Contactless sensing and control system

摘要

This disclosure describes embodiments of a contactless sensing system for controlling operation of a remote device. The sensing system can comprise an actuator and a sensing device, which is responsive to a field the actuator emits. An end user can move the actuator relative to the sensing device to generate an output that reflects a device command that modifies operation of the remote device. In one example, the sensing device comprises an array of sensing elements. The field causes a change in operating parameters in the sensing elements, which the sensing device can identify and associate with the device command. The sensing device can also recognize combinations of one or more of the sensing elements that exhibit changes in the operating parameters to provide a robust control mechanism for the remote device.

主权项

1. A control system for a remote device, said control system comprising:
an actuator that is configured to emit a field; and a sensing device that is configured to be responsive to the field, the sensing device comprising a plurality of sensing elements comprising a first sensing element and a second sensing element, each of the same type and having an operating parameter that changes between a default state and a non-default state in response to the presence of the field, wherein the sensing device is configured to identify a signal pattern that reflects a direction of movement of the actuator to change the operating parameter of the first sensing element and then to change the operating parameter of the second sensing element with the actuator in spaced relation to the sensing device, wherein the sensing device is configured to generate an output signal in response to the signal pattern, wherein the output signal defines a device command that is configured to operate the remote device, wherein the device command is associated with the direction of movement of the actuator as defined by an order in which the first sensing element and the second sensing element are activated, and wherein the order is indicated in the signal pattern by a first signal from the first sensing element that corresponds with a change in the operating parameter of the first sensing element from the default state to the non-default state with the operating parameter of the second sensing element in the default state followed by a second signal from the second sensing element that corresponds with a change in the operating parameter of the second sensing element from the default state to the non-default state.