Abstract: A portable electronic device and a protection case thereof are provided. The portable electronic device includes a memory; a display; and a processor configured to acquire, from a flexible element included in a protection case of the portable electronic device, a characteristic value of the flexible element, the characteristic value changing according to bending of the flexible element through movement of the protection case, and determine a state of the protection case, based in the acquired characteristic value.

Abstract: A system for transitioning from a first footwear type to a second footwear type is usable with an article of footwear including a sensor system with a plurality of force sensors engaged with an article of footwear and configured to sense force exerted by a foot of a user and an electronic module configured to collect data based on force input from the sensors and to wirelessly transmit data generated by the sensor system. An electronic device includes a processor that receives the data from the electronic module, compares the data to a footstrike template corresponding to a desired footstrike pattern of a footwear transitional program, determines whether a deviation from the footstrike template exists, and generates an indication to the user when the deviation from the desired footstrike pattern is determined to exist. The desired footstrike pattern corresponds to a preferred footstrike of the second type of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auxiliary generator for a vehicle that converts kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy, the auxiliary generator including a spherical inertial body configured to be movable in a direction opposite to a direction in which the vehicle moves due to inertial force obtained from movement of the vehicle, a fixed pipe having the movable spherical inertial body received therein, a generation member mounted in the fixed pipe for generating electrical energy from movement of the spherical inertial body, and a converter electrically connected to the generation member for converting the electrical energy generated by the generation member into available electricity.

Abstract: Provided is a flow rate adjusting device includes an ultrasonic flow metering portion, a flow rate adjusting portion, and a control portion for controlling the flow rate adjusting portion. The flow rate adjusting portion includes a drive portion configured to cause a valve body portion to advance or recede along an axis line parallel to an installation surface. A straight tube-shaped measurement flow channel is disposed along an axis line parallel to the axis line. A control board is disposed along an axis line parallel to the axis lines. The flow rate adjusting portion is disposed between the ultrasonic flow metering portion and the control portion in an axis line Y direction orthogonal to the installation surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC) adapted to be powered by a positive supply voltage. The IC includes a charge pump that is adapted to convert the positive supply voltage of the IC to a negative bias voltage. The IC further includes a bidirectional interface circuit. The bidirectional interface circuit includes an amplifier coupled to the negative bias voltage to accommodate a bidirectional input voltage of the IC. The bidirectional interface circuit further includes a comparator coupled to the negative bias voltage to accommodate the bidirectional input voltage of the IC.

Abstract: A display surface structure comprises a deformable transparent surface layer, a visual display layer visible through the deformable transparent surface layer, a piezo-electric layer in mechanical communication with the deformable transparent surface layer, and a drive circuit in electrical communication with the piezo-electric layer. The drive circuit sends a drive signal to the piezo-electric layer to cause the piezo-electric layer to deform the deformable transparent surface layer and generate an audio output.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters. In the various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters, generated electrical energy may be stored in a super-capacitor/battery as soon as it is generated. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may harvest electrical energy from any environment where temperature variations occur. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may be power sources for space equipment and vehicles in space and/or on earth, as well as the for wireless sensor networks, such as health monitoring systems of oil pipes, aircraft, bridges, and buildings.

Abstract: Examples provide a piezoelectric energy harvester and a wireless switch including the same. The piezoelectric energy harvester includes a pressure transmission part situated between a pressing plate and a piezoelectric body, so as to transmit a uniform amount of pressure to the piezoelectric body, thereby generating a constant level of energy. In addition, a wireless switch uses energy generated in the piezoelectric energy harvester as its driving power, thereby transmitting radio frequency (RF) communications signals to an external electronic device to control the operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system (10) and a method (200) supply power in high external magnetic fields. Alternating current (AC) line power is converted (202) to isolated power using one or more piezoelectric transformers (18). The flow of AC line power to the piezoelectric transformers (18) is regulated (204) to maintain the isolated power at a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system comprising an actuator body, hydraulic pump, electric motor, plurality of sensors, energy storage facility, and controller is provided. The method comprises disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.

Abstract: A communication system and method are provided for remotely reproducing a touch pattern or gesture as a vibrotactile output. At a touch screen, a first user device receives a touch pattern by a first user, characterizes the touch pattern as a touch pattern data based upon time and intensity of touch at a plurality of array points of the touch screen, and communicates the touch pattern data to a network. A tactile array of micro-vibratory devices is attached to a garment and worn by a second user. The touch pattern data is wirelessly received from the first user device via the network. Vibration of selected micro-vibratory devices of the tactile array is modulated in timing and intensity in response to the touch pattern data to reproduce the touch pattern.

Abstract: A power supply includes a rotor having an undulated surface (658, 858, 958, 10, 58) and a magnetostrictive material disposed adjacent to the undulated surface. The undulated surface alternatingly compresses the magnetostrictive material as the rotor rotates, inducing an electric current in a conductor coupled to the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer for energy-harvesting systems includes a substrate, a piezoelectric cantilever element, a first magnetic element, and a second magnetic element, mobile with respect to the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element is coupled to the piezoelectric cantilever element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are set in such a way that, in response to relative movements between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element through an interval of relative positions, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element approach one another without coming into direct contact, and the interaction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element determines application of a force pulse on the piezoelectric cantilever element.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a friction roller comprising: a friction roller body comprising an inner cylinder and a pattern-variable module wrapped outside the inner cylinder; and a controller connected with the pattern-variable module. The controller controls the pattern-variable module to deform according to step information of a surface for friction. Also disclosed is a method for using the friction roller. Embodiments of the disclosure enable alignment grooves with the same depth to be formed on the surface for friction by way of the friction roller, thereby reducing stripes on the surface for friction and enhancing the display effect.

Abstract: An input apparatus has a touch sensor 11 configured to receive an input, a load detection unit 12 configured to detect a pressure load on a touch face 11a of the touch sensor 11, a tactile sensation providing unit 13 configured to vibrate the touch face 11a, and a control unit 15 configured to control drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a standard to provide a tactile sensation, such that a click sensation is provided to an object (means) pressing the touch face 11a. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided when an operator operates the touch sensor.

Abstract: A motion sensor has at least two tiers of monitored volumes that are offset from each other. Electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared light, is directed from the monitored volumes onto at least two sets of detector elements having separate outputs on a pyroelectric substrate of an infrared detector. As a warm object, such as a human or an animal, moves through the monitored volumes, the warmth from the object causes the voltage on the outputs of the infrared detector to change. The resultant waveforms are compared and if the two waveforms have a phase relationship corresponding to a critical phase angle that is based on the pitch of the monitored volumes and the offset between the tiers of monitored volumes, an animal-immune motion indication is generated.

Abstract: The energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter has at least one electromechanical transducer with a rectifier circuit connected downstream and with a voltage converter circuit. A logic circuit configuration is connected to the voltage converter circuit. The logic circuit configuration has a sequence controller a memory in which an identification code is stored. The energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter also has a radiofrequency transmission stage that is connected to the logic circuit configuration and a transmission antenna.

Abstract: A force detection device includes a charge output element that outputs charge in accordance with a received external force, a conversion and output circuit, having a first switching element and a first capacitor, which converts the charge into a voltage and outputs the voltage, a compensation signal output circuit, having a second switching element and a second capacitor, which outputs a compensation signal, and an external force detection circuit that detects an external force on the basis of the voltage which is output from the conversion and output circuit and the compensation signal which is output from the compensation signal output circuit. The capacitance of the second capacitor is smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor.

Abstract: An energy harvester is provided for harvesting energy, and in particular electrical energy from an input vibration such as an ambient vibration. The energy harvester comprises a first mechanical amplifier responsive to the input vibration and a second mechanical amplifier coupled to the first mechanical amplifier. At least one of the first and second mechanical amplifiers comprises a parametric resonator, and a power output of the energy harvester is generated by damping the second mechanical amplifier.

Abstract: A stylus pen is disclosed that can be used as an input device to a digitizer associated with a computer screen on a computing device, such as a computer, mobile device, tablet, etc. The stylus pen can include a voltage boost circuit that generates a stylus output signal on an antenna output. The voltage boost circuit has a charging portion and a discharging portion. Both portions have transistors that are activated and deactivated through pulsed control signals. However, a pulse duration for each control signal is separately controllable through different RC-based circuits. Additionally, the voltage boost circuit provides power savings by draining the output voltage signal to a positive voltage rail, rather than ground.

