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US 6,441,623 B1Granted
Capacitive proximity sensor for automotive use
AssigneeAutomotive Electronics, Inc.
InventorAntony Moon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a capacitive sensor for fitting to the bumper of a vehicle to assist the driver when maneuvering the vehicle. The sensor comprises a guard plate and a sensor plate which are mounted on a vehicle bumper in use. The capacitance between the sensor plate and ground is measured to provide an indication of the proximity of any obstruction near the vehicle.
Claims25
A proximity sensor for a vehicle comprising:
- a guard plate;
- an elongate sensor plate having a length dimension;
- and
- a calculation device which deter a change in capacitance between the sensor plate and an object that is capacitively connected to electrical ground for providing proximity information based on the change in capacitance, said proximity information representing a distance between the sensor plate and the object, wherein the sensor plate lacks a uniform width along its length, and wherein the sensor plate has a portion at each end having a larger width than a portion in the middle thereof.
1 more element
A vehicle having a proximity sensor attached thereto;
- said proximity sensor comprising:
- a guard plate;
- an elongate sensor plate having a length dimension;
- and
- a calculation device which determines a change in capacitance between the sensor plate and an object that is capacitively connected to electrical ground for providing proximity information based on the change in capacitance, said proximity information representing a distance between the sensor plate and the object, wherein the sensor plate lacks a uniform width along its length, and wherein the sensor plate has a portion at each end having a larger width than a portion in the middle thereof.
2 more elements
A vehicle bumper having a proximity sensor attached thereto;
- said proximity sensor comprising:
- a guard plate;
- an elongate sensor plate having a length dimension;
- and
- a calculation device which determines a change in capacitance between the sensor plate and an object that is capacitively connected to electrical ground for providing proximity information based on the change in capacitance, said proximity information representing a distance between the sensor plate and the object, wherein the sensor plate lacks a uniform width along its length, and wherein the sensor plate has a portion at each end having a larger width than a portion in the middle thereof.
2 more elements
A vehicle having a vehicle bumper attached thereto;
- said vehicle bumper having a proximity sensor attached thereto;
- said proximity sensor comprising:
- a guard plate;
- an elongate sensor plate having a length dimension;
- and
- a calculation device which determines a change in capacitance between the sensor plate and an object that is capacitively connected to electrical ground for providing proximity information based on the change in the capacitance, said proximity information representing a distance between the sensor plate and the object, wherein the sensor plate lacks a uniform width along its length, and wherein the sensor plate has a portion at each end having a larger width than a portion in the middle thereof.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.