PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD USING RATE MONITORING
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 rate of change in the generated signal;
comparing the rate of change to a threshold rate; and
generating an activation output based on the rate of change exceeding the threshold rate.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
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 determines activation upon detection of a stable signal. 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.
40 Citations
18 Claims
-
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 rate of change in the generated signal; comparing the rate of change to a threshold rate; and generating an activation output based on the rate of change exceeding the threshold rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
-
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 rate of change in the generated signal, and generating an activation output based on the rate of change exceeding a threshold rate. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification