Abstract: A pressure sensor has a base layer, a supporting structure arranged on the base layer, and an elastic layer disposed above the base layer and the supporting structure. The elastic layer has a curved lower surface that is recessed away from the base layer. The curved lower surface, the supporting structure and the base layer define a cavity with an arched top wall. A first electrode, a second electrode, and an elastic body are all arranged within the cavity, such that when the elastic layer is elastically deformed in a direction of the base layer, the variable resistance elastic body electrically connects the first electrode with the second electrode, so as to generate a first signal related to the elastic deformation of the variable resistance elastic body.

Abstract: An electronic pen is realized which includes a side switch that has a simple configuration and enables instruction inputs of a plurality of states to be performed easily and properly. The electronic pen has a side switch unit provided at a side surface of a pen body to be gripped by a user. The side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which capacitive sensors and pressure sensing sensors are provided as two kinds of touch sensors of different detection systems such that sensor regions (detection regions) are superimposed on each other. Thus, at least a case of performing an operation in such a manner as to act on one touch sensor and a case of performing an operation in such a manner as to act on both touch sensors simultaneously can be indicated through the side switch unit.

Abstract: An electrical charge storage medium comprises a quantity of first electrically conductive particles contained in a non conductive binder (for example polyurethane). The first electrically conductive particles are magnetite particles. The quantity of magnetite particles includes a distribution of particle sizes between sub-micron and tens of microns, and the magnetite particles have a plurality of planar faces, adjacent planar faces connected at a vertex. The particles each have a plurality of vertices. The magnetite particles are irregular in shape and have a low aspect ratio. Electrical charge storage medium is applied to a non-conductive substrate and contacted by two spaced apart electrodes to sense the change in resistance upon intercation with a volatile organic compound.

Abstract: A flexible display device includes a flexible substrate including a folding area and a non-folding area with a folding axis, a thin film transistor disposed on the flexible substrate, an organic light emitting diode disposed on the thin film transistor, an encapsulation layer disposed on the organic light emitting diode, a touch sensor layer disposed on the encapsulation layer and having a plurality of touch electrodes, a protective layer disposed on the touch sensor layer, and a plurality of shock-proof pattern units disposed on the protective layer. Each of the plurality of touch electrodes includes a plurality of metal lines, and each of the plurality of shock-proof pattern units is disposed on the protective layer so as to overlap at least a part of the plurality of metal lines.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel; a first force sensor disposed under the display panel; and a first waterproof member disposed under the display panel and disposed on an outer side of the first force sensor, wherein a height of the first waterproof member is larger than a height of the first force sensor.

Abstract: A variable-speed control assembly for use in controlling speed of an electric motor of an electric device, the variable-speed control assembly including: a housing; a speed signaling circuit module located within the housing including a pair of spaced-apart electrically-conductive stationary contact members and a movable electrically-conductive contact member configured for movement relative to the pair of stationary contact members between at least one of an OFF position in which the movable contact member does not electrically connect the pair of stationary contact members, and, a plurality of ON positions in which the movable contact member electrically connects the pair of stationary contact members such that an electric current supplied to the speed signaling circuit module from a power supply of the electric device is able to flow between the pair of stationary contact members via the movable contact member; wherein the movable contact member includes an elastically-deformable material configured for de

Abstract: A pressure sensing device having a first sensing element, a second sensing element and a sensing circuit. The first and second sensing elements have one or more piezoresistive materials. The first sensing element has a first gradient along a longitudinal axis thereof having a first direction. The second sensing element has a second gradient along a longitudinal axis thereof having a second direction. The first direction of the first gradient is opposite to the second direction of the second gradient. The sensing circuit is (a) coupled to the first and second sensing elements and (b) arranged to sense at least one out of resistance and conductance of the first and second sensing elements to determine a magnitude and a location of a pressure applied on the first and second sensing elements along the longitudinal axes thereof.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electrostatic conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The electrostatic conductive layer is included in a cover assembly positioned over a display. The cover assembly includes a cover sheet, a touch sensor, and the electrostatic conductive layer. The electrostatic conductive layer is driven by an electric field, which electric field is produced by the touch sensor. When the electrostatic conductive layer is activated, it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.

