Garment-Integrated Capacitive Sensor for Direct Calling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies do not enable users to call clinicians or others directly from a garment-based sensor system, limiting communication between individuals.
Innovation Solution
A calling system incorporating a mutual capacitive contact sensor with fibrous electric conductors integrated or attachable to garments, along with information provision sections and a control section to facilitate communication between users by operating the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fabric-based pressure sensor is used to monitor body surface conditions, then body surface monitoring capability is improved, but the ability to enable users to call clinicians or others directly is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors body surface conditions through pressure sensors while simultaneously enabling communication through integrated contactless calling functionality. The control unit detects operations on the communication section and triggers calling functions, allowing the single garment to serve both monitoring and communication purposes without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If a contact sensor is integrated into a garment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication section is divided into multiple contact sensors arranged in a matrix pattern on the garment. Each contact sensor can be independently operated by touching with a finger or stylus, allowing simple user interaction. The control unit processes which specific contact sensor is operated and executes corresponding calling functions, breaking down the complex interaction into simple, discrete touch points that users can easily operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact sensors are arranged in a matrix pattern on the garment, then communication functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact sensors are integrated directly into the fabric of the garment, utilizing the flexible nature of textile materials. This allows the sensor array to be manufactured using flexible printing or weaving techniques rather than rigid circuit board assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the matrix pattern configuration needed for communication functionality.
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 users to call others by operating a contact sensor on their garment, enhancing communication efficiency and convenience, particularly in medical or operational settings.
Implementation Method 1
a mutual capacitive contact sensor which has fibrous electric conductors and which is to be operated by the first person
Data Source
AI summary
A calling system includes: a mutual capacitive contact sensor which has fibrous electric conductors, the mutual capacitive contact sensor being formable integrally with a garment to be worn by a first person or being attachable to the garment; a first information provision section configured to provide the first person with first information for assisting the first person in operating the contact sensor; a second information provision section configured to provide a second person with second information for calling the second person; a control section configured to cause the second information provision section to provide the second information on the basis of an operation by the first person for the contact sensor, so as to execute a calling process of calling the second person.