CONTACT DETECTION DEVICE FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE CONTACT DETECTION DEVICE AND AN OBJECT

摘要

The present invention is related to a contact detection device (100) for detecting a contact between the contact detection device (100) and an object (800), a method (400), a diagnostic device and further to a computer program. The invention seeks to improve the reliability of contact sensors. The contact detection device (100) comprises a heater (110) for providing a modulated heat flow (112). A modulated heat signal (122) is generated in dependence of the modulated heat flow (112). A physical contact with an object (800) causes a change in the modulated heat flow (112) that effects the modulated heat signal (122). As the heat flow is modulated, a change in the modulated heat signal (122) is quasi assured. A contact determination unit (130) of the contact detection device (100) derives a contact indication signal (132) indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact in from the modulated heat signal (122), preferentially by means of a demodulator (134).