With Comparison Or Difference Circuit Patents (Class 324/679)
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Publication number: 20120310570Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a capacitive inventory sensor. A system includes a track configured for retaining items. A first conducting plate is positioned along a portion of the track, and a second conducting plate is positioned in parallel with the first conducting plate along a portion of the track. The second conducting plate is positioned a distance from the first conducting plate, and the second plate is configured to have the items placed on top of the second plate. The system further includes a capacitance sensor configured for connection to the first and second conducting plates, where the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance between the first and second conducting plates, and where the capacitance varies based on a number of items positioned on the sensor track.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: John W. Pyne, Gary L. Overhultz, Gordon E. Hardman
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Publication number: 20120299605Abstract: An occupant detection sensor for detecting an occupant seating state on a seat comprises: a contact pressure sensor section including a pair of opposed electrodes arranged parallel to a seating face part of the seat; an electrostatic sensor section including a main electrode arranged parallel to the seating face part of the seat and a guard electrode arranged between the main electrode and a seat frame, the guard electrode and the main electrode having a same electric potential; a capacitance measuring section for measuring a first capacitance between the opposed electrodes and a second capacitance between the main electrode and ground; and an occupant distinguishing section for distinguishing a seating state of the occupant based on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Asei Wakabayashi, Takashi Inoue, Kouji Ootaka
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Publication number: 20120286811Abstract: A capacitance difference detecting method, comprising: (a) utilizing a voltage control unit to cooperate with a first capacitor to be detected and a second capacitor to be detected to generate a first voltage and a second voltage; and (b) computing a capacitance difference between the first capacitor to be detected and the second capacitor to be detected according to the first voltage, the second voltage and a parameter of the voltage control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Kun-Chih Lin, Wen-Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20120286812Abstract: A capacitance difference detecting circuit, which comprises: a control circuit, for generating a control signal according to a first voltage and a second voltage; a first capacitor to be detected; a second capacitor to be detected; a voltage control unit, for cooperating with the first capacitor to be detected and the second capacitor to be detected, according to the control signal, to generate the first voltage and the second voltage; and a computing device, for computing a capacitance difference between the first capacitor to be detected and the second capacitor to be detected according to the first voltage, the second voltage and a parameter of the voltage control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Kun-Chih Lin, Wen-Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20120280700Abstract: A circuit for sensing a differential capacitance includes a charge-storing circuit to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage related to capacitances at two terminals of the differential capacitance, respectively, an operational amplifier to amplify the difference between the first and second output voltages to generate a sensing value, a first sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal receiving the first or second output voltage, and a second sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal switched to the output terminal of the operational amplifier. The second sampling capacitor stores a non-ideal error value to offset the non-ideal effect of the operational amplifier imparted on the sensing value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: ELAN MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Chao-Chi YANG, Shih-How PENG
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Publication number: 20120274340Abstract: A circuit and a method for sensing differential capacitance involve using plural storing capacitors to repeatedly sample charges of the differential capacitance in an over-sampling manner, and storing the charges sampled in different transfer rounds into different storing capacitors instead of repeatedly transferring charges for a single storing capacitor, so as to collect charge averages about both inputs and noises and in turn effectively reduce RF interference and source noises.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Chao-Chi YANG, Shih-How PENG
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Publication number: 20120268144Abstract: A touch sensing circuit detects a difference in variation of coupling capacitances between mutually adjacent driving electrodes through the use of a differential amplifier, and senses whether or not a touch is made on a touch screen panel, thereby being capable of removing display noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SILICON WORKS CO., LTDInventors: Yong-Sung Ahn, Jung-Min Choi, Yong-Suk Kim, Hyung-Seog Oh
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Patent number: 8294478Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor includes a sensor mat having a base member and a main electrode arranged on the base member. The main electrode has a first electrode, and a second electrode to cover the first electrode. The second electrode is cheaper than the first electrode. The base member is constructed by U-parts, and an opening of the U-part is defined to be surrounded by two extending portions and a bent portion connecting the extending portions. The first electrode is located adjacent to the opening, when the first electrode is patterned on the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shoichi Yamanaka, Hideyuki Hayakawa
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Publication number: 20120262193Abstract: A waveform dividing method for a capacitive touch control device saves a first waveform in a direction, and then saves a multi-touch waveform in the direction when another object further touches the capacitive touch control device. If the multi-touch waveform is identified as having waveform overlapping, a second waveform is extracted from the difference between the multi-touch waveform and the first waveform. By calculating with the second waveform, accurate positioning of the objects on the capacitive touch control device can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Tsung-Hsien WU, Kuo-Ming Huang
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Publication number: 20120262192Abstract: A MEMS switch. The MEMS switch has a high-impedance state and a low-impedance state for biasing a capacitive sensor, and includes an actuation bias terminal, a sense bias terminal, a switch control terminal, a sense node terminal, and a spring. The actuation bias terminal and the sense bias terminal reside in a released region of the switch. The sense bias terminal is physically coupled to the actuation bias terminal by a dielectric which electrically isolates the sense bias terminal from the actuation bias terminal. The switch control terminal is separated from the sense bias terminal by a first air gap, and the sense node terminal is separated from the sense bias terminal by a second air gap. The spring supports the actuation bias terminal, the sense bias terminal, and the dielectric.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Matthew A. Zeleznik
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Publication number: 20120265485Abstract: An input device (10) has a contact plate (12) having a contact surface (14) and being least partially coated with an electrical resistive layer (16) on a surface opposite the contact surface (14). The electrical resistive layer (16) has at least two electrically conducting contacts (18). A measuring circuit (20) is provided for measuring a sensing capacitor (24) formed by the electrical resistive layer (16) and an electrostatically chargeable object (22) arranged at a contact position on the contact surface (14). Further, a processing unit is provided for determining coordinates (X, Y) of the contact position of the electrostatically chargeable object (22) on the contact surface (14) by means of a determination of the ohmic resistances (Rn) between the contact position of the electrostatically chargeable object (22) and the electrically conducting contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Ulrich Backes
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Publication number: 20120256645Abstract: A sensor for sensing an analyte includes capacitive elements, each having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric of at least one of the capacitive elements is sensitive to the analyte, the sensor further including a comparator adapted to compare a selected set of capacitive elements against a reference signal and to generate a comparison result signal, and a controller for iteratively selecting the set in response to the comparison result signal, wherein the sensor is arranged to produce a digitized output signal indicative of the sensed level of the analyte of interest. An IC comprising such a sensor, an electronic device comprising such an IC and a method of determining a level of an analyte of interest using such a sensor are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Viet Hoang Nguyen, Roel Daamen, Axel Nackaerts, Pascal Bancken
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Publication number: 20120256644Abstract: A coordinate detecting device includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a capacitance detecting circuit, a first electrode switch, and a second electrode switch. All of the second electrodes are connected to a power supply by the second electrode switch and the first electrodes are selectively connected to the capacitance detecting circuit by the first electrode switch, thereby detecting a first coordinate. All of the first electrodes are connected to the power supply by the first electrode switch and the second electrodes are selectively connected to the capacitance detecting circuit by the second electrode switch, thereby detecting a second coordinate. When a plurality of first coordinates or a plurality of second coordinates are detected, capacitances between the first and second electrodes corresponding to combinations of the detected first and second coordinates are measured, thereby specifying the position of the detection target.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Tatsumi FUJIYOSHI, Naoyuki HATANO, Hiroshi IZUMI
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Patent number: 8269512Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor for detecting an occupant sitting on a seat cushion of a seat of a vehicle includes a capacitive sensor mat, a cushion member, and a floating electrode. The capacitive sensor mat is disposed in the seat cushion and has a surface. The cushion member is disposed on the surface of the capacitive sensor mat. The floating electrode is disposed on an opposite side of the cushion member from the surface of the capacitive sensor mat. A projected area of the floating electrode with respect to the surface is smaller than the surface. The floating electrode is in an electrically-floating state with respect to the capacitive sensor mat. The occupant is detected based on an occupant capacitance between the capacitive sensor mat and the occupant and a floating capacitance between the capacitive sensor mat and the floating electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kouji Ootaka
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Patent number: 8269511Abstract: A mutual capacitance sensor device comprises a plurality of receiver sensor electrodes, a plurality of transmitter sensor electrodes, and a processing system coupled with the plurality of receiver sensor electrodes and coupled with the plurality of transmitter sensor electrodes. The processing system is configured for acquiring a capacitive image from the pluralities of sensor electrodes. The processing system is also configured for correlating a part of the capacitive image with at least one input object template image to determine both a presence and a type of an input object interacting with the mutual capacitance sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Joel Jordan
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Patent number: 8264244Abstract: A capacitance difference detecting circuit includes a control circuit, for generating a control signal according to a first voltage and a second voltage; a first capacitor to be detected; a second capacitor to be detected; a first constant capacitor, having a terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first capacitor to be detected and the first input terminal; a second constant capacitor, having a terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second capacitor to be detected and the second input terminal; a voltage control unit, cooperating with the first capacitor to be detected, the second capacitor to be detected, the first constant capacitor and the second constant capacitor to control the first voltage and the second voltage. The voltage control unit is an adjustable capacitor and a capacitance value of the adjustable capacitor is controlled by the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Ili Technology Corp.Inventors: Kun-Chih Lin, Wen-Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20120217981Abstract: Capacitance sensing circuits, systems and method can include sample and hold (S/H) circuits that can retain analog values for one set of capacitance sensors, and sequentially convert such analog values into digital values while analog values for another set of capacitance sensors values are generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ozan E. Erdogan, Guozhong Shen, Syed T. Mahmud, Jean CauXuan Le
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Publication number: 20120212240Abstract: A method and system for detecting a presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitive sense element during an initialization process of a touch-sensing device. A reference sense element is calibrated to produce a sensing parameter value. A capacitance of a plurality of capacitive sense elements is measured based on the sensing parameter value, and compared to a baseline capacitance value stored in a non-volatile memory of the touch-sensing device. The presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitive sense element is detected when a difference between the measured capacitance and the stored baseline capacitance value is greater than a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventor: Kristopher L. Young
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Publication number: 20120206269Abstract: A system to signal proximity of at least one object or entity comprises reference means, sensing means for sensing the at least one object or entity in an electric field, and processing means for detecting at least one capacitive change in at least a portion of the electric field. The sensing means is configured to at least partially form the electric field with at least a portion of the reference means. Also provided is a sensing device comprising at least one electrically conductive unit, at least one reference, and an electrical circuit coupled to at least one processor. At least one of the electric circuit and the at least one processor is configured to cause the at least one electrically conductive unit and the at least one reference to form a capacitive relationship, and detect a capacitive change in at least a portion of the electrical field.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: B.E.A. Inc.Inventors: Randy William Wickman, Thomas Michael Yantek, Anthony Kenneth Gianettino, Joseph Mark Mulcahy, Timothy U. Craddock, Songfeng Guo
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Patent number: 8242788Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for a capacitive sensing device, in which a calibration capacitor device connects to the capacitive sensing device which is connected to an integration circuit that generates a voltage output and a latch output, a transforming circuit transforms a sensitivity calibration parameter into a pair of corresponding analog signal outputs, and an offset calibration parameter into a corresponding analog signal output, at least two first switches between the pair of corresponding analog signal outputs and a fixed potential according to system clock's levels, and at least a third switch switches between the corresponding analog signal output and another fixed potential according to the system clock's levels. The apparatus determines the switch between the pair of signal outputs according to the latch output.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Yu-Wen Hsu, Lu-Po Liao, Chieh-Ling Hsiao, Yu-Chun Hsu
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Publication number: 20120200388Abstract: A capacitance type detection device may include a sensor electrode forming a capacitor with respect to a peripheral conductor; a measurement unit measuring the floating capacitance of the sensor electrode, which changes correspondingly to a positional relation between the sensor electrode and the detection object; and a judgment unit judging the approach of the detection object in a case in which there is satisfied an approach detection condition including a fact that a magnitude correlation between a time rate-of-change of the floating capacitance measured by the measurement unit and a predetermined time rate-of-change which is defined correspondingly to a combination of the detection object and an object to be discriminated so as to be different from the detection object lies in a predetermined relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: SUMIDA CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshinori MIURA, Hitoshi MORIYA, Takanobu ROKUKA
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Patent number: 8237851Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for calibrating lens displacement in a voltage controlled actuator. In one embodiment, a calibration circuit comprises a programmable voltage source that provides a voltage to a control terminal of an actuator to set a lens displacement, a switch that selectively decouples said programmable voltage source from said control terminal, a current source that provides a reference current to said control terminal when the control terminal is decoupled from said programmable voltage source, a comparator that senses a voltage difference between said programmable voltage source and said control terminal, and a timer coupled to an output of the comparator. The timer measures a time period required to increase the control terminal voltage. The capacitance of the actuator may be determined and used to calibrate the position of a lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Summit Microelectronics, IncInventors: Sang Ton Ngo, Thomas O'Brien, Sridhar Kotikalapoodi, M. Abid Hussain
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Patent number: 8237489Abstract: A capacitance interface circuit is provided. An external inductive capacitor is divided into a variable portion and an invariable portion. The capacitance of an internal adjustable capacitor is designed to be equal or close to the fixed capacitance of the external inductive capacitor. The internal adjustable capacitor is used for storing charges having a polarity opposite to that of the invariable portion of the external inductive capacitor in order to neutralize the effect of the invariable portion of the external inductive capacitor. Thus, a charge converter composed of a fully-differential amplifier and feedback capacitors needs only work on the variable portion of the external inductive capacitor, and accordingly the accuracy in subsequent data processing is increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.Inventor: Ping-Pao Cheng
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Publication number: 20120187964Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is received that is electromagnetically coupled across a plug aperture of the communications connector using a reactive coupling element. A determination may be made that a mating plug (e.g., an RJ-45 plug or a connector on a fiber optic jumper cable) has been inserted into the plug aperture based on this received control signal. Related connectors are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Scott Lynn Michaelis, David Heckmann, Jeff Oberski
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Patent number: 8222908Abstract: A detector for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the detector comprising a sense conductive component and an excitation conductive component to define a first gap that is configured to receive a consumable material used in the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, where the excitation conductive component is configured to generate a first electrical field across the first gap.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Paul, J. Samuel Batchelder
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Patent number: 8217666Abstract: Provided is a capacitance detection apparatus capable of effectively discriminating between an external factor due to e.g. water drops and a human-induced operation and allowing detection of occurrence of the human-induced operation with a simple arrangement. The apparatus alternately executes a first switching control process and a second switching control process, the first and second switching control processes executing a second switch operation with different charging periods from each other. In each of the first and second switching control processes, the number of repetition times of the second switch operation is counted until the potential of a terminal of a reference capacitance changes to a set potential. Based on the number of repetition times in at least one of the two switching control processes, presence/absence of change in determined capacitance (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Hagimoto, Hisashi Inaba, Kazunori Sugimura
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Publication number: 20120161795Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes a conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, a dielectric portion disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, and a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Douglas Allen Pfau, James Frederick Krier, David Michael Whitton
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Publication number: 20120153973Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator circuit and method. The circuit includes a current mirror, a voltage divider having an interior contact and coupled between the mirror output and a potential, an operational amplifier having an input coupled to the interior contact and a switch having input/output contacts separately coupled to the amplifier output and the mirror input and having a switch control. The amplifier output can be coupled to a digital control circuit which can be coupled to the switch control contact and to a digital to analog circuit (DAC) which can be coupled to the digital control circuit and to another amplifier input. An enable signal at the switch control couples the switch input/output contacts together. The capacitance of a MEMS capacitor coupled to the mirror output is determined by measurement of time for the amplifier output to switch from one level to another following a change in DAC output potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD.Inventor: Dianbo Guo
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Publication number: 20120139562Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting an object near an electronic system, comprising steps of: forming electrodes around a central area, on an electrically insulating medium, determining measurements representative of the capacitance of the electrodes, and comparing the measurements with a detection threshold, and deducing whether or not an object is near the central area in a detection, the electrically insulating medium on which the electrodes are formed being deposited on an electrically conductive medium forming a shield, the capacitance measurements being taken by simultaneously activating all the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SASInventors: Laurent Beyly, Cyril Troise, Maxime Teissier
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Publication number: 20120139563Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a capacitance of a pair of electrodes including charging the pair of electrodes and transferring the charge between the pair of electrodes and a sampling capacitor, and a measuring step representative of the capacitance of the pair of electrodes according to the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor according to the number of cycles executed so that the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor reaches a threshold voltage. According to the present disclosure, the method comprises an initial step of charging the sampling capacitor between a first voltage and a second intermediate voltage in between the first voltage and a third voltage greater than or equal to a ground voltage, the pair of electrodes being charged between the second voltage and the third voltage. The present disclosure applies in particular to the control of a touch pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SASInventors: Maxime Teissier, Laurent Beyly, Cyril Troise
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Publication number: 20120112773Abstract: According to one disclosed embodiment, an on-chip resistor calibration circuit includes an RC oscillator having a test resistor and a precision capacitor as elements, a counter, and a reference clock. In one embodiment, an RC oscillator generates a waveform having a period dependent upon the resistance of the test resistor and the capacitance of the precision capacitor. In such an embodiment, a counter and a reference clock may be configured to measure the period of the waveform. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, a resistance of the test resistor may be determined. In another embodiment, an RC oscillator generates first and second waveforms through use of an additional capacitor that can be switched in and out of the RC oscillator circuit. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, an RC product of the test resistor and the additional capacitor may be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Alireza Zolfaghari, Chin-Ming Chien, Bojko Marholev
