CONTACT DETECTION DEVICE FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE CONTACT DETECTION DEVICE AND AN OBJECT
First Claim
1. A contact detection device for detecting a physical contact between the contact detection device and an object, the contact detection device comprising:
- a heater for providing a modulated heat flow,a heat signal generation unit being adapted to generate a modulated heat signal in dependence of the modulated heat flow,a contact determination unit for determining a contact indication signal indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact depending on the generated modulated heat signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is related to a contact detection device (100) for detecting a contact between the contact detection device (100) and an object (800), a method (400), a diagnostic device and further to a computer program. The invention seeks to improve the reliability of contact sensors. The contact detection device (100) comprises a heater (110) for providing a modulated heat flow (112). A modulated heat signal (122) is generated in dependence of the modulated heat flow (112). A physical contact with an object (800) causes a change in the modulated heat flow (112) that effects the modulated heat signal (122). As the heat flow is modulated, a change in the modulated heat signal (122) is quasi assured. A contact determination unit (130) of the contact detection device (100) derives a contact indication signal (132) indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact in from the modulated heat (122), preferentially by means of a demodulator (134).
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A contact detection device for detecting a physical contact between the contact detection device and an object, the contact detection device comprising:
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a heater for providing a modulated heat flow, a heat signal generation unit being adapted to generate a modulated heat signal in dependence of the modulated heat flow, a contact determination unit for determining a contact indication signal indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact depending on the generated modulated heat signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12)
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11. A method of operating a contact detection device for detecting a physical contact between the contact detection device and an object, the method comprising following steps:
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providing a modulated heat flow, generating a modulated heat signal in dependence of the modulated heat flow, determining a contact indication signal indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact depending on the modulated heat signal. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification