Capacitive sensors in vehicular environments
First Claim
1. A force detecting capacitive sensor comprising a plurality of sets of at least two electrodes integral with a transparency product, said electrodes having mutual capacitance affected by force acting against the transparency product, wherein said plurality is configured for discriminating different vehicle crash characteristics.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Capacitive sensors used to detect force upon a transparency product for detecting and discriminating crash characteristics of a vehicle, as well as capacitive sensors used in conjunction with a conductive panel functioning as an airbag cover and ground plane for the capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensors are made up of electrodes, of which one may be a conductive coating. The capacitive sensors can be arranged upon a substrate and can include a reference sensor. Long term effects of temperature upon sensor output are compensated for with an algorithm comparing constant desired sensor output to low frequency drift due to temperature effects. Moisture upon a transparency product is distinguished from a nearby object due to the capacitance sensed. A sleep detection algorithm detects when a vehicle operator is drowsy. A capacitive sensor array having a nested circle sensor and L-shaped sensors, along with a dummy sensor is used in a sunroof-equipped vehicle for sensing occupant head position.
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Citations
22 Claims
- 1. A force detecting capacitive sensor comprising a plurality of sets of at least two electrodes integral with a transparency product, said electrodes having mutual capacitance affected by force acting against the transparency product, wherein said plurality is configured for discriminating different vehicle crash characteristics.
- 9. A capacitive sensor comprising at least two electrodes integral with a transparency product, said electrodes having mutual capacitance affected by force acting against the transparency product, wherein said sensor distinguishes between a visibility condition and an object in proximity to the transparency product based on said sensor response.
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12. A method of employing a force detecting capacitive sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
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employing a plurality of sets of at least two electrodes integral with a transparency product, the electrodes having mutual capacitance affected by force acting against the transparency product; and
configuring the plurality for discriminating different vehicle crash characteristics. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of employing a force detecting capacitive sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
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employing at least two electrodes integral with a transparency product, the electrodes having mutual capacitance affected by force acting against the transparency product; and
distinguishing between a visibility condition and an object in proximity to the transparency product based on the sensor response. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification