Humidity-Sensitive Multi-Sensor Surface for Flat Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-scale LED display systems face complexity in logistics and interaction due to centralized intelligence and large cable networks, with previous interactive installations limited by inability to produce flat surfaces and prone to water accumulation, operating at low voltages requiring microcontroller-based electronic control.
Innovation Solution
A humidity-sensitive multi-sensor interactive surface using a support of electrically non-conductive material with elementary sensors and contact elements separated by an insulating track, allowing electrical contact with humidity, and utilizing non-metallic conductive materials to prevent corrosion and electrolysis, enabling flexible and durable large-scale light or control panel applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal contact elements are used to establish electrical contact in the presence of water, then electrical contact is achieved, but corrosion and electrolysis occur leading to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the contact elements from metallic to non-metallic conductive material. This fundamental material parameter change eliminates the electrochemical reactions (corrosion and electrolysis) that occur with metals in the presence of water, while maintaining electrical conductivity through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where non-metallic conductive materials are used in combination with other materials to achieve both electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the advantageous properties of different materials without suffering from their individual disadvantages.
2Extent of automation
If centralized intelligence is used to control large-scale LED displays, then control capability is achieved, but system complexity and cable network requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distributed sensor units across the surface, with each unit independently detecting humidity and triggering local LED responses. This segmentation eliminates the need for a centralized control system and extensive cable networks, as each sensor-LED pair operates autonomously based on local environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where each sensor unit automatically detects humidity levels and triggers the corresponding LED response without external control. The distributed sensors and LEDs serve themselves by directly responding to environmental stimuli, eliminating the need for centralized intelligence and complex control infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If public interaction with large-scale displays is enabled, then user engagement is improved, but mechanical and space constraints are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interaction systems with a humidity-based sensing system. Instead of requiring mechanical components for public interaction, the system uses humidity detection to trigger responses, allowing intuitive interaction through simple actions like breathing or sweating near the display without complex mechanical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible thin-film structures for the display surface that can adapt to various shapes and mounting configurations. This flexibility allows the interactive display to be integrated into diverse spatial environments without being constrained by rigid mechanical structures, enabling public interaction in mechanically challenging locations.
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 enables the creation of intelligent, sensitive, and durable flat surfaces for large-scale LED displays and control panels that can adapt to various shapes, with high sensitivity to humidity, allowing for simple design and effective interaction without the need for microcontroller control, while preventing material degradation and ensuring long-term durability.
Implementation Method 1
the first and the second contact element of a sensor being separated by an electrically insulating track such that the presence of a given amount of moisture on the track makes electrical contact between the first and the second contact element
Data Source
Figure 1A~2D
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
According to an aspect, the invention relates to a humidity‑sensitive multi‑sensor interactive surface comprising: - a support made of an electrically non‑conducting material exhibiting a first surface, - a set of first contact elements (101 - 104), deposited on the first surface, and intended to be each linked to a pole of an electrical power supply, - a set of second contact elements (111 - 114), deposited on the first surface, and intended to be each linked to the input of an actuator, each second contact element (111) being associated with a first contact element (101) so as to form an elementary sensor, the first and second contact elements of an elementary sensor being separated by an electrically insulating track such that the presence of a given amount of humidity on the track causes electrical contact between the first and second contact elements.