Proximity switch assembly and activation method using rate monitoring

摘要

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 determines activation upon detection of a stable signal. The control circuit further determines a rate of change and generates an output when the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate to enable activation of a switch.

主权项

1. A method of activating a proximity switch comprising:
generating an activation field with a proximity sensor; monitoring amplitude of a signal generated in response to the activation field; determining a rate of change in the generated signal; comparing the rate of change to a threshold rate; and generating an activation output based on the rate of change exceeding the threshold rate during a first time and then the signal being substantially stable during a second time for a predetermined amount of time.