Capacitive Page Position Sensing for Interactive Books
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting page position and motion in interactive children's devices are often bulky, unreliable, and require multiple components such as hinges, cameras, or infrared sensors, which are not suitable for thin and flexible pages.
Innovation Solution
A system combining an integrated circuit with sensors capable of detecting metallic substrates through induction or capacitive touch, allowing the determination of page position and orientation, and enabling the detection of velocity and direction of motion, using a grid of coils and metallic foil embedded in each page of the book.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky components such as hinges, cameras, or switches are used for detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (position, motion, orientation) into a single sensor system using capacitive sensing technology. The sensor array integrated into the base can detect multiple parameters simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate bulky components like cameras, switches, and hinges, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting presence, position, motion, velocity, direction, and orientation of pages. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable detection across all parameters
2Measurement precision
If infrared sensors with holes in pages are used, then page position detection is enabled, but page structure becomes rigid and thick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of infrared sensors and physical holes with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensors detect changes in electrical field caused by the proximity of conductive materials in pages, eliminating the need for physical holes and rigid page structures, thus maintaining page flexibility while achieving accurate position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical (infrared light transmission through holes) to electrical (capacitive coupling through conductive materials). This parameter change allows detection to occur without physical openings in the pages, preserving page flexibility and enabling use with thin, flexible page materials
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for detection, then comprehensive detection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection capabilities into a single integrated sensor array system. The capacitive sensors are integrated into the base structure, and the conductive materials are embedded directly into the pages during manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly processes, making the system easier to manufacture while maintaining comprehensive detection versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive materials are embedded into the pages during the page manufacturing process, before the book assembly. The sensor array is integrated into the base structure during base manufacturing. These preliminary actions eliminate the need for post-assembly integration of separate detection components, significantly simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring comprehensive detection capability
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 provides a compact, reliable, and efficient method to determine the open page in interactive books, enabling interactive responses such as sounds and lights, while also allowing detection of page turning direction and velocity, enhancing user engagement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of a detectable material through induction
Implementation Method 2
sensors capable of detecting metallic substrates through induction or capacitive touch
Data Source
AI summary
A system that combines an integrated circuit, sensors, and a detectable material on a device. The sensors are generally capable of detecting the presence of multiple substrates as well as their orientation relative to each other. In example embodiments, the sensors can also detect the velocity and direction of motion of the detectable material. In an example mode of use, the system is installed in a children's device, such as an interactive book. The detectable material is embedded in each page of the book such that the sensors can determine which page the book is open to the user. The integrated circuit can process the page open information to produce an output, such as a sound from a speaker.