Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna arrangement, wherein the antenna arrangement comprises a voltage source, a first inductive antenna element, a second inductive antenna element and at least one capacitive element, wherein the voltage source is electrically connected in parallel to a series connection of a first circuit section comprising at least the first inductive antenna element and a further circuit section comprising a parallel connection of a first subsection of the further circuit section comprising the at least one capacitive element and a further subsection of the further circuit section comprising at least the second inductive antenna element, and a method of operating an antenna arrangement.

Abstract: Electrostatic field sensor and security system in interior spaces and exterior spaces which can measure electrostatic fields and the variations thereof along a metal conductor that acts as a detection probe or antenna (1). The antenna (1) is connected to an electronic circuit (2, 3, 4, 31, 32) which is able to decode the changes in the electrostatic field around the conductor and to detect minuscule variations in the electrostatic field by means of a processor (7) enabling the clear detection of a human presence in an area surrounding the antenna (1) and the ability to differentiate between a human presence and any other type of animal or object.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity sensor 1 comprises an oscillation means 33; a sensor circuit 10, which includes a sensor electrode 11; a detection circuit 20, which outputs a determination voltage signal corresponding to the capacitance of the sensor electrode 11, based on the electrical signal output from the sensor circuit 10; and a control unit 32. The sensor electrode 11 is connected in parallel to a connection point P1 between a coil L and a capacitor C in an LCR series resonance circuit. The detection circuit 20 outputs a determination voltage signal S1 based on the electrical signal at the detection point P3 between the capacitor C and the resistor R. The control unit 32 detects the proximity of a human body to the sensor electrode 11, based on the determination voltage signal S1.

Abstract: A system for predicting exit from an occupant support, includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a frame having at least one force sensor which outputs a force signal in response to force exerted thereon. The system also includes machine readable instructions stored in the memory which cause the system to perform at least the following actions when executed by the processor: 1) determine a property of the signal during an interval of time, 2) classify the property as suggesting an exit event or as not suggesting an exit event, and 3) if the property is classified as suggesting an exit event, generate a notification thereof.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors and methods of detecting obscured features are disclosed. An obscured feature detector can include a plurality of sensor plates and a common plate. The sensor plates may be arranged linearly to form a sensor array. The common plate may extend along the sensor array and have a length that is shortened. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and can be selectively set to identify a location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a touchscreen display, a pressure sensor positioned to sense external pressure against the display, a fingerprint sensor positioned to detect a fingerprint on at least a portion of the display, a processor electrically coupled to the display, the pressure sensor, and the fingerprint sensor, and a memory electrically coupled to the processor, in which the memory stores at least one registered fingerprint. The processor is configured to sense pressure of a user's finger against the display using the pressure sensor, upon sensing of the pressure, activate the fingerprint sensor, detect a fingerprint of the finger using the fingerprint sensor, determine whether the detected fingerprint is matched with any of the at least one registered fingerprint, and perform a preselected function without further requiring authentication, when the detected fingerprint is matched with any of the at least one registered fingerprint.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for capacitive proximity sensors of vehicle doors. An example vehicle includes an outer surface layer, sheet metal for providing rigidity, a low dielectric layer, and a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor includes a receiving layer positioned between the outer surface layer and the low dielectric layer and the sheet metal that functions as a transmitting layer. The low dielectric layer separates the receiving layer and the sheet metal.

Abstract: Detection circuit for detecting electrical capacitance of electrode device in electrostatic holding device with clamp carrier, particularly for detecting component held by holding device, includes phase control circuit couplable to electrode device and has reference oscillator device, phase comparator and VCO circuit (VCOC). Phase comparator is arranged to generate a control voltage of VCOC as a function of reference signal from reference oscillator device and of VCO feedback signal from VCOC, at least one phase control circuit is configured for controlling VCOC as a function of capacitance to be detected, and for outputting an output signal characteristic of capacitance based on control voltage of VCOC, phase control circuit is configured for connection to electrode device such that VCOC contains capacitance to be detected as frequency-determining component, and reference oscillator device is configured for generating reference signal with adjustable reference frequency.

Abstract: The resonance frequency of an LCR resonance circuit is f1 and the determination voltage signal is V1, when an object is not in the proximity of a sensor electrode. The resonance frequency of the LCR resonance circuit is f2 and the determination voltage signal is V2, when a human body is in proximity of the sensor electrode 22. The resonance frequency of the LCR resonance circuit is f3 and the determination voltage signal is V3, when water is in the proximity of the sensor electrode. The LCR resonance circuit has the relationship f1>f2>f3. A control unit controls a high-frequency signal S0 so as to satisfy the relationship V2>V1>V3, and a human body or water being in the proximity of the sensor electrode is distinguished.

Abstract: A sensor body of an electrostatic detection sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode. A controller is configured to obtain a first sensed intensity of the sensor body while where the first electrode is connected to the second electrode. The controller is configured to obtain a second sensed intensity of the first electrode while the second electrode is grounded. The controller is configured to obtain a third sensed intensity of the second electrode while the first electrode is grounded. The controller is configured to determine whether an object approaches the sensor body or not based on first to third calculation values obtained by calculating the respective changes of the first to third sensed intensities with respect to time.

Abstract: Posture-responsive therapy is delivered by the medical system based on posture state input from only one of multiple posture sensors at any given time. An example implantable medical system includes a first posture sensor and a second sensor. A processor controls therapy delivery to the patient based on at least one of a patient posture state or a patient activity level determined based on input from only one of the first or second posture sensors. In some examples, one of multiple posture sensors of an implantable posture-responsive medical system is used to automatically reorient another posture sensor (of the system), which has become disoriented. The disoriented posture sensor may be automatically reoriented for one or more posture states at a time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining, based on output from a sensor, a proximity of an object to a device and comparing the determined proximity to a threshold proximity. The method further includes selecting, based on the comparison, an interaction mode for processing interactions between the object and the device. The method further includes processing interactions between the object and the device according to the selected interaction mode.

Abstract: A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an article of merchandise and to communicate with the article of merchandise. The system also includes a tower configured to receive a signal from the sensor in response to a security event. The tower is further configured to generate a kill switch signal for determining whether to activate a kill switch on the article of merchandise.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses that can detect the proximity of an object and differentiate between a human body and a non-human object. The detection and differentiation are facilitated by a first capacitive sensor of a first shape and a second capacitive sensor of a second shape. The detection and determination can be made based on a comparison between a first capacitance from the first sensor and a second capacitance from the second sensor.

Abstract: Always-on or nearly always-on sensing of human touch at a device is provided. The sensing is split into a low-power detection stage and a full-power analysis stage, where the detection stage is implemented continually or nearly continually and causes system circuitry to perform analysis of the human touch after the low-power detection stage has confirmed the human touch. The sensing permits avoiding the reliance on physical actuation of a trigger prior to analysis of human touch.

Abstract: A bed-leaving sensor for detecting bed-leaving by a user on a bed, including: a sitting position detection member that detects a sitting position of the user based on a detection value of a pressure sensor arranged on the bed; and a bed-leaving behavior detection member that detects bed-leaving behavior of the user with at least one of the following as a condition: (i) the sitting position being detected within a preset bed-leaving expectation region, (ii) a movement volume of a sitting position center of gravity which is a center of gravity of the sitting position exceeding a given threshold value within a given time, and (iii) the sitting position center of gravity moving toward a preset bed-leaving range.

Abstract: A bed-leaving sensor for detecting bed-leaving by a user on a bed, including: a sitting position detection member that detects a sitting position of the user based on a detection value of a pressure sensor arranged on the bed; a foot movement detection member for detecting foot movement of the user based on the detection value of the pressure sensor; and a bed-leaving behavior detection member that detects bed-leaving behavior of the user with the sitting position or the foot movement being detected within a preset bed-leaving expectation region as a condition.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification device includes a sensing array, a reading line, a first signal source, and first to third signal lines. The reading line is disposed in a first metal layer and is electrically connected to a sensing electrode. The first signal source generates a reference signal and is connected to the reading line through an impedance element. The sensing electrode and the impedance element generate a sensing signal in response to the reference signal. The first and second signal lines are disposed in the first metal layer. The third signal line is disposed in a second metal layer. The reading line is disposed between the first and second signal lines. An orthogonal projection of the reading line on the second metal layer overlaps an orthogonal projection of the third signal line on the second metal layer. The first to third signal lines receive the reference signal.

Abstract: An infant care system comprises a platform configured to support an infant and to receive an applied force on the platform. The infant care system also comprises at least two load cells connected to the platform, each of the two load cells configured to receive at least a portion of the applied force on the platform and generate a signal indicative of the portion of applied force received. The infant care system also comprises a processor configured to receive and analyze the signals from the load cells and perform a function based on the analyzed signals.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification device is directly integrated with and formed on a touch panel, a color filter (CF), a thin-film transistor (TFT) or a liquid crystal module (LCM). The fingerprint identification device improves the shortcoming of the conventional fingerprint identification device that it is necessary to first manufacture the fingerprint identification device on a silicon wafer and then integrate the fingerprint identification device with another component. Moreover, the fingerprint identification device has much higher fingerprint identification precision.

Abstract: A device (D?) for detecting the presence of a user includes: an electrode (12?), electrode control elements (13), and a low frequency antenna (11). The electrode (12?) is formed by a plurality of structural units (MA . . . MI), each structural unit (MA . . . MI) including: a conductive segment (A . . . I) defined by dimensions (Lx, lx, ex) and electrically connected at least to a conductive connection (CXY) defined by a position of connection with respect to the conductive segment (A . . . I). The structural units (MA . . . MI) are electrically interconnected by the conductive connections (CXY). At least two consecutive structural units (MA . . . MI) differ by: the dimensions (Lx, lx, ex) of the conductive segment (A . . . I) and/or the position of the conductive connection (CXY).

Abstract: The touch sensor is a touch sensor that senses changes in characteristics of the electromagnetic signal in an environment in order to detect the contact or the proximity.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating between devices according to the present invention are provided. The method for communicating between the devices according to the present invention is used for communicating with a first terminal, and is carried out in a device having a capacitive touch screen. The method includes: detecting a change in capacitance for a specific part of the capacitive touch screen, which occurs by means of the first terminal; and acquiring information transferred from the first terminal on the basis of the detected change in capacitance of the capacitive touch screen. The communicating method using such a touch screen may be easily used for various services such as authenticating terminals or transferring files between local terminals.

Abstract: A display device with a touch detection function includes: a plurality of liquid crystal display elements performing display operation; a plurality of touch detection electrodes arranged side by side to extend in one direction, and each outputting a detection signal based on a change in an electrostatic capacitance caused by an external proximity object; a conductive film insulated from or connected with high resistance to the touch detection electrodes, and disposed to cover the touch detection electrodes; and a touch detection circuit detecting the external proximity object by sampling the detection signal. The conductive film has a sheet resistance equal to or smaller than a predetermined resistance value, and has a time constant larger than a predetermined minimum time constant defined by sampling timings in the touch detection circuit.

Abstract: In a combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor, the present invention proposes to perform two measurements with two different frequencies. In a first step, the carrier frequency is set to a first known carrier frequency, the complex current through inductance and unknown capacitance and complex drive voltage are measured. In a second step, the carrier frequency is set to a second known carrier frequency, the complex current through inductance and unknown capacitance and complex drive voltage are measured. The measured complex values are used in a formula which yields the unknown capacitance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of high-voltage capacitance-sensing circuits are described. One apparatus includes a capacitance-sensing circuit coupled to a capacitive-sense array of electrodes. The capacitance-sensing circuit includes a self-capacitance sensing channel, a first voltage source (e.g., a low-voltage drive source) to drive a reference voltage, and a second voltage source (e.g., high-voltage drive source) to drive a sensing voltage. The sensing voltage is greater in magnitude than the reference voltage. The capacitance-sensing circuit also includes 1) a first set of switches to selectively couple the self-capacitance sensing channel or the second voltage source to a sensing electrode of the capacitance-sensing array; and 2) a second set of switches to selectively couple the first voltage source or the second voltage source to a shielding electrode of the capacitance-sensing array.

Abstract: A classification system for determining the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle. The classification system includes a first sensing electrode located in a back portion of the seat and a second sensing electrode located in a base portion of the seat. The system includes a measurement circuit configured to measure a first property associated with the first sensing electrode and a second property associated with the second electrode. A controller is configured to send an occupancy signal indicative of the occupancy state of the seat based on the measured properties associated with the first and second sensing electrodes. The controller may be configured to send the occupancy signal to a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor comprises a heating element (10) connected between a first (21) and a second (22) node, and a capacitive sensing network connected to the heating element to apply an oscillating voltage thereto and to derive the capacitive load of the heating element. A common mode choke (16) connects the first and second node to a third (23) and fourth (24) node, respectively. The capacitive sensing network comprises an oscillator (28), AC-coupled to the third and/or the fourth node to drive oscillating voltage into that node, and a transimpedance amplifier (32), which has a first input to receive the oscillating voltage as reference voltage and a second input operatively connected to the heating element. The transimpedance amplifier maintains a voltage on its second input equal to the reference voltage by driving a current into the second input. An output signal (44) indicates the AC component of the current driven into the second input.

Abstract: Method for determining spurious contacts on a contact detection sensor for a handle of an automobile door, the sensor defining a locking area and being connected to an onboard electronic locking and unlocking system, includes: a) detecting a contact on the locking area when, for an engagement time of the locking mechanism, the number of charge transfers from the sensor is less than a threshold number of charge transfers, b) evaluating the number of charge transfers, starting from the time of the minimum value of the number of measured charge transfers and for an evaluation time in order to distinguish detections of contacts made by the user from detections of spurious contacts, c) if the contact detections are spurious, matching the threshold number of charge transfers in order to be able to detect any next contact originating from the user on the locking area in the presence of spurious contacts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.

Abstract: A tamper resistant motion detector is provided that can include a housing, a capacitive sensor, and a microprocessor. The housing can include a window, and the capacitive sensor can be located inside of the housing, behind the window. A capacitance of the capacitive sensor can change when the capacitive sensor detects an object on the window or within a predetermined distance from the window, and the microprocessor can read the capacitance of the capacitive sensor and use the capacitance of the capacitive sensor to determine whether to activate an alarm or to determine whether to activate an anti-mask system.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system (10) comprises a sine signal generator (12) to apply a sine voltage signal to an antenna electrode (14) and a current measurement circuit (18, 20, 28, 30, 40) to measure current signals, based upon which a control and evaluation unit determines and outputs an occupancy state. The signal generator (12) is coupled to the antenna electrode via an amplitude adjustment stage (13), configured to adjust the amplitude of said sine voltage signal applied to said antenna electrode to an amplitude selected among at least two discrete amplitudes. The control and evaluation circuit selects one of the discrete amplitudes at a time and causes the amplitude adjustment stage to adjust the amplitude of said the voltage signal applied to the antenna electrode accordingly. The control and evaluation circuit carries out an interference detection mode and an occupant detection mode.

Abstract: A first operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a first sensor that a first physical variable is higher than a predetermined first threshold value. In a similar way, a second operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a second sensor that a second physical variable is higher than a predetermined second threshold value. A third operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of the first sensor that the first physical variable is higher than a predetermined third threshold value and if at the same time it is detected by means of the second sensor that the second physical variable is higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for displaying an item of merchandise on a display stand. The sensor includes a bottom portion having a recess formed therein and a top portion movably disposed on the bottom portion and adapted for attaching the item of merchandise to the sensor. A power connector is configured to be received within the recess formed in the bottom portion and retained therein when the top portion is aligned with and secured to the bottom portion such that the power connector cannot be removed from the sensor. The sensor may further include an optional anti-rotation bracket for preventing an unauthorized person from rotating the merchandise relative to the sensor and thereby detaching the item of merchandise from the sensor.

Abstract: To be configured inexpensively to enable cost reduction and sense sitting posture of an occupant highly accurately, occupant posture sensing apparatus 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and circuit unit 20. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and second sensing electrodes 11 and 12 provided at portions of vehicle interior ceiling 2 ahead of and right above a seat 40 and connected to capacitance sensing circuit 21 of circuit unit 20 and shield-driving circuit 23 through selector switches SW1 and SW2. CPU 29 of circuit unit 20 determines sitting posture of occupant (human body) 48 sitting on the seat 40 based on information regarding position of head 49 of the occupant 48 by using capacitance values detected by capacitance sensing circuit 21 based on capacitances from sensing electrodes 11 and 12. Posture information regarding the determined sitting posture is output to ECU mounted on a vehicle 1 and used for controlling air bag deployment, etc.

Abstract: A sensor unit, in particular a sensor unit in or on a vehicle, for capacitively ascertaining the distance between the sensor device and an object, having an electrode for forming a capacitive system with the object and an apparatus for creating a signal proportional to the capacitance of the capacitive system. The sensor unit has a reference electrode for forming a capacitive reference system with the object, an additional apparatus for creating a reference signal proportional to the capacitance of the capacitive reference system, and an analyzer device for ascertaining the distance by forming a ratio of the signal and the reference signal, the reference electrodes having an electrode shape, which is different from the electrode shape of the electrode.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing whether an occupant detection sensor normally operates is disclosed. The testing apparatus includes: a ground that is an electrically-conductive structural member of the seat; an electrode plate that is electrically-conductive and is on the seat at a time of testing; multiple capacitors that are electrically connected between the electrode plate and the ground and are different in electrostatic capacity from each other; a switch mechanism that selects and switches one capacitor of the multiple capacitors; and a determination result check portion that determines, while switching the one capacitor by the switch mechanism, whether a signal outputted from the occupant detection sensor is a determination result corresponding to the switched one capacitor.

Abstract: An alarm system for emitting an alarm includes a distance detecting circuit, a gate circuit, a voltage conversion circuit, a distance judging circuit and an alarm circuit. The distance detecting circuit receives a first signal, detects a distance between an object and the alarm system, outputs a second signal and a third signal according to the distance. The gate circuit receives the second signal and the third signal and outputs a voltage level signal. The voltage conversion circuit receives the voltage level signal and converts the voltage level signal into a DC voltage signal. The distance judging circuit receives the DC voltage signal and compares the DC voltage signal against a reference voltage signal to output a control signal if necessary. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and produces the alarm when the distance between the object and the alarm system is less than a threshold distance.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A first power supply charges a portion of the display that does not include the merchandise items and a second power supply charges the merchandise items. The merchandise items can be charged at the display on a multiplexed basis.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle subsystem (10) comprises a controller (12) arranged to control operation of the subsystem (10), a user input (16) connected to the system controller (12) and arranged to be operated by a user, and a sensor comprising a transmitter (22) associated with user input (16) and a receiver (26) associated with a first user, whereby the controller uses detection of a signal from the transmitter (22) by the receiver (26) to distinguish between operation of the user input (16) by said first user and operation of the user input by a second user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting stray voltage anomalies in electric fields are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting an electrical field may comprise: at least one sensor probe for generating data corresponding to an electrical field detected by the at least one sensor probe, wherein the at least one sensor probe comprises at least one electrode; a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor probe, for analyzing the data to identify a voltage anomaly in the electric field; and an indicator, coupled to the processor, for alerting a user to a presence of the voltage anomaly in the electric field.

