Capacitive sensing is a form of touch-sensing, it is formed of multiple capacitive pads that sense when a conductor such as the body is completing the circuit. Basically, capacitive sensing detects changes in capacitance. The most common use for capacitive sensing is within touch screen electronics such as smartphones and tablets. The use of this technology is all around us, from phones, to fast food menus. Capacitive sensing produces an electrostatic field so even when direct contact is not made, if the conductor is near enough the circuit is complete.
Capacitive sensing can be integrated into E-textiles through a conductive material such as fabric or thread when these materials are combined with micro-controllers parameters can be controlled to merge these together, such as when there is an increase in contact/ pressure there is also an increase in X (volume, frequency, speed). “Textiles are undergoing a technological revolution and are becoming an emerging technology in the era of ubiquitous systems.” (O. O. Ojuroye, R. N. Torah, A. O. Komolafe and S. P. Beeby, 6975), by combining this widely used technology, with textile design there are endless possibilities, with opportunities for functionality and creativity. Due to its non-contact nature, capacitive sensing has many possibilities for accessibility functions which could be useful for disabled people with mobility barriers, I think it could be beneficial in creating accessible instruments which I would like to explore further in the future.
Image from Bela tutorials: https://learn.bela.io/tutorials/trill-sensors/working-with-trill-craft/#capacitive-sensing-101
O. O. Ojuroye, R. N. Torah, A. O. Komolafe and S. P. Beeby, “Embedded Capacitive Proximity and Touch Sensing Flexible Circuit System for Electronic Textile and Wearable Systems,” in IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 19, no. 16, pp. 6975-6985, 15 Aug.15, 2019.