Multiple Information Carrier with Capacitive Touch and Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information carriers, such as barcodes and RFID tags, are limited by requiring specific readers for data retrieval, are costly, and face challenges with durability and readability due to environmental factors like dirt and light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multiple information carrier with both a touch structure and an antenna layer on a non-conductive substrate, allowing for reading via capacitive sensors and enabling universal usability across different technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a barcode is used as an information carrier, then data can be stored and retrieved, but the barcode visually takes up space on products, requires direct visual contact for reading, and is difficult to individualize in sufficient quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical reading systems (barcodes requiring visual contact) with capacitive sensing systems that detect electrical properties. The information carrier uses conductive patterns that can be read by capacitive readers through proximity or contact, eliminating the need for direct visual contact and reducing space requirements on the product surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for data encoding from optical reflectivity (barcodes) to electrical capacitance (conductive patterns). By varying capacitance values at different locations or configurations, data can be stored and read electrically, providing better individualization capability and eliminating visual space constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate capacitive readers are used for different applications, then specific data retrieval functions are achieved, but distribution and acceptance of readers are poor and additional purchasing costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the information carrier with standardized capacitive patterns that can be read by a universal capacitive reader across multiple applications. The conductive patterns use common electrical principles that work across different devices, eliminating the need for application-specific readers and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized capacitive interface layer that acts as an intermediary between the information carrier and various readers. This interface uses universal capacitive coupling principles, allowing different reader implementations to communicate with the same information carrier format, thereby improving distribution and acceptance.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are used as information carriers, then data can be stored and retrieved wirelessly, but they require specific readers and additional costs are associated with implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential capacitive sensing function from complex RFID systems and standalone capacitive reader systems, creating a simplified information carrier that uses only conductive patterns on a substrate. This extracted approach maintains wireless or proximity-based reading capability while eliminating the need for expensive RFID infrastructure and specialized readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a low-cost information carrier using simple conductive patterns that can be manufactured economically. The carrier itself is inexpensive and can be disposed of or replaced easily, while the reading infrastructure remains reusable and universal across multiple carriers, reducing overall system cost compared to RFID implementation.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, flexible, and reliable means of storing and retrieving information using a single carrier that can be read through various methods, enhancing data security and accessibility while reducing costs and environmental vulnerabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a second electrically conductive layer (2) arranged as an antenna, in particular as a dipole antenna
Implementation Method 2
The information on said carriers are preferably read by means of capacitive readers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a multiple information carrier having at least one electrically conductive layer and an electorally non-conductive substrate, wherein at least one first electrically conductive layer in the form of a touch structure, and second electrically conductive layer in the form of an antenna, are present in places on the substrate.