Position Detection

A method of detecting the position of a mechanical interaction, in which pressure is applied to an apparatus constructed substantially from fabric, said method, comprising the steps of:

• applying manual pressure to a detector;
• and
• measuring currents in response to applied voltages to determine the position of said mechanical interaction, wherein
• said mechanical interaction forces a plurality of fabric layers in to close contact to thereby facilitate the transmission of said electrical current, wherein said layers consist of a first fabric conducting layer having electrically conducting fibres, a second fabric layer having conducting fibres and insulating fibres, a third separating layer constructed from an insulator with openings therein to allow conduction to occur, and a fourth fabric conducting layer having electrically conducting fibres, wherein
• said second fabric layer is a knitted fabric having a substantially smooth back and an irregular front, and
• said knitted fabric is positioned such that said irregular surface is in contact with said first conducting layer and said smooth surface is in contact with said separating layer.

A method of constructing apparatus for detecting the position of a mechanical interaction, comprising the steps of:

• locating a first fabric conducting layer having electrically conducting fibres, electrically conducting tracks and terminals connectable to a circuit;
• positioning a second fabric layer having conducting fibres and insulating fibres over said first fabric conducting layer;
• applying a third separating layer constructed from an insulator with openings therein over said second fabric layer;
• arranging a forth fabric conducting layer having electrically conducting fibres over said third separating layer, wherein
• said second positioned fabric is a knitted fabric having a substantially smooth back and an irregular front in which said positioning occurs such that said irregular surface is in contact with said first located layer and said smooth surface is in contact with said third applied layer.