transmitting electrodes, each set of the transmitting electrodes having: at least a first electrode on a first side of its corresponding receiving electrode, and a second electrode on a second side of its corresponding receiving electrode; and a first AC signal generator to generate a signal on the plurality of electrode sets of transmitting electrodes to be received by the receiving electrodes.

Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the moveable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor, a button, a conductor between the button and the sensor, and a controller connected to the sensor. The sensor includes first and second electrode tracks. The button includes an electrically isolating material and is configured to capacitively couple with an object. The conductor is configured to capacitively couple with the sensor and form a galvanic connection between the first and second electrode tracks when the conductor comes into contact with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a value associated with an amount of capacitive coupling between the conductor and the sensor and to detect first and second states of the button based on the value, the first state indicating that the object is in contact with the button and that the conductor is not contacting the sensor, and the second state indicating that the conductor is not contacting the sensor.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both.

Abstract: A MEMS tunable capacitor comprises first and second opposing capacitor electrodes, wherein the second capacitor electrode is movable by a MEMS switch to vary the capacitor dielectric spacing, and thereby tune the capacitance. A tunable dielectric material and a non-tunable dielectric material are in series between the first and second electrodes. The tunable dielectric material occupies a dimension gd of the electrode spacing, and the non-tunable dielectric material occupies a dimension g of the electrode spacing. A third electrode faces the movable second electrode for electrically controlling tunable dielectric material. A controller is adapted to vary the capacitor dielectric spacing for a first continuous range of adjustment of the capacitance of the MEMS capacitor, and to tune the dielectric material for a second continuous range of adjustment of the capacitance of the MEMS capacitor, thereby to provide a continuous analogue range of adjustment including the first and second ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor that can accurately detect displacement and prevents the phenomenon of a contact section between a shaft member and a sliding element receiver being shifted. The sensor comprising: a case having a through hole; a resistance substrate fixed at an inside of said case; a shaft member having a first end portion which is one end of the shaft member placed within said case and a second end portion which is other end of the shaft member exposed to an outside of said case from said through hole, said shaft member being placed at said through hole in a movable manner in an axial direction; and a sliding element receiver having a bearing end contacting with said second end portion of said shaft member, and attached with a brush sliding together with said resistance substrate, said sliding element receiver being capable of moving relatively against said resistance substrate with said shaft member. A hemispherical end face is formed at said first end portion.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring rub detection in a machine are provided. An electrical signal may be provided for transmission to and into a component of the machine. A capacitance associated with the electrical signal in the component may be monitored. Based at least in part upon a determined change in the monitored capacitance, a potential rub condition for the component of the machine.

Abstract: A non-contact operation detection device for a vehicle includes: a spacer; a sensor electrode supported on a first surface of the spacer; a first electrode supported on a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface of the spacer; and a determination unit determining a change in capacitance detected by the sensor electrode.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting a stimulus. The capacitive sensor includes an electrode and a processing unit electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to determine the presence of a stimulus based on the rate of change of the electrode capacitance. A substrate is positioned adjacent the electrode, wherein the stimulus corresponds to the placement of an object against the substrate. The processing unit is operative to determine a time rate of change based on successive measurements of the electrode capacitance. In addition, the processing unit is operative to determine the presence of a stimulus in response to the time rate of change being less than a reference value.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the present invention are electrical double layer (EDL) capacitive devices that include an insulating substrate defining a nanopore therethrough; a nanopore electrode exposed in a portion of the nanopore; and an electrolyte in contact with the nanopore electrode. Also provided are methods of using EDL capacitive devices according to embodiments of the invention to sequence polynucleotides or other polymers and/or to detect analytes.

Abstract: The exemplary devices and processing techniques allow multiple measurement devices or chips to work together to sample a screen that is larger than one measurement device might sample, by allowing sharing X or drive lines amongst the measurements devices. Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following optional advantages. The sharing of the drive lines may allow for a screen sized or otherwise configured to have more measurement nodes than would be produced by the sum of the nodes that could be measured by the individual devices. For a screen that requires multiple measurement devices, the drive line sharing thus may allow use of a smaller number of measuring devices.

Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit has at least a carrier signal generating circuit that supplies a carrier signal to one of a movable or a fixed electrode of a sensor, an operational amplifier with one of the movable or fixed electrode as an input and ground as another input, and a printed circuit board on which the physical quantity sensor, the carrier signal generating circuit, and the operational amplifier are mounted. An insulation-secured area on the printed circuit board is configured as a moisture absorption reduction area, including at least an electrode connection part of the physical quantity sensor, an input-side connection part of the operational amplifier, and a connection part connected to the input side of the operational amplifier out of connection parts of input-side circuit components connected between the electrode connection part and the input-side connection part.