Abstract: A common plate is formed in a moveable element of a device, the device having an actuator coupled to drive the moveable element. A first plate and the common plate together form a first capacitance, while a second plate and the common plate together form a second capacitance, both of which varies as a function of displacement of the moveable element. A measurement circuit has an input coupled to the first plate, while an excitation voltage source has an output coupled to the second plate. A guard voltage source has an output coupled to a conductive portion of the device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method tests a piezo key sensing circuit having a piezo element and verifies that it is properly functioning. A capacitance of the piezo element is discharged. Then the capacitance of the piezo element is charged during a predetermined time period. An output signal of the piezo element is measured during the predetermined time period resulting in a measured output signal. An operating condition of the piezo key sensing circuit is determined based on the measured output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a motor-driven actuating part, in particular a window, a sliding roof, a boot lid, a sliding door or a seat, wherein a current position is determined and, in order to determine the current position, a position newly determined for this purpose is taken into account in conjunction with a last valid position, wherein the current position is selected to be between these two positions and closer to that position which has a comparatively lower uncertainty.

Abstract: An electronic circuit component mounting head which mounts electronic circuit components to a circuit substrate is provided. The mounting head includes a rotating/raising/lowering axis held on a head main body as to be capable of rotation and of being raised/lowered, a suction nozzle held on the rotating/raising/lowering axis as to be capable of being raised/lowered and not capable of being rotated relatively, and the rotating/raising/lowering axis and suction nozzle can be rotated as necessary by an electric motor. A raising/lowering driving member is held on head main body as to be capable of being raised/lowered, and is raised/lowered by a first linear motor. A first engaging section of the raising/lowering driving member is engaged with the rotating/raising/lowering axis, and a second engaging section of a second linear motor is held on the raising/lowering driving member engaged with suction nozzle.

Abstract: A slider of a magnetic recording head has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an air bearing surface between the leading and trailing edges. A sensor is situated at the trailing edge of the slider and configured to sense presence of a lube droplet or other contaminant at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a deforming member (a beam) adapted to deform while switching a deformation direction, a first piezoelectric device provided to the deforming member (the beam), a second piezoelectric device provided to the deforming member (the beam), an inductor electrically connected to the first piezoelectric device, a switch disposed between the first piezoelectric device and the inductor, and a control section adapted to detect a voltage generated in the second piezoelectric device, and if the voltage detected has a level one of equal to and higher than a predetermined level, electrically connect the first piezoelectric device and the inductor to each other using the switch.

Abstract: A detection circuit detects a signal output from an element that receives an acoustic wave. The detection circuit is configured so as not to conduct a detection operation during a period in which the element does not receive the acoustic wave.

Abstract: A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes a pair of electrodes and an intermediate layer disposed between the pair of electrodes. The intermediate layer includes an insulating elastic body. The power generating element is flexibly bendable when receiving an external force, while causing a sliding transfer between at least one of the electrodes and at least one surface of the intermediate layer which faces the at least one of the electrodes, due to a difference in curvature between the electrodes and the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system comprising an actuator body, hydraulic pump, electric motor, plurality of sensors, energy storage facility, and controller is provided. The method comprises disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing an application of pressure is disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, conductive elements and an electroactive layer. First and second conductive elements are supported on the substrate and have elongate edges spaced apart from each other. The electroactive layer has a common surface adhered against the conductive elements. The electroactive layer defines at least one electrical property in a portion of the layer between the conductive elements. The electrical property is configured to vary in relation to a magnitude of the pressure.

Abstract: A microphone, that increases sensitivity without a separate circuit is provided. The microphone includes an audio detection module having a vibration film that outputs capacitance signals by vibrating audio introduced from the exterior and a piezoresistive element that outputs a piezoresistive signal by a sound pressure of the audio. A semiconductor chip includes an amplifier electrically connected to the audio detection module to receive a capacitance signal and a piezoresistive signal from the audio detection module and amplifies the capacitance signal and piezoresistive signal to an electrical signal.

Abstract: Provided are an energy harvesting device, a method for manufacturing the same, and a wireless device including the same. The energy harvesting device may include a support body, a first cantilever connected to the support body, and an electricity generation layer on the first cantilever. The first cantilever may have a thickness that gradually increases in a direction that is away from the support body.

