Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible pressure sensor using a multi-material 3D-printed microchannel mold, and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a flexible pressure sensor having improved flexibility, sensitivity, and stability for use in a wearable device, and a method for manufacturing the same. Further, the present invention relates to a physical sensor for measuring a force applied from the outside, and more particularly, to a multi-directional physical sensor using a multi-layer microchannel array, which may sense all forces applied from the outside in three-dimensional directions such as a perpendicular direction and a parallel direction by applying the multi-layer microchannel array to a body having a three-dimensionally protruding shape.

Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible pressure sensor using a multi-material 3D-printed microchannel mold, and a method for manufacturing the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible pressure sensor using a multi-material 3D-printed microchannel mold, the flexible pressure sensor being formed by using a conductive liquid and an elastomer, having a microchannel formed therein, and having improved flexibility, sensitivity, and stability in comparison to the related art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a flexible pressure sensor using a multi-material 3D-printed microchannel mold, in which the flexible pressure sensor is manufactured by using the microchannel mold including microbumps, the microchannel mold being multi-material 3D-printed by using a sacrificial material and a hard material.

Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user, are generated, to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility. In embodiments, an alert may be generated when a failure to conform with activity guidelines is detected.

Abstract: In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing increased human perception of haptic feedback systems. For instance, there is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment there is wearable device, having therein: a wearable device case; a plurality of actuators within the wearable device case, each of which to vibrate independently or in combination; in which one surface of each of the plurality of actuators is exposed at a surface of the wearable device case; an elastomer surrounding the sides of each of the plurality of actuators within the wearable device case to hold the actuators in position within the wearable device case; and electrical interconnects from each of the plurality of actuators to internal semiconductor components of the wearable device. Other related embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor, a pressure-sensitive layer faces a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern with a space interposed therebetween. The first electrode pattern includes a plurality of first electrode sections, a first interconnecting section that interconnects the plurality of first electrode sections, and a first wiring section that extends from a first end of the first interconnecting section. The second electrode pattern includes a plurality of second electrode sections disposed alternately with the first electrode sections, a second interconnecting section that interconnects the plurality of second electrode sections, and a second wiring section that extends from a second end of the second interconnecting section.

Abstract: The pressure pad which pressure-sensing fabric which is within a gasket and which measures the distribution of pressure on the gasket. Thus, the gasket protects the pressure-sensing fabric from damage due to water or mechanical trauma. The pressure pad includes multiple piezoresistive depositions of piezoresistive depositions ink or paste which act as individual pressure-sensing points. Conductive tracks between the piezoresistive depositions transmit the pressure measurements in the form of electrical signals. The pressure-sensing fabric is connected to a controller and transmits pressure measurements to the controller. Algorithms stored on the controller create a map of absolute mechanical loading to each pressure-sensing point of the pressure pad. The gasket may be mounted beneath a toilet or between plumbing joints. The pressure pad may detect weaknesses in the gasket, a toilet user's weight, a weight of excrement added to the toilet, or a toilet user's posture.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric circuit device including a conductive element configured to provide an electrical input to an electrical component, the resistivity of the conductive element being variable based at least on the extent of deformation thereof, and a deformable body coupled directly or indirectly to, or integral with, the conductive element such that deformation of the body causes the conductive element to deform, thereby varying the resistance thereof and altering the input to the electrical component. Said devices may be used singularly or in combination as logic elements within electrical circuits, providing drive and/or control functionality. Particular embodiments provide improved electrostatic generators.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user, aer generated, to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility. In embodiments, an alert may be generated when a failure to conform with activity guidelines is detected.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor, a pressure-sensitive layer faces a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern with a space interposed therebetween. The first electrode pattern includes a plurality of first electrode sections, a first interconnecting section that interconnects the plurality of first electrode sections, and a first wiring section that extends from a first end of the first interconnecting section. The second electrode pattern includes a plurality of second electrode sections disposed alternately with the first electrode sections, a second interconnecting section that interconnects the plurality of second electrode sections, and a second wiring section that extends from a second end of the second interconnecting section.

