Capacitive Sensor System for Multi-Item Position and Identity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating and identifying items are limited as they either require costly pressure-sensitive sensors or RFID tags, and cannot efficiently determine the position and identity of multiple items simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system using capacitive sensors with electrically conductive marks on items, where the sensors and marks are produced using cost-effective printing or film transfer methods, allowing for the detection of multiple items' positions and identities without the need for pressure-sensitive sensors or RFID tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure-sensitive sensors or RFID tags are used to locate and identify items, then measurement precision and identification capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pressure-sensitive sensors with simple capacitive sensors that detect electrical conductivity changes. The mechanical pressure sensing system is substituted with an electrical field-based capacitive detection system, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive capacitive sensors and conductive marks that can be produced via printing or film transfer. These disposable or low-cost components replace expensive, complex pressure sensors and RFID tags, enabling widespread deployment without high manufacturing costs
2Loss of information
If RFID tags are used for item identification, then identification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID electronic identification systems with a simple capacitive detection system that reads conductive marks. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive RFID tags and readers, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conductive marks printed or transferred onto items as identification carriers. These marks are simple copies or representations of identification information that can be read capacitively, replacing complex RFID tags with inexpensive printed patterns
3Ease of manufacture
If capacitive sensors with printed marks are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to determine position and identity of multiple items simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple discrete sensor positions, each capable of independently detecting items. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple items at different locations, enabling multi-item processing while using simple, inexpensive capacitive sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sensor system that simultaneously performs both position determination and item identification functions using the same capacitive sensors and conductive marks. This multi-functionality increases productivity by handling multiple items with a single integrated system rather than separate specialized devices
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 the simultaneous determination of position and identity of multiple items using cost-effective capacitive sensors and marks, reducing production costs and complexity, suitable for applications like warehousing and packaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitive first sensor (6.2) is configured to detect the first measuring region (6.4) at the first position (6.1) of the sensor device (2)... signals being caused or changed by electrical conductivity of the marks of the items
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locating and identifying at least two separate items, for example packaging, includes a capacitive first sensor detecting a first measuring region at a first position of a sensor device, for example a sensor film on a shelf bottom for packaging, a capacitive second sensor detecting a second measuring region at a second position, differing from the first position, of the sensor device, an electrically conductive first mark of a first item in the measuring region of one sensor, an electrically conductive second mark of a second item in the measuring region of the other sensor, and an evaluation device evaluating signals from the sensors, the signals caused or changed by electrical conductivity of the marks. Items can be capacitively detected and information obtained can be used to improve warehousing. The sensors and the marks can be produced quickly and cost-effectively by printing processes or film transfer.