TW201306480A - Sensor device and method for the detection of a gripping of a hand-held device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor device for the detection of a gripping of a hand-held device with one hand, which is configured to perform at least one transmission measuring in a first operating mode, wherein a first alternating electrical signal can be applied to a transmitting electrode and a second alternating electrical signal can be applied to a compensating electrode and the gripping of the hand-held device is detected once the amount of the first electrical signal tapped at a receiving electrode exceeds a first threshold value, and to perform at least one absorption measuring in a second operating mode, wherein the transmitting electrode can be operated as receiving electrode and wherein the second alternating electrical signal can be applied to the compensating electrode and the gripping is detected once the amount of the first electrical signal tapped at the receiving electrode and a second electrical signal tapped at the transmitting electrode meet a predetermined detection criterion. The present invention further provides a method for operating the sensor device according to the present invention as well as a hand-held device, particularly an electrical hand-held device with a sensor device according to the present invention.

Description

Sensing device and method for detecting holding handheld device

The present invention relates to a sensing device for detecting a one-handed handheld device, and a method for detecting a one-handed handheld device using the sensing device of the present invention. The invention further relates to a handheld device provided with a sensing device of the invention.

Various capacitive sensing devices are known in the prior art, and such capacitive sensing devices can be provided, for example, on a handheld device to detect the state of holding the handheld device with one hand. When the capacitive sensing device changes in the dielectric properties in the sensing electrode region, it can be indicated that the handheld device is held by one hand. When the handheld device is detected to be held by one hand, the handheld device is switched from the sleep mode to the active mode.

The state in which the handheld device is held by one hand is detected using a conventional capacitive sensing device. The problem is that, depending on the technology used, if the ground reference is good or bad, the handheld device cannot be reliably detected. The state of the hand holding.

In order to cope with this problem, the method attempted by the prior art is to generate a signal that the grounding condition changes by the connected peripheral device, so that switching of the power supply voltage of, for example, an electrical hand-held device can be detected. The charging of the power supply voltage can be performed by connecting a charging device or a USB cable to the electrical handheld device. The switching of the power supply voltage indicates that the ground reference is good, so the power supply voltage switching can be detected. At the same time, another measurement mode in which the handheld device is held can be detected when the ground reference is good. However, the disadvantage of this procedure is that, in either case, switching of the supply voltage does not necessarily result in a change in the ground reference. In addition, the ground reference may vary in different ways. For example, touching the grounded portion of an electrical handheld device can result in stronger ground coupling. By detecting changes in the supply voltage, such a change in the ground reference cannot be detected because the supply voltage has not changed.

Furthermore, it is impossible to determine the actual ground reference in this way.

Moreover, if the electrical hand-held device has a good ground reference and another feasible measurement mode is used, the detection of the handheld device being held by one hand cannot be always ensured. For example, when the sensing electrode of the sensing device is approached from one side of a conductive object, it may cause a false start of the sensing device, thus erroneously detecting the handheld device as being held.

1. Purpose of the invention

Based on the above problems, the present invention provides several solutions for reliably and reliably detecting the state in which the handheld device is held by one hand when changing the ground reference. Various false starts, such as a false start caused by accessing the handheld device from one side, should be prevented in a reliable manner.

2. Solution according to the invention

According to the present invention, the above object can be achieved by the sensing device for detecting that the handheld device is held by one hand and the method for detecting that the handheld device is held by one hand using the sensing device in the independent request of the present invention. Among the sub-claims Various preferred embodiments and developments of the invention are described.

The present invention provides a sensing device for detecting a one-handed handheld device, comprising at least one transmitting electrode, at least one compensation electrode, and at least one receiving electrode; wherein the sensing device is configured to: - in one In the first mode of operation, at least one transmission measurement is performed, wherein a first alternating current signal is applied to the transmitting electrode, and a second alternating current signal is applied to the compensation electrode, and the first electrical quantity exceeds a first threshold. At the time of detecting the state of holding the handheld device; and - in a second mode of operation, performing at least one absorption measurement; wherein the transmitting electrode is operable as a receiving electrode during operation; wherein the compensation electrode may be applied with a second The alternating current signal, at the same time, detects the state of holding the handheld device once the first electrical signal amount drawn on the receiving electrode and the second electrical signal amount drawn on the transmitting electrode meet a predetermined detection standard.

In this way, regardless of the ground reference of the handheld device, the state of holding the handheld device with one hand can be advantageously detected. In the first operation mode, the state of holding the handheld device is detected when the handheld device ground reference is poor; and in the second operation mode, the state of holding the handheld device is detected when the handheld device ground reference is good.

In addition, the sensing device may include at least one signal generator coupled to the at least one transmitting electrode and the at least one compensating electrode to apply the first alternating current signal to the transmitting electrode and the second alternating current signal to the second alternating current signal. a compensation electrode; wherein the first alternating current signal and the second alternating current signal are set to different phases and/or different amplitudes.

In the second mode of operation, the operation of the emitter electrode acts as a receiving electrode. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply any alternating current signal to the transmitting electrode in the second mode of operation. Different phases and/or different amplitudes can also be zero.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the compensation electrode may be configured as a plurality of portions and includes at least one first compensation electrode and one second compensation electrode; wherein the emitter electrode, the receiving electrode, and the at least one first and second compensation electrodes In a manner of being disposed relative to each other, at least one of the two compensation electrodes may be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode in the first mode of operation; in the second mode of operation, the first compensation electrode and the emitter electrode may be configured to form a capacitor Coupling and forming a capacitive coupling between the second compensation electrode and the receiving electrode.

Adding a third alternating current signal to the first compensation electrode and a fourth alternating current signal to the second compensation electrode; wherein the third alternating current signal and the fourth alternating current signal can be set to different phases and/or different amplitudes .

The predetermined detection criterion may include at least one of: - the first electrical signal amount and the second electrical signal amount are respectively lower than a second threshold; and - the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal generated by the total combined signal The amount is below a second threshold.

The second threshold may be set to: - a function of the first threshold; and / or - a function of a predetermined second threshold.

The present invention also provides a method, wherein the sensing device of the present invention is used to detect the state of holding the handheld device with one hand; the sensing device includes at least one transmitting electrode, at least one compensation electrode, and at least one receiving electrode; Wherein: the sensing device is operable with the first operating mode and the second operating mode; wherein: - performing a transmission measurement in the first operating mode, wherein a first alternating current signal is applied to the transmitting electrode, and Adding a second alternating current signal to the compensation electrode, and detecting the state of holding the handheld device once the first electrical signal amount drawn on the receiving electrode exceeds a first threshold; and - in the second operating mode The middle system performs an absorption measurement; wherein the emitter electrode is used as a receiving electrode during operation; wherein the second alternating current signal is applied to the compensation electrode, and the first electrical signal amount drawn on the receiving electrode and the first electrode signal drawn on the receiving electrode The second electrical signal quantity detects the state of holding the handheld device once it meets a predetermined detection standard.

In the first mode of operation, the first alternating current signal applied to the transmitting electrode and the second alternating current signal applied to the compensation electrode may be set to different phases and/or different amplitudes. The different phases and/or different amplitudes may also be zero.

The compensation electrode may be configured as a plurality of portions and may include at least one first compensation electrode and one second compensation electrode; wherein the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and the at least one first and second compensation electrodes are disposed relative to each other, In the first mode of operation, at least one of the two compensation electrodes may be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode; in the second mode of operation, the first compensation electrode may be capacitively coupled to the emitter electrode, and the second The compensation electrode forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode.

A third alternating current signal may be added to the first compensation electrode, and a fourth alternating current signal may be added to the second compensation electrode; wherein the third alternating current signal and the fourth alternating current signal are set to different phases and/or different amplitudes.

The first electrical signal and the second electrical signal can be extracted from each electrode in a multiplexed manner and supplied to an analysis device.

The third alternating current signal and the fourth alternating current signal may be applied to the compensation electrodes in a multiplex manner.

The predetermined detection criterion may include at least one of: - the first electrical signal amount and the second electrical signal amount are respectively lower than a second threshold; and - the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal generated by the total combined signal The amount is below a second threshold.

The second threshold may be set to: - a function of the first threshold; and / or - a function of a predetermined second threshold.

The invention also provides a handheld device, in particular an electrical handheld device, comprising a sensing device according to the invention for detecting that the handheld device is being held.

The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode of the sensing device may be disposed on the handheld device at a distance from each other; wherein the compensation electrode of the sensing device is disposed on the handheld device, and the receiving electrode is configured to be in the first operating mode A capacitive coupling is formed; in the second mode of operation, capacitive coupling can be formed with the emitter electrode and the receiving electrode.

The emitter electrode can be disposed substantially on the first side wall of the handheld device The collector electrode can be disposed substantially on a second side wall, and the second side wall is preferably located on an opposite side thereof from the first side wall.

The compensation electrode may be configured as a plurality of portions and includes at least one first compensation electrode and a second compensation electrode; wherein the at least one first and second compensation electrodes are disposed opposite to the emitter electrode and the receiving electrode in the first operation In the mode, at least one of the two compensation electrodes can be capacitively coupled with the receiving electrode; in the second mode of operation, the first compensation electrode can be capacitively coupled with the transmitting electrode, and the second compensation electrode can be coupled with The receiving electrode forms a capacitive coupling.

The compensation electrode or the first compensation electrode and the second compensation electrode may be disposed between the emitter electrode and the reception electrode. However, it is also possible to arrange the emitter electrode and the receiving electrode between the first compensation electrode and the second compensation electrode.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a code which, when loaded into a data processing apparatus, performs the method of the present invention; the present invention also provides a data storage apparatus having the code of the present invention.

The data processing device can be, for example, a microcontroller of an electrical handheld device. The electrical handheld device can be a smart phone, a mobile radio unit, a computer mouse, a device remote control device, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant, a tablet personal computer or any electrical handheld device that is held by one or both hands. .

Further details, features, and various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be found in the following description of the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing device of the present invention for detecting a state in which a handheld device is held by one hand, and can be in a first operation mode (transmission method) and a second operation mode (absorption method). Perform the operation, which will be explained in detail below.

The present invention provides at least three electrodes for detecting the state in which the handheld device is held by one hand. The sensing device comprises at least one transmitting electrode SE, at least one compensation electrode KE, and at least one receiving electrode EE. The receiving electrode EE is connected to a signal input of an analysis device or a control device (receiver R). The transmitting electrode SE and the compensating electrode KE are each coupled to a signal generator G; wherein the signal generator G can provide an alternating current having a certain frequency and a certain amplitude. Hereinafter, the alternating current amount is referred to as an alternating current signal or an alternating current signal WS1, WS2; wherein the first alternating current signal WS1 applied to the transmitting electrode SE is applied to the second alternating current signal WS2 of the compensating electrode KE.

The electrodes SE, EE and KE can for example be arranged on the outer casing of the electrical hand-held device. Preferably, the electrodes are disposed inside the shell wall of the electrical hand-held device. The compensation electrode KE is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE, as clearly seen in FIG. The emitter electrode can be disposed on the left shell wall, and the compensation electrode and the receiver electrode can be disposed on the right shell wall.

In addition, when the compensation electrode is disposed opposite to the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, the compensation electrode must be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode, especially in the second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the emitter electrode operates as a receiving electrode. If the emitter electrode is disposed on the left casing wall of the electric handheld device and the receiving electrode is disposed on the right casing wall, the above setting must be met. In order to detect that the handheld device is held by the AC wall and the left wall of the left wall are respectively absorbed. In this way, it can be reliably avoided that the lateral proximity of the handheld device or the single-sided touch of the handheld device is detected as the holding of the handheld device.

The compensation electrode can also be provided in several parts such that at least one first compensation electrode KE1 and one second compensation electrode KE2 are provided between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. The first compensation electrode is disposed in the region of the emitter electrode SE, and the second compensation electrode is disposed in the region of the receiver electrode EE. When the capacitive sensing device of the present invention has one transmitting electrode SE, one receiving electrode EE and two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2, there are several possible variations in the operation mode thereof, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

The following embodiments respectively show that the sensing device of the present invention has two compensation electrodes; wherein, in other embodiments of the sensing device of the present invention not shown herein, more than two compensation electrodes may be included.

When the electrodes SE, KE and EE are arranged on the electrical hand-held device, care must be taken to ensure that the electrodes are at least partially covered by the hand when the hand-held device is held by one hand to ensure that the emitter electrode SE or the compensation electrode KE occurs. The alternating electric field can be coupled to the receiving electrode EE via the hand.