Abstract: A communication module is provided for a sensor, for use in a detection device, including a plurality of sensors, having at least one upstream receiver for receiving an interrogation signal from upstream of the sensor and transporting it to the sensor, and receiving from the sensor a response signal and transporting it upstream of the sensor; —at least one downstream transporter for transporting an interrogation signal downstream of the sensor; —at least one sensor short-circuit, displaceable between an open position wherein the upstream receiver is linked to the sensor, and a closed position in which the upstream receiver is disconnected from the sensor and connected to the downstream transporter; and —at least one controller, for controlling the sensor short-circuit and arranged to maintain the sensor short-circuit: —in the open position until the emission of the response signal, and —in the closed position after the emission.

Abstract: A radome having localized areas of reduced radio signal attenuation includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is mechanically stronger than the second portion and the second portion has a reduced radio signal attenuation property compared to the first portion.

Abstract: A resonator element has a piezoelectric substrate including a vibration section and a thick section having a thickness which is thicker than that of the vibration section, and a pair of excitation electrodes provided on a surface and a back surface of the vibration section. In addition, the thick section has a second thick section provided along a second outer edge of the vibration section. The second thick section has an outer edge section intersecting with both axes of an X axis and a Z? axis in an end portion opposite to the fixing section in a plan view of the resonator element.

Abstract: A power-generating device includes a vibration plate, a lower electrode on the vibration plate, a piezoelectric layer made of piezoelectric material on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the piezoelectric layer, a fixing member for supporting a fixed end of the vibration plate. The vibration plate applies compressive stress to the piezoelectric layer when the vibration plate does not vibrate. The power generating device is excellent in long-term reliability.

Abstract: An energy harvester system including a primary energy collector (PEC), a cam gear ring, multiple secondary energy collectors (SEC), and a central gear is provided. The PEC and the SECs harness ambient motion energy. The PEC is attached to a support base member. The cam gear ring is operably engaged to the PEC and rotated by the PEC. The SECs are positioned in a space defined by the cam gear ring and rotated on receiving ambient motion energy. One SEC is unclamped from the support base member and slides towards the central gear when the cam gear ring contacts the SEC, while the other SECs are clamped on the support base member. The central gear operably engages with the unclamped SEC that slid towards the central gear and rotates with the unclamped SEC. The rotating central gear can be coupled to different power generating devices for generating electrical energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting level of the follicle fluid falling into a test tube during an aspiration process. The apparatus may be configured for detecting the level of the follicle fluid falling into the test tube. Upon detecting that the level reaches the pre-defined threshold level in the test tube, the apparatus may be further configured to notify a doctor about the level of the follicle fluid into the test tube via an audio alarm or visually through the ultrasound monitor. The notification enables the doctor to concentrate on the aspiration process and further facilitates to prevent spilling of the follicle fluid from the test tube, once the follicle fluid reaches the pre-defined threshold level of the test tube.

Abstract: In some examples, techniques are provided for quick haptic feedback, without the use of a controller, which is local to individual, non-actuating keys, such as keys of a thin keyboard or keypad. The haptic feedback may be in the form of a simulated “key-click” feedback for an individual key that is pressed by a user such that the finger used to press the key feels the tactile sensation. The haptic feedback mimics the tactile sensation of a mechanical key (e.g., buckling spring, pop-dome key switch) to give a user the perception that they have actuated a mechanically movable key.

Abstract: Examples are provided that describe calibration of a sensor of a robotic device. In one example, a system includes least one processor and data storage comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to cause the system to perform operations. The operations include simulating a movement of a robotic component of a robotic device to a plurality of positions. The operations may also include determining a relationship between a simulated torque values and simulated force values at the plurality of positions. The operations may also include determining expected torque values based on detected force values and the determined relationship. Based on the expected torque values satisfying a threshold associated with the simulated torque values, determining a plurality of calibration parameters of the one or more sensors according to the optimization.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (2302), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (2302) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The sensing assemblage (2302) includes one of a piezo-resistive sensor, MEMS sensor, strain gauge, or mechanical sensor when a force, pressure, or load is applied to the top plate (1502).

Abstract: The vibrating reed includes a detection unit that vibrates along the thickness direction of a piezoelectric body when detecting. The detection unit includes a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other in the thickness direction, outside surfaces, a groove that has a groove bottom at a position between the first main surface and the second main surface in a depth direction from an opening provided in the first main surface, an outside surface electrode that is formed on the outside surfaces, and an inside surface electrode that is formed on an inside surface which is opposite the outside surfaces. At least one of the outside surfaces has a non-electrode-formed area where the outside surface electrode is not provided in an area from the end surface which positioned on the second main surface side in the thickness direction to the second main surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectronic switch device for radio frequency (RF) applications includes a piezoelectric (PE) material layer and a piezoresistive (PR) material layer separated from one another by at least one electrode, wherein an electrical resistance of the PR material layer is dependent upon an applied voltage across the PE material layer by way of an applied pressure to the PR material layer by the PE material layer; and a conductive, high yield material (C-HYM) comprising a housing that surrounds the PE material layer, the PR material layer and the at least one electrode, the C-HYM configured to mechanically transmit a displacement of the PE material layer to the PR material layer such that applied voltage across the PE material layer causes an expansion thereof and an increase the applied pressure to the PR material layer, thereby causing a decrease in the electrical resistance of the PR material layer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for conveying energy through a watertight enclosure can include placing at least one means for converting electrical energy into vibrational mechanical energy in direct contact with the enclosure. At least one means for harvesting the vibrational mechanical energy from the enclosure into electrical energy can also be placed in direct contact on the enclosure, on the opposite side of the enclosure from the conversion means. The conversion means and harvesting means both operate at a matching frequency ?. A plurality of transducers generating vibrations at frequency ? can be used in conjunction with harvester, or vice versa. Or, a plurality of transducers operating at discrete frequencies ?n can be used in conjunction with a plurality of harvesters operating at matching frequencies ?n. These configurations can be used to transmit electrical energy through the watertight enclosure without breaking the watertight integrity of the enclosure.

Abstract: An electrical generation system for a doorway including a door includes a lock mechanism movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to allow the door to move between a closed position and an open position and a cam coupled to the door. A piezo-electric generator is coupled to the cam. The cam is rotatable with respect to the piezo-electric generator. The piezo-electric generator is operable to produce an electrical current in response to rotation of the cam with respect to the piezo-electric generator, and the electrical current has a frequency that is greater than the number of revolutions made by the cam with respect to the piezo-electric generator.

Abstract: An electronic circuit that changes a charge signal into a voltage signal within a sensor suitable for direct installation in a roadway can be connected to two single-core cables that need not be highly insulating yet can realize the required power supply of the electronics. The circuit includes an integrated impedance converter (IEPE) at the output to a two-core cable and a charge amplifier with an IC1 that has two inputs. A capacitor Cc is connected in series to the signal output of the sensor at one input of the IC1. A Zener diode D is arranged between the ground output of the sensor and the second input of the IC1 and can be supplied with power by a resistor R1 in conjunction with a power supply arranged on the output side in order to adapt the potential at the second input of the IC1.

Abstract: A force detection device includes a charge output element that outputs charge in accordance with a received external force, a conversion and output circuit, having a first switching element and a first capacitor, which converts the charge into a voltage and outputs the voltage, a compensation signal output circuit, having a second switching element and a second capacitor, which outputs a compensation signal, and an external force detection circuit that detects an external force on the basis of the voltage which is output from the conversion and output circuit and the compensation signal which is output from the compensation signal output circuit. The capacitance of the second capacitor is smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor.

Abstract: A traffic sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface. A piezoelectric structure extends from the first electrode layer. The piezoelectric structure has a top end. An insulating layer is infused into the piezoelectric structure. A first electrode layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer. A second electrode layer is disposed below the flexible substrate. A packaging layer is disposed around the substrate, the first electrode layer, the piezoelectric structure, the insulating layer and the second electrode layer. In a method of sensing a traffic parameter, a piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is applied to a roadway. An electrical event generated by the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor in response to a vehicle interacting with the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is detected. The electrical event is correlated with the traffic parameter.

Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.

Abstract: A transducer is provided, which includes a substrate, wherein a cavity is defined at least partially through the substrate, at least one stopper structure arranged within the cavity, a support layer arranged over the at least one stopper structure and the cavity to seal the cavity, and a piezoelectric functional arrangement arranged on the support layer. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming a transducer is also provided.