Learning proximity detector
First Claim
1. A proximity detector comprising:
- a sensor device configured to deliver an analog signal according to a distance of a target;
a detection stage configured to deliver a detection signal resulting from a comparison between the analog signal and a switching threshold;
an output stage configured to amplify and shape the detection signal and to deliver an output logic signal; and
a processing unit configured to receive as an input the detection signal, wherein the proximity detector operates according to a learning mode corresponding to an adjustment of a range of the proximity detector and according to a working mode corresponding to a normal operating mode of the proximity detector, wherein the proximity detector comprises a variable digital storage resistor driven by the processing unit in the learning mode and connected to the detection stage in such a way that a variation of a value of the variable digital storage resistor causes a variation of the switching threshold, and wherein the processing unit is in a standby state when the proximity detector is in the working mode to reduce leak-current and to reduce power consumption.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-adaptable proximity detector delivering a binary output signal for the presence or absence of a target. The proximity detector includes a processing unit and operates according to a short learning mode for an adjustment relative to its environment, according to a long learning mode for an adjustment relative to its environment and to a target, and according to a working mode corresponding to normal operation. The proximity detector also includes a variable digital storage resistor driven by the processing unit in the learning mode and connected to the detection stage so that variation of the value of the digital resistor causes a variation of the switching threshold. In the working mode, the processing unit is in a standby state and the variable digital storage resistor remains at its set operating value.
24 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A proximity detector comprising:
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a sensor device configured to deliver an analog signal according to a distance of a target;
a detection stage configured to deliver a detection signal resulting from a comparison between the analog signal and a switching threshold;
an output stage configured to amplify and shape the detection signal and to deliver an output logic signal; and
a processing unit configured to receive as an input the detection signal, wherein the proximity detector operates according to a learning mode corresponding to an adjustment of a range of the proximity detector and according to a working mode corresponding to a normal operating mode of the proximity detector, wherein the proximity detector comprises a variable digital storage resistor driven by the processing unit in the learning mode and connected to the detection stage in such a way that a variation of a value of the variable digital storage resistor causes a variation of the switching threshold, and wherein the processing unit is in a standby state when the proximity detector is in the working mode to reduce leak-current and to reduce power consumption. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A proximity detector comprising:
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a sensor means for delivering an analog signal according to a distance of a target;
a detection means for delivering a detection signal resulting from a comparison between the analog signal and a switching threshold;
an amplifying means for amplifying and shaping the detection signal and for delivering an output logic signal; and
a processing means that receives as an input the detection signal, wherein the proximity detector operates according to a learning mode corresponding to an adjustment of a range of the proximity detector and according to a working mode corresponding to a normal operating mode of the proximity detector, wherein the proximity detector comprises a variable digital storage means driven by the processing means in the learning mode and connected to the detection means in such a way that a variation of a value of the variable digital storage means causes a variation of the switching threshold, and wherein the processing means is in a standby state when the proximity detector is in the working mode to reduce leak-current and to reduce power consumption. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification