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TW201033019A - Fluid-level sensing device, electronic apparatus and fluid-level sensing method - Google Patents

Fluid-level sensing device, electronic apparatus and fluid-level sensing method Download PDF

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Publication number
TW201033019A
TW201033019A TW98108157A TW98108157A TW201033019A TW 201033019 A TW201033019 A TW 201033019A TW 98108157 A TW98108157 A TW 98108157A TW 98108157 A TW98108157 A TW 98108157A TW 201033019 A TW201033019 A TW 201033019A
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Taiwan
Prior art keywords
sensing
fluid
container
fluid level
capacitor
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TW98108157A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
qi-dong Zhang
Kang-Jie Liu
wei-zhong Zhu
Original Assignee
Alcor Micro Corp
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Application filed by Alcor Micro Corp filed Critical Alcor Micro Corp
Priority to TW98108157A priority Critical patent/TW201033019A/en
Publication of TW201033019A publication Critical patent/TW201033019A/en

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  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid-level sensing device for sensing fluid-level of a vessel, and including: a sensing interface unit and a microprocessor. The sensing interface unit has a plurality of capacitive sensing elements which are contacted with an outside surface of the vessel, and the capacitive sensing elements separately induce a sensing capacitance. The microprocessor has a standard capacitance and connects to the sensing interface unit. The microprocessor receives the sensing capacitances and individually compares the sensing capacitances with the standard capacitance to determine the difference among the sensing capacitances. The microprocessor further produces an indicative signal which indicating the fluid-level of the vessel according to the difference among the sensing capacitances. Thereof, the present invention can achieve the purpose of sensing the fluid-level of the vessel.

Description

201033019 六、發明說明: 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係涉及一種檢測裝置及其檢測方法,特別係 指一種用來檢測容器内之流體液位的檢測裝置及其檢測 方法與其應用之電子裝置。 【先前技術】 關於檢測容器内之流體液位的技術,目前大部分是 應用於喷墨印表機或一般具有盛水容器家電產品中。其中 就以喷墨印表機搭配墨水匣的設計來舉例說明,習知喷墨 印表機在檢測墨水匣剩餘墨水的技術上,大致上有以下幾 種方式: 第一是在印表機中設計有一軟體計數器,以用來計 算及統計印表機的列印次數,進而判斷墨水匣内的剩餘墨 水量。然而此一設計往往會因為外在環境因素,如:墨水 因長時間未使用而乾涸減少、軟體計數器可使用軟體元件 來竄改計算結果等,因而較無法精確地提供使用者實際的 墨水剩餘量。 第二是採用光學元件的設計,並且在墨水匣中放置 顆粒體,以藉由感測顆粒體内的墨水狀態改變來判斷墨水 位準。然而由於光學元件的硬體成本較高,並且在墨水匣 中又必須設計有顆粒體,因而較不符合設計成本上的考 量。 第三則是在墨水匣中採用所謂的電極檢測原理來設 計。其是利用一振盪器來產生感測信號給電極,並且再透 過一濾波器線路來進行濾波該感測信號以產生濾波信 號,於是,後端的處理器即可依據濾波信號來判斷墨水的 4 201033019 液位。但是,此一設計方式由於電極的感測線路較複雜, 並且電極放置的位置又較為受限,同時所選用的電極又必 須是為傳導性好、高抗蝕性的金屬材料,因此也會增加不 少成本。 承上所述,可以發現目前在喷墨印表機對墨水匣的 檢測設計方式仍有其改善的空間。 此外,若是用在一般具有盛水容器之家電產品的流 體液位檢測上,例如飲水機的水位檢測,由於其盛裝的是 Φ 飲用水,於是在相關的檢測裝置之設計上則更是受到限 制。因此,要如何開發出一款設計簡單、應用廣泛、檢測 準確且成本低的檢測裝置便是目前值得加以研究發展的 地方。 【發明内容】 有鑑於此,本發明所要解決的技術問題在於,利用 電容式感應原理來做為檢測容器内流體液位的設計,以利 用多個電容式感測元件來接觸容器,並依據所感應產生的 感測電容值來判斷該所接觸之位置的相對容器内是否 • 流體,藉以做為檢測流體液位的判斷依據。 為了解決上述問題,根據本發明所提出之一方案, 提供—種流體液位檢職置,其是用以檢測-容器内的二 體液位’而流體液位檢測裝置包括:一感測介面單元: 微處理單元。其中,感測介面單元是具有複數個電 測兀件,並且該些電容式感測元件係接觸容器的一外^ 面’以分別感應產生一感測電容值。微處理單元是具 枯準電合值’並且連接感測介面單元,進而微處理 接收該些感測電容值,以分別將該些感測電容值 2 電容值而判斷出該些感測電容值之間的差異。其中^處 5 201033019 理單元疋進-步依據該些感 ^ 生一代表該容器内流體液位的指示信號的差異而來產 體液位檢測裝置及-主機端I制器如 = 機端㈣11是連接麵液位檢測i 置用乂控制>瓜體液位檢測裝置 號來執行-特定功能。 _ i且接收才曰不仏 U解決上述問題,根據本發明所提出之再一方 ΐ、^;—種流體液位檢測方法,其μ以檢測一容器内 容;感:位株方法之步驟包括:首先,提供複數個電 測:件來接觸容器的—外表面,並且取得 式感測4分誠舰㈣ ^ 的#显= 值,以判斷該些感測電容值之間 代表二1=據該些感測電容值之_差異來產生一 代表该谷盗内流體液位的指示信號。 ❹ fi單藉Hf日⑽能相的魏在於,㈣提供設計 =來Hi測準確且成本低的檢測裝置及其檢測 方法來達到檢測容器内流體液位之目的。 以上之概述與接下來的詳細說明及附圖, 能進;'步_本發明為達成預定目的所採取之方式、^段 及功效。而㈣本發明的其他目的及優點 = 明及圖式中加以闡述。 隹便續的次 【實施方式】 本發明是利用電容式感測的技術來進行容界内流體 液位之檢測,其是將多個電容式感測元件分別接觸在容器 的外表面上的不同高度,進而依據每個電容式感測元件所 6 201033019 口月參考第一圖,為本發明、仏_ 例方塊不思圖。如圖所示,本實施迅 檢測裝置1,1可庫用於喰供種仇體液位 ㈣去應用喷墨印表機、家電產品等電子裝 (圖未不)上,用以檢測電子裝置令的一 液位,並且產生一代°内的〜體 子裝置的-主機端/;73 2體液位的指示信號給電 行一特定功能,如;干^:=機端控制器3得以執 及關閉控制等功能。^容量、發出警示信息 導電之容器2,如墨水两5又计上,容器2則是採用非 液位檢測裝置1能夠順、、塑膠盛水器亚等’藉以讓流體 流體液位檢測裝置進行檢測。 微處理單元1 〇2 ;5 一 乂人匕括.一感測介面單元1 〇 1、一 單元101在本實施例δ銳曰傳輪介面103。其中,感測介面 ion,並且用以接觸容。。炎設計具有三個電容式感測單元 —感測電容值。 态2的一外表面,以分別感應產生 而關於電容式感測_ 第一圖時一併參照第1凡件1011的設計方面,請在參考 意圖。其中,電容式^圖電容式感測元件的等效電路示 Bc&—感測電容器、疋件1011是具有一背景電容器 感測電容器§C,以用並且责景電谷器BC是並聯連接 容器BC是固定提供有來提供感測電容值。再者,背景電 是進一步透過一導電八〜基本電容值,而感測電容器SC 以做為感應_面,^ M來_容11 2料表面,用 接的導電介質M a ^凡不同電容式感測元件1011所連 n乂相異高度之排列設置來接觸容器2 7 201033019 表面。其中,導電介質M在設計上可例如是簡單採 用金屬線、_片等材料來接觸於容器2的外表面。 =’當導電介質M所接觸之位置的相對 =體時,導電介質Μ便會形域應導通, =SC產生一特定電容值,此時電容式感測元件: 生的麵電容值即為基本電容值㈣定電容值的總 '、々有^眭若導電介質M所接觸之位置的相對容器2; 導電介f M便無法形成感應導通,此時電 ς感測兀件urn所產生的感測電容值即僅為基本電容 非為實際應用上’電容式感測元件則的數量並 容器2 LvI所限’數量設計越多,則越能精確地檢測出 奋斋2内的流體液位。 測介H^T〇?,1G2、是具有—標準電容值,並且連接感 產生的感測電容值用固電容式感測元件ι〇η所 再刀別將所接收到的感測電容值比 產生代表容^ :依據各個感測電容值之間的差異來 具如f 由下而上來看是伕圖所二’假設電容式感測元件1011 容式感測元件及第疋,為第—電容式感測元件、第二電 所接收到第一電外電谷式感測元件,則微處理單元102 感測電容值必第二電容式感測元件的 感測兀件及第二電办電各值,也就代表第一電容式 接觸之位置的相鮮C戊件所連接的導電介質Μ所 "、2内是有流體存在。另外,微處理 8 201033019 單元102所接收到第三電容式感測元件的感測電容值則 會小於標準電容值,以代表第三電容式感測元件所連接的 導電介質Μ所接觸之位置的相對容器2内是沒有流體存 在。因此’微處理單元102據此就能產生指示信號來指示 出實際容器2内的流體液位。201033019 VI. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a detecting device and a detecting method thereof, and particularly to a detecting device for detecting a fluid level in a container, a detecting method thereof and an electronic device using the same . [Prior Art] Most of the techniques for detecting the fluid level in a container are currently applied to an ink jet printer or a household appliance having a water container. The inkjet printer is designed with an ink cartridge as an example. The conventional inkjet printer has the following methods in detecting the ink remaining in the ink cartridge: The first is in the printer. A software counter is designed to calculate and count the number of prints of the printer to determine the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge. However, this design tends to provide the user's actual ink remaining amount accurately because of external environmental factors such as ink drying due to long periods of non-use, and software counters that can use software components to tamper with calculation results. The second is to design the optical element and place the granules in the ink cartridge to determine the ink level by sensing the change in ink state within the granule. However, due to the high hardware cost of the optical component and the need to design a granule in the ink cartridge, it is less in line with design cost considerations. The third is to design in the ink cartridge using the so-called electrode detection principle. The utility model uses an oscillator to generate a sensing signal to the electrode, and then filters the sensing signal through a filter circuit to generate a filtered signal, so that the processor at the back end can determine the ink according to the filtered signal 4 201033019 Liquid level. However, this design method is complicated because the sensing circuit of the electrode is complicated, and the position where the electrode is placed is limited, and the selected electrode must be a metal material with good conductivity and high corrosion resistance, so it also increases. A lot of cost. As mentioned above, it can be found that there is still room for improvement in the design of ink jet printers for ink cartridges. In addition, if it is used for fluid level detection of household appliances that generally have water containers, such as water level detection of water dispensers, because it contains Φ drinking water, it is more limited in the design of related detection devices. . Therefore, how to develop a detection device with simple design, wide application, accurate detection and low cost is a place worthy of research and development. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to use the capacitive sensing principle as a design for detecting the fluid level in the container, so as to contact the container by using a plurality of capacitive sensing elements, and according to the The sensed capacitance value is sensed to determine whether the fluid in the relative position of the contact position is used as a basis for determining the fluid level. In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid level inspection device is provided for detecting a two-body liquid level in a container, and the fluid level detecting device comprises: a sensing interface Unit: Microprocessing unit. Wherein, the sensing interface unit has a plurality of electrical sensing elements, and the capacitive sensing elements contact an outer surface of the container to respectively induce a sensing capacitance value. The micro processing unit is configured to have a quasi-electrical value and connect the sensing interface unit, and then the micro-processing receives the sensing capacitance values to determine the sensing capacitance values by respectively sensing the capacitance values of the sensing capacitors difference between. Where ^^5 533033019 The unit is step-by-step according to the difference between the indication signals representing the fluid level in the container, and the body level detecting device and the host-side controller such as = terminal (four) 11 It is the connection level liquid level detection i used to control the body level detection device number to perform the specific function. _i and receiving the problem to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, another method for detecting a fluid level, the μ is for detecting the contents of a container; and the steps of the method of the bit strain include: First, a plurality of electrical measurements are provided: the member contacts the outer surface of the container, and the sensed value of the 4 senses (4) ^ is displayed to determine the value between the sensed capacitance values. The difference in sensed capacitance values produces an indication signal representative of the fluid level in the valley thief. ❹ fi borrowing Hf day (10) can be phased by Wei, (4) providing design = Hi accurate and low cost detection device and its detection method to achieve the purpose of detecting the fluid level in the container. The above summary and the following detailed description and drawings can be made; 'step_ the method, the segment and the effect of the invention for achieving the intended purpose. And (iv) other objects and advantages of the present invention are explained in the drawings and drawings.实施 的 【 【 实施 实施 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 【 The height, and then according to the first figure of each capacitive sensing element 6 201033019, is the invention, the example block is not considered. As shown in the figure, the fast detection device 1,1 of the present embodiment can be used for detecting the body fluid level (4) to apply an electronic device such as an inkjet printer or a home appliance product (not shown) for detecting the electronic device. One level of the order, and the generation of the ~ body device - the host side /; 73 2 body level indication signal to the electric line a specific function, such as; dry ^: = machine controller 3 can be executed Turn off control and other functions. ^Capacity, the container 2 that emits the warning information, such as the ink two 5, the container 2 is the non-liquid level detecting device 1 can be used, the plastic water container sub-" to allow the fluid fluid level detecting device to perform Detection. Microprocessing unit 1 〇 2 ; 5 A 匕 匕 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 一 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 、 Wherein, the interface ion is sensed and used to contact the capacitance. . The inflammatory design has three capacitive sensing units—sensing capacitance values. An outer surface of the state 2 is separately induced and the capacitive sensing _ the first figure is referred to the design aspect of the first piece 1011, please refer to the intention. Wherein, the equivalent circuit of the capacitive capacitive sensing element shows that the Bc&-sensing capacitor and the device 1011 have a background capacitor sensing capacitor §C for use and the coordinate grid BC is a parallel connection container The BC is fixedly provided to provide the sensed capacitance value. Furthermore, the background power is further transmitted through a conductive eight-basic capacitance value, and the sensing capacitor SC is used as the sensing surface, the surface of the material is used, and the conductive medium is used. The sensing elements 1011 are arranged in an array of different heights to contact the surface of the container 2 7 201033019. Among them, the conductive medium M can be designed to be in contact with the outer surface of the container 2, for example, simply by using a metal wire, a sheet or the like. = 'When the relative position of the position where the conductive medium M contacts, the conductive medium will be turned on, and the SC will generate a specific capacitance value. At this time, the capacitive sensing element: the raw surface capacitance value is the basic Capacitance value (4) The total value of the constant capacitance value, 々 眭 眭 眭 眭 眭 眭 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电 导电The measured capacitance value is only the basic capacitance. The actual number of 'capacitive sensing elements is limited and the container 2 LvI is limited'. The more the number of designs, the more accurately the fluid level in the Fenzhai 2 can be detected. Measure H^T〇?, 1G2, which has a standard capacitance value, and the sensed capacitance value generated by the connection sense is compared with the sensed capacitance value received by the solid-capacitance sensing element ι〇η Generate a representative capacitance ^: according to the difference between the respective sensed capacitance values, such as f, from the bottom up, the second is assumed to be the same as the assumed capacitive sensing element 1011, the capacitive sensing element and the third, the first capacitor The sensing element and the second electric device receive the first electric external electric sensing element, and the micro processing unit 102 senses the capacitance value, and the sensing element of the second capacitive sensing element and the second electric power are respectively The value, that is, the conductive medium connected to the position of the first capacitive contact, is in the presence of a fluid. In addition, the sensing capacitance value of the third capacitive sensing element received by the unit 102 of the micro-processing 8 201033019 is smaller than the standard capacitance value to represent the position of the conductive medium to which the third capacitive sensing element is connected. There is no fluid present in the container 2 . Thus, the microprocessing unit 102 can thereby generate an indication signal to indicate the fluid level in the actual container 2.

附帶一提的是’若以實際電路的設計來講,熟悉該 項技術者應可了解,量測電容式感測元件1〇11透過感測 電容器SC所造成之感測電容值差異的方法可以有多種方 式來達成,例如:場域效應(Field Effect)量測方法、電荷 轉移(Charge Transfer)量測方法及鬆弛振盪器(relaxati〇n oscillator)量測方法等。而以下僅是針對這幾種量測方法 來做概略性的描述,並非用來限制本發明,同時也無在圖 式上表示。 首先,場域效應量測方法是在電容式感測元件1〇11 =感測電容器SC與背景電容器BC之間使用交流電分壓 器,以藉由監测電流在分壓器上的改變來獲得電容值變 化。當感測電容器SC所連接的導電介質Μ所接觸之位 置的相對容n 2内有流體時’其可獲得較Α的電容值變 ,。藉此’微處理單元102即可取得各個電容式感測元件 感測電容值’進而比較出各個電容式感測元件 1011的感剛電容值之間的差異。 心,!^移量測方妓根據電射丨亙原理來設計,在 叫=固ΐ位之後’再把電荷轉移至量測電路,進而在 個或夕個充電與轉移週期後進行量測電荷,即可獲得電 9 201033019 容式感測元件1011的感測電容值。其中,當感測電容器 SC所連接的導電介質μ所接觸之位置的相對容器2内有 流體時’則量測後所獲得的感測電容值也就會較大。於 是’、微處理單元102便可獲得各個電容式感測元件1〇11 的感測電容值,進而比較出各個電容式感測元件1〇11的 感測電容值之間的差異。 、鬆弛振盪器量測方法則是屬於利用量測充電時間的 方式來判斷各個電容式感測元件1〇11的感測電容值之間 的差異。其在设计上會搭配運用脈衝寬度調變器(PWM) 與計時器,並且由固定電流源來對電容式感測元件1〇11 進行充電,而當感測電容器SC所連接的導電介質”所 接觸之位置的相對容器2内有流體時,則整體需要較長的 充電時間。於是,微處料元1G2將對各_測電容器 SC的充電時間輯縣6知的標準電容值之狀充電時 間,即可比較出各個電容式感測元件1011的感測電容值 之間的差異。 —此外,贴理單元1Q2在搭配上述各·測方法來 貫施時’在設計上赠理單元1G2更可連接-調控單元 (圖未示)’用來調整各個電容式感測元件贿的感測敏 ^又。並^,熟悉該項技術者可以了解,調控單元可以簡 電阻來設計,並且透過電阻阻值的改變來達成 调整感測敏感度的作用。 請複參考第—圖’流體液位檢測裝置丨中的信號傳 輸)丨面H)3是連接微處理單元1〇2,並且可用來對外連接 ,機端控制ϋ 3 ’㈣傳遞微處理單元m與主機端控 制盗3之間的信號’而其間的信號包含微處理單元脱 201033019 所^生^旨示信號,以及主機端控 3用以控制流體液 位仏測4置1的控制信鮮。其中,信號傳輸介面⑽ 可例如是採用序列周邊介面(sn)、兩線式串行介面 (I2C)、通用序列匯流排(USB)或通用非 ai,的規格來設計。如此—來,流體液位檢卿^ 在只際應用上,不僅可採用獨立運作的方式來設計,以自 器2内流體液位之運作。另外,也可以搭配 ❹裝置中來接党主機端控制11 3的控制而運 ’ 2内的流體液位。 艰了核列合态 可如=圈:流?液位檢測裝置1是獨立設計的話,則 第κ所不疋進—步包含一顯示單,顯元 U是連接於微處理單元 ”、… 所產生的指示信號而二接1^處理單元102 一#〜A 現而進仃顯不一容器流體液位資訊。而另 :I施雜(圖未示),若流體液位 =裝置中來搭配運作的話,卿示單元 • =!裝置中,以連接主機端控制器3,並且機端 ^的控制來進行顯示該容器流體液位資 發光單元11在設計上是例如為複數個 : = 其數量可以對應電3= 液位而進且以每個發光二極體來代表一個 形化方式來進行顯示右疋為顯不螢幕的話,便可以利用圖 體液ί檢:ΪίΓ:二是’如第:圖中的虛線所示,流 、、 中的感測介面單元101、微處理單元102 11 201033019 及信號傳輸介面103在實抨执钟 路之設計而整合成A…、又汁上更可以是採用積體電 路之U向正口成4早一的控制晶片J〇。 電路的設計,且在應用及搭配上也較為方便日。月匕β 為了能進-步朗本發明的實際檢職程,請基於 第-圖實施例的架構下來參照第三圖,為本發明流體液位 檢測方法的實施例流程圖。 流體液位檢财法的步驟包括:首先,提供複數個 電容式感測元件來接觸容器的一外表面(S3〇1),並且進 取得該些電容式感測it件分別感應產生的—感測電容值 (S303)。進而將該些取得的感測電容值分別比對預嗖的一 標準電容值(S3 05),藉以判斷出該些感測電容值之 異(S307)。 如此一來,依據該些感應電容值之間的差異狀況, 便可得知容器内的流體液位狀況,進而產生一代^容器内 流體液位的指示信號(S309)。最後,提供一顯示單2來依 據指示信號進行顯示一容器流體液位資^又 踪上所述,本發明利用電容式感身測的(二理,以 不需與流體直接接觸就可進行容器内流體液位之檢測,除 了忐有效地達到檢測容器内流體液位之目的之外,對整4固 檢測裝置而言更是具有設計簡單、應用廣泛、檢測準確且 成本低等優點。此外,相對在容器的設計上,也就不需 另外複雜的電路或機構,在製造生產上也就能較為簡單。 惟,以上所述,僅為本發明的具體實施例之'^纟^說 明及圖式而已,並非用以限制本發明,本發明之所有矿° 應以下述之申請專利範圍為準’任何熟悉該項技藝者 發明之領域内,可輕易思及之變化或修飾皆可涵蓋在以下 12 201033019 * 本案所界定之專利範圍。 【圖式簡單說明】 第一圖係本發明流體液位檢測裝置的實施例方塊示意圖; 第二圖係電容式感測元件的等效電路示意圖;及 第三圖係本發明流體液位檢測方法的實施例流程圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 1流體液位檢測裝置 10控制晶片 101感測介面單元 ❹ 1011電容式感測元件 102微處理單元 103信號傳輸介面 11顯示單元 2容器 3主機端控制器 BC背景電容器 Μ導電介質 φ SC感測電容器 S301〜S311流程圖步驟說明 13Incidentally, if you are familiar with the design of the actual circuit, you should be able to understand the method of measuring the difference in the sensed capacitance caused by the capacitive sensing element 1〇11 through the sensing capacitor SC. There are many ways to achieve, such as: Field Effect measurement method, Charge Transfer measurement method and relaxation oscillator (relaxati〇n oscillator) measurement method. The following is only a brief description of these measurement methods, and is not intended to limit the present invention, nor is it represented in the drawings. First, the field effect measurement method uses an AC voltage divider between the capacitive sensing element 1〇11=the sensing capacitor SC and the background capacitor BC to obtain a change in the current on the voltage divider. The capacitance value changes. When there is a fluid in the relative volume n 2 of the position where the conductive medium 连接 to which the sensing capacitor SC is connected, it can obtain a relatively small capacitance value. Thereby, the 'micro-processing unit 102 can obtain the capacitance-sensing value of each of the capacitive sensing elements' and compare the difference between the capacitance values of the respective capacitive sensing elements 1011. heart,! ^The shift measurement method is designed according to the principle of electro-radiation, and then the charge is transferred to the measurement circuit after the call is called the solid position, and then the charge is measured after the charge and transfer cycles. The sensed capacitance value of the capacitive sensing element 1011 is obtained. Wherein, when the position where the conductive medium μ to which the sensing capacitor SC is connected is in contact with the fluid in the container 2, the value of the sensing capacitance obtained after the measurement is also large. Then, the micro processing unit 102 can obtain the sensing capacitance values of the respective capacitive sensing elements 1〇11, and then compare the difference between the sensing capacitance values of the respective capacitive sensing elements 1〇11. The relaxation oscillator measurement method is a method for determining the difference between the sensing capacitance values of the respective capacitive sensing elements 1 to 11 by measuring the charging time. It is designed with a pulse width modulator (PWM) and a timer, and the fixed sensing current source charges the capacitive sensing element 1〇11, while the sensing capacitor SC is connected to the conductive medium. When there is fluid in the opposite container 2 at the contact position, the overall charging time is required. Therefore, the micro-material 1G2 will charge the charging time of each _ measuring capacitor SC. The difference between the sensing capacitance values of the respective capacitive sensing elements 1011 can be compared. - In addition, the processing unit 1Q2 can be used in conjunction with the above-mentioned methods, and the designing unit 1G2 can be designed. The connection-control unit (not shown) is used to adjust the sensing sensitivity of each capacitive sensing element. And ^, those skilled in the art can understand that the control unit can be designed with a simple resistor and transmitted through the resistor. The value is changed to achieve the effect of adjusting the sensing sensitivity. Please refer to the figure - 'Transmission of the signal in the fluid level detecting device 丨'. The surface H) 3 is connected to the microprocessor unit 1〇2 and can be used for external connection. Machine end Control ϋ 3 '(4) transmits the signal between the micro-processing unit m and the host-side control thief 3' while the signal contains the micro-processing unit off the 201033019, and the host-side control 3 is used to control the fluid level The signal transmission interface (10) can be, for example, a serial peripheral interface (sn), a two-wire serial interface (I2C), a universal serial bus (USB), or a general non-ai. The specification is designed. In this way, the fluid level inspector ^ can be designed not only in an independent operation but also in the operation of the fluid level in the device 2. In addition, it can also be used in the device. The host's host terminal controls the control of 11 3 and transports the fluid level in '2. The difficult nuclear state can be as = circle: flow? The liquid level detecting device 1 is designed independently, then the κ does not advance— The step includes a display unit, and the display unit U is connected to the micro-processing unit "," to generate an indication signal, and the second unit is connected to the processing unit 102. ##A, and then the liquid level information of the container is displayed. And the other: I is mixed (not shown), if the fluid level = the device is working together, the unit is shown in the ==! device to connect the host controller 3, and the control of the machine is used for display. The container fluid level illuminating unit 11 is designed to be, for example, a plurality of: = the number of which can correspond to the electric 3 = liquid level and each of the illuminating diodes represents a morphing manner to display the right 疋If the screen is not displayed, the body fluid can be used for inspection: ΪίΓ: the second is 'as shown by the dotted line in the figure, the sensing interface unit 101 in the stream, the middle, the micro processing unit 102 11 201033019 and the signal transmission interface 103 In the design of the implementation of the clock, it is integrated into A..., and the juice can be made by using the integrated circuit U to the positive port to form a control chip J. The design of the circuit is also more convenient in terms of application and matching. In order to be able to carry out the actual inspection process of the invention, please refer to the third figure based on the architecture of the first embodiment, which is a flow chart of an embodiment of the fluid level detecting method of the present invention. The steps of the fluid level check method include: firstly, providing a plurality of capacitive sensing elements to contact an outer surface of the container (S3〇1), and obtaining the senses respectively generated by the capacitive sensing parts The capacitance value is measured (S303). Then, the obtained sensing capacitance values are respectively compared with a standard capacitance value (S3 05) of the pre-sampling, thereby determining the difference of the sensing capacitance values (S307). In this way, according to the difference between the values of the sensing capacitors, the fluid level in the container can be known, and an indication signal of the fluid level in the container can be generated (S309). Finally, a display sheet 2 is provided to display a container fluid level according to the indication signal. The invention utilizes a capacitive sensing method (two methods, the container can be carried out without direct contact with the fluid). The detection of the internal fluid level, in addition to the purpose of effectively achieving the fluid level in the detection container, has the advantages of simple design, wide application, accurate detection and low cost for the whole four solid detection device. Compared with the design of the container, no complicated circuit or mechanism is needed, and the manufacturing process can be relatively simple. However, the above description is only the description and the figure of the specific embodiment of the present invention. The invention is not intended to limit the invention, and all the minerals of the invention are subject to the scope of the following patent application. Any variation or modification that can be easily conceived in the field of the invention is covered by the following. 12 201033019 * Patent scope defined in this case. [Simplified illustration of the drawings] The first figure is a block diagram of an embodiment of the fluid level detecting device of the present invention; the second figure is a capacitive sensing The equivalent circuit diagram of the device; and the third diagram is a flow chart of an embodiment of the fluid level detecting method of the present invention. [Main component symbol description] 1 fluid level detecting device 10 controls the wafer 101 sensing interface unit ❹ 1011 capacitive sense Measuring element 102 micro processing unit 103 signal transmission interface 11 display unit 2 container 3 host side controller BC background capacitor Μ conductive medium φ SC sensing capacitor S301 ~ S311 flow chart step description 13

Claims (1)

201033019 七 ❹ 2 申請專利範圚: 1、-種流體液位檢測裝置,制以 液位,該流體液位檢測裝置包括:谷益内的流體 -感測介面單元,係具有複數個電容 =八電二式感測元件係接觸該容器的-外ί 刀另】感應產生一感測電容值. -微處理單元’係具有—標準電容值 測介面單元,該微處理單元係接㈣此 值,以分別將該些_電隸^=麵挪電容 判斷出該些感測電容值之間的差異Γ標準電容值而 其:來;元係依據該些感測電容值之間的差 "术產生-代表該容器 7差 ::請:,第1項所述之流體置' -感測電係具有-背景電容器及 供該感測電ί:電容器係並聯連接該感測電容器4 如申請專利範圍第2項所述治 中每-該歧電容以、^\體液位檢測裝置,其 電介質所S = 容^的外表面’並且當該導 介質係•導、甬i的相對各态内有流體時’該導電 值Λ應導通,以使該感測電容器產生-特定電^ 導f介^=所述之流體液位檢測裝置,其 容器的外ί面 高度之排列設置來接觸該 14 4 201033019 ^申請專職圍第〗項所狀流體餘檢測裝置,進 一步包含-· 一#號傳輸介面,係連接該微處理單元,並且對外連 接主機端控制器,用以傳遞該微處理單元及, 機端控制器之間的信號。 以主 如申請專利範圍第5項所述之流體液位檢測裝置,兑 中該感測介面單元、該微處理單元及該信號^輸介面 係採用積體電路之設計而整合成為一控制晶片。 如申請專利範圍第5項所述之流體液位檢測 一步包含: 進 8 10 一顯示單元,係連接該微處理單元,並且接收該指厂、 信號而進行顯示一容器流體液位資訊。 /曰不 如申請專利範圍第7項所述之流體液位檢測 中該顯示單元係為複數個發光二極體之組^ , 示螢幕。 、一顯 一種電子裝置,包括: 一容器,係用來裝填流體; -如申請專利範圍第丨項所述之流體液位檢測. 及 、夏, -主機端㈣II ’係連接該流體液位檢測裝置 控制該流體液錄測裝置之運作,並以 信號來執行一特定功能。 孩‘示 如申》月專利範圍第9項所述之電子裝置,其 h 係為非導電之容器。 ” μ各器 、如申請專職®第1Q項所狀電子裝置 該些電容式感測元件係具有一背景電容器及::; 15 11 201033019 電:Ϊ:景電容器係具有-基本電容值,並且 測電容值H亚聯連接該感測電容器以提供該感 12 該:STS第:項所述之電子震置,其中每- 導電介質來接觸該容器係ΐ一步透過一 所接觸之位置的相 、 並且當該導電介質 感應導通,以使w Μ内有流體時’該導電介質係 13、如申請專利以感測電容器產生一特定電容值。 導電介項所述之電子裝置,其中祕 外表面。 /、向度之排列設置來接觸該容器的 14 如申請專利範圍第9項所述之電 液位檢測装置進〜步勺人. 裝置,其中該流體 二,傳輸;丨面’係連接該微處理單 以傳遞該微處理單元及該主機端控Ξ = 15 14項所述之電子裝置,其中該感 16 積體電路之;錢理單元及該㈣傳輸介面係採用 檟體電路之輯而整合成為—控制晶片。 ϋ請圍第9項所述之電子裝置,進-步包含: =早疋’係連接該主機端控制器’並且接收該主 、端控制益的控制而進行顯示一容器流體液位資 計L 0 如申"月專利範圍第16項所述之電 以、;=個發光二—或-顯= 佘冽方法,係用以檢測一容器内的流體 16 201033019 液位,該檢測方法之步驟包括: 提供複數個電容式感測元件來接觸該容器的一外表 面; 取得該些電容式感測元件分別感應產生的一感測電 容值; 將該些感測電容值比對一標準電容值,以判斷該些感 測電容值之間的差異;及 依據該些感測電容值之間的差異來產生一代表該容 器内流體液位的指示信號。 參 19、如申請專利範圍第18項所述之流體液位檢測方法, 進一步包含: 提供一顯示單元,以依據該指示信號來顯示一容器流 體液位資訊。 20、 如申請專利範圍第18項所述之流體液位檢測方法, 其中該容器係為非導電之容。 21、 如申請專利範圍第20項所述之流體液位檢測方法, 其中每一該些電容式感測元件係具有一背景電容器 p 及一感測電容器,而該背景電容器係具有一基本電容 值,並且該背景電容器係並聯連接該感測電容器以提 ' 供該感測電容值。 • 22、如申請專利範圍第21項所述之流體液位檢測方法, 其中每一該些電容式感測元件的感測電容器係進一 步透過一導電介質來接觸該容器的外表面,並且當該 導電介質所接觸之位置的相對容器内有流體時,該導 電介質係感應導通,以使該感測電容器產生一特定電 容值。 17 201033019 23、如申請專利範圍第22項所述之流體液位檢測方法, 其中該些導電介質係以相異高度之排列設置來接觸 該容器的外表面。201033019 七❹ 2 Patent application: 1. A fluid level detecting device, which is equipped with a liquid level. The fluid level detecting device includes: a fluid-sensing interface unit in Guyi, having a plurality of capacitors=eight The electric two-type sensing element is in contact with the outer-blade of the container to induce a sensed capacitance value. The micro-processing unit has a standard capacitance value measuring interface unit, and the micro-processing unit is connected to (4) the value. The difference between the sensed capacitance values and the standard capacitance value is determined by the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Generated - represents the difference between the container 7:: Please:, the fluid described in item 1 is set - the sensing system has a - background capacitor and the sensing capacitor is used: the capacitor is connected in parallel to the sensing capacitor 4 as claimed In the treatment of the second item, the capacitance is determined by the ^^ body level detecting device, the dielectric surface S = the outer surface of the capacitor, and when the guiding medium is in the relative state of the guiding body, 甬i When there is a fluid, the conductivity value should be turned on so that the sensing capacitor is generated - The specific fluid level detecting device is configured to contact the fluid level detecting device of the container to contact the fluid detecting device of the full-service enclosure, further comprising - · A ## transmission interface is connected to the microprocessor unit and externally connected to the host controller for transmitting signals between the microprocessor unit and the controller. The fluid level detecting device according to claim 5, wherein the sensing interface unit, the micro processing unit and the signal interface are integrated into a control wafer by using an integrated circuit design. The fluid level detection method as described in claim 5 includes: a display unit connected to the micro processing unit, and receiving the finger and the signal to display a container fluid level information. / 曰 In the fluid level detection described in item 7 of the patent application, the display unit is a group of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a screen is displayed. An electronic device comprising: a container for filling a fluid; - a fluid level detection as described in the scope of the patent application. and, summer, - a host end (four) II' connection to the fluid level detection The device controls the operation of the fluid recording device and signals to perform a particular function. The electronic device described in item 9 of the Japanese Patent Application No. 9 is a non-conductive container. μ Each device, such as the application for full-time® 1Q item, the capacitive sensing elements have a background capacitor and::; 15 11 201033019 Electricity: Ϊ: The view capacitor has a - basic capacitance value, and The capacitance value H is connected in series to the sensing capacitor to provide the sense 12: the electronic shock described in