The first alternating current signal WS1 of the signal generator G is applied to the transmitting electrode SE. The frequency of the first alternating current signal WS1 may be approximately 10 kHz (kilohertz) to 300 kHz, and the amplitude thereof preferably does not exceed 20V. However, higher or lower frequencies may also be used.

The second alternating current signal WS2 is applied to the compensation electrode KE, and the waveform and frequency thereof are preferably the same as the first alternating current signal WS1. Second exchange telecommunications The number WS2 can have a different phase with respect to the first alternating current signal WS1. The phase difference therebetween can be achieved by using a phase shifter Δφ provided between the signal generator and the compensation electrode KE. In another possible manner, the phase shifter Δφ may also be disposed between the signal generator G and the transmitting electrode SE.

In addition, a frequency converter can be provided instead of the phase shifter Δφ to invert the alternating current signal WS1 or WS2 provided by the signal generator G. In this case, the alternating current signal WS2 applied to the compensation electrode KE has a phase shift of 180° with respect to the first alternating current signal WS1 applied to the transmitting electrode SE.

However, the amplitude of the alternating current signal WS2 applied to the compensation electrode KE may be different from the amplitude ΔU of the alternating current signal WS1 applied to the transmitting electrode SE.

It turns out to be beneficial in the following situations:

- In the measurement of the transmission mode, the phase shift between the two alternating current signals WS1 and WS2 is 180 (or 0), and the amplitudes of the two alternating current signals WS1 and WS2 are different. Preferably, the amplitude of the second alternating current signal WS2 is smaller than the amplitude of the first alternating current signal WS1.

- In the measurement of the absorption mode, the amplitude of the alternating current signal WS2 is substantially larger than WS1. In the ideal case, WS1 is 0V via transmit-receive switching, as shown in FIG.

- Adjustments during the operating time can be performed by changing the amplitude of WS2 or changing the phasing between WS1 and WS2.

When the transmitting electrode SE or the first alternating current signal WS1 is applied thereto, the alternating electric field generated on the transmitting electrode SE is preferably coupled to the receiving electrode EE when the hand approaches the respective electrodes of the sensing device.

When the compensation electrode KE or the second alternating current signal WS2 is applied, the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE can also be coupled to the receiving electrode EE. Furthermore, when the capacitive sensing device is operated in the second mode of operation (absorption mode), the alternating electric field occurring on the compensating electrode can also be coupled to the transmitting electrode SE as the receiving electrode. Preferably, the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE can also be coupled to the receiving electrode EE; meanwhile, in the second mode of operation, there is no hand proximity sensing device or no hand holding the power including the sensing device In the case of a handheld device, the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE can also be coupled to the transmitting electrode SE. In this way, a certain basic coupling can be ensured between the compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE.

If the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE produces an opposite phase interference, the level of the alternating electric field acting on the receiving electrode EE may be lowered or (almost) eliminated. The alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE may have different phases and/or different amplitudes with respect to the alternating electric field generated on the transmitting electrode SE. The state in which the hand is close to each electrode or the one-handed grip changes the alternating electric field acting on the receiving electrode EE, so that an alternating current signal can be drawn on the receiving electrode EE, which signal represents that the hand is close to the electrode or the hand-held device is held by one hand.

If there is no grounding or poor grounding, the AC electric field generated on the transmitting electrode SE may be directly coupled into the receiving electrode via the hand due to the hand in the hand or the hand holding the handheld device, and then the signal of the compensation electrode is added, so The electrical signal S1 drawn on the receiving electrode EE can be significantly increased in level (transmitting an alternating current signal).

When designing the overall system, it is better to make the telecommunications drawn from the receiving electrode EE No. S1 does not exceed a predetermined signal level when there is no hand near the electrodes. The above object can be achieved by arranging the electrodes SE, EE, KE on the outer casing relative to each other, or adjusting the level or phase of the WS2.

The exact arrangement of the individual electrodes on the outer casing of the electrical handpiece or their respective dimensions, as well as the exact characteristics (frequency, amplitude or phase) of the alternating current signal WS1 or WS2, depends substantially on the exact shape of the device and its size. The electrode arrangement of the precision device, the electrode size and the characteristics of the AC signals WS1 and WS2 can be determined, for example, empirically.

In order to ensure reliable detection of the state in which the handheld device is held by one hand with different ground references, two modes of operation are provided for operating the capacitive sensing device. The two modes of operation are detailed below.

2a and 2b respectively show a capacitive coupling path between the hand and the ground of the opposite transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE in the transmission mode (Fig. 2a), and a device for the hand and the relative compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE in the absorption mode. Capacitive coupling path between grounds (Figure 2b).

In the transmission mode, the first alternating current signal WS1 and the second alternating current signal WS2 of the signal generator G are applied to the transmitting electrode and the compensating electrode, respectively. In this way, an alternating electric field occurs on the emitter electrode SE or on the compensation electrode KE.

In the transmission mode (Fig. 2a), the alternating electric field generated on the transmitting electrode SE is coupled to the receiving electrode EE via the hand, so that the electrical signal S1 drawn on the receiving electrode can be level-increased.

In the absorption mode (Fig. 2b), since the compensation electrode KE is actually close to the receiving electrode EE, the AC electric field occurring on the compensation electrode KE is directly coupled Receiving electrode EE. The close hand causes a portion of the field line generated between the compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE to be conducted to the ground via the body, so that the electrical signal S1 drawn on the receiving electrode can be substantially leveled down.

Fig. 2a (transmission mode) shows a coupling path between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE via the hand, and a corresponding capacitance equivalent circuit diagram. Its associated capacitance is the capacitance C _TH between the emitter electrode SE and the hand and the capacitance C _HR between the hand and the receiving electrode EE. In addition, there is a capacitive coupling C _E that is grounded via a device of the human body relative to the handheld device. Direct coupling path C _E C _HG produced via capacitive coupling between the palm and the electrically grounded surface handheld device. In another alternative or in another additional manner, the coupling path C _E may be generated indirectly via a coupling C _{HE of the} human body relative to the environment and a coupling C _EG grounded by the environment relative to the device.

When the ground coupling C _E on both paths C _HG or C _HE and C _EG is low, there is substantially only coupling via the hand. In this case, when the hand-held device or the hand-held device is held by the hand, the change of the alternating current signal drawn on the receiving electrode EE is maximized, so that it can be detected particularly smoothly and reliably.

However, when the ground coupling C _E on either or both of the paths C _HG or C _HE , C _EG is high, the transmission via the hand is substantially shorted to the ground. When the hand is close to the sensing device or the handheld device is held by one hand, the change in the signal level of the electrical signal drawn from the receiving electrode EE may be very small. In the worst case, that is, when the body or the hand forms a substantially unstoppable coupling between the ground and the ground, there is almost no capacitive coupling between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode via the hand, so if it is in proximity to the sensing device or When the handheld device is held by one hand, the AC signal drawn from the receiving electrode EE shows almost no signal level change. This means that it is substantially impossible to detect the state in which the handheld device is held by one hand because, due to the almost unstoppable coupling described above, there is no transmission between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE via the hand, in fact, via the hand. The transmission is basically shorted to the ground.

In order to ensure that the hand-held device is safely detected in one hand when the grounding conditions are unfavorable, an additional measurement can be made between the compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE, as shown in Fig. 2b (absorption mode). Figure 2b shows the coupling path between the compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE, and the corresponding capacitance equivalent circuit diagram.

Contrary to the arrangement of the transmitting electrode SE with respect to the receiving electrode EE, when the compensation electrode KE is arranged relative to the receiving electrode EE, there is some basic coupling between the electrodes KE, EE in any case. As previously explained with reference to Figure 1, the compensation electrode KE is connected to a signal generator G. The receiving electrode EE is connected to a receiver R. The capacitance C _C represents the coupling between the compensation electrode KE and the reception electrode EE. Other additional coupling paths C _TH , C _HR and C _E have been previously described with reference to Figure 2a. The coupling C _{E of the} opposite device ground shown in Figure 2b replaces the capacitor network C _E shown in Figure 2a.

The compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE are preferably flat electrode segments which are arranged adjacent to each other. The compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE may be of a low height such that the capacitive coupling between the compensation electrode and the receiving electrode is almost completely generated by the stray field of the plate capacitor formed in this manner. Therefore, the effect of the close hand on the capacitive coupling between the compensation electrode and the receiving electrode can be maximized.

The more space available for field line propagation, the compensation electrode KE and the receiving electrode The stronger the stray field between EE. When the space of the stray field is at least partially limited, such as when the hand moves into the stray field, the effective capacitance of the capacitor, that is, the coupling capacitance or basic coupling between the electrodes KE, EE, is reduced, and other coupling paths are formed. Among the other coupling paths, the most important one is the coupling path between the two electrodes KE, EE and the hand.

In order to measure between the two electrodes KE, EE, an alternating current signal WS2 can be applied to the compensation electrode KE. It is preferable not to apply any alternating current signal WS1 to the transmitting electrode SE to prevent any alternating electric field from occurring on the transmitting electrode SE and affect the measurement between the compensating electrode KE and the receiving electrode EE.

3 schematically shows an electrical hand-held device provided with a capacitive sensing device of the present invention, wherein the sensing device according to the embodiment shown herein comprises four electrodes, that is, one can be switched to a receiving electrode via control unit A The emitter electrode SE, one receiving electrode EE, and two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2. The compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 shown in Fig. 3 correspond to the compensation electrode KE shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2b.

In the example of the electrical hand-held device provided with the capacitive sensing device of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the transmitting electrode SE and the first compensation electrode KE1 are disposed on the left side wall of the handheld device. The receiving electrode EE and the second compensation electrode KE2 are disposed on the right side wall of the handheld device. Since the substantial separation between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE is formed, the compensation electrode KE shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2b is advantageously designed as a two-part compensation electrode, wherein the setting of the first compensation electrode KE1 is substantially close to the transmitting electrode SE. The setting of the second compensation electrode KE2 is substantially close to the receiving electrode EE.

According to another possible embodiment, the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE are provided. When placed on the handheld device, some substantial proximity can be formed between each other, so it is sufficient to provide a single compensation electrode KE; then, when the compensation electrode is disposed between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE, the compensation electrode is made Substantially close to the transmitting electrode SE and substantially close to the receiving electrode EE to generate some basic coupling with the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE, respectively; in the second mode of operation, such basic coupling is necessary for the operation of the sensing device .

Figure 3 also shows the coupling path in the transmission mode and the absorption mode. When the capacitive sensing device is operated in the transmission mode, when the handheld device is held by one hand, capacitive coupling is generated between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE via a hand (not shown). Fig. 3 shows that the electrode SE on the left side serves as the emitter electrode when it is operated, and the electrode EE on the right side serves as the receiving electrode when it is operated. It is also possible to reverse the above case, in which the electrode EE on the right side serves as the emitter electrode during operation, and the electrode SE on the left side serves as the receiving electrode in operation, so that the capacitive coupling path can also be reversely generated in the transmission mode.

When the capacitive sensing device operates in the absorption mode, both the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE function as receiving electrodes when operating. An alternating electric field is generated on the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2 and coupled to the corresponding electrodes SE and EE. When the handheld device is held by one hand, this state affects the capacitive coupling between the two electrodes provided on the left side of the device and the capacitive coupling between the two electrodes disposed on the right side of the device. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the state of the handheld device is approached from one side, such as only to the state of the left side of the handheld device, and the sensing device is not activated because the above state only affects one of the two alternating electric fields generated in the absorption mode. When the capacitive sensing device is operated in the absorption mode, the state of the hand approaching the left electrode pair or the right electrode pair can be detected, as previously described with reference to FIG. 2b. Instructions for making. In the transmission mode, the state in which the handheld device is held can be detected, as previously explained with reference to Figure 2a.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensing device is operable in a transmission mode (first operational mode) and an absorption mode (second operational mode). As described above, when the state in which the handheld device is held in the transmission mode is detected, the capacitive coupling between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE via the hand is analyzed; wherein the handheld device is held by one hand The level of the electrical signal drawn from the receiving electrode EE is increased.

When the electrical hand-held device has a good ground reference, the state in which the hand-held device is held by one hand may not cause a significant level increase in the electrical signal drawn on the receiving electrode EE. Therefore, the detection of the grip state cannot be always ensured. In order to reliably and surely detect the state in which the handheld device is held even if the grounding reference of the electrical hand-held device is good, the present invention provides a possibility to sense the measurement when the transmission mode is completed. The measuring device enters the absorption mode; in the absorption mode, the capacitive coupling ratios of the pair of left electrodes and the pair of electrodes of the right side are separately measured. If the grounding reference of the electrical handheld device is good, the hand will have a particularly strong effect when approaching the two sets of electrode pairs, so the proximity state will cause the transmitting electrode (the operating system in the absorption mode to act as the receiving electrode) and the receiving electrode EE. The electrical signal drawn on it produces a significant level of drop.

In this way, it is possible to reliably and reliably detect the state in which the handheld device is held by one hand when the ground reference is good and the base reference is poor.

Figure 4 shows the side from the side to the left side of the handheld device When approaching the right side of the handheld device and approaching from both sides, that is, when the handheld device is held by hand, the signal range of the signal drawn on the corresponding electrode in the transmission mode and the absorption mode.

In the signal range, the ground reference of the handheld device is very bad at the beginning and increases from the left to the right. The signal range "Measure 1 (S1)" represents the signal range of the electrical signal drawn from the receiving electrode in the transmission mode (ie, the first mode of operation). The signal range "Measurement 2 (S2)" represents the signal range of the electrical signal drawn from the left receiving electrode in the absorption mode (ie, the second mode of operation). The signal range "Measurement 3 (S2)" represents the signal range of the electrical signal drawn from the right receiving electrode in the absorption mode (ie, the second mode of operation).

Increasing the ground reference of the handheld device will result in lower and lower measurement sensitivity in the first mode of operation (ie, transmission mode), which means that the state of holding the handheld device with one hand has an increasing influence on the first mode of operation. less. This change can be seen in the signal range from one side to the left side of the hand-held device, and from the side to the right side of the hand-held device as it approaches the signal from both sides.

Compared to the case where the handheld device ground reference is medium or the ground reference is excellent, the signal offset of the measurement 1 is much larger when the ground reference is barely present or when the ground reference is extremely poor. In the first two signal ranges of the measurement 1, the dedicated decision threshold for the measurement 1 is not exceeded because almost no transmission occurs between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. In the third signal variation of the measurement 1, since the transmitter electrode and the reception electrode are covered when the handheld device is held by one hand, the signal of the measurement 1 has a much larger signal offset and exceeds the specified measurement 1 Determine the threshold.

In the measurement mode (signal range measurement 2 and measurement 3) performed in the absorption mode (ie, the second operation mode), if the hand-held device ground reference is barely present or the ground reference is extremely poor, the signal is shifted. Very small, so each signal will not be lower than the decision threshold assigned to measurements 2 and 3. Increasing ground reference will also result in a large increase in signal offset for the signal levels of measurements 2 and 3. Therefore, if the ground reference of the electrical handheld device is excellent, measure 2 and/or measure 3 The level will be lower than the separately specified decision threshold.

As can be seen from Fig. 4, in the case of approaching from the side to the left side of the hand-held device and from the side to the right side of the hand-held device, only one signal is lower than the corresponding determination threshold; In the case of proximity, that is, in the case of holding the handheld device with one hand, both signals are below their respective decision thresholds.

It can also be seen from FIG. 4 that when the first mode of operation (ie, the transmission mode) is combined with the second mode of operation (ie, the absorption mode), the detection of the handheld device can be greatly improved or ensured, so if When the handheld device is indeed held by the hand, the state of the grip can be surely recognized, and at the same time ensuring that access to the handheld device from one side does not activate the sensing system. If the handheld device is held in one hand, and if the ground reference of the handheld device is extremely poor, the signal of the home measurement 1 exceeds the corresponding determination threshold, which may cause the sensor to start; wherein, if the hand is electrically held When the ground reference of the device is excellent, the signals of measurement 2 and measurement 3 will be lower than the corresponding decision threshold, which will also cause the sensor to start. Since in the case of approaching from one side, each of the measurements 2 and 3 has only one signal below the corresponding decision threshold, the sensor will not start.

When the signal of the equivalent measurement 1 exceeds the corresponding determination threshold or the two signals of the equivalent measurement 2 and 3 are lower than the corresponding determination threshold, the sensor will start at this point in time.

Figure 4 shows Measurement 2 and Measurement 3. These two measurements use a common decision threshold. It is also possible to determine individual decision thresholds for the signals of measurements 2 and 3, respectively, wherein the measured values must be lower than the decision threshold in order to activate the sensor. If the electrodes are disposed relative to each other on the left side of the handheld device, the manner in which the electrodes are disposed relative to each other on the right side of the handheld device; or, for example, the compensation electrode on the left side of the handheld device has an electrode geometry different from that located on the right side of the handheld device. When compensating for the electrode geometry of the electrodes, it is advantageous to use different decision thresholds for measurements 2 and 3.

In addition, in the second mode of operation, that is, in the absorption mode, the sum signal of the electrical signals drawn from the respective receiving electrodes can also be analyzed. In this case, it is only necessary to provide a single decision threshold for use in the measurement in the absorption mode. Each decision threshold can be predetermined or calculated using an algorithm and changed during the operating time.

Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment (variation 1 to change 5) of the sensing device of the present invention, wherein each change can be operated in a first mode of operation (i.e., a transmission mode) and a second mode of operation (i.e., an absorption mode) .

In the transmission mode, a first AC signal WS1 is supplied from the signal generator G to the transmitting electrode SE in all five variations. Therefore, an alternating electric field is generated at the transmitting electrode, and the alternating electric field is coupled to the receiving electrode EE via a hand (not shown). Capacitive coupling detection between the emitter electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE, as previously explained with reference to Figure 2a. If you change 4 and change 5, In the transmission mode, the electrode SE on the left side can function as a transmitting electrode and the electrode EE on the right side can function as a receiving electrode, and vice versa.

In the transmission mode, the signal generator G also supplies an alternating current signal to the compensation electrodes KE1, KE2. The alternating current signals applied to the compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 may have different phases and/or different amplitudes relative to the alternating current signals applied to the transmitting electrodes. In the case of change 1, change 2, and change 4, the alternating current signals applied to the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 are the same; but in the case of the change 3 and the change 5, the alternating current applied to the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 The signals can have different phases and/or different amplitudes. The arrangement of the compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 with respect to the transmitting electrode SE and the opposite receiving electrode EE, and the influence of the compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 on the alternating current field coupled to the receiving electrode EE are corresponding to the setting mode and function previously described with reference to FIG. .

In the variations 1 and 4, a single or separate compensation electrode may be provided instead of the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2; wherein, when a single compensation electrode is set relative to the emitter electrode and the opposite receiving electrode, it must be generated in the transmission mode. Capacitive coupling between the compensation electrode and the receiving electrode, and in the absorption mode, not only the capacitive coupling between the compensation electrode and the emitter electrode is generated (where the operation of the emitter electrode in the absorption mode is used as the receiving electrode), and the compensation electrode and the receiving are generated. Capacitance coupling between electrodes.

In the second mode of operation, that is, in the absorption mode, in all five variations, the operation of the transmitting electrode SE is performed as the receiving electrode EE, so that the alternating current signal is applied only to the compensating electrodes KE1, KE2. An alternating electric field is generated on the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2, respectively, and the coupling is respectively assigned to each compensation electrode. Receiving electrode. For example, the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE1 is coupled to the receiving electrode EE on the left side, and the alternating electric field generated on the compensation electrode KE2 is coupled to the receiving electrode EE on the right side.

In the case of the change 1, an alternating current signal is simultaneously applied to the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2, and the signals on the respective receiving electrodes are taken out in a multiplexed manner and supplied to an analyzing device R.

In the case of the change 2, an alternating current signal is applied to the two compensation electrodes in a multiplexed manner, and the signals of the respective receiving electrodes are extracted in a multiplexed manner and the signals are supplied to an analyzing device R. In addition to multiplexing the electrical signals at the receiving electrodes, in another possible method, the receiving electrodes may be connected in parallel to supply the sum signal of the electrical signals drawn from the receiving electrodes to the analyzing device R. In addition, the determination threshold for the absorption method is set correspondingly. In other variations shown in Figure 5, the manner in which the receiving electrodes are operated in parallel can also be employed.

In the case of the change 3, an alternating current signal is applied to each of the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2, wherein the alternating current signal applied to the compensation electrode KE1 is different from the alternating current signal applied to the compensation electrode KE2. Phase and / or different amplitudes. The signals on the receiving electrodes are also extracted in a multiplexed manner and supplied to the analyzing device R.

In the case of the change 4, the same alternating current signal is applied to the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2, wherein the signals on the receiving electrodes are also extracted in a multiplex manner. Switching devices respectively disposed between the signal generator G and the two receiving electrodes are generally configured to selectively operate the left or right electrode as a transmitting electrode in the transmission mode (first operating mode), and operate the right or left according to the same The side electrode serves as a receiving electrode. This approach is also applicable to the embodiment of the capacitive sensing device of the present invention according to Variation 5.

In the case of the change 5, an alternating current signal is applied to each of the two compensation electrodes KE1, KE2, wherein the alternating current signals may have different phases and/or different amplitudes. The signals on the receiving electrodes are also extracted in a multiplexed manner and supplied to the signal analyzing device R.

The advantage of the variation 5 and the variation 3 is that the compensation electrode KE1, that is, the compensation electrode located beside the transmitting electrode SE, can emit a signal having the same phase as the signal emitted from the transmitting electrode during the transmission measurement, thereby expanding the transmitting electrode. Effective surface. Therefore, the useful signals coupled into the hand are gradually increased, and thus a better signal to noise ratio is generated in the receiving path.

Figure 6 shows the total sensitivity range of the capacitive sensing device of the present invention when using the transmission method and the absorption method. Figure 6 shows the sensitivity range from both the transmission measurement and the absorption measurement in dashed lines. It can be seen from Fig. 6 that the total sensitivity after combined absorption and transmission is not lower than a predetermined value; the total sensitivity when using only the transmission mode or only the absorption mode may be much lower, depending on the ground reference C _{GND of the} handheld device. And set.

Suitable settings and analysis allow for the setting of a substantially fixed capacitive sensor sensitivity regardless of the ground reference of the handheld device.

7 is a flow chart showing a method of detecting a state in which a handheld device is held by one hand according to the present invention, wherein the capacitive sensing device of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 is preferably used.

During the entire measurement, a signal is drawn on the receiving electrode EE (step S10). The measurement cycle is roughly divided into two segments, that is, the first operation mode Measurement in the middle and measurement in the second mode of operation.

First, a measurement is performed in the first operation mode BM1, in which the electrical signal drawn on the receiving electrode is analyzed. In the first operation mode BM1, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, a first alternating current signal is applied to the transmitting electrode, and a second alternating current signal is applied to the compensation electrode (step S21). In step S22, it is checked whether the signal level of the electrical signal drawn on the receiving electrode exceeds a first threshold value SW1. When the signal level exceeds the first threshold SW1, a detection information signal is generated indicating that the electrical handheld device is held by one hand. For example, the detection information signal can be used by a microcontroller of a power-operated handheld device for further processing.

After the inspection of step S22 is performed, the device is changed from the first operation mode BM1 to the second operation mode BM2. According to another possible embodiment of the method of the present invention, the change from the first operating mode BM1 to the second operating mode BM2 can also be performed when the electrical signal drawn on the receiving electrode does not exceed the first threshold in the first operating mode. . For example, when an electrical hand-held device has an excellent ground reference, as described with reference to Figure 4, the first threshold is not exceeded in the first mode of operation. In this case, when changing from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation, at least one additional measurement may be performed in the second mode of operation to detect the state in which the handheld device is held by the absorption method.

However, when the first threshold is exceeded in the first mode of operation, the second mode of operation may not be changed from the first mode of operation. The advantage is that if the state of holding the handheld device with one hand has been detected in the first operating mode BM1, no further measurement is required in the second operating mode, which saves considerable energy and reduces response. time.

After changing to the second mode of operation, the emitter electrode SE acts as a receiving electrode during operation.

In step S31 of the second mode of operation BM2, a second alternating current signal WS2 is applied to the compensation electrode KE or to the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2 simultaneously, as described with reference to FIG. 2b. If two compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2 are provided instead of only a single compensation electrode KE, the same compensation signal may be applied to the two compensation electrodes or two alternating current signals having different phases and/or amplitudes may be added, such as Refer to Figure 5 for the description.

In step S32, it is checked whether the electrical signal drawn on each receiving electrode is lower than a second threshold SW2. When the electrical signal drawn from each receiving electrode is lower than the second threshold SW2, the state of holding the handheld device with one hand is detected. In this case, a detection information signal can also be generated and used by a microcontroller of the power-operated handheld device for further processing.

In the second mode of operation, that is, in the absorption mode, the receiving electrodes can also be operated in parallel to supply only the sum signal of the electrical signals drawn from the respective receiving electrodes to an analyzing device. It is also possible to generate a total signal during the analysis, for example using an analytical device. When using the aggregate signal, it is only necessary to check whether the total signal is below a predetermined individual threshold, as described with reference to FIG.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, not only the measurement is performed in the first mode of operation, but also the at least one measurement is performed in the second mode of operation; at the same time, once in the first mode of operation or in the second mode When the state of the grip is detected in the operation mode, the detection information signal is surely generated; wherein, in the second operation mode, the two electrical signals extracted from the receiving electrode must be Below a predetermined threshold, or if the sum of the electrical signals from the respective receiving electrodes is analyzed, the total signal is below a predetermined threshold.

After performing the check of step S32, the device may change back to the first operation mode BM1, and the detecting method may continue to step S21. The selected repetition rate and the feasible interconnect sleep cycle will have an impact on power consumption and response time. Preferably, the repetition period is set as a function of the detection result and is adjusted by calculation. Alternatively, the detection method may be canceled or ended after step S32 is performed.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a sensing device of the invention in which the compensation electrodes KE1, KE2 are not disposed between the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE. In the embodiment shown here, the emitter electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE are substantially disposed between the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2; wherein, in the second operation mode BM2, at least the compensation electrode KE1 and the emitter electrode SE can be capacitively coupled. And the compensation electrode KE2 can be capacitively coupled with the receiving electrode EE. In the first mode of operation, at least the compensation electrode KE2 can be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode EE.

In the second operation mode BM2 (absorption mode), an alternating current signal is applied to each of the compensation electrodes KE1 and KE2, so an alternating electric field is generated on each of the compensation electrodes, and the alternating electric field is coupled to the transmitting electrode SE or coupled. Into the receiving electrode EE. In the second mode of operation, the emitter electrode acts as a receiving electrode during operation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the above, in the second mode of operation, the sum signal of the electrical signals emitted from the transmitting electrode SE and the receiving electrode EE is supplied to the receiver R.

After detecting the state of holding the handheld device with one hand in the first operation mode or in the second operation mode, the absorption mode can also be used to detect, for example, the finger approaching the left electrode pair KE1, SE and/or the right electrode pair KE2. The status of EE (please compare Figure 3). In addition to detecting the proximity state, it is of course possible to detect a state of contact with either or both of the electrode pairs. This provides additional functionality. For example, an increase in the contrast of a mobile phone display may correspond to a state near the left electrode pair.

The sensing device of the present invention can be used in every handheld device that requires detection of the hand grip state. The handheld device of the sensing device of the present invention can be provided, and can be a computer mouse, a device remote control device, a digital camera, a game controller, a personal digital assistant, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, and the like. If the hand touches the electrical hand-held device, for example, the left hand contacts the first electrode pair SE, KE1 and the right hand contacts the second electrode pair EE, KE2, it is also possible to achieve a hand-held device with one hand as previously described, for example The ability to hold the handset with one hand and the handset includes the corresponding capacitive sensing device. Thus, the capacitive sensing device of the present invention can also be provided for other electrical devices that must be operated using both hands, such as a larger tablet personal computer.

A‧‧‧Control unit

C _C ‧‧‧Coupling capacitance between compensation electrode and receiving electrode

C _E ‧‧‧Capacitive coupling (ground coupling) via grounding of the human body

C _EG ‧‧‧Environmental coupling to device ground

C _GND ‧‧‧ Ground Reference

C _HE ‧‧‧The coupling of the human body to the environment

C _HG ‧‧‧Capacitive coupling between the palm and the grounded surface of the electrical handheld device

C _HR ‧‧‧Capacitance between the hand and the receiving electrode

C _TH ‧‧‧Capacitance between the emitter and the hand

EE‧‧‧ receiving electrode

KE‧‧‧compensation electrode

KE1‧‧‧First compensation electrode

KE2‧‧‧second compensation electrode

SE‧‧‧ emitter electrode

S1‧‧‧First Signal (Measurement 1)

S2‧‧‧second electrical signal (measurement 2, 3)

WS1‧‧‧First AC Signal

WS2‧‧‧Second AC signal

G‧‧‧Signal Generator

R‧‧‧analytical device (receiver)

△φ‧‧‧ phase shifter

△U‧‧‧ amplitude

1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing device according to the present invention. The sensing device is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (transmission method) and a second mode of operation (absorption method); and FIG. 2a shows the emission of the sensing device of the present invention. The coupling between the electrode and the receiving electrode can detect such coupling in the first mode of operation (transmission method); 2b shows the coupling between the compensation electrode and the receiving electrode of the sensing device of the present invention, which can be detected in the second mode of operation (absorption method); FIG. 3 schematically shows the power provided with the capacitive sensing device of the present invention. The handheld device has two sensing electrodes disposed on the left side of the handheld device and two sensing electrodes disposed on the right side thereof; FIG. 4 respectively shows that when approaching from the side to the left side of the handheld device, from one side to the right side of the handheld device The signal range of the three measurement signals when approaching and approaching (ie, holding) the handheld device from both sides; FIG. 5 shows a possible embodiment of the sensing device of the present invention (variation 1 to change 5); FIG. 6 shows The capacitive sensing device uses the transmission method and the absorption method, and the sensitivity of the total sensitivity is varied; FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the method for detecting the one-handed handheld device of the present invention; and FIG. 8 shows the sensing of the present invention. Another possible embodiment of the device.

EE‧‧‧ receiving electrode

KE‧‧‧compensation electrode

SE‧‧‧ emitter electrode

S1‧‧‧first telecommunication number

G‧‧‧Signal Generator

R‧‧‧analytical device (receiver)

WS1‧‧‧First AC Signal

WS2‧‧‧Second AC signal

△φ‧‧‧ phase shifter

△U‧‧‧ amplitude

Claims (16)

A sensing device for detecting a one-handed handheld device, comprising at least one transmitting electrode (SE), at least one compensating electrode (KE), and at least one receiving electrode (EE); wherein the sensing device is configured For example: - in a first mode of operation (BM1), performing at least one transmission measurement, wherein a first alternating current signal (WS1) can be applied to the transmitting electrode (SE), and a compensation electrode (KE) can be added Two alternating current signals (WS2), at the same time, the amount of the first electrical signal (S1) drawn on the receiving electrode (EE) detects the state of holding the handheld device once it exceeds a first threshold (SW1); In a second mode of operation (BM2), at least one absorption measurement is performed; wherein the emitter electrode (SE) is operable as a receiving electrode (EE); wherein a second alternating current signal can be applied to the compensation electrode (KE) ( WS2), at the same time, the amount of the first electrical signal (S1) drawn on the receiving electrode (EE) and the second electrical signal (S2) drawn on the transmitting electrode (SE) once met a predetermined detection standard, ie Detecting the state of holding the handheld device. The sensing device of claim 1, further comprising at least one signal generator (G) coupled to the at least one transmitting electrode (SE) and the at least one compensating electrode (KE) to The first alternating current signal (WS1) is applied to the transmitting electrode (SE), and the second alternating current signal (WS2) is applied to the compensation electrode (KE); wherein the first alternating current signal (WS1) and the second alternating current signal (WS2) are available ) set to different phases and / or different amplitudes. The sensing device of claim 1 to 2, wherein the compensation electrode (KE) is configured as a plurality of portions and includes at least one first compensation electrode (KE1) and a second compensation electrode (KE2); a transmitting electrode (SE), a receiving electrode (EE), and a manner in which the at least one first and second compensating electrodes (KE1, KE2) are disposed relative to each other, and in the first operating mode (BM1), the second At least one of the compensation electrodes forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode (EE); in the second mode of operation (BM2), the first compensation electrode (KE1) can be capacitively coupled with the transmitting electrode (SE), and can be The second compensation electrode (KE2) forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode (EE). The sensing device of claim 3, wherein a third alternating current signal (WS3) is applied to the first compensation electrode (KE1), and a fourth alternating current signal (WS4) is applied to the second compensation electrode (KE2). Wherein, the third alternating current signal (WS3) and the fourth alternating current signal (WS4) can be set to different phases and/or different amplitudes. A method for detecting the state of holding a handheld device with one hand using a sensing device, in particular using a sensing device according to one of the aforementioned patent claims; the sensing device comprising at least one transmitting electrode (SE At least one compensation electrode (KE), and at least one receiving electrode (EE); wherein: the sensing device is operable in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation; wherein: - in the first Performing a transmission measurement in the operation mode (BM1), wherein a first alternating current signal (WS1) is applied to the transmitting electrode (SE), and Adding a second alternating current signal (WS2) to the compensation electrode (KE), and detecting the grip once the first electrical signal (S1) drawn on the receiving electrode (EE) exceeds a first threshold (SW1) Holding the state of the handheld device; and - performing an absorption measurement in the second mode of operation (BM2); wherein the emitter electrode (SE) is operated as a receiving electrode (EE); wherein the pair of compensation electrodes (KE) a second alternating current signal (WS2) is applied, and at the same time, the amount of the first electrical signal (S1) drawn on the receiving electrode (EE) and the second electrical signal (S2) drawn on the transmitting electrode (SE) are consistent with one When the predetermined detection standard is determined, the state of holding the handheld device is detected. The method of claim 5, wherein in the first mode of operation (BM1), a first alternating current signal (WS1) applied to the transmitting electrode (SE) and a second alternating current applied to the compensation electrode are used. The signal (WS2) is set to a different phase and/or a different amplitude. The method of claim 5, wherein the compensation electrode (KE) is configured as a plurality of portions and includes at least one first compensation electrode (KE1) and a second compensation electrode (KE2); wherein, the emission The electrode (SE), the receiving electrode (EE) and the at least one first and second compensation electrodes (KE1, KE2) are disposed relative to each other, and in the first operating mode (BM1), the two compensations can be made At least one of the electrodes forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode (EE); in the second mode of operation (BM2), the first compensation electrode (KE1) can be capacitively coupled with the transmitting electrode (SE), and the second compensation can be made. The electrode (KE2) forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode (EE). The method of claim 7, wherein a third alternating current signal (WS3) is applied to the first compensation electrode (KE1), and a fourth alternating current signal (WS4) is applied to the second compensation electrode (KE2); The third alternating current signal (WS3) and the fourth alternating current signal (WS4) are set to different phases and/or different amplitudes. The method of claim 5, wherein the first electrical signal (S1) and the second electrical signal (S2) are extracted from each electrode (SE, EE) in a multiplexed manner and Supply to an analytical device. The method of claim 7, wherein the third alternating current signal (WS3) and the fourth alternating current signal (WS4) are separately applied to the compensation electrodes (KE1, KE2) in a multiplex manner. The apparatus or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined detection criterion comprises at least one of: - the first electrical signal (S1) amount and the second electrical signal (S2) amount are respectively lower than one The second threshold (SW2); and - the sum of the sum signal generated by the first electrical signal (S1) and the second electrical signal (S2) is lower than a second threshold (SW2). The apparatus and/or method of claim 11, wherein the second threshold (SW2) is set to: - a function of a first threshold (SW1); and/or - a function of a predetermined second threshold. A hand-held device, in particular an electrical hand-held device, comprising a sensing device according to one of the first to fourth aspects of the patent application for detecting that the handheld device is held. The handheld device of claim 13, wherein the transmitting electrode (SE) and the receiving electrode (EE) are disposed on the handheld device at a distance from each other; wherein the compensation electrode (KE) is disposed on the handheld device In the first mode of operation, it can be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode (EE); in the second mode of operation (BM2), it can be capacitively coupled to the transmitting electrode (SE) and the receiving electrode (EE). . The handheld device of claim 14, wherein the transmitting electrode (SE) is substantially disposed on the first side wall of the handheld device, and the receiving electrode (EE) is substantially disposed on a second side wall; Preferably, the first side wall is on the opposite side. A hand-held device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the compensation electrode (KE) is set to be a plurality of portions and includes at least one first compensation electrode (KE1) and a second compensation electrode (KE2) Wherein the transmitting electrode (SE), the receiving electrode (EE) and the at least one first and second compensating electrodes (KE1, KE2) are disposed relative to each other, in the first operating mode (BM1), At least one of the two compensation electrodes forms a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode (EE); in the second mode of operation (BM2), the first compensation electrode (KE1) can be capacitively coupled with the transmitting electrode (SE), and The second compensation electrode (KE2) can be capacitively coupled to the receiving electrode (EE).