Capacitive Body-Coupled Data Transfer for Accessible Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing information about objects, such as actuators, are inadequate for visually challenged individuals, as they often rely on printed text or Braille, which are difficult to read and limited in scope.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses capacitive coupling to transmit object-related data from a base unit associated with an object to a mobile unit carried by a person, allowing the data to be output as human-perceptible signals, such as audio or haptic feedback, through an output device like a speaker or display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printed text or Braille is used to provide information about objects, then information can be displayed, but visually challenged individuals find it difficult to read and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reading systems (Braille dots, printed text) with a capacitive coupling system that transmits data through the human body. Instead of requiring visual or tactile reading of physical markers, the system uses electrical capacitance changes detected when a user touches or approaches an object, transmitting information digitally to a mobile device for audio or display output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling element as an intermediary between the user and the object information. This intermediary detects proximity or contact through capacitance changes and serves as a bridge to transmit data wirelessly to a mobile device, eliminating the need for direct reading of physical markers while maintaining intuitive interaction.
2Loss of information
If Braille is used to encode information, then information can be conveyed, but reading requires substantial learning time and is limited in scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal information transmission system that can convey any type of data (text, audio, images) through capacitive coupling, unlike Braille which is limited to tactile dot patterns. The system can transmit unlimited information types without requiring users to learn a specialized code, making it accessible to both visually impaired and sighted users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical Braille dot system with an electronic capacitive detection and wireless transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for learning Braille encoding/decoding while maintaining intuitive touch-based interaction, allowing immediate access to information without prolonged training.
3Loss of information
If Braille dots are used to display information, then information can be read, but the texture becomes worn down, small, and difficult to read due to dirt or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Braille dot texture with an electronic capacitive sensing system. Instead of relying on physical dots that wear down and accumulate debris, the system uses electrical field detection through capacitive coupling, which has no moving parts or physical texture to degrade, ensuring long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling element as an intermediary that detects user proximity or contact without physical wear. This intermediary transfers information through electrical capacitance changes rather than physical texture, eliminating issues with worn dots, dirt accumulation, and environmental degradation.
4Loss of information
If conventional information display methods are used, then information can be provided, but visually impaired persons must physically actuate the control to determine its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary information acquisition by detecting user proximity or light touch through capacitive coupling before the user actuates the control. The system transmits function information to the user's mobile device in advance, allowing users to understand what a button or switch does before pressing it, thereby preventing unnecessary actuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate feedback through capacitive detection when a user approaches or touches a control element. The system provides real-time information about the control's function through the user's mobile device, creating a feedback loop that informs users before they commit to an action, improving both convenience and accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast and efficient access to information about objects, allowing visually impaired individuals to determine the function of an actuator without physically actuating it, thereby improving convenience and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The base unit may include a capacitive coupling element providing a base unit-human capacitive coupling between the base unit and the person, and the mobile unit may include a capacitive coupling element providing a mobile unit-human capacitive coupling between the mobile unit and the person
Implementation Method 2
using a low-frequency Amplitude Shift Key (ASK) communication protocol to transmit signals through the person's body
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a base unit associated with an object, and a mobile unit carriable by a person. The base unit includes a base unit capacitive coupling element providing a base unit-human capacitive coupling between the base unit and the person, and the mobile unit includes a mobile unit capacitive coupling element providing a mobile unit-human capacitive coupling between the mobile unit and the person. The base unit-human capacitive coupling and mobile unit-human capacitive coupling enable a data transmission connection between the base unit and mobile unit that passes through the person's body. Base unit transmitter circuitry of the base unit transmits object related data via the data transmission connection passing through the person's body, mobile unit receiver circuitry of the mobile unit receives the object related data, and an output device of the mobile unit outputs human-perceptible signals based on the received object related data.