the item STS: wherein each of the conductive medium contacts the container to pass through a phase of the contact position, and When the conductive medium is inductively turned on so that there is a fluid in the w ', the conductive medium 13 is as claimed in the patent to generate a specific capacitance value. The electronic device described in the conductive medium, wherein the outer surface is exposed. And the arrangement of the orientation to contact the container 14 as described in claim 9 of the electric liquid level detecting device into the stepping device. The device, wherein the fluid is two, the transmission; the surface is connected to the micro processing Directly transmitting the micro-processing unit and the electronic device described in the host terminal control device, wherein the 16-integrated circuit is formed; the money management unit and the (four) transmission interface are integrated into a matrix circuit. For the control of the chip. ϋPlease refer to the electronic device described in item 9, the step further comprises: = early connection to the host controller and receiving the control of the main and end control to display a container fluid The liquid level meter L 0 is used to detect the fluid level of the fluid 16 201033019 in a container, as described in item 16 of the patent "month patent range, and == illuminating two- or-displaying 佘冽 method. The step of the detecting method includes: providing a plurality of capacitive sensing elements to contact an outer surface of the container; obtaining a sensing capacitance value respectively induced by the capacitive sensing elements; and comparing the sensing capacitance values Comparing a standard capacitance value to determine a difference between the sensing capacitance values; and generating an indication signal representing a fluid level in the container according to a difference between the sensing capacitance values. The fluid level detecting method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a display unit to display a container fluid level information according to the indication signal. 20. According to claim 18, claim 18 The fluid level detecting method, wherein the container is a non-conductive capacitor. 21. The fluid level detecting method according to claim 20, wherein each of the capacitive sensing elements has a background capacitor And a sensing capacitor, wherein the background capacitor has a basic capacitance value, and the background capacitor is connected in parallel to the sensing capacitor to provide a value for the sensing capacitance. 22, as claimed in claim 21 The fluid level detecting method, wherein the sensing capacitor of each of the capacitive sensing elements further contacts an outer surface of the container through a conductive medium, and when the conductive medium contacts the opposite container In the case of a fluid, the conductive medium is inductively turned on to cause the sense capacitor to produce a particular capacitance value. The fluid level detecting method of claim 22, wherein the conductive medium is disposed in an array of different heights to contact an outer surface of the container. 1818
TW98108157A 2009-03-13 2009-03-13 Fluid-level sensing device, electronic apparatus and fluid-level sensing method TW201033019A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI632352B (en) * 2016-04-21 2018-08-11 美商惠普發展公司有限責任合夥企業 Fluid level sensing device and method for forming the same
US11046084B2 (en) 2016-04-21 2021-06-29 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Liquid level sensing

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI632352B (en) * 2016-04-21 2018-08-11 美商惠普發展公司有限責任合夥企業 Fluid level sensing device and method for forming the same
US10493766B2 (en) 2016-04-21 2019-12-03 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Fluid level sensing with protective member
US11046084B2 (en) 2016-04-21 2021-06-29 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Liquid level sensing

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