Proximity switch assembly and activation method with exploration mode
US8933708B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/960705
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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 may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.