Wearable Sensor Pad for Wireless Terminal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable wireless communication terminals used by professionals, such as firefighters and police officers, are difficult to operate when the user has restricted hand use, as existing designs do not account for such limitations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor pad integrated into a jacket or wearable equipment that allows control of a wireless communication terminal via a grid of sensors and a controller, enabling operation through touch or proximity signals, even when hands are restricted, using wired or short-range wireless communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handheld wireless communication terminals are designed with standard button interfaces, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with restricted hand use
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor pad is introduced as an intermediary device between the user and the wireless communication terminal. The sensor pad detects touch inputs from users with restricted hand use and transmits control signals to the terminal, enabling operation without direct manual interaction with the terminal's physical buttons
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical button interface is replaced with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of physical mechanical switches, the system uses sensor pads that detect touch or proximity signals, allowing operation through alternative input methods suitable for users with restricted hand mobility
2Ease of operation
If the terminal is designed to be compact and portable, then the portability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when hands are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented from the terminal itself and placed in a separate sensor pad that can be independently positioned. This allows the terminal to remain compact while the sensor pad provides accessible control inputs that can be placed in convenient locations for users with restricted hand use
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard button controls are used in the terminal, then the device complexity remains low, but the adaptability deteriorates for users with restricted hand use or wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pad is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate various user scenarios including users with restricted hand use, users wearing gloves, and users needing alternative input methods. The sensor pad can detect different types of inputs (touch, proximity) and adapt to different user needs without requiring multiple specialized devices
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor pad (105) is adapted to be worn and operated by a user (100) to control a separate wireless communication terminal (103) carried by the user. The sensor pad includes a plurality of discrete sensors each operable to produce an indication signal indicating proximity of a user's finger to the sensor and a controller, responsive to receipt of indication signals from a plurality of the sensors, to produce a control signal for delivery to the wireless communication terminal to produce selection of a functional operation of the wireless communication terminal. Also described is a terminal for use with the sensor pad and also equipment and a method of operation.