Capacitive sensing apparatus that uses a combined guard and sensing electrode
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A capacitive sensing apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes that are operable for sensing an object that is within a first distance of said plurality of sensor electrodes; and
a combined guard and sensing electrode disposed proximate to said plurality of sensor electrodes and having associated therewith at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein in said first operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for detecting said object at a second distance that is greater than said first distance, and wherein in said second operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for electrically guarding at least one of said capacitive sensor electrodes.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A capacitive sensing apparatus includes capacitive sensor electrodes, and a combined guard and sensing electrode that is disposed proximate to the capacitive sensor electrodes. The combined guard and sensing electrode has at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the combined guard and sensing electrode can detect an object at a distance that is greater than the distance at which the object can be sensed by the capacitive sensor electrodes. In the second operating mode, the combined guard and sensing electrode can electrically guard the capacitive sensor electrodes.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A capacitive sensing apparatus comprising:
-
a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes that are operable for sensing an object that is within a first distance of said plurality of sensor electrodes; and a combined guard and sensing electrode disposed proximate to said plurality of sensor electrodes and having associated therewith at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein in said first operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for detecting said object at a second distance that is greater than said first distance, and wherein in said second operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for electrically guarding at least one of said capacitive sensor electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A capacitive sensing apparatus comprising:
-
a combined guard and sensing electrode that has associated therewith a first operating mode and a second operating mode; and a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes disposed proximate to said combined guard and sensing electrode and having associated therewith a function that can be transitioned between a first state and a second state depending on whether an object is within sensing range of said combined guard and sensing electrode;
wherein, when said function is placed in said first state, said combined guard and sensing electrode is transitioned from said second operating mode to said first operating mode in which said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for detecting an object within sensing range of said combined guard and sensing electrode; and
wherein, in response to said combined guard and sensing electrode detecting an object, said function is transitioned to said second state and said combined guard and sensing electrode is transitioned from said first operating mode to said second operating mode in which said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for electrically guarding said plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A method of operating a capacitive sensing apparatus, said method comprising:
-
placing a combined guard and sensing electrode of said apparatus in a first operating mode if a signal that indicates an object is within sensing range of said apparatus is absent for a prescribed length of time, wherein in said first operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for detecting an object within said sensing range and wherein said combined guard and sensing electrode remains in said first operating mode until an object is detected; and placing said combined guard and sensing electrode in a second operating mode in response to detecting an object, wherein in said second operating mode said combined guard and sensing electrode is operable for electrically guarding a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes of said apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
-
Specification