Abstract: A sanitary dispenser, particularly a paper or towel dispenser, contains a housing, in which a sanitary product to be dispensed and a discharge unit for the sanitary product to be dispensed can be arranged. An electric motor is provided for the discharge unit, the electric motor being activatable in a non-contact manner by a capacitive sensor from outside of the housing. The sensor capacitance of the capacitive sensor is formed by a planar electrode disposed inside the housing and by a surface of a body part and/or an object arranged outside of the housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for sensing a body includes measuring an impedance of a body occupying a seat over a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measured impedance of the body with a predefined body model. The method also includes determining whether the predefined body model corresponds to the measured impedance of the body.

Abstract: A capacitive passenger detector includes: a capacitive sensor having main, sub and guard electrodes; a sensor characteristic measurement unit for applying an alternating voltage signal to each electrode and for converting a current in each electrode to a voltage; and a controller. The controller defines a current in the guard electrode as a reference current when voltages of the main and guard electrodes have a same potential. The controller defines a current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be negative when the voltage of the main electrode is higher than the guard electrode. The controller defines the current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be positive when the voltage of the main electrode is lower than the guard electrode. The controller corrects the voltage of the main electrode based on the current of the guard electrode so that a corrected voltage is set to be a passenger determination data.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence, and/or determining the location, and/or detecting changes in the material properties, of a first object (4) within a predefined space (12) and compensating for the disturbance caused by a second object, where the method comprises the following steps: providing at least a first and a second electrode (6) capacitively coupled to each other; conductively applying an electrical signal to each of the first and second electrodes (6), the electrical signals being different for the first and second electrodes (6); for each of the electrodes (6) measuring the current signal through, and/or the voltage signal on, the electrode (6); deriving from the measured values an indication of the disturbance caused by the second object; and deriving from the measured values and the indication of the disturbance a disturbance-compensated indication of the presence, and/or the location, and/or changes in the material properties, of the first object (4).

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 powers 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 are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis. An alarm is generated if the first power supply or the second power supply looses power but not if the first and second power supply loose power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for communication, and a program that makes it possible to provide a communication environment not limited by a use environment. An electrode controlling unit 261 in a transmitting device 260 checks a state of capacitive coupling of each of an electrode 271 and an electrode 272 in an electrode unit 262 with surroundings, controls connection of each electrode to a transmitting unit 263 according to a result of the check, and makes the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 function as a transmission signal electrode or a transmission reference electrode, the transmission signal electrode and the transmission reference electrode being different from each other. The transmitting unit 263 connects the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 to an amplifying unit under control of the electrode controlling unit 261, and transmits a signal to a communication medium 280 via one of the electrodes. The present invention is applicable to communication systems.

Abstract: An Anti-pinch sensor, in particular for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuator of a motor vehicle is provided. The anti-pinch sensor includes a first measurement electrode and a second electrically isolated measurement electrode spaced a distance from the first measurement electrode, wherein the first measurement electrode is designed to generate an external electric field with respect to the second measurement electrode, and wherein the first and second measurement electrodes are elastically supported relative to an electrically isolated ground electrode. In addition, a sensor device having such an anti-pinch sensor is disclosed. The anti-pinch sensor is suitable as both a contactless and a tactile sensor. Detection of surface deposits of contaminants or water is easily possible.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting potential intrusion includes a plurality of objects that can be potentially touched, such as a door handle. A sensor is associated with the object that can be potentially touched for determining if the object has been touched. The system has a control system for receiving information from the plurality of sensors and a database for collecting information regarding potential intrusions. The system has an intrusion detection system for analyzing the relative time and location of the object to be touched for analyzing the data gathered to determine patterns and variations from the patterns. An operator is notified of potential intrusions.

Abstract: An occupant detection system is a part of a vehicle occupant protection system. The vehicle occupant protection system is enabled to be activated when the occupant detection system determines an ON state indicative of existence of an occupant on a seat. The vehicle occupant protection system is disabled to be activated when the occupant detection system determines an OFF state. The system includes a capacitive sensor which detects the occupant based on a capacitance around the seat. The system determines the ON state or the OFF state based on the detected value of the capacitive sensor and a predetermined threshold value. The system evaluates whether the determination result in the determination block is appropriate or not. Then, the system biases the threshold value to suppress a reversal determination from the determination result which is evaluated as appropriate.

Abstract: The invention is related to capacitive detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive detection system comprises a first transmitter electrode and a first receiver electrode disposed in a first seat and configured to form a first capacitor, and a second transmitter electrode disposed in a second seat and configured with the first receiver electrode to form a second capacitor.

Abstract: A power cutting tool includes a cutting surface, a conductive structure, and first electrode matrix comprising an array of electrical conductors. A moveable blade used to cut an object is located on the cutting surface. When at least one electrical conductor of the first electrode matrix is energized relative to the conductive structure, an electric field extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the conductive matrix to detect the presence of an object in proximity to the electric field.

Abstract: In a method of adjusting an electrostatic occupant detecting apparatus, a first group of load circuits is coupled with a sensor property measuring device, an AC voltage signal is applied from a signal source to the first group of load circuits, and a potential difference generating at a resistor of the sensor property measuring device is stored as a first measured value. A second group of load circuits having a load higher than the first group is coupled with the sensor property measuring device, the AC voltage signal is applied from the signal source to the second group of load circuits, and a potential difference generating at the resistor is stored as a second measured value. A measured sensitivity is calculated from the first measured value and the second measured value, and a sensitivity adjusting value is calculated from the measured sensitivity and an ideal sensitivity.

Abstract: Electronic circuit for the detection of a capacitive variation on two distinct contact capacitors, (C1, C2), comprising means able of squaring the signals generated by a conventional pulse generator and filtered by two filters (R1, C1-R2, C2), wherein the respective capacitors (C1, C2) are the same said contact capacitors which are connected to a respective terminal to a common ground (G); said means are also able to generate respective signals formed of trains of squared pulses, to compare said two signals and to provide an output signal depending on the result of said signals comparison. Said output signal depends on the phase difference between the pulses of said two trains of squared pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus relates to an approach warning system for detecting when a person approaches an object which has a metal outer structure at least in regions.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus for monitoring patterns of motion are provided. A signal is received from a sensor on a user, wherein movement of the user causes the sensor to generate power to emit a signal indicative of the movement of the user. The signal is analyzed to form a current pattern of motion. The current pattern of motion is compared to a baseline pattern of motion associated with the user. A difference between the current pattern of motion and the baseline pattern of motion associated with the user is determined to form a difference. The difference is compared to a predetermined threshold. Responsive to the difference exceeding the predetermined threshold, an alert is sent.

Abstract: The invention is related to capacitive sensing and detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor system comprises a first electrode and a second electrode forming a first capacitive sensor mounted to a vehicle and configured to create a first electric field directed outward from the vehicle, and a control unit coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to measure a change in the first electric field. In another embodiment, a method comprises capacitively sensing an object relative to a vehicle and communicating information related to the object. In yet another embodiment, a method comprises configuring a capacitive sensor to sense an object relative to a vehicle, and providing a path to communicate information from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A system for capacitive detection of seat occupancy in a vehicle comprises a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode arranged in substantially parallel layers. A spacer is arranged between the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at a certain distance from each other. The spacer comprises an inner textile layer and at least one of the electrodes comprises a film-based electrode.

Abstract: A capacitance-based occupant detection system accurately determines seat occupancy and a failure of an electrode and between electrodes and includes an impedance calculation section, a Re/Im part calculation section, and a determination section. A first impedance Z1 is calculated including a main-body impedance Za between a main electrode and a vehicle body. The Re/Im part calculation section calculates real and imaginary parts of the first impedance Z1 based on the first impedance Z1 calculated by the impedance calculation section. The determination section determines the presence or absence of destruction of the main electrode and a guard electrode based on an imaginary part of the first impedance Z1 calculated by the Re/Im part calculation section.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a time-variant information element in a vehicle, which has a steering wheel (1602), comprises one or more remotely and individually controllable tactile pads (1620), which produce a tactile sensation in response to a respective pad output signal, which is produced by a controller (CTRL). The tactile pads are positioned or adapted to be positioned on the steering wheel (1602) or proximate to it, such that they can be touched by at least one hand (1610,1612) of the vehicle driver while driving the vehicle. The apparatus further comprises means for determining the time-variant information element to be presented and for applying the determined time-variant information element to the controller and means for encoding the determined time-variant information element by the controller into temporal variations of the one or more pad output signals.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an anti-intrusion system for protecting electronic components (3) including a substrate (2) on which the electronic components are placed. A conducting enclosure (1) encapsulates the electronic components on the surface of the substrate (2). The system also includes a warning device. The system includes a transmitting antenna on the surface of the substrate (2), and a capacitive electromechanical microswitch. The microswitch is linked to the warning device by a signal line, so as to be able to activate it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.

Abstract: An occupant detection system and method are provided. The system includes a capacitive sensor having an electrode arranged in a seat proximate to an expected location of an occupant for sensing an occupant presence approximate thereto. The capacitive sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the sensed occupant presence. Occupant detection circuitry processes the sensor output and determines an aging compensation value to compensate for aging characteristics of the seat. The occupant detection circuitry detects a state of occupancy based on the sensor output and the aging compensation value.

Abstract: Automatic dispensers, proximity detectors and user-detection methods. A proximity detector can be used to trigger operation of the dispenser to dispense products such as towel, tissue, wipes, sheet-form materials, soap, shaving cream, fragrances and personal care products.

Abstract: The system includes an intercepting booth (1) and at least two detecting units (2) and (3), of which the first one analyzes the variation over time of the weight of people or things penetrated into the booth, the second one analyzes the variation over time of the capacity of the electrical capacitor consisting of two metal armors (4) and (5) between which the controlled passage into the booth (1) is comprised. It further includes an electronic programmed processing unit (8) the inputs (9) of which are connected to at least the two detecting units (2) and (3) and the outputs (10) of which are connected to at least one alarm unit (11) and the elements for locking at least the door (13), of the booth (1) that separates the controlled passage (6) from the protected area (14).

Abstract: A system for monitoring or detecting tampering in a flexible structure includes taking electrical measurements on a sensing cable coupled to the structure, performing spectral analysis on the measured data, and comparing the spectral characteristics of the event to those of known benign and/or known suspicious events. A threshold or trigger value may used to identify an event of interest and initiate data collection. Alternatively, the system may be triggered at preset intervals, triggered manually, or triggered by a signal from another sensing device such as a motion detector. The system may be used to monitor electrical cables and conduits, hoses and flexible ducts, fences and other perimeter control devices, structural cables, flexible fabrics, and other flexible structures.

Abstract: A point of sale device including a housing, a protected enclosure located within the housing, information storage functionality located within the protected enclosure and storing information to be protected information, a capacitance sensor based security system including at least one capacitance sensor operative to sense the capacitance of at least one of at least part of the housing and at least part of the protected enclosure at a reference time and thereafter and to provide an alarm indication of at least a predetermined change in the capacitance sensed by the at least one capacitance sensor.

Abstract: An adaptive capacitive touch sense control circuit includes a voltage buffer, a current setting resistor, a current mirror, a capacitor, a start comparator, an end comparator and a time-to-digital converter. The capacitor is connected with the current setting resistor. The circuit further includes a latch with a first control switch and a second control switch. The current setting resistor is switched between the ground and a voltage source through a switching element, so that when the current setting resistor is grounded, the first control switch is closed and the second control switch is opened, and when the current setting resistor is connected with the voltage source, the second control switch is closed and the first control switch is opened. An adaptive charging mode is adopted to sense a capacitance variation with a great ability of interference recognition, a simple structure, low power consumption and real time processing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to analysis of materials using a capacitive sensor to detect anomalies through comparison of measured capacitances. The capacitive sensor is used in conjunction with a capacitance measurement device, a location device, and a processor in order to generate a capacitance versus location output which may be inspected for the detection and localization of anomalies within the material under test. The components may be carried as payload on an inspection vehicle which may traverse through a pipe interior, allowing evaluation of nonmetallic or plastic pipes when the piping exterior is not accessible. In an embodiment, supporting components are solid-state devices powered by a low voltage on-board power supply, providing for use in environments where voltage levels may be restricted.

Abstract: An anti-pinch sensor, particularly for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sensor body, a measuring electrode, which is disposed in the sensor body and to which a measuring potential can be applied, a calibrating electrode, which is electrically disconnected and disposed in the sensor body adjacent to the measuring electrode, and a control unit. The control unit controls the measuring electrode and the calibrating electrode such that the measuring potential and the calibrating potential are equal in a measuring phase, and differ from each other in a calibrating phase.

Abstract: A capacitance type seat occupant sensor system of a vehicle includes an AC electric power source, a main electrode disposed at a seat of the vehicle to form an electric field between the main electrode and the body of the vehicle, a guard electrode disposed between a seat frame and the main electrode, a switch unit for establishing connection of the guard electrode to have the same potential as the main electrode to provide a seat occupant sensing mode, an impedance calculating unit for calculating an impedance of a sensing circuit based on the AC voltage and an amount of current flowing through the sensing circuit, a real-part-and-imaginary-part calculating unit and judging unit for discriminating an occupant on the seat based on at least the imaginary part of the first impedance.

Abstract: The invention is related to capacitive sensing and detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor system comprises a first electrode and a second electrode forming a first capacitive sensor mounted to a vehicle and configured to create a first electric field directed outward from the vehicle, and a control unit coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to measure a change in the first electric field. In another embodiment, a method comprises capacitively sensing an object relative to a vehicle and communicating information related to the object. In yet another embodiment, a method comprises configuring a capacitive sensor to sense an object relative to a vehicle, and providing a path to communicate information from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: The invention is related to capacitive sensing and detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor system comprises a first electrode arrangement having a first characteristic and related to a first capacitance, a second electrode arrangement having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic and related to a second capacitance, and a control unit coupled to the first and second electrode arrangements and configured to identify an object-dependent variable from at least one of the first and second characteristics and first and second capacitances.

Abstract: A double-electrode capacitive sensor for detecting a detection object includes: an electrode assembly having first and second electrodes and an insulation substrate; and a detection circuit. The first and second electrodes are disposed on first and second surfaces of the substrate, respectively. The detection circuit applies an alternating voltage between a ground and the first electrode, and detects an electric potential of the second electrode, or controls the electric potential of the second electrode to follow the alternating voltage. The detection circuit detects a capacitance change between the first electrode and the ground when the detection object approaches the first electrode for determining whether the detection object approaches the first electrode. A periphery of the second electrode is substantially opposite to a periphery of the first electrode.

Abstract: A transmitter electrode (10) for a capacitive sensing device comprises a conductive sheet material (12), said conductive sheet material comprising a first connecting point (16) for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit. According to the invention the conductive sheet material comprises at least one second connecting point for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit, said second connecting point (16?) being arranged at a certain distance from said first connecting point so that said conductive sheet material forms a conductive path between said first and second connecting point. The first and second connecting point (16, 16?), which in use are both connected to the electronic sensing unit, enable to check the integrity of the transmitter electrode and the connection lines used to connect the transmitter electrode to the electronic sensing unit.

Abstract: A sensor of this comprises a receiving section that receives a signal that is sent from outside, a circuit whose impedance changes irreversibly in accordance with an environmental change, a measurement section that measures the impedance of the circuit in an event that a signal is received by the receiving section, and a sending section that sends data representing a measurement result of the measurement section.

Abstract: A bed exit and patient detection system especially adapted for use in the general medical or surgical floor area of a hospital or other healthcare facility as part of a vital signs monitoring and remote warning system includes a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in the patient's bed in a series of rectangular strips or zones that run laterally across the bed in the area of the patient's mid-back, hips and mid-legs, respectively. Each zone contains a plurality of sensors, arranged symmetrically about the centerline of the bed, with the corresponding sensors on opposite sides of the centerline in each zone being connected in parallel. The sensors are connected to a processor with multiple input channels that continuously monitors the sensor states to determine, from the pattern of sensor states observed, whether the patient is in bed, out of bed or is actively attempting to exit the bed at the sides or foot of the bed.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes: a detecting sensor detecting an occupant having a planar antenna electrode, at which electric filed is generated, and a ground electrode arranged with a clearance along an outer periphery of the antenna electrode. The antenna electrode can be provided with a hole at the center of the antenna electrode.

Abstract: In occupant detection systems, direct connections, such as fixed or permanent connections, are provided between the antenna and measurement circuit and between the measurement circuit and wiring harness. Multiple such arrangements may be used for capacitive, electric field, or other types of occupant detection circuits. In some embodiments, the occupant detection is split between a measurement circuit and a processor. For multiple sensors, multiple measurements circuits are provided with direction connections. The processor determines the occupancy state from data from the measurement circuits. The direction connections provide separate, unitary measurement modules to be used by the occupancy system.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an anti-intrusion system for protecting electronic components (3) including a substrate (2) on which the electronic components are placed. A conducting enclosure (1) encapsulates the electronic components on the surface of the substrate (2). The system also includes a warning device. The system includes a transmitting antenna on the surface of the substrate (2), and a capacitive electromechanical microswitch. The microswitch is linked to the warning device by a signal line, so as to be able to activate it.

Abstract: An occupant sensing electrode is embedded in a seat. An empty seat capacitance reducing electrode is placed between the occupant sensing electrode and a seat frame of the seat in an opposed relationship to the occupant sensing electrode. A dielectric base film may be interposed between the occupant sensing electrode and the empty seat capacitance reducing electrode. The occupant sensing electrode may include a plurality of electrode portions. The electrode portions may include high potential electrode portions and low potential electrode portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member (20) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) of a motor vehicle (10) is provided with a sensor. The sensor comprises a sensor electrode (40) generating an electric field (F) in an opening range of the closure member (20) and a controller (22) connected to the sensor which senses any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) in providing a control signal. For detecting a film of moisture (23) formed by condensation on the closing member (20) by simple and relatively low-cost means, the controller (22) detects a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) caused by the presence of a film of moisture (23) on the closure member (20).

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing the proximity of a part of a user to a control input, such as a control panel (14), for a vehicle subsystem (10), includes a transmitter (26) for transmitting a signal, a primary receivers (22) for receiving the signal via the user as a primary signal and a reference receiver (28) for receiving the signal via the user as a reference signal. One of the transmitter and primary receiver is associated with the user and the other with the control input (14). The reference receiver (28) is associated with the user and a controller (12) is provided to receive and process the primary and reference signals to provide a measure of the proximity between the part of the user and the control input (14).

Abstract: An apparatus has a sensor with an electrically conductive ground member, electrically conductive first and second parts spaced from and proximate to each other and the ground member, and an insulator disposed between the ground member and the first and second parts. A different configuration involves a tag having circuitry, and a sensor supported on the tag and having electrically conductive first and second parts that are spaced from and proximate to each other, the first and second parts each being electrically coupled to the circuitry.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for monitoring an electric field in a patrolled area, comprising at least one detection device for measuring electric field signals, at least one camera device for collecting video images of said patrolled area, a processor for correlating video image data collected from the camera device with electric field signal data measured by the detection device, and a video based graphical user interface for analyzing and capturing a monitored event depicting an anomaly in the measured electric field signals.

Abstract: A security alarm blanket can be placed over an object that is to be guarded. If someone approaches the blanket an audio, visual, and/or electronic alarm is sent. The blanket is made of a fabric with metal woven therein or a membrane material with a conductive surface and thus functions as the antenna for a proximity detector. The proximity detector may be activated from a remote controller allowing the operator the ability to prepare the object to be guarded and to deactivate the proximity detector without setting off the alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device system, comprising a wearable alarm device fastenable to the wrist or elsewhere in the body or an instrument measuring physiological signals or a combination thereof, and a data terminal (6) capable of receiving messages and information from a wearable device (1). The wearable device (1) has a measurement-based identification about the device being attached to a wearer, said identification being processed for status data. The data terminal (6) has a user interface for displaying the measured status data graphically.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. A sensor measures capacitance, electric field effects or other characteristic responsive to a load in a seating area. The sensor uses one or more electrodes (e.g., a transmit and receive electrode or one electrode for transmit and one or more electrodes for receive). Other electrodes are connected with different impedances. Measuring by a sensor, but with other electrodes connected with different impedances, may distinguish between an occupant and inanimate objects, may distinguish between characteristics of a passenger (e.g., size, height, weight or position), or may indicate a grounding state of an occupant.

Abstract: Merchandising and marketing data collection systems (100, 400, 500, 700, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) collect data on shopper's (816) interaction with merchandise samples (106, 414, 1212, 1400, 1502), page store personnel, output promotional vouchers and use the merchandise samples to access information about the capabilities of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: An electronic proximity switch employs two oscillators coupled through two electrical paths, one associated with an antenna serving as a proximity switch sensor. Absorption by an object near the antenna changes the coupling between the oscillators producing a dramatic phase shift that may be detected and used for switching purposes.

Abstract: Flexible circuit material is used for positioning one or more antennas for occupant detection within a seat. The antenna and associated signal traces to an occupant detection circuit may be more easily manufactured using a flexible material while minimizing discomfort to occupants. The flexible circuit material may be folded over a spacer in order to position occupant detection sensors or antennas at different locations or depths relative to a seating surface. An occupant detection system on a printed circuit board may be connected with the flexible circuit to provide ease of manufacture and limit costs.