Capacitive Imaging Glove Inter-Digit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and communicating sensed data, particularly in diverse applications such as automation, healthcare, and transportation, where sensors convert various physical phenomena into electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
The development of a communication system that incorporates capacitive imaging technology, utilizing electrodes and drive-sense circuits to detect changes in capacitance between electrodes, allowing for the sensing and communication of data in a three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used for data collection, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and three-dimensional detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode groups arranged in specific patterns (e.g., inter-digit electrodes). Each electrode group can be individually addressed and controlled, allowing segmented measurement of different regions and enabling three-dimensional spatial resolution through composite signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional sensor planes to three-dimensional detection by adding temporal dimension through sequential electrode activation and spatial dimension through multi-plane electrode arrangements. This enables detection of movements in three-dimensional space by processing signals from multiple electrode groups at different positions and times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are deployed for comprehensive sensing, then the measurement coverage improves, but the device complexity and data processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple types of physical quantities including position, orientation, touch force, and gesture patterns. The same electrode structure can be used for various applications such as touch screens, gesture recognition, and capacitive imaging by simply changing the control algorithm and signal processing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different sensing modes by changing operational parameters such as electrode activation sequences, drive signal frequencies, and readout timing. By modifying these parameters, the same hardware can adapt to different measurement requirements without physical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If continuous sensing is performed to capture real-time data, then the data completeness improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous sensing, the system uses periodic activation of electrode groups with controlled duty cycles. Electrodes are activated in sequences with specific timing intervals, allowing the system to capture essential motion information while keeping sensors inactive during intervals when no measurement is needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous measurement capability through coordinated activation of multiple electrode groups rather than continuous operation of all sensors simultaneously. By ensuring that at least some electrodes are always active and using overlapping measurement windows, the system maintains data continuity while managing energy consumption through intelligent sensor scheduling.
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
This solution enables precise detection of hand movements and inter-digit movement in a three-dimensional space, facilitating advanced applications such as capacitive imaging gloves for data input and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electrodes and drive-sense circuits to detect changes in capacitance between electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive imaging glove includes electrodes implemented throughout the capacitive imaging glove and drive-sense circuits (DSCs) such that a DSC receives a reference signal generates a signal based thereon. The DSC provides the signal to a first electrode via a single line and simultaneously senses it. Note the signal is coupled from the first electrode to the second electrode via a gap therebetween. The DSC generates a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the first electrode. Processing module(s), when enabled, is/are configured to execute operational instructions (e.g., stored in and/or retrieved from memory) to generate the reference signal, process the digital signal to determine the electrical characteristic of the first electrode, and process the electrical characteristic of the first electrode to determine a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and generate capacitive image data representative of a shape of the capacitive imaging glove.