Abstract: One object is to provide a steering device that facilitates disengagement of a speed reducer so that, for example, when the speed reducer fails, the speed reducer can be disengaged to enable steering of a vehicle with a manual operational force alone. This application relates to a steering device provided with a steering mechanism and a speed reducer. The steering mechanism steers tires of a vehicle under a steering force from a steering wheel. The speed reducer is connected to a motor for outputting a steering assistance force corresponding to the steering force. The speed reducer enlarges the steering assistance force and transmits the enlarged steering assistance force to the steering mechanism. The speed reducer is connected to the steering mechanism via a speed reducer arm.

Abstract: A system for fabricating an object includes an extruder for one or more deposition materials. The extruder has at least one nozzle with a nozzle tip that includes an exit orifice and has a width that is equal to or larger than a width of the exit orifice. The system also includes a controller coupled with the extruder, the controller configured to apply a correction factor that has been calculated for a path of the nozzle based on a slope of a surface of an object to be fabricated. The correction factor for a positive slope is different from that for a negative slope. The extruder is configured to cause movement of the nozzle along the path to deposit material on the slope of the surface of the object, and the correction factor removes differences in thickness of the deposited material caused by the slope in relation to the path.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed that is formed by jointly controlling a printhead and a worktable to provide three dimensional printing and insuring every point in a three dimensional print volume can be reached. Similarly, systems and methods are described to extend robot reach by coordinating robot and worktable control.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of electronic sensorized spherical input and output devices, systems, and methods for capturing gestural input from a user's physical interactions with a spherical device. In one embodiment, the spherical input and output device includes a number of sensors along the surface area of the sphere in a configuration conforming to a user's fingers and hands. A microprocessor receives sensor input and transmits the sensor signals to receiving devices which include computer software to translate the sensor signals to audio output, visual output, or various functions on receiving devices. Additional embodiments of the invention include binary modifier functions which allow the user to trigger a number of different outputs for the sensorized sphere, such as volume control, tempo, sample playback, LED lights, game modes, and other functions.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which includes a conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The conductive layer includes conductive particles within an organic compound, such as an epoxy. When the conductive layer is activated it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.

Abstract: A key module includes a first bracket, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket to form an internal space and including an opening region, and a sensor bracket allowing a fingerprint sensor unit and a press key unit to be mounted therein, and mounted to be movable in the internal space such that one region of the fingerprint sensor unit is exposed through the opening region, wherein one surface of the fingerprint sensor unit is exposed, the press key unit is disposed on the other surface of the fingerprint sensor unit, and the press key unit includes a circuit board and a dome switch disposed on the circuit board to face the first bracket.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device is provided. The pressure sensing device includes a force sensor. The pressure sensing device further includes a rigid force conductor and a soft deformable object. The rigid force conductor is disposed between the force sensor and the soft deformable object.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. It concerns an oscillation applicator for MR rheology. It is an object of the invention to provide an oscillation applicator without restrictions regarding the usability for certain body regions. According to the invention, the oscillation applicator comprises at least one transducer which generates a reciprocating motion at a given frequency and a belt (19) mechanically coupled to the transducer, which belt (19) is designed to be wrapped around a patient's body (10). Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device (1) and to a method of MR imaging.

Abstract: A system for hand gesture detection is provided, comprising: a wrist wear adapted to be worn about a wrist of a user of the system and including a set of skin electrodes adapted to face the wrist; an impedance measurement circuit adapted to measure at least a first impedance in a first portion of the wrist and a second impedance in a second portion of the wrist which second portion is circumferentially displaced in relation to said first portion, wherein the first impedance is measured via a first electrode group including four skin electrodes of said set of skin electrodes and the second impedance is measured via a second electrode group including four skin electrodes of said set of skin electrodes, and a processing circuit adapted to detect a hand gesture of the user based on the first and the second impedance measured by the impedance measurement circuit.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method of fabricating a laminate of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. According to the method a flexible and compliant layer of material which is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.

Abstract: A collision sensor device for a medical apparatus includes a sensor structure having a first sensor and a second sensor that are separated by a spacer layer, at least one crumple layer that adjoins one of the first sensor and the second sensor and is configured to provide a run-on path, and an outer surface layer provided on a side facing away from the medical apparatus in an installed state of the collision sensor device.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that include a composite of at least three different materials, where the at least three different materials include a conductor, an insulator, and a non-centrosymmetric material, and where each material is disposed in one or more different cross-sectional regions of the fiber, with each region extending along a common length of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a minimally invasive instrument comprising an enlargeable sensor head with a flat sensor element that has resilient properties. In order to enable an improved minimally invasive instrument, the sensor element comprises a film element with a first layer and with a second layer distanced from the first layer by means of spacers, wherein the sensor element comprises, arranged between the layers of the film element, expansion-sensitive, polymer-based resistance elements for picking up tactile stimuli.

Abstract: A dynamic sensor includes a weight having an H shape in a plan view. The weight includes a first weight portion and a second weight portion which have substantially rectangular parallelepiped shapes and are aligned in a short side direction at an interval and a bridge portion which connects the first and second weight portions and extends in the aligned direction. The bridge portion connects the first and second weight portions at an approximate center thereof in a long side direction. Supports are located in a region between the first and second weight portions where the bridge portion is not provided. The first weight portion is connected to a first support via a first beam and to a second support via a second beam. The second weight portion is connected to the first support via a third beam and to the second support via a fourth beam.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided that include an open-cell polymer foam matrix including one or more polymers and, embedded into the polymer foam matrix, granules or shapes which have an open porosity.

Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus has a plurality of unit regions, and each of the unit regions includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a spacer structure. The first substrate has a first electrode layer thereon. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and has a second electrode thereon. The spacer structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. In particular, there are plural of sensing units in each of the unit regions, and sensing trigger forces of the sensing units in the unit region are not completely the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pressure-sensitive switch including a support substrate, a conductive structure provided on the support substrate, and an electrode unit disposed to face the support substrate with the conductive structure interposed therebetween. The conductive structure includes an electrode layer on the support substrate, and an elastic component having conductivity and extending to protrude from the electrode layer toward the electrode unit.

Abstract: A method of constructing an object includes depositing a first material in a predetermined arrangement to form a structure. The method further includes depositing a second material within the structure. The second material may have electrical properties and the method also includes providing electrical access to the second material to enable observation of the one or more electrical properties.

Abstract: A touch panel including a first insulation substrate, a first conductive film, a first insulation film, first conductive wires, a second insulation substrate, a second conductive film, and second conductive wires is provided. The first conductive film is disposed on the first insulation substrate and the first insulation layer covers a portion of a periphery of the first conductive film so that the first conductive film has an exposed region. The first conductive wires are disposed on the periphery of the first conductive film and each of the first conductive wires includes an electrode segment and an extending segment. The electrode segment is electrically connected with the first conductive film and the extending segment is electrically isolated from the first conductive film. The second conductive film is disposed on the second insulation substrate. The second conductive wires are disposed on the periphery of the second conductive film.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of force sensitive input devices and methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an input device may comprise a first input key configured to output a first analog signal as a function of force applied to the first input key, a second input key configured to output a second analog signal as a function of force applied to the second input key, a third input key configured to output a third analog signal as a function of force applied to the third input key, a fourth input key configured to output a fourth analog signal as a function of force applied to the fourth input key, and a controller configured to output movement data including both direction and magnitude in response to the first, second, third, and fourth analog signals, where the movement data is formatted for presentation to a driver of a computing device.

Abstract: A resistance-type touch panel includes a first electrode plate and the second electrode plate spaced from and opposite to the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first transparent conductive layer. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second transparent conductive layer. The first transparent conductive layer includes a carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube wires substantially parallel with each other and a number of carbon nanotube clusters located between the number of carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube wires extend along an X direction and are spaced from each other along a Y direction. The carbon nanotube clusters between each adjacent two of the carbon nanotube wires are spaced from each other along the X direction. The X direction is intercrossed with the Y direction.

Abstract: Provided are a bending sensor that is less dependent on an input speed of a strain and in which a response delay is unlikely to occur, and a deformed shape measurement method using the bending sensor. The bending sensor is configured to include a base material; a sensor body arranged on a surface of the base material and containing a matrix resin and conductive filler particles filled in the matrix resin at a filling rate of 30% by volume or more, and in which three-dimensional conductive paths are formed by contact among the conductive filler particles, and electrical resistance increases as an deformation amount increases; an elastically deformable cover film arranged so as to cover the sensor body; and a plurality of electrodes connected to the sensor body and capable of outputting electrical resistances. In the sensor body, cracks are formed in advance in such a direction that the conductive paths are cut off during a bending deformation.

Abstract: A detector comprising control circuitry and a sensor in which the detector comprises three layers. The first layer includes a first set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements and a second set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements. The third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, and the second layer extends between the first and third layers. The electrical conductivity of the second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the interactions. In a first mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and third layers to generate a first current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the first current. In a second mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and second sets of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the second current.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises at least one substantially non-conductive polymer binder and at least first and second electrically conductive fillers. The first electrically conductive filler is comprised of particles having avoid-bearing structure; and the second electrically conductive filler is comprised of particles which are acicular in shape.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device for an electrical circuit integrated on a substrate made of polymeric material, incorporating carbonaceous conductive structures which define at least one track having improved electrical conductivity properties with respect to the substrate, which control device includes an operating area adapted to be acted on by a user and having a pressure-deformable structure adapted to disturb the electrical properties of the track by a piezo-resistive effect, wherein the conductive track includes at least one linear segment which has a winding progression at the operating area.

Abstract: The invention provides a touch panel capable of effectively preventing a distortion of an electric potential distribution, thereby increasing an input region of the touch panel. A touch panel including a resistive layer formed on one of surfaces of a substrate and a frame-shaped electrode portion 21 provided along four sides of the resistive layer, wherein each side of the frame-shaped electrode portion 21 is constituted in a broken line pattern having a first split electrode 25a disposed on both ends respectively and a plurality of second split electrodes 25b disposed between the first split electrodes 25a, second resistance values R_i between the second split electrodes 25b are set to be equal to each other, and a first resistance value R_s between the first split electrode 25a and the second split electrode 25b which is adjacent to the first split electrode 25a is different from the second resistance value R_i.

Abstract: A resistance-type touch panel includes a first electrode plate and the second electrode plate spaced from and opposite to the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first transparent conductive layer. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second transparent conductive layer. The first transparent conductive layer includes a carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube wires substantially parallel with each other and a number of carbon nanotube clusters located between the number of carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube wires extend along an X direction and are spaced from each other along a Y direction. The carbon nanotube clusters between each adjacent two of the carbon nanotube wires are spaced from each other along the X direction. The X direction is intercrossed with the Y direction.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch panel, more specifically a piezoresistive type touch panel. According to the present invention, it is provided a manufacturing method of a piezoresistive type touch panel, comprising manufacturing a polymer membrane in which a piezoresistive type film pattern, of which resistance varies with applied pressure, is embedded; manufacturing a spacer layer and attaching one side of the spacer layer to a surface of the polymer membrane; and then attaching a bottom substrate to the other side of the spacer layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a touch panel, includes forming a print layer on a peripheral portion of a surface of a touch panel body portion; coating resin on the surface of the touch panel body portion on which the print layer is formed and, after coating, curing the resin to form a resin layer; and adhering an optical clear adhesive sheet on a surface of a cover film and further adhering the surface of the cover film, at which the optical clear adhesive sheet is adhered to, to the surface of the touch panel body portion at which the resin layer is adhered to.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch includes a pressing member, a flexible base member under the pressing member, a resistance layer on an underside of the base member, an electrode group, a third electrode, and a resistance element. The electrode group includes first and second electrodes and confronts the base member so as to be brought into contact with the resistance layer when the pressing member is pressed. The third electrode is disposed apart from the electrode group and confronts the base member same as the electrode group. The resistance element is connected to the first and second electrodes in series therebetween. The first electrode is located nearer a pressing center of the pressing member than the second electrode.

Abstract: A control panel comprising a cover that is equipped with at least one zone for detecting tactile contact forming a control button, in which a force sensor comprising a pressure-sensitive zone is arranged between the cover and the support so as to detect actuation of the control button, the force of the tactile contact being transmitted axially to the sensitive zone via a spacer plate made of an elastically compressible material that is inserted between the sensor and the cap, characterized in that the internal surface of the cap comprises a series of protruding elements that are distributed over the internal surface of the cap opposite the sensitive zone so as to form a number of regularly distributed zones of localized overpressure.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch includes switches, a wiring board having an electrode, a pressure-sensitive body disposed over the electrode, a detection pin disposed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive body, and an operating body configured to push the detection pin and the switches by being tilted. The degree of a pushing force exerted by the operating body onto the detection pin changes the contact resistance between the pressure-sensitive body and the electrode. The multi-directional switch enables an electronic apparatus connected thereto to perform diverse functions by reflecting changes in the contact resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a touch panel capable of effectively preventing a distortion of an electric potential distribution, thereby increasing an input region of the touch panel. A touch panel including a resistive layer formed on one of surfaces of a substrate and a frame-shaped electrode portion 21 provided along four sides of the resistive layer, wherein each side of the frame-shaped electrode portion 21 is constituted in a broken line pattern having a first split electrode 25a disposed on both ends respectively and a plurality of second split electrodes 25b disposed between the first split electrodes 25a, second resistance values R_i between the second split electrodes 25b are set to be equal to each other, and a first resistance value R_s between the first split electrode 25a and the second split electrode 25b which is adjacent to the first split electrode 25a is different from the second resistance value R_i.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for attaching tactile sensors to a curved surface, comprising a sensor fixing unit configured to have at least part of one surface curved and to have a plurality of sensor insertion grooves, crossing each other, formed in the one surface in a matrix form; tactile sensor units formed in a matrix form, inserted into the respective sensor insertion grooves, and configured to detect external force; sealing units configured to seal the respective sensor insertion grooves; and a support unit configured to come in contact with one face of the sealing units or the sensor fixing units and to support the sensor fixing units. Accordingly, the tactile sensors can be easily attached to a curved surface, and mass production is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-sensing type touch panel including a plurality of sheets laminated to have a one-sheet structure, the touch panel being bonded to a rear surface of a flexible display. The pressure-sensing type touch panel has flexibility and stably recognizes the touch of an object even when incurring such deformations as bending, rolling or folding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent conductive film in which occurrence of scratches during sliding is suppressed even when transparent conductive layer forming surfaces are so arranged as to face each other. Provided is a transparent conductive film comprising a transparent film base; at least one dielectric layer formed on a first main surface of the transparent film base; and a transparent conductive layer formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the transparent conductive layer is patterned; and the surface on the first main surface of the transparent conductive film has an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of 22 nm or more, and has 140/mm2 or more of protrusions having heights of 250 nm or higher at a pattern-opening part in which the transparent conductive layer is not formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layer structure comprising at least one switch (4) illuminated by an ACPEL arrangement (2), to the method for producing and shaping said layer structure, and the use thereof for forming display and control elements and for forming housing elements for mobile or stationary electronic equipment or small or large household appliances or for forming keyboard systems without movable components.

Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. The sensor device comprises a silicon wafer having piezoresistive elements and contacts in electrical communication with the elements. The sensor device further comprises a contact glass coupled to the silicon wafer and having apertures aligned with the contacts. The sensor device also comprises a non-conductive frit for mounting the contact glass to a header glass, and a conductive non-lead glass frit disposed in the apertures and in electrical communication with the contacts. The method for making a piezoresistive sensor device, comprises bonding a contact glass to a silicon wafer such that apertures in the glass line up with contacts on the wafer, and filling the apertures with a non-lead glass frit such that the frit is in electrical communication with the contacts.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: Sealed pushbutton for a wristwatch comprising a pushbutton head that is movable between a resting position and an active position, a first fixed conductive element and a second movable conductive element. It comprises an elastically deformable capsule that hermetically covers the first fixed conductor, wherein an upper surface of the capsule is in physical contact with a lower surface of the pushbutton head. The capsule can be located in a non-deformed position when the pushbutton head is in its resting position and in a deformed position when the pushbutton head is in its active position, and the first and second conductive elements form a capacitive or resistive switch device, wherein the switch is in open state when the pushbutton head is in its resting position and in closed state when the pushbutton head is in its active position.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch member and an electronic device includes an operation plate in which a pressing operation may be performed in a plurality of directions including four standard directions and a median direction extending between the four standard directions, a PCB that is located at the back side of the operation plate, a plurality of conductive bodies that are provided on the back side of the operation plate, a group of standard direction contact electrodes that each have a first electrode and a first ground potential electrode along each of the standard directions, and a group of median direction contact electrodes that have two of a second electrode and a second ground potential electrode along the median direction, wherein the two second electrodes and the first electrodes, which are located along both sides of the median direction, are located next to each other and are electrically connected to each other.