Abstract: A system can include an input for receiving objects having a flat shape; a capacitance sensing network comprising a plurality of capacitance sensors positioned to be proximate to the received objects; an operations section coupled to the capacitance sensing network and configured to perform predetermined operations on the objects; and a processor section coupled to receive capacitance sense values from the capacitance sensors and configured to determine the presence and features of received objects, prior to the objects being forwarded to the operations section.

Abstract: A semiconductor device measures a state of a MEMS as a first voltage variation at a sensing node. The state of the MEMS includes a capacitance. A first capacitor is coupled between the sensing node and an input of an integrator for transferring the first voltage variation to a second node as a first signal. A second voltage variation is routed through a second capacitor to the second node as a second signal. The integrator integrates the first signal and second signal to provide an integrated signal. An ADC has an input coupled to an output of the integrator and converts the integrated signal to a digital signal representative of the capacitance of the MEMS. A DAC has an input coupled to the output of the ADC. A second capacitor is coupled between an output of the DAC and the sensing node.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode, an analyzing unit, a sliding member, and a crimping member. The fixed electrode is arranged along a predetermined direction. The movable electrode faces the fixed electrode. The analyzing unit is configured to detect a position of the movable electrode based on capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. The sliding member is disposed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. The crimping member crimps the fixed electrode and the movable electrode together by a magnetic force.

Abstract: A sensing surface is presented for use in monitoring a three dimensional behavior of one or more objects above the surface. The sensing surface is associated with a self-capacitance sensor and comprises a plurality of self-capacitive sensing pads located on a single layer. The sensing surface is configured for providing measured data indicative of a three-dimensional behavior of one or more objects over an active area of the sensing surface. The pattern of the pads is configured such that each sensing pad can be connected to an edge of the sensing surface on said single layer. The technique further enables the use of a capacitive sensor comprising the sensing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for capacitively measuring changes has a sensor (S) with a sensor-active region. The sensor has at least one transmitting electrode, which generates an electric field, and a further electrode (13) which is capacitively coupled to the transmitting electrode (15), wherein the transmitting electrode (15) is arranged between the further electrode (13) and an element (11) which is at a reference potential. An output of a driver/evaluation unit (5.0) is coupled to the transmitting electrode (15) and an input of the driver/evaluation unit (5.0) is coupled at high impedance to the further electrode (13), an electric field forming between the further electrode (13) and a reference potential on account of the electric field, generated by the transmitting electrode (15), between the transmitting electrode (15) and the further electrode (13). A change in the capacitance between the further electrode (13) and the reference potential is thus detected using the driver/evaluation unit (5.0).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.

Abstract: A capacitance-type touch sensor and a display device equipped with this sensor are provided in which the detection of the transparent conductive portions can be suppressed without employing a technique using a dummy electrode. The capacitance-type touch sensor of the present invention includes a resin sheet and a plurality of transparent conductive portions formed in parallel on the resin sheet. In this capacitance-type touch sensor, the difference between the maximum and minimum retardation values of a resin sheet equipped with transparent conductive portions is 3 nm or less.

Abstract: A slider and an electronic apparatus containing the slider, the slider including upper and lower board bodies, a first metal part positioned on the upper board body and connected to a capacitive touch sensor, the capacitive touch sensor being arranged on the circuit board of an electronic apparatus containing the slider; and a second metal part positioned on the lower board body and connected to a ground end (terminal), the ground end being arranged on the circuit board of the electronic apparatus containing the slider; the first and second metal parts are respectively positioned at the same end of the upper board body and the lower board body, and the first and second metal parts constitute a capacitor, the capacitance of which provides for detecting the open mode and closed mode of the slider.

Abstract: A capacitive rotation sensor for detecting the position of an object moving relative to a stationary object, comprising a shaft rotatably supported in a housing flange, said shaft being connected integral in rotation therewith to a rotor to which, separated by an air gap, a stator situated opposite thereto is assigned, wherein at least the rotor, the stator and an evaluation circuit are enclosed by an electrically conductive cap, wherein a stator surface is arranged on the underside of a circuit board and the stator surface has assigned thereto, situated opposite thereto and separated by the air gap, a non-rotation-symmetrical rotor disc which, in turn, is fixed on a rotor support, said rotor support being fastened highly precisely on the outer periphery of the shaft so as to be integral in rotation therewith.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a first current at a current source having a magnitude based on the magnitude of a second current flowing from a capacitive node of a touch sensor in the absence of a touch with respect to the capacitive node. The method further includes generating a third current from the capacitive node of the touch sensor in the presence of a touch with respect to the capacitive node. The first current and the third current are summed to cancel out at least a portion of the third current. The method further includes integrating, by an integrator, the sum of the first current and the third current to generate an output voltage.