Abstract: A capacitor warning circuit, and method of providing a warning are provided, the circuit comprising a capacitor capable of being charged to a charged state and a warning circuit coupled to the capacitor and adapted to provide an indication that the capacitor is in the charged state, wherein the warning circuit is powered by energy accumulated in the capacitor when the capacitor is in the charged state.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a detection electrode provided in a vehicle seat, a phase difference measuring unit, a direct current measuring unit, and a detecting unit that detects an occupant. The phase difference measuring unit supplies a reference signal comprising a sinusoidal wave to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode as an electrode signal, and measures a phase lag time of the electrode signal relative to the reference signal. The direct current measuring unit applies a steady DC voltage to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode, and measures time it takes from start of application of the DC voltage to the time when the detection electrode reaches a given potential, as a charge time. The detecting unit detects an occupant based on the phase lag time and the charge time.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for implementing an integrated detection and monitoring system. Aspects of the present invention include mounting at least detector into a vehicle to provide a mobile detector. The mobile detector is then transported to a security checkpoint and positioned along side a vehicle pass-through. As a vehicle passes through, the mobile detector scans the vehicles to detect levels of one or more designated materials. If any material detected exceeds a threshold alarm level, the detected level of the material is stored in a file that is associated with the vehicle, and the file is wirelessly transmitted to a command center to notify authorities.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held device with proximity detection can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode, and at least one compensation electrode between the transmission and reception electrodes. The transmission and compensation electrodes can be supplied with electric switching signals of predetermined frequency and amplitude. The electric switching signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission and compensation electrodes generate in the reception electrode a current that is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device. The transmission and reception electrodes are arranged such that the impedance between the transmission and the reception electrodes exceeds a predetermined value suitable to keep the current generated in the reception electrode under a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical capacitance sensor comprising: a board 10 having a one main surface and an other main surface; a sensor electrode 26 formed on the one main surface of the board 10 and detecting an electrical capacitance between the sensor electrode 26 and an object; a first guard electrode 25 formed on the one main surface of the board 10 and in a vicinity of the sensor electrode 26; and a second guard electrode 27 formed on the other main surface of the board 10, wherein a first terminal connecting portion 21 for the first guard electrode 25 and a second terminal connecting portion 23 for the second guard electrode 27 are provided at positions opposing each other.

Abstract: An anti-pinching device (18) for a pivotable actuating element (6) of a motor vehicle (2) is specified. Said device comprises a capacitive sensor (8) which is intended to contactlessly detect an obstacle in the path of the actuating element (6) and has an electrode (14) for generating an external electric field opposite a counterelectrode (16), wherein the electrode (14) extends in a radial direction (R) of the pivoting movement of the actuating element (6), and a control unit (10) which is set up to interpret a change in a measurement capacitance (CM), which is formed between the electrode (14) and the counterelectrode (16), as pinching when the changed measurement capacitance (CM) exceeds a triggering threshold (A) which is predefined on the basis of an opening angle (?) of the pivotable actuating element (6) and to track the triggering threshold (A).

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detecting apparatus includes a voltage applying portion, a capacitance sensor, a capacitor, a storing portion, a measuring portion, and a calculating portion. The voltage applying portion applies an alternating-current voltage signal to the capacitance sensor and the capacitor. The storing portion stores a reference voltage. The measuring portion detects a first voltage in accordance with an electric current that flows between the voltage applying portion and the capacitor when the alternating-current voltage signal is applied to the capacitor. The measuring portion detects a second voltage in accordance with an electric current output from the capacitance sensor when the alternating-current voltage is applied to the capacitance sensor. The calculating portion detects an abnormality of the voltage applying portion based on the first voltage and the reference voltage, and determines an object disposed on the seat based on the second voltage.