Its authors explain,
‘The system comes as a flat thin, flexible grid of electrodes with sensitive electronics beneath it, to perform measurements and process the readings. The capacitance depends largely on the properties of the material directly above the intersection point between the column and the row’.
What makes it innovative is the detection, localization and classification of objects on a flat surface without the need to resort to any markers, vision systems or a pressure-sensitive mat. By applying machine learning algorithms, the system is able to identify objects that are not marked in any way.
‘The main area of application for the invention is augmented reality systems’, the developers say. 'The system will enable the design of applications that can be integrated with physical objects of everyday use. For example, it will be possible to produce interactive mats, furniture, and tablecloths. The system has the potential to support remote collaboration or even entertainment, such as building with blocks and playing board games in a way that is more tactile than when a computer is usually used. It will be easy to use for work or play everyday objects that you can rearrange, for example, on a desk or a coffee shop table’.
The invention was awarded a bronze medal at IPITEX 2023 in Bangkok.