Abstract: A system (50) for tracking an object (1) comprises a magnetic field source (10) configured to be fixed to this object (1); a magnetometric data collection unit (20) that uses magnetic field sensors (22) fixed at predetermined positions on a support (23) to form an array (21), and that includes a sensor control unit (25) for controlling the magnetic field sensors (22); a data processing unit (30) configured to receive the magnetic field data from the sensor control unit (25) and to calculate from these data position coordinates of the magnetic field source (10) with respect to the array (21) forming a vector of such position coordinates which minimizes the distance between magnetic field values expected at the sensor positions (22) and magnetic field values collected by the collection unit (20), wherein the magnetic field source (10) is arranged to generate a local magnetic field (4), at the magnetic field sensors (22), of intensity set between 5 and 500 microtesla, so that the magnetic field sensors (22) dete

Abstract: A contact force sensor device (10) comprises a gas-inflatable balloon (20) 5 arranged to switch from a deflated state (D) to an inflated state (J) in which it protrudes out of a support member (11); a valve assembly (34) to inflate/deflate the gas-inflatable balloon (12) with a gas; a detector (41) of a force-related value related to a force acting on the inflated gas-inflatable balloon (20) including a membrane (22) due to a contact with a wall (90) 10 outside of support member (11); a processing unit (60) configured to receive a detection signal (45) and to consequently calculate a contact force signal (54) according to a predetermined function; and a notification device (70) configured to receive the contact force signal (54) and to notify it to a user.

Abstract: An electromechanical stimulation system for treating tinnitus comprising a proximal unit (10), configured to be placed proximate to a user's ear (1), and an input interface (50) configured to be operated by the user. The proximal unit comprises an electromechanical device (30) configured to transmit mechanical vibrations (35) with predetermined frequency (f), intensity (A) and waveform, to tissues proximate to the user's ear; a control unit (20), configured to actuate the electromechanical device in such a way that the frequency, the intensity and the waveform of the mechanical vibrations can be modified; a transceiver element (40) adapted to receive control signals (45) for the control unit.

Abstract: A haptic system for providing a gait cadence to a subject comprising a portable telecommunication device with a control unit and a wireless transmission means; a vibrotactile device configured to be tightly worn on a portion of the subject's body, including at least one motor configured to generate vibrations that can be perceived by the subject and an actuation unit configured to actuate the motor. The actuation unit is configured to receive wireless signals from the wireless transmission means of the portable telecommunication device and to cause the motor to produce vibrations responsive to the wireless signals. In the control unit a generation program is resident configured to generate cadence signals and to transmit the wireless signals responsive to the cadence signals by the wireless transmission means to the actuation unit. The generation program is configured to provide corresponding cadence pulses to the motor.

Abstract: This disclosure illustrates a wearable detection device, configured to detect vibrations due to the impact of fingers against an object and/or to the sliding of fingertips on a rough surface thereof.

Abstract: Device (100) for applying haptic stimuli to a body part (200) of a user, comprising a stiff support (30) configured to contact the body part 200; a containing element configured to keep the body part (200) in contact with the stiff support (30); an actuating element configured to push the stiff support (30) into the containing element and apply a pressure to the body part 200. The containing element comprises a stiff frame (10) defining a recess (20) to house the body part 200. The frame (10) comprises two lateral stiff guides (51) defining the recess (20) and the stiff support (30) is configured to move in a guided manner in the stiff guides (51). At least one servomotor (40, 40?) is provided connected integrally to the stiff frame (10) on the opposite side to the stiff support (30) with respect to the recess (20) and arranged to cause a relative movement, inside the recess (20) and with respect to the lateral stiff rails (51), of the stiff support (30) with respect to the body part (200).

Abstract: This disclosure illustrates a wearable detection device, configured to detect vibrations due to the impact of fingers against an object and/or to the sliding of fingertips on a rough surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for enhancing a user's grasping capability comprises a belt-like support configured to be tightly fitted about a user's part of the body; an articulated gripping element having a plurality of phalanxes: proximal, fixed to the support, intermediate and distal, which are articulated to each other by articular joints; a motor unit fixed to the support; a winding drum; a tendon partially wound on the drum and extending along the phalanxes and the joints, arranged so that, by pulling it from the drum, the phalanxes rotate about respective articular joints and move the articulated gripping element from an extended position to a gripping bow-shaped position, causing a flexion/extension movement of the articulated gripping element, the joints configured so that by releasing the tendon from the drum, the phalanxes rotate about the respective joints and move the articulated gripping element between gripping bow-shaped position and extended position.