Abstract: A strain sensing device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in the invention. The strain sensing device includes a substrate and at least one sensing electrode. The substrate has a plurality of pores. A material of the substrate includes nanocellulose, and the substrates is strained in response to changes in external conditions. The at least one sensing electrode is disposed on the substrate, wherein the sensing electrode contacting the substrate extends into the pores of the substrate. The at least one sensing electrode has a major axis parallel to a surface of the substrate. A resistance value of the at least one sensing electrode changes in response to a strain of the substrate.

Abstract: A wearable device to be worn on a body part includes deformation sensors and a controller. The controller instructs the deformation sensors to measure deformation forces. The controller determines a position of the body part based on the measured deformation forces and a transfer function that maps deformation forces to positions of a same or corresponding body part. The transfer function is generated based on measurements from calibration and deformation sensors to sense corresponding positions of the body part and deformation forces. A calibration sensor may include a magnetic field generator and a magnetic flux sensor. The wearable device may be a glove and the body part may be a hand.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of tracking stocked inventory, such as products or other items stocked on a store shelf or other storage space. The disclosure is also directed to devices and systems that may be utilized to carry out such methods.

Abstract: A method protects an electrical modular unit from overcurrent damage by virtue of an inductive component converting electrical energy into magnetic and thermal energy, in which a bypass bypasses the inductive component during regular operation of the modular unit and current flows via the bypass. In order to reduce current spikes in the event of a surge current without significantly enlarging the semiconductor switching the circuit inductance for the commutation circuit, it is proposed that the bypass is opened by an overcurrent flowing through the bypass which is above a current value that can be achieved during fault-free operation of the modular unit, with the result that more current is forced through the inductive component than residual current flows through the bypass.

Abstract: Embroidered sensor assemblies are described that are formed on a flexible substrate, such as a suitable fabric material. The embroidered sensors can be configured as a pattern of wires that enable measurement of strain based on positional relationships between nodes formed by the pattern of wires. As a pipe or other object flexes, the positional relationships are altered and can be detected to facilitate computation of strain. Strain can be deduced at each individual node, which can then be used to create a strain profile or map for the object.

Abstract: A stretchable flexible pressure sensor includes stretchable conductive interconnects, or electrodes, sandwiching an elastic substrate that is stretchable in one or more directions. The interconnects are positioned on opposing surfaces of the elastic substrate and overlap at select sensing areas. The elastic substrate at each sensing area is replaced with a foam or air gap to enable movement of a top stretchable conductive interconnect, a bottom stretchable conductive interconnect or both toward each other in response to an applied force. The stretchable conductive interconnects are each patterned having a meandering shape and are aligned with each other. The meandering shape provides slack such that as the elastic substrate is stretched the slack is taken up.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin-mounted biomedical devices and methods of making and using biomedical devices for sensing and actuation applications. For example, flexible and/or stretchable biomedical devices are provided, including electronic devices useful for establishing conformal contact with the skin of a subject. Devices disclosed herein can comprise a plurality of sensing and/or actuating devices provided as part of a skin-mounted flexible or stretchable electronic circuit.

Abstract: A novel conducting structure and conducting method for an upper sheet and a lower sheet of a film button circuit. A first upper sheet conducting layer and a second upper sheet conducting layer are coated in sequence on an upper sheet conducting contact point. A first lower sheet conducting layer and a second lower sheet conducting layer are coated in sequence on a lower sheet conducting contact point. The first upper sheet conducting layer, the second upper sheet conducting layer, the second lower sheet conducting layer and the first lower sheet conducting layer are overlapped in sequence, thereby forming a composite conducting layer that is slightly greater than a back glue layer in thickness. The present invention can simplify assembly processes and can improve the production efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility. In embodiments, an alert may be generated when a failure to conform with activity guidelines is detected.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressure sensitive element capable of suppressing dispersion in the initial load for pressure sensing among the sensor electrodes or among the pressure sensors. The pressure sensitive element has a support substrate, a sensor electrode, a pressure sensing film and an insulating layer. The pressure sensing film is arranged opposing to the sensor electrode. The insulating layer has an opening and is provided between the support substrate and the pressure sensing film. At least a part of an opening edge of the opening is fallen on the sensor electrode. An exposed part as a part of the sensor electrode is exposed inside the opening, while leaving a buried part as the other part of the sensor electrode buried under the insulating layer.

Abstract: A sensor assembly comprising first, second and third layers of flexible material forming, when superposed, a pressure-sensitive sensor having at least two sensor cells. The first layer comprises first and second electrically conductive regions mechanically connected to each other via an electrically non-conductive region. The second layer comprises a third electrically conductive region. The third electrically conductive region of the second layer overlaps the first and second electrically conductive regions of the first layer. The region of overlap defines an active region of a first and a second sensor cell. The third layer is formed of a conductive elastic material that cooperates under a local mechanical load in the active region with the first and second conductive regions of the first layer so that an electrical resistance between the electrical conductive regions changes in the place of the compressive load.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof are directed to a haptic device having a pressure-sensitive suspension system. The haptic device includes a housing, a touch surface component mounted to the housing to be movable relative thereto, and a haptic actuator for providing haptic feedback to the touch surface component. At least one suspension component is disposed between the touch surface component and the housing. The suspension component is formed from an elastomer and includes pressure-sensing particles integrated into the elastomer. The pressure-sensing particles are configured to sense pressure applied to the touch surface component.

Abstract: A touch panel device including: a first resistance film; a second resistance film opposed to the first resistance film; a pair of first electrodes that is arranged on the first resistance film, and applies a first voltage to the first resistance film; a pair of second electrodes that is arranged on both ends of the second resistance film in the same direction as an application direction of the first voltage; a first detector that is connected to the pair of the second electrodes, and detects voltages at the second electrodes, respectively; and a calculator that calculates coordinates of two points in the application direction of the first voltage based on the respective voltages detected by the first detector.

Abstract: Electronic musical instruments as disclosed, include sensors to digitize and alter the sound using FSR sensors in the mouthpieces and other elements of the instrument to mimic the variations available in analog instruments.

Abstract: In a metal plate resistor, the bonded surface between the resistance body and the electrode can be prevented from peeling off. The metal plate resistor comprises a resistance body; an electrode consisting of metal material having a higher conductivity than the resistance body, and the electrode bonded with the resistance body; a recessed portion formed in an end face of the electrode on a side bonded with the resistance body; and a fixation hole formed in the electrode for inserting a bolt; wherein an end portion of the resistance body is fitted into the recessed portion in the electrode. The recessed portion is provided with wall portions on both sides in a width direction of the resistance body, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to a penetration direction of the fixation hole. The recessed portion is opened to an end face and a first surface of the electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a diaphragm with a contact, contact stocks each forming a movable contact on a stock formed out of a strip-shaped thin metal sheet material, or a rolled material are bonded at predetermined intervals to the stock by resistance welding, for example to form a diaphragm stock with a contact. Next, the stock of a diaphragm with a contact is subjected to continuous blanking with a predetermined diameter from each movable contact as center to produce a diaphragm with a contact.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensing element configured to be flexible, and capable of demonstrating a stable electrical reliability over a long period; and, a pressure sensor having such pressure sensing element. A pressure sensing element (100) has an electro-conductive pressure sensing film (14), a sensor electrode (12) provided at a position faced to the pressure sensing film (14), and an insulating layer (13) which creates a predetermined distance “A” between the pressure sensing film (14) and the sensor electrode (12) so as to keep them apart from each other, the pressure sensing film (14) being a resin film containing carbon particles (140); and, a pressure sensor (200) has the pressure sensing element (100), and a detection unit (210) which is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element (100) so as to detect contact resistance between the pressure sensing film (14) and the sensor electrode (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for a wearable sensor apparatus. In one instance, the apparatus may comprise a flexible substrate and conductive fabric component that comprises a first length and that may be attachably mounted on the flexible substrate. The conductive fabric component, in response to a direct or indirect application of external force to the flexible substrate, may stretch between the first length and a second length that is greater than the first length, and generate an electric parameter based at least in part on an amount of the applied external force. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A strain sensor according to the present disclosure includes a flexible substrate, a rigid pattern on a side of the flexible substrate, and a conductive flexible pattern extending in a first direction on a side of the flexible substrate, in which the conductive flexible pattern overlaps the rigid pattern such that as the flexible substrate is compressed or stretched, the conductive flexible pattern is compressed or stretched, thereby changing electric resistance.

Abstract: A power tool (10) comprises a motor for driving a driven element of the power tool (10) and a handle section (12), wherein the power tool (10) incorporates first and second pressure sensitive switches (18,20) operable to control operation of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the elementary angle of a control path on a touch surface, characterized in that it comprises measuring two elementary movement values (|dX|, |dY|) along two perpendicular axes (X, Y) for a predetermined duration (dT), comparing said values (|dX|, |dY|) with unitary value ranges of elementary movements (Xu, Yu) of a reference data table and allocating a reference data representative of an angle to an elementary angle (d?) of the control path. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an angular variation of a control path on a touch surface, characterized in that it comprises implementing the above method for determining the elementary angle of a control path on a touch surface and storing the elementary angle (d?) allocated during an elementary step, repeating the elementary step, and assembling in series the allocated elementary angles (d?) in order to determine an angular variation of the control path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving equipment, such as in a medical examination system. In order to provide a facilitated way of moving equipment with high accuracy, a driving device (10) for moving equipment is provided, comprising a motor-driven positioning unit (12), a central processing unit (14), and a user interface (16) with at least one sensor unit (18). The motor-driven positioning unit is configured to carry out a movement (M) of movable equipment. Further, the central processing unit is configured to control the movement of the equipment provided by the motor-driven positioning unit. The at least one sensor unit comprises at least one touch sensitive area (20), and the at least one sensor unit is configured to provide control signals (22) to the central processing unit in dependency from a force (F) applied by a user to the at least one touch sensitive area. Still further, the at least one sensor unit is configured to be fixedly attached to the movable equipment.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a base having a bottom wall and a first sidewall enclosed with the bottom wall to form a first receiving space. A pressure sensitive film is located in the first receiving space and the peripheral portion of the pressure sensitive film is arranged on the first sidewall. An elastic cover has a top wall, a second sidewall, and a protrusion. The top wall and the second sidewall are enclosed to form a second receiving space. The second sidewall is located on the first sidewall of the base, the protrusion extends from the top wall to the second receiving space and makes contact with the pressure sensitive film, transferring an external pressure to the pressure sensitive film. The resistance of the pressure sensitive film is virtually linear corresponding to the external pressure.

Abstract: Electronic musical instruments as disclosed, include sensors to digitize and alter the sound using FSR sensors in the mouthpieces and other elements of the instrument to mimic the variations available in analog instruments.

Abstract: A textile pressure sensor for the capacitive measuring of a pressure distribution of objects of any shape, in particular body parts, on a surface is proposed, having a first structure (30a) which is conductive at least in regions and a second structure (30b) which is conductive at least in regions, wherein the first and the second structure which are conductive at least in regions are separated from each other by a dielectric intermediate element (48), and wherein conductive regions of the first structure (30a) form capacitors with opposite conductive regions of the second structure (30b). The textile pressure sensor is distinguished in that the first and/or the second structure (30a, 30b) which is conductive at least in regions is designed as a knitted fabric.

Abstract: An instant response pressure sensor is disclosed. An embodiment shows no continuous gap is configured between a piezoresistor and neighboring element(s) in thickness direction. The instant response pressure sensor is able to respond immediately to an extremely small pressure applied thereupon in the early stage with an extremely small distance movement because the instant response pressure sensor without having an extra press journey to move before trigging.

Abstract: A pliable pressure sensitive sensor device and method of making the same is provided. The sensor includes first and second pliable protective layers, which cover sets of conductive fibers that spatially separated by an electrically conductive pliable layer, which deforms in response to a pressure event. The fiber sets form a grid pattern and are in electrical communication with sets of electrical contacts located in predetermined locations along the fibers. In response to a pressure event in proximity to the contact, the pliable layer deforms and increases the amount of surface area in contact with an electrical contact whereby an electrical resistance at an individual electrical contact decreases in response to the pressure event.

Abstract: A pressure array sensor module including an array electrode board, a plurality of pressure sensing elements, at least one first conductive structure and at least one second conductive structure is provided. The array electrode board includes a substrate and an array electrode. The array electrode, disposed on the substrate, has a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern. Each pressure sensing element, disposed on a sensing position of the array electrode board, includes a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer and at least one pressure sensing layer disposed between the top and bottom electrode layers. The top electrode layer has a first lead. The bottom electrode layer has a second lead. The first conductive structure is electrically connected between each first lead and a corresponding first electrode pattern. The second conductive structure is electrically connected between each second lead and a corresponding second electrode pattern.

Abstract: Electronic musical instruments as disclosed, include sensors to digitize and alter the sound using FSR sensors in the mouthpieces and other elements of the instrument to mimic the variations available in analog instruments.

Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component, also referred to as a hug sensor, has an electrically conductive and compressible material and is movable from a rest, non-compressed position towards a compressed position by way of the application of an external force thereon (e.g., a hug or squeeze). The hug sensor has a resistance there across that is monitored by a microprocessor. Compression of the hug sensor causes changes in the resistance across the hug sensor. Changes in the detected resistance across the hug sensor result in activation of responses (e.g., playing of audio and/or movement). Varying responses may be activated as a result of varying changes in resistance.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.

Abstract: A resistive force sensing circuit and a resistive force sensing apparatus. The circuit includes a plurality of sensor circuit inputs, a plurality of sensor circuit outputs; and a plurality of resistor units. Each of the resistor units includes a force-sensing resistor, a first side resistor, and a second side resistor. The first terminals of the force-sensing resistor, the first side resistor and the second side resistor are electrically connected to each other at one node, a second terminal of the force-sensing resistor is electrically connected to one of the sensor circuit inputs, and second terminals of the first side resistor and the second side resistor are electrically connected to two adjacent sensor circuit outputs, respectively. The first side resistor and the second side resistor are a pair of resistors with substantially equal resistance. The apparatus includes structures to realize the function of the resistive force sensing circuit.

Abstract: A flexible smart glove detects fine hand and finger motions while permitting the wearer to make hand gestures with dexterity. The flexible smart glove has a thickness of less than about 100 ?m and incorporates capacitive micro-sensors positioned at finger joint locations. The micro-sensors are thin film devices built on substrates made of a pliable material such as polyimide. Interdigitated serpentine capacitors monitor strain in the back of the hand, while parallel plate capacitors monitor contact pressure on the palm. Thus the smart glove responds electrically to various types of hand motions. Thin film resistors responsive to changes in body temperature are also formed on the flexible substrate. Motion and temperature data is transmitted from the glove to a microprocessor via a passive RFID tag or an active wireless transmitter. An ASIC is embedded in the smart glove to relay real time sensor data to a remote processor.

Abstract: A reaction force generator includes: a base member mounted on a supporter supporting an operating member pivotably; a dome member protruding from the base member; and a top member provided on a protruding-side end of the dome member to be pressed by the operating member toward the base member. The dome member is deformed to produce a reaction force when the top member is pressed by the operating member. A basal-end-side plane and a distal-end-side plane intersect each other at a position located on one of opposite sides of the dome member which is nearer to a pivot fulcrum of the operating member. The basal-end-side plane includes a line of intersection between the base member and the dome member adjacent to each other. The distal-end-side plane includes a line of intersection between the dome member and the top member adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a cover coupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of the paddle. The electrical switch comprises a dome switch and the paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch.

Abstract: Electronic musical instruments as disclosed, include sensors to digitize and alter the sound using FSR sensors in the mouthpieces and other elements of the instrument to mimic the variations available in analog instruments.

Abstract: A robot bumper including a bumper body having a forward surface and a top surface angling away from the forward surface. The bumper body conforms to a shape of a received robot chassis. The robot bumper also includes a force absorbing layer disposed on the bumper body, a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged along the top surface of the bumper body, and a force transmission layer disposed between the force absorbing layer and the membrane switch layer. The force transmission layer includes a plurality of force transmitting elements configured to transmit force to the membrane switch layer.

Abstract: Methods for producing a multilayer ceramic component with alternating ceramic layers and internal electrode layers include producing the ceramic layers using a ceramic mass. The methods also include producing the internal electrode layers using a metal paste that contains a portion of a chemically active additive; wherein the chemically active additive reacts chemically with at least one environmental component other than a metal portion of the metal paste.