Skin Impedance Signal Modulation for Touch-Only Media Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to allow individuals to exercise creativity by controlling a medium solely through their sense of touch without a human-machine interface and do not effectively maintain or develop physical or psychic capacities, nor do they compensate for handicaps or amplify cerebral mobilization, especially for people in isolation.

Innovation Solution

A system that modulates audio and/or visual signals based on impedance variations at the skin's surface, using electrodes to generate data from pressure and contact zones, allowing for synesthesia experiences and enabling communication, creativity, and physical and psychological stimulation, with wireless transmission and autonomous power to prevent movement restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a human-machine interface such as a touchscreen is used for control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to exercise creativity through touch alone and without hardware interface is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidcreativity exercise capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical human-machine interfaces (touchscreens, buttons) with a tactile-based control system that uses skin contact impedance variations to generate control signals. The user's body movements and touch interactions directly modulate audio-visual signals through impedance changes, eliminating the need for external hardware interfaces while enhancing creative expression through natural tactile interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wired connections are used for power and data transmission, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the freedom of movement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidmovement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired power and data connections with wireless communication technology. The system transmits control signals and data wirelessly between the tactile interaction device and the audio-visual output system, eliminating physical cables and enabling complete user mobility while maintaining reliable communication through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are placed on the user's body, then the measurement precision of impedance variations is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple electrodes that serve dual functions: they act as both signal generators and impedance sensors. The same electrodes that emit electrical signals also detect the impedance variations caused by skin contact, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of signal generation and impedance detection into a single integrated electrode system. The electrodes simultaneously perform both roles, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified structure, thereby simplifying the device architecture while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the system is designed for single-user control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to establish connections between multiple people is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidmulti-user connection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the tactile control system to be universally applicable to multiple users. The same impedance-based control mechanism works for individual users as well as for multi-user interactions, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring separate control mechanisms for each user type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic system that can adapt its configuration based on the number of users. The impedance detection and signal processing automatically adjust to accommodate whether one or multiple people are interacting with the system, enabling seamless transitions between single-user and multi-user modes while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 individuals to associate touch with other senses, promoting creativity, communication, and physical and cognitive development, effectively addressing isolation and enhancing skills and relaxation through interactive feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode (105) configured to generate electrical waves, positioned against the skin of a first user, a second electrode (110) configured to capture electrical waves transmitted by the skin of a second user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a detector (115) of the value of an impedance parameter of the junction, connecting the electrodes and passing through the contact with the skin of each user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a control means (120) configured to emit a broadcast command of a medium according to the detected value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3420638B1Use of the modulation of a signal by a skin contact impedance for the maintenance and development of physical or mental abilities
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 ROYER
  • EP3420638B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3420638B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3420638B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of the modulation of an audio and/or visual signal by a variation in the impedance of at least one contact with the skin of at least one user, for the maintenance and/or development of the user's physical and/or mental abilities. The invention comprises the use of a device (100) for controlling the delivery of a medium, said device comprising: a first skin electrode (105) configured to generate electric waves, positioned against the skin of a first user; a second skin electrode (110) configured to capture electric waves, positioned against the skin of a second user, where the second user can be the first user; a detector (115) for detecting the value of an impedance parameter of the junction connecting the electrodes and passing through the contact with the skin of each user; and a control means (120) configured to transmit a medium-delivery command according to the value detected.