Capacitance Sensor Identification via Conductive Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification apparatuses for toys and cards, such as those using bar codes or RFIDs, face issues with durability, water resistance, and high manufacturing costs, necessitating a more affordable alternative.
Innovation Solution
An identification apparatus utilizing a sensor face with electrostatic capacitance sensors and a recognition pattern formed by conductive spots connected through conductive lines, allowing for ID detection without affecting the outer appearance and enabling cost-effective mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bar codes are used for identification, then the identification apparatus can be manufactured inexpensively, but the identification information is weak to water and abrasion and affects the outer appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical bar code reading system with an electrostatic capacitance sensing system. The sensor electrodes detect changes in electrostatic capacitance caused by the conductive recognition pattern, eliminating the need for optical scanners and bar code printing, thereby improving durability while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for identification from optical reflection (bar codes) to electrostatic capacitance. By measuring capacitance changes between sensor electrodes through the conductive recognition pattern, the system achieves water and abrasion resistance while keeping the identification structure simple and inexpensive.
2Reliability
If RFIDs are used for identification, then the identification information is durable and does not affect outer appearance, but the apparatus is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive conductive materials (such as conductive ink or thin conductive layers) to create the recognition pattern on the identification body, replacing expensive RFID tags. The conductive pattern serves as a durable identification medium that can be manufactured at low cost through printing or deposition processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based RFID system with an electrostatic capacitance sensing system. This substitution eliminates the need for RFID readers, antennas, and complex electromagnetic circuitry, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining durability through the use of robust sensor electrodes and conductive patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a recognition pattern with multiple conductive spots is used, then the identification capability is enhanced through rotation and reversal detection, but the pattern complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recognition pattern into multiple discrete conductive spots connected by conductive lines, forming a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the pattern to be read in different orientations (rotation and reversal) by detecting which sensor electrodes are connected, enhancing identification capability without requiring a completely complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of conductive spots and connections in the recognition pattern. This asymmetry enables the system to distinguish between different orientations (rotation and reversal) of the identification body, as each orientation presents a unique configuration of connected sensor electrodes, thereby enhancing identification versatility.
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
The apparatus can be manufactured inexpensively, providing durable and versatile identification capabilities without the need for RFIDs, allowing for varied actions based on recognition pattern orientation and rotation, enhancing toy functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensor electrodes for detecting a change of electrostatic capacitance are disposed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus body is provided with a sensor face in which a plurality of sensor electrodes for detecting electrostatic capacitance are disposed. A recognition pattern formed by connecting a plurality of conductive spots through conductive lines is provided in an identification body. When the recognition pattern of the identification body is made to face the sensor face of the apparatus body, the plurality of sensor electrodes are electrically connected to one another through the recognition pattern to thereby generate a change of electrostatic capacitance so that the apparatus body can identify the recognition pattern based on the change of electrostatic capacitance. Thus, it is possible to provide an identification apparatus which can be manufactured inexpensively without use of an expensive apparatus such as an RFID system.