PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND CALIBRATION METHOD THEREFOR
First Claim
1. A method of calibrating a proximity switch comprising:
- generating an activation field with a proximity sensor;
monitoring amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field;
detecting the signal amplitude exceeding a threshold for a time period; and
calibrating the signal by adjusting the signal to a predefined level when the signal amplitude exceeds the threshold for the time period and reaches a peak value.
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Abstract
A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and calibrating the switch assembly. The assembly includes proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field to sense activation. The control circuitry generates an activation output when a differential change in the signal exceeds a threshold and distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches. The control circuit further determines a rate of change and generates an output when the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate to enable activation of a switch and performs a calibration of the signals to reduce effects caused by changes in condensation.
48 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of calibrating 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; detecting the signal amplitude exceeding a threshold for a time period; and calibrating the signal by adjusting the signal to a predefined level when the signal amplitude exceeds the threshold for the time period and reaches a peak value. - 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 proximity switch comprising a proximity sensor providing an activation field; control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation signal, determining when the signal exceeds a threshold for a time period, and calibrating the signal when the maximum signal exceeds the threshold for the time period and reaches a peak value. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing an activation field; and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, said control circuitry monitoring signals responsive to the activation fields, determining when a maximum signal exceeds a threshold for a time period, and calibrating the signals when the maximum signal exceeds the threshold for the time period and reaches a peak value.
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Specification