Capacitive Product-Selection Keyboard for Hygienic Vending Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product dispensing machine keyboards are prone to wear and tear and can harbor bacteria, posing health risks due to physical contact, and lack effective non-contact selection systems.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor-based keyboard that allows product selection without physical contact by detecting proximity to labels associated with capacitive sensors, using a method that verifies selection duration and electromagnetic field strength to ensure accurate dispensing, with a protective layer and recalibration for simultaneous selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is used for product selection, then the operation is simple and direct, but the keyboard becomes dirty and harbors bacteria due to frequent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a capacitive sensing system that detects proximity without physical contact. The keyboard surface contains capacitive sensors that sense changes in electrical field when a user approaches, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons while maintaining direct selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the user and the selection system. The capacitive sensors detect changes in the electromagnetic field caused by the user's proximity, allowing selection without direct contact with the keyboard surface.
2Ease of operation
If physical buttons are used on the keyboard, then the selection process is straightforward, but the buttons are subject to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical buttons entirely by using capacitive sensors embedded in the keyboard surface. These sensors have no moving parts or mechanical components that can wear out, providing a durable solution that maintains reliability over time while preserving the straightforward selection process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact selection systems are used, then hygiene and durability are improved, but the selection process becomes more complex with multiple validation stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of user proximity through capacitive sensing before validation is needed. By continuously monitoring the electromagnetic field changes, the system is already aware of which key is being approached, so when the user makes their selection, the validation process is simplified because the system has pre-identified the intended input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the capacitive sensors to provide real-time information about user proximity and selection intent. This continuous feedback allows the system to adapt the validation process dynamically, reducing complexity by only performing necessary validation steps based on the detected user interaction pattern.
4Ease of operation
If capacitive sensors are used for proximity detection, then contactless selection is enabled, but external electromagnetic interference may affect detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the capacitive sensors continuously monitor the electromagnetic field and adjust their detection parameters based on the detected conditions. This allows the system to distinguish between legitimate user proximity and external electromagnetic interference by analyzing the characteristics and patterns of the detected signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts detection parameters such as sensitivity thresholds and detection ranges based on environmental conditions and detected interference levels. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system maintains detection accuracy despite the presence of external electromagnetic sources.
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 hygienic, durable, and efficient product selection method that reduces errors and interference, enabling direct selection without validation stages and minimizing external noise, while maintaining a clean interface.
Implementation Method 1
product selection is performed by detecting the proximity of an object to one of a plurality of capacitive sensors, which detect variations in the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The method for product selection comprises the steps of selecting a product among a plurality of options of different products, said selection being carried out by remotely signaling a label that represents the selected product; checking that no other selection has been detected; checking that the detected selection lasts longer than a predetermined period of time or more than a predetermined electromagnetic field strength; and dispensing the selected product if it has been verified that no other selection has been detected and if it has been verified that the selection lasts longer than said predetermined period of time and less than the predetermined electromagnetic field strength, or canceling the selection of the product if another selection has been detected or the detected selection lasts less than said predetermined period of time or is greater than the predetermined electromagnetic field strength.