Oral Tongue Input Device with Passive Transponders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input methods for technical devices, such as keyboards and voice-controlled systems, are inadequate in situations where manual or voice input is not feasible, particularly due to physical disabilities or environments where voice input is unreliable or disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A tongue-operated input apparatus with spatially distributed sensor elements in the oral cavity, using passive transponders that generate individually encoded response signals to an interrogation signal, allowing for reliable and comfortable control of technical devices without the need for a power supply within the oral cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive transponders are used in sensor elements, then the device complexity and safety are improved by eliminating batteries from the oral cavity, but the energy availability for sensor operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic components with batteries (mechanical/chemical energy storage) with passive transponder elements that use electromagnetic induction. The sensor elements are activated by an external interrogation signal from the evaluation device, eliminating the need for internal power sources in the oral cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external evaluation device as an intermediary that provides the interrogation signal to activate transponders in the sensor elements. This mediator enables energy transfer without direct electrical connections or internal batteries, allowing sensor operation while maintaining safety.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are spatially distributed in the oral cavity, then the measurement precision and input capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensor elements distributed at different locations in the oral cavity. Each sensor element contains a transponder that can be individually activated, allowing precise localization of tongue contact while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic interrogation signals from the evaluation device to activate transponders in sequence or selectively. This periodic activation pattern enables the system to manage multiple sensor elements efficiently, reducing the complexity of continuous monitoring while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If tongue movement is used for input, then the ease of operation is improved for users with disabilities, but the reliability of input is reduced due to potential errors in tongue control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the evaluation device that receives signals from multiple sensor elements and processes tongue contact information. The system can distinguish between intentional tongue movements and accidental contacts by analyzing patterns across multiple sensors, improving input reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 reliable and comfortable interaction with technical devices by leveraging the tongue's precision to provide a high number of distinct inputs, reducing errors and eliminating the need for batteries, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor element including a transponder configured to receive the interrogation signal and to transmit an individually encoded response signal in response to the interrogation signal
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus for operating and/or controlling a technical device includes a plurality of sensor elements which can be arranged spatially distributed in the oral cavity of a user. An interface circuit is coupled to the sensor elements and is configured to detect a respective current tongue position and/or tongue movement by means of the sensor elements. The interface circuit generates one or more control signals depending on the respective current tongue position and/or tongue movement and transmits the one or more control signals to the technical device. Advantageously, the sensor elements each include a transponder which is configured to receive an interrogation signal from the interface circuit and, in response thereto, to transmit an individually coded response signal to the interface circuit.