PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD
First Claim
1. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
- generating an activation field with a proximity sensor;
monitoring amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field;
determining a differential change in the generated signal; and
generating an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
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generating an activation field with a proximity sensor; monitoring amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field; determining a differential change in the generated signal; and generating an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field; and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, said control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a differential change in the generated signal, and generating an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification