Sensor for Level Detection

It is indicated that historical medication dosage detection relies on cap opening, rather than detecting and reporting a liquid level within the medication container. 

A non-contact method of measuring liquid in a container is presented.  A specific container orientation is not required for the method.

The overall sensor has at least three capacitive sensors.  They are arranged around the container, which may be cylindrical or have a square cross-section, for example.  Generally, the sensors are aligned to encompass roughly a majority of the container’s circumference.  For example, a square cross-section would have sensors on three sides.  In one example, a given sensor has a pattern of inter-digitated fingers, where the fingers stack along one major direction. 

The capacitive sensors are connected to a processor, to capture and process data therefrom. An initial capacitance is determined for the container, prior to it having liquid therein. When the container has liquid therein, the container’s “level” is determined first.  If it is level, the level of liquid is determined.  If the container is tilted, the capacitance measurements are modelled to determine level.  It is further indicated that additional sensors can be added to enhance sensitivity.