Patent ID: 8264242
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: G01D,H03K

Abstract:
1. A proximity sensor for detecting approach of an object based on capacitance, comprising: an electrode section including a first capacitor and a second capacitor arranged adjacent to each other; a detecting section including a first detection unit for detecting approach of the object based on variations in capacitance of the first capacitor, and a second detection unit for detecting approach of the object based on variations in capacitance of the second capacitor, wherein relative detections sensitivity in the first detection unit and the second detection unit are such that a detection level detected by the first detection unit is greater than a detection level detected by the second detection unit when the object approaches the electrode section from a first direction, and that the detection level detected by the second detection unit is greater than the detection level detected by the first detection unit when the object approaches the electrode section from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a proximity position determining section for determining the approaching direction of the object based on the detection level of the first detection unit and the detection level of the second detection unit.