Localized Deformation Sensor Using Frequency-Orthogonal Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing technologies face challenges in accurately determining movement and activity at various body parts using localized deformation sensing, particularly in distinguishing between different types of touch events and reconstructing volumetric changes with high precision.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensing system employing frequency-orthogonal signals transmitted by transmitting antennas and received by receiving antennas, processed using mixed signal integrated circuits to analyze signal strength and reconstruct volumetric changes, allowing for precise determination of movement and activity through localized deformation sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensing technologies are used for localized deformation sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to distinguish different touch events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system divides the sensing area into multiple zones using an array of transmitting and receiving antennas arranged in a grid pattern. Each antenna pair creates a specific sensing zone, allowing localized deformation detection at different positions. This segmentation enables precise measurement of touch events at specific locations while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular antenna design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency orthogonality as an additional dimension for signal differentiation. By assigning different frequency orthogonal signals to different transmitting antennas, the system can distinguish between simultaneous touch events at different locations. This frequency dimension adds measurement capability without requiring proportional increases in physical sensor elements, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Reliability
If frequency-orthogonal signals are used for signal transmission, then the ability to distinguish different touch events is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed signal integrated circuit performs multiple functions within a single device component: it generates frequency-orthogonal signals for transmission, processes received signals from multiple receiving antennas, distinguishes between different touch events, and reconstructs volumetric changes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, improving reliability through integrated processing while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback processing where the mixed signal integrated circuit continuously analyzes signals received from the antenna array, distinguishes touch event types based on signal characteristics, and uses this information to reconstruct volumetric changes. The feedback loop enables real-time differentiation of touch events and dynamic adjustment of measurements, improving reliability by validating signals against expected patterns and filtering out noise or false events.
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
This approach enables accurate detection and differentiation of movement and activity, reconstructing volumetric changes with high precision, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies in localized deformation sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of frequency-orthogonal signals are transmitted to a user by a set of transmitting antennas
Implementation Method 2
the signals received are processed in order to determine movement of a portion of a body, wherein the movement of the portion of the body is determined by determining localized pressure deformation of skin proximate to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system is embedded into a fabric or material that conforms to a portion of a user's body. The fabric or material has transmitting antennas and receiving antennas placed thereon. Movement of the fabric or material with the transmitting and receiving antennas placed thereon are able to measure the changes in the signals received by the receiving antennas. Measurement of the changes are used to determine movement of and position of parts of the body within and/or distal to the fabric or material by determining localized pressure deformation to reconstruct volumetric changes.