Capacitor array sensors tactile and proximity sensing and methods of use thereof

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Multiple capacitor arrays are provided which are employed for a diversity of applications particularly in, the field of robotics which are great improvements in the, techniques employed in the past. The multiple element arrays are configured for both collective and separate sensing of capacitance properties, permitting a variety of non-contact and contact based measurements from which a, number of important determinations can be made. These include measures of approach and proximity which can be, employed as a real time machine control parameter for the direction of robotic tools for engaging and manipulating objects, for the determination of object location orientation, and configuration, …