Abstract: In one embodiment, the orthotic device can include a powered hand portion, a switching element, and a controller. The wearer can interact with the switching element to generate input signals for adjusting an operation of the powered hand portion. The controller can receive the input signals and generate control signals to accordingly adjust the operation of the powered hand portion. In some embodiments, a powered hand portion can be comprised of a plurality of linkages and at least one powered actuator to assist with an opening and closing of the hand portion. The plurality of linkages can be operated by at least one electric motor with quick-connect elements to link onto fingers of a user. In some embodiments, an electrically-actuated clutch mechanism can be affixed to an upper arm section and a lower arm section of an orthotic device. The clutch mechanism can be configured into different positions.

Abstract: An upper arm module of a wearable muscular strength assisting apparatus is provided. The upper arm module includes a base part configured to be connected to a wearer's body, and an upper arm part having a first end thereof coupled to the base part to be rotatable about a fixed point. The upper arm part is coupled to the wearer's upper arm to apply a torque thereto. The upper arm module further includes an elastic body having a first end thereof fixedly coupled to the upper arm part and generating an elastic force by deformation. In particular, the upper arm module also includes a first link having a first end thereof rotatably coupled to the base part at a point of application, and a second link rotatably coupled to the second end of the first link at a first point.

Abstract: A wearable device comprises a flexible substrate carrying multiple conducting loops which are formed into a zig zag pattern so as to be able to accommodate a stretching of the substrate. The substrate is formed into a glove and the loops positioned such that they are aligned with the anatomical joints. As the anatomical joints move, the loops change shape and accordingly change their inductance—this is measured by the electronics in the glove and used to calculate the joint angles in a processor which transmits the angles to an external computer system. Some of the loops are attached to current drivers in the electronics module, and a magnet positioned close to the loop, providing means for a force to be generated between magnet and loop when the current driver passes current through the loop, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: A tactile feedback glove for use in an extravehicular activity (EVA) environment by an astronaut is described. The tactile feedback glove is formed by a glove having an outer layer, a second layer and inner bladder, wherein the inner bladder encloses a gas environment suitable for an astronaut's hand. A force sensor is attached to a fingertip of each finger of the glove on an inner surface of the outer layer to sense the pressure applied at the associated fingertip. A haptic feedback device is attached to the fingertip of each finger of the glove on an outer surface of the inner bladder. Each haptic feedback device is adjacent to each associated force sensor and positioned to provide tactile feedback for the associated finger. A visual feedback device is also attached to an outer surface of the outer layer of the glove in a visual field of the astronaut.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the orthotic device can include a powered hand portion, a switching element, and a controller. The wearer can interact with the switching element to generate input signals for adjusting an operation of the powered hand portion. The controller can receive the input signals and generate control signals to accordingly adjust the operation of the powered hand portion. In some embodiments, a powered hand portion can be comprised of a plurality of linkages and at least one powered actuator to assist with an opening and closing of the hand portion. The plurality of linkages can be operated by at least one electric motor with quick-connect elements to link onto fingers of a user. In some embodiments, an electrically-actuated clutch mechanism can be affixed to an upper arm section and a lower arm section of an orthotic device. The clutch mechanism can be configured into different positions.

Abstract: An immersive upper limb rehabilitation training system includes a dual-arm rehabilitation robot, a base, a position tracker, a VR headset, a force-feedback glove, a host computer control center and passive compliant end-effectors. The dual-arm rehabilitation robot is mounted on the base, and drives an arm of a patient to move through two passive compliant end effectors. The visual sensor is used for recording a motion of an upper limb of the patient and feedback-controlling a motion of the dual-arm rehabilitation robot. The position tracker is used for real-time collecting position and posture information of the arm and transmitting it to the upper computer control center. The two passive compliant end-effectors are respectively worn on a forearm and an upper arm of the patient. The upper computer control center is used to provide a quantitative index and control a display of a training screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to construction, configuration, and utilization of humanoid robotic systems and aspects thereof are described. A system may include a mobile base, a spine structure, a body structure, and at least one robotic arm, each of which is movably configured to have significant human-scale capabilities in prescribed environments. The one or more robotic arms may be rotatably coupled to the body structure, which may be mechanically associated with the mobile base, which is preferably configured for holonomic or semi-holonomic motion through human scale travel pathways that are ADA compliant. Aspects of the one or more arms may be counterbalanced with one or more spring-based counterbalancing mechanisms which