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Patent number: 8174273Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems that measure capacitance are disclosed. Typically, an accumulator circuit couples to the capacitance and includes an accumulator and switch(es) that charge the accumulator over a series of switch-controlled charging or discharging cycles governed by a first control signal. The accumulator circuit provides an accumulator signal based on the charge on the first accumulator. A discharge circuit couples to the accumulator circuit and includes an optional variable current device, the discharge circuit partially discharging the accumulator based on a second control signal. A control circuit, which couples to the accumulator circuit and the discharge circuit, dynamically adjusts the first and/or second control signals to keep the accumulator signal in a desired range. The dynamically adjusted control signal can be used as a measure of the capacitance. Such methods and systems may be used in capacitive touch sensing devices such as capacitive buttons and capacitive touch panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Bernard O. Geaghan
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Publication number: 20120105080Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy electrostatic capacitance type physical quantity sensor and angular velocity sensor configured so as to be capable of suppressing noise derived from internal noise while maintaining resistance to externally-incoming noise. A detection element 10 has a movable mass 18 supported displaceably by a physical quantity given from the outside, and a detection electrode Ef. A shield wire 16 is disposed around wirings connected to the input of a capacitance detection circuit 30 and is connected to a dc potential of low impedance. A value Cin of an input capacitance relative to a fixed potential of low impedance at a portion at which the detection element 10 is connected with the capacitance detection circuit 30 is set to fall within a range of 1.5 pF<Cin<20 pF.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Iwasawa, Masahiro Matsumoto, Toshiaki Nakamura
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Patent number: 8169251Abstract: A capacitor interface circuit is provided. A capacitor under test (CUT) is divided into a variable portion and an invariable portion, and the capacitance of an offset capacitor is designed to equal to or close to the fixed capacitance of the CUT. The offset capacitor is used to store the charges opposite to the invariable portion of the CUT for neutralizing the effect of the invariable portion of the CUT. Thereupon, the charge converter composed by the fully-differential amplifier and the feedback capacitors only responses for the variable portion of the CUT so as to increase the accuracy of the follow-up data processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.Inventor: Ping-Pao Cheng
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Publication number: 20120098552Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Wesley Donald Franklin
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Publication number: 20120092030Abstract: A method for determining a capacitance and/or a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensor element (C2) comprises the steps of: a) discharging an average value capacitor (C3), and either b1) discharging the capacitive sensor element and c1) charging an operating capacitor (C1) to a charging voltage (VDD), or b2) discharging the operating capacitor and c2) charging the capacitive sensor element to the charging voltage, d) connecting the operating capacitor to the capacitive sensor element, e) connecting the operating capacitor to the average value capacitor, and f) evaluating a voltage established across the operating capacitor or across the average value capacitor in order to determine the capacitance and/or the change in capacitance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbHInventor: Bernhard Roth
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Patent number: 8150315Abstract: A method for verifying alignment between first and second integrated devices coupled together using a reference and a coupling capacitor, including: transmitting a reference signal on a transmission electrode of the reference capacitor; receiving a coupling signal on a reception electrode of the reference capacitor; amplifying the coupling signal, generating a reception reference signal; generating a reception control signal as a function of the reception reference signal; transmitting a communication signal on an electrode of the coupling capacitor; receiving a reception signal on an electrode of the coupling capacitor; amplifying the reception signal, generating a first compensated signal; controlling a level of amplification of amplifying the coupling signal and the reception signal as a function of the reception control signal; and detecting a possible misalignment between the first and second devices based on an amplitude of the communication signal and an amplitude of the compensated signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Roberto Canegallo, Mauro Scandiuzzo, Eleonora Franchi Scarselli, Antonio Gnudi, Roberto Guerrieri
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Publication number: 20120074963Abstract: Provided is a capacitance detection apparatus capable of effectively discriminating between an external factor due to e.g. water drops and a human-induced operation and allowing detection of occurrence of the human-induced operation with a simple arrangement. The apparatus alternately executes a first switching control process and a second switching control process, the first and second switching control processes executing a second switch operation with different charging periods from each other. In each of the first and second switching control processes, the number of repetition times of the second switch operation is counted until the potential of a terminal of a reference capacitance changes to a set potential. Based on the number of repetition times in at least one of the two switching control processes, presence/absence of change in determined capacitance (i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Hagimoto, Hisashi Inaba, Kazunori Sugimura
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Patent number: 8143907Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor includes a sensor mat having U-parts arranged in a first direction and, a second direction perpendicular to each other. The U-parts located adjacent to each other are connected in the second direction so as to define S-parts, in a manner that openings of the U-parts alternately open toward a first side of the first direction or a second side of the first direction. The S-parts located adjacent to each other are combined in the first direction, in a manner that the opening open toward the first side and the opening open toward the second side oppose to each other in the first direction. The mat has a meandering structure defined by the S-parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shoichi Yamanaka, Hideyuki Hayakawa, Hiroyuki Ito
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Publication number: 20120068760Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: ALSENTIS, LLCInventors: David W. Caldwell, William D. Schaefer
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Publication number: 20120068550Abstract: A method of detecting a receiver (214) by a transmitter and a transmitter for detecting a receiver are provided. The transmitter is intended to transmit power inductively to the receiver (214). The transmitter comprising a first transmission coil as a first electrode (204) and a second electrode (206). The first electrode (204) and the second electrode (206) form a capacitor (202). The method comprises the steps of applying a voltage (216) to any one of the electrodes (204, 206) and detecting a capacitance change of the capacitor (202).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Bart Michiel De Boer, Andries van Wageningen, Christoph Loef, Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Lennart Seboodt, Menno Anne Treffers
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Publication number: 20120062247Abstract: A test system for testing a capacitive touch sensor is provided. The test system includes a resistor, a signal generator and a micro controller. A first end of the resistor is electrically connected to a sensing port of the capacitive touch sensor. The signal generator provides a test voltage to a second end of the resistor according to control information. In this way, the resistor generates a test current according to the test voltage, and the capacitive touch sensor provides a voltage difference to the sensing port according to a plurality of switching signals, and converts the test current into test information. The micro controller generates the control information according to a test table, and compares the test information according to the test table, so as to determine whether an operation of the capacitive touch sensor is normal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventor: Yaw-Guang Chang
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Publication number: 20120062248Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus includes an approach sensing electrode unit including a plurality of first approach sensing electrode arrays disposed on a substrate and a plurality of second approach sensing arrays disposed adjacent to the first approach sensing electrode arrays, a voltage supply unit to supply a voltage to any of the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, a signal generation unit to generate an approach sensing signal by detecting a variation of capacitance generated between the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, the variation of capacitance occurring in a 3-dimensional (3D) approach sensing region, and an information generation unit to generate contact information corresponding to the approach sensing signal generated by the signal generation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyung Kew LEE, Joon Ah Park, Seung Ju Han
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Publication number: 20120062249Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of a power factor at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of a power factor for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power factor profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: PANORAMIC POWER LTD.Inventor: Adi Shamir
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Patent number: 8134374Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Yu Kuang
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Patent number: 8134375Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitive MEMS sensor device for sensing a mechanical quantity.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Jeroen Van Den Boom
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Publication number: 20120056630Abstract: A capacitive physical quantity detector includes: a capacitor having an electrostatic capacitance changeable with physical quantity; a converter converting a capacitance change to a voltage; and a selector having a comparator and a switching element. The converter includes a C-V converting circuit having an operational amplifier for amplifying a first signal from the capacitor, a main switch between input and output terminals of the operational amplifier, feedback capacitors and feedback switches. Each feedback switch connects a feedback capacitor to the main switch when the feedback switch is closed. The selector closes the feedback switches based on a second signal of the converter. The comparator compares the second signal with a threshold voltage. The switching element switches the feedback switches according to a third signal from the comparator to set the second signal smaller than a saturated voltage and larger than the threshold voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hirokazu ITOU, Kazuki Mikamo
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Publication number: 20120057152Abstract: A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: King Abdulaziz City Science and TechnologyInventors: MUNIR ELDESOUKI, Mohamed Jamal Deen, Qiyin Fang
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Publication number: 20120049869Abstract: A capacitance sensing system can include a noise detector coupled to a capacitance sensing network that generates a noise detect signal in response to noise; a delay circuit coupled to generate at least two different delayed sense signals in response to outputs from the capacitance sensing network; and a switch circuit that selectively outputs one of the delayed sense signals in response to the noise detect signal. Particular embodiments can include selectively discarding discrete analog samples of a capacitance signal when noise is detected in such a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Victor Kremin, Erik Anderson
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Publication number: 20120049867Abstract: Examples are generally described that include monitoring an electrocaloric effect device. A varying voltage may be applied across an electrocaloric effect material. A capacitance change of the electrocaloric effect material at least in part responsive to the varying voltage may be measured. A temperature change of the electrocaloric effect material may be calculated based, at least in part, on the capacitance change.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick