Abstract: A touch sensitive audio-visual input/output device comprising an internal core comprising a controller, the controller associated with at least one processor and at least one memory store, at least one light emitter associated with the controller, at least one audio output component associated with the controller, at least one actuator provided relative to the housing and associated with the controller and configured to transmit touch inputs to the controller to control operation of the device, and a flexible, translucent outer casing for at least partially enclosing the internal core.

Abstract: A sole (100) or inner sole for a shoe is provided. The sole (100) or inner sole comprises: a toe region (28) for supporting a user's toes; a forefoot region (26) for supporting a user's forefoot; a midfoot region (24) for supporting a user's arch; and a heel region (22) for supporting a user's heel. A longitudinal direction (X) extends from the heel region (22) towards the toe region (28). A lateral direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X) extends from an inner side to an outer side of the sole (100) or inner sole. A plurality of force sensors (10) distributed throughout the sole (100) or inner sole.

Abstract: A touch sensitive audio-visual input/output device comprising an internal core comprising a controller, the controller associated with at least one processor and at least one memory store, at least one light emitter associated with the controller, at least one audio output component associated with the controller, at least one actuator provided relative to the housing and associated with the controller and configured to transmit touch inputs to the controller to control operation of the device, and a flexible, translucent outer casing for at least partially enclosing the internal core.

Abstract: A control input device for a linked system comprising: a plurality of proximity sensors provided evenly spaced around a ring defined on a common sensor platform, each proximity sensor operable to determine the relative proximity of any objects within a detection zone associated with the proximity sensor and output a proximity signal in response; a core unit operable to receive proximity signals from each proximity sensor and output a directional signal in response thereto; a communication unit operable to communicate the directional signal to the linked system; and one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor, wherein the one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor are operated in response to the proximity signal output by the associated proximity sensor to indicate directionality of a motion relative to the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor includes first and second electrical contacts, and a layer of deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes. The layer of deformable material is arranged between the first and second electrical contacts. A difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts. A method of manufacturing a force sensitive resistor includes the steps of providing first and second electrical contacts, and arranging a deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes between the first and second electrical contacts. Again, a difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts.

Abstract: A sealed force-sensitive resistor is provided. The sealed force-sensitive resistor includes: a bottom layer; a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer and a top layer. The top layer is sealed to the bottom layer in an airtight manner. The force-sensitive resistor further comprises a spacer ring surrounding the first conductive element and a flexible top sensor layer. The top sensor layer is attached across the spacer ring and comprises a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer is moveable in use in relation to the flexible bottom layer to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor. The force-sensitive resistor further comprises an air permeable spacer material between the top and bottom layer.

Abstract: A sensor pad is provided. The sensor pad comprises a first layer and a second layer of padding material, each having an inner face. The inner face of the first layer is provided with a first printed conductive ink track and the inner face of the second layer is provided with a second printed conductive ink track. At least one of the layers is provided on its inner face with a plurality of raised portions between adjacent runs of the printed track to provide a spacer layer across the sensor pad, which improves the ability of the sensor pad to return to a pre-impact configuration following an impact. The plurality of raised portions maintain the two printed tracks apart when the sensor is unstressed but allow localised contact between the first and second printed tracks when pressure is applied to the sensor pad.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor is provided comprising: a flexible bottom layer of a first material, comprising a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer; a spacer ring attached to the bottom layer, the spacer ring surrounding the first conductive element and extending away from the bottom layer; and a flexible top sensor layer of a second material attached across the spacer ring comprising a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer is moveable relative to the flexible bottom layer to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor. The Young's Modulus of the first material is less than the Young's Modulus of the second material. The flexible bottom layer extends past the spacer ring. The foregoing arrangement locally limits the amount of flexion of the lower layer in the region surrounding the first conductive element, thereby ensuring accurate data can be obtained.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor includes first and second electrical contacts, and a layer of deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes. The layer of deformable material is arranged between the first and second electrical contacts. A difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts. A method of manufacturing a force sensitive resistor includes the steps of providing first and second electrical contacts, and arranging a deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: A senor insert for a shoe includes a flexible planar portion having a shape of an inner sole for a shoe. The flexible planar portion includes a central layer containing a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing the pressure applied by the foot and electrical connections to the sensors; a lower layer having a lower face arranged to face the sole of a shoe and having a first coefficient of friction; and an upper layer having an upper face via which a foot is arranged to impact the insert and having a second coefficient of friction which is lower than the first coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Inner soles including a pressure sensor, transmitter, a global positioning tracking device, an accelerometer, a power source and control circuit are provided, as well as systems including the inner soles and methods of use.

Abstract: A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure a force includes a plurality of distinct layers. The layers include a first impact absorbing material having an outer face facing the direction of expected impact and an opposite inner face, an impact dissipating layer adjacent to the inner face of the first impact absorbing material and having a higher flexural rigidity than the first impact absorbing material, a second impact absorbing material having an outer face adjacent to the impact dissipating layer and an opposite inner face, and having a lower hardness than the impact dissipating layer, and a pressure sensor arranged across the inner face of the second impact absorbing material. An impact on the outer face is partially absorbed by that material, dissipated by the impact dissipating layer and further absorbed by the second impact absorbing material, with the remaining transmitted force being sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A wearable garment includes at least one impact absorbing pad with an inner face facing the body of a wearer and an opposite outer face, and a pressure sensor on the side of the pad faced by the inner face of the pad positioned so as to measure the effect at the inner face of an impact on the outer face after a portion of the impact has been absorbed by the pad.

Abstract: Insoles including a pressure sensor, transmitter, a global positioning tracking device, an accelerometer, a power source and control circuit are provided, as well as systems including the insoles and methods of use.

Abstract: A sole (100) or inner sole for a shoe is provided. The sole (100) or inner sole comprises: a toe region (28) for supporting a user's toes; a forefoot region (26) for supporting a user's forefoot; a midfoot region (24) for supporting a user's arch; and a heel region (22) for supporting a user's heel. A longitudinal direction (X) extends from the heel region (22) towards the toe region (28). A lateral direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X) extends from an inner side to an outer side of the sole (100) or inner sole. A plurality of force sensors (10) distributed throughout the sole (100) or inner sole.

Abstract: A sealed force-sensitive resistor (10) is provided comprising: a bottom layer (8); a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer (8) and a top layer (9). The top layer (9) is sealed to the bottom layer (8) in an airtight manner. The force-sensitive resistor (10) further comprises a spacer ring (18) surrounding the first conductive element and a flexible top sensor layer (19). The top sensor layer (19) is attached across the spacer ring (18) and comprises a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer (19) is moveable in use in relation to the flexible bottom layer (8) to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor (10). The force-sensitive resistor (10) further comprises an air permeable spacer material (5) between the top and bottom layer (9, 8).

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor (10) is provided comprising: a flexible bottom layer (8) of a first material, comprising a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer (8); a spacer ring (18) attached to the bottom layer (8), the spacer ring (18) surrounding the first conductive element and extending away from the bottom layer (8); and a flexible top sensor layer (19) of a second material attached across the spacer ring (18) comprising a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer (19) is moveable relative to the flexible bottom layer (8) to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor (10). The Young's Modulus of the first material is less than the Young's Modulus of the second material. The flexible bottom layer (8) extends past the spacer ring (18).

Abstract: A sensor is provided, the sensor comprising a first layer (10) of padding material having an inner face and a second layer (12) of padding material having an inner face. The inner faces of the two layers face one another. The inner face of the first layer (10) is provided with a first printed conductive ink track (13) and the inner face of the second layer (12) is provided with a second printed conductive ink track (15). At least one of the printed tracks (13, 15) passes across the pad in a number of runs at a plurality of spaced locations. The first track (13) on the first layer (10) intersects at a plurality of locations with the second track (15) on the second layer (12).

Abstract: A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure a force, the structure comprising a plurality of distinct layers includes: a first impact absorbing material having an outer face facing the direction of expected impact and an opposite inner face; an impact dissipating layer adjacent to the inner face of the first impact absorbing material and having a higher flexural rigidity than the first impact absorbing material; a second impact absorbing material having an outer face adjacent to the impact dissipating layer and an opposite inner face, and having a lower hardness than the impact dissipating layer; and a pressure sensor arranged across the inner face of the second impact absorbing material. An impact on the outer face is partially absorbed by that material, dissipated by the impact dissipating layer and further absorbed by the second impact absorbing material, with the remaining transmitted force being sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A wearable garment includes at least one impact absorbing pad with an inner face facing the body of a wearer and an opposite outer face, and a pressure sensor on the side of the pad faced by the inner face of the pad positioned so as to measure the effect at the inner face of an impact on the outer face after a portion of the impact has been absorbed by the pad.