Abstract: A pressurized gas storage system includes an outer shell having an inner and outer surface. The inner surface defines an inner volume for holding a pressurized gas. A first electrically conductive layer is attached to the outer shell. An inner liner is disposed over the inner surface. A second electrically conductive layer is attached to the inner liner. A capacitance meter measures the capacitance between the first and second electrically conductive layers wherein a change in capacitance indicates buckling in the storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passenger detecting sensor which is installed in a seat to detect whether a passenger is seated on a seat, and a method of manufacturing the same. A method of manufacturing a passenger detecting sensor includes printing corrosion preventive ink on aluminum bonded on a flexible panel in accordance with a pattern; forming an aluminum pattern by corroding the aluminum; cleaning the corrosion preventive ink on the aluminum pattern; and printing a carbon paste on the aluminum pattern.

Abstract: A sensor has a strip resonator filter that energizes an emitter patch which emits an electric field out from the strip resonator filter (away from the strip resonator filter). The capacitance of the filter, or specifically the coupling capacitance and radiation pattern of the slotted patch, is altered when an object such as a finger is near the sensor. Resulting changes in a signal outputted by the filter can be used to determine how close the object is to the sensor. The strip resonator filter may be a half wavelength strip resonator coupled filter having three separate strips. The patch may have a slot and two accompanying strips. An arrangement of multiple sensors may detect the position of an object in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for determining a change in capacitance in a cable, such as a change caused by a deformation of the cable. The deformation may be caused by a deforming element attached to the cable and slideable along the cable. The deforming element may be adapted to be compressed by a user and convert the compression force into a compression of the cable so as to cause the capacitance change. The assembly may form part of a headset and the deformation may be used to control a media player or mobile telephone used with the headset.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A micromechanical component is described having a substrate which has a movable mass which is connected via at least one spring to the substrate so that the movable mass is displaceable with respect to the substrate, and at least one fixedly mounted stator electrode. The movable mass and the at least one spring are structured from the substrate. At least one separating trench which at least partially surrounds the movable mass is formed in the substrate. The at least one stator electrode is situated adjacent to an outer surface of the movable mass which is at least partially surrounded by the separating trench, with the aid of at least one supporting connection which connects the at least one stator electrode to an anchor situated on the substrate and spans a section of the separating trench. Also described is a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component.

Abstract: A touch panel sensor with which unevenness of interference can be reduced is provided. A touch panel sensor of the present invention includes a film base material, a first transparent electrode pattern formed on a first face of the film base material, a first adhesive layer laminated on the first face of the film base material so as to cover the first transparent electrode pattern, a second transparent electrode pattern formed on a second face of the film base material, and a second adhesive layer laminated on the second face of the film base material so as to cover the second transparent electrode pattern, and the film base material has an in-plane phase difference of ?/4 with respect to a wavelength ? in the visible light region.

Abstract: A method for producing a capacitive contact sensor and a capacitive contact sensor having a carrier plate made of plastic are described. The front surface of the sensor initiates a switching process when contacted, and the rear surface of the sensor has one or more capacitive sensor electrodes disposed thereon and connected via conductors to analysis electronics. The regions on the front surface of the carrier plate opposite the sensor electrodes thereby form contact zones. A plastic film supporting the sensor electrodes and conductors is placed on a first side wall of a cavity of an injection molding tool, wherein the sensor electrodes face the first side wall, and then a polycarbonate forming the carrier plate is injected into the cavity on the side of the plastic film facing away from the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A washer assembly is for use with a fastener. The washer assembly includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and an insulating portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion. The first conductive portion, the second conductive portion, and the insulating portion form a variable capacitor having a capacitance based on an amount of force applied thereto by the fastener. A wireless transponder unit includes a control unit electrically connected to the variable capacitor and an antenna electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to sense the capacitance of the variable capacitor, to generate information representing the capacitance, and to output the information to a wireless reader unit via the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming an apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to form a parallel plate capacitor; a compressible, transparent dielectric layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the dielectric layer has a nanostructure and the dimensions of the nanostructure are such that the dielectric layer is optically transparent.

Abstract: Provided is a circuit simulation model that can suitably represent capacitor characteristics, thereby realizing accurate circuit design and circuit analysis. A SPICE model is constituted of a capacitor unit in which a capacitor is replaced with a linear voltage dependent current source, a low-pass filter unit that has a function of extracting a DC bias voltage, a calculation circuit unit that is configured by combining an adder, a multiplier, and the like to perform a calculation of a circuit equation derived from an equivalent circuit for a capacitor such as an idealized C circuit model, an RC circuit model, or the like, and a linear voltage dependent voltage source that applies a total voltage applied across the capacitor to the calculation circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch screen sensor substrate, to a touch screen sensor, and to a touch screen panel comprising same. The touch screen sensor substrate according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of sensing units formed of electrodes connected into a pattern of a predetermined direction at one surface of a base; and a connection unit which is formed of electrodes connected into a pattern of a direction which is the same as or similar to the direction of the pattern of the sensing units, and which connects the sensing units.