Abstract: A contact force sensor device (10) comprises a gas-inflatable balloon (20) 5 arranged to switch from a deflated state (D) to an inflated state (J) in which it protrudes out of a support member (11); a valve assembly (34) to inflate/deflate the gas-inflatable balloon (12) with a gas; a detector (41) of a force-related value related to a force acting on the inflated gas-inflatable balloon (20) including a membrane (22) due to a contact with a wall (90) 10 outside of support member (11); a processing unit (60) configured to receive a detection signal (45) and to consequently calculate a contact force signal (54) according to a predetermined function; and a notification device (70) configured to receive the contact force signal (54) and to notify it to a user.

Abstract: An electromechanical stimulation system for treating tinnitus comprising a proximal unit (10), configured to be placed proximate to a user's ear (1), and an input interface (50) configured to be operated by the user. The proximal unit comprises an electromechanical device (30) configured to transmit mechanical vibrations (35) with predetermined frequency (f), intensity (A) and waveform, to tissues proximate to the user's ear; a control unit (20), configured to actuate the electromechanical device in such a way that the frequency, the intensity and the waveform of the mechanical vibrations can be modified; a transceiver element (40) adapted to receive control signals (45) for the control unit.

Abstract: Device (100) for applying haptic stimuli to a body part (200) of a user, comprising a stiff support (30) configured to contact the body part 200; a containing element configured to keep the body part (200) in contact with the stiff support (30); an actuating element configured to push the stiff support (30) into the containing element and apply a pressure to the body part 200. The containing element comprises a stiff frame (10) defining a recess (20) to house the body part 200. The frame (10) comprises two lateral stiff guides (51) defining the recess (20) and the stiff support (30) is configured to move in a guided manner in the stiff guides (51). At least one servomotor (40, 40?) is provided connected integrally to the stiff frame (10) on the opposite side to the stiff support (30) with respect to the recess (20) and arranged to cause a relative movement, inside the recess (20) and with respect to the lateral stiff rails (51), of the stiff support (30) with respect to the body part (200).

Abstract: A device for enhancing a user's grasping capability comprises a belt-like support configured to be tightly fitted about a user's part of the body; an articulated gripping element having a plurality of phalanxes: proximal, fixed to the support, intermediate and distal, which are articulated to each other by articular joints; a motor unit fixed to the support; a winding drum; a tendon partially wound on the drum and extending along the phalanxes and the joints, arranged so that, by pulling it from the drum, the phalanxes rotate about respective articular joints and move the articulated gripping element from an extended position to a gripping bow-shaped position, causing a flexion/extension movement of the articulated gripping element, the joints configured so that by releasing the tendon from the drum, the phalanxes rotate about the respective joints and move the articulated gripping element between gripping bow-shaped position and extended position.

Abstract: A device for providing cutaneous sensations to a fingertip includes a lower base, an upper platform positioned over and mechanically connected to the lower base, and a shear plate positioned between the lower base and the upper platform and mechanically connected to the lower base. When a fingertip is positioned between the upper platform and the lower base, the upper platform is selectively vertically translatable relative to the lower base to provide a compressive force, and the shear plate is selectively laterally translatable relative to the lower base to provide a shear force. Accordingly, a wearable fingertip device having two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) to provide consecutive and/or concurrent compressive force and/or shear force to a fingertip is provided. The wearable fingertip device can be used in various scenarios; is portable, easily wearable, and easily manufacturable; and has low overall operating power requirements.

Abstract: A device for providing cutaneous sensations to a fingertip 10 includes a lower base, an upper platform positioned over and mechanically connected to the lower base, and a shear plate positioned between the lower 36 base and the upper platform and mechanically connected to the lower base. When a fingertip is positioned between the upper platform and the lower base, the upper platform is selectively vertically translatable relative to the lower base to provide a compressive force, and the shear plate is selectively laterally translatable relative to the lower base to provide a shear force. Accordingly, a wearable fingertip device having two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) to provide consecutive and/or concurrent compressive force and/or shear force to a fingertip is provided. The wearable fingertip device can be used in various scenarios; is portable, easily wearable, and easily manufacturable; and has low overall operating power requirements.

Abstract: A haptic system for providing a gait cadence to a subject comprising a portable telecommunication device with a control unit and a wireless transmission means; a vibrotactile device configured to be tightly worn on a portion of the subject's body, including at least one motor configured to generate vibrations that can be perceived by the subject and an actuation unit configured to actuate the motor. The actuation unit is configured to receive wireless signals from the wireless transmission means of the portable telecommunication device and to cause the motor to produce vibrations responsive to the wireless signals. In the control unit a generation program is resident configured to generate cadence signals and to transmit the wireless signals responsive to the cadence signals by the wireless transmission means to the actuation unit. The generation program is configured to provide corresponding cadence pulses to the motor.