Alternating Electric Field Communication Circuit for Tactile Product Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, such as barcodes and RFID, fail to provide consumers with a tactile experience and effectively communicate product details or quality changes, and they do not allow for real-time interaction with computing devices using alternating electric fields, leading to issues like lost items and quality determination.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuitry system that receives and processes modulated alternating electric fields, attached to users or objects, to communicate information and changes in state, using electrodes, energy converters, communication units, and hub devices with sensors and actors, enabling bidirectional communication and interaction with computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If barcode or RFID methods are used to provide product information, then product details can be communicated to consumers, but consumers are deprived of tactile experience and require additional scanning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the electronic circuitry simultaneously provides tactile feedback through the electrode, communicates product information via modulated alternating electric field, and eliminates the need for separate scanning devices. This merging resolves the contradiction by delivering both information communication and tactile experience through one unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuitry system performs multiple functions: it generates modulated alternating electric field for communication, provides tactile feedback to consumers, and enables direct interaction without additional devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to satisfy both the information communication requirement and the tactile experience requirement simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If traditional communication methods are used, then basic product identification is possible, but real-time interaction and quality change monitoring are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic circuitry continuously monitors product quality changes and communicates them in real-time to consumers through the modulated alternating electric field. This feedback loop enables dynamic quality monitoring and immediate information updates without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuitry embedded in the product packaging autonomously provides quality monitoring and information communication functions. The system self-manages the detection of quality changes and the transmission of this information to consumers, eliminating the need for external complex monitoring equipment while achieving real-time quality tracking.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are used for item location tracking, then lost articles can be located, but only after the loss is discovered and real-time tracking is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuitry system continuously tracks and communicates item location information through modulated alternating electric field in real-time, rather than only providing location data after loss is discovered. This continuous operation enables immediate location tracking and rapid recovery of lost items, eliminating the time delay inherent in traditional RFID systems.
4Loss of information
If digital signage and big screen advertising are used to display product information, then product details can be communicated, but consumers experience annoyance or confusion from unwanted product advertising
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers product information locally and directly to the consumer's personal device through modulated alternating electric field, rather than displaying unwanted advertising on large public screens. This localized information delivery ensures consumers receive only relevant product details about the item they are interacting with, eliminating the harm of unwanted advertising while maintaining effective information communication.
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 consumers to interact with products and receive information through tactile experiences, tracks item location, and monitors quality changes, enhancing retail experiences and preventing theft by using smart logos that can be integrated into various items and packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode capacitively coupled with the modulated alternating electric field
Implementation Method 2
an energy converter for converting the modulated alternating electric field to DC energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic circuitry system receiving the modulated alternating electric field from a computing device, the electronic circuitry is attached to the body of the user and further the electronic circuitry system communicates with the computing device. The electronic circuitry system includes a first electrode capactively coupled with the modulated alternating electric field, an electronic sub-circuit for receiving and processing the modulated alternating electric field from the first electrode and a second electrode connected to said electronic sub-circuit to float the modulated alternating electric field through the body of the user with respect to the ground. The electronic circuitry further includes a hub device for communicating with said communication unit. The hub device includes housing, a generator for generating alternating electric field, a micro-controller for generating modulated commands and electric field bidirectional communication unit for communicating generated modulated commands through the alternating electric field and a power source.