Capacitive Hand Proximity Detection for Security Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video monitoring security systems lack precision in detecting and recording specific interactions, such as hand proximity or contact with objects, leading to false alarms and unnecessary data collection, as they are designed for larger changes and not tailored for small, specific events like hand movements near monitored areas or objects.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive charge monitoring system using a detection electrode and computing device to detect changes in electrical capacitance, allowing for precise identification of hand proximity or contact, which triggers a signaling device to record and notify remotely, incorporating a digital camera for forensic imaging and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video monitoring systems continuously record all areas, then complete coverage is achieved, but false alarms and useless data increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is segmented into multiple zones (first area, second area, third area) with different monitoring priorities. The system focuses recording resources on the third area (object interaction zone) while using motion detection for the broader first and second areas, thereby reducing overall data volume while maintaining monitoring accuracy for critical zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial monitoring intensity to different areas: continuous monitoring only when hand contact is detected in the third area, motion-activated monitoring in the second area, and no monitoring in the first area. This selective approach reduces data collection to only when and where necessary.
2Reliability
If motion detection is used for all areas, then detection coverage is improved, but false positive alerts increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different detection methods are applied to different areas based on their specific requirements: capacitive sensing for hand contact in the third area, motion detection for the second area, and no detection in the first area. This localized approach ensures each area gets the appropriate detection sensitivity, reducing false alarms while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensing is applied to the entire monitored area, then hand proximity detection is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitive sensing is segmented to apply only to the third area (object interaction zone) where precise hand contact detection is critical. The first and second areas use simpler motion detection or no detection. This segmentation achieves high measurement precision where needed while keeping overall system complexity manageable.
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 system effectively reduces false alarms by focusing on relevant interactions, providing accurate and timely notifications and images of hand contact or proximity, enhancing security monitoring by limiting data collection to only relevant events.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change of capacitance or charge at a detection electrode caused by the presence of a person's hand in contact with or near proximity to a monitored area or select object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves a system and method for monitoring and controlling a person's select activity with a select object or space, with and without electronic imaging, while communicating and recording such interaction to a remote device. The system comprises a specialized computing device comprising a capacitance charge controller, a detection electrode, a wireless means of communications, a remote monitoring device capable of receiving a control signal directly or indirectly from the capacitance charge controller, at least one annunciator, at least one processor, an imaging device and at least one non-transitory computer readable medium. The method comprises receiving data from a specialized communication device, over a cellular, wireless, satellite, or other network to a special purpose computer with a non-transitory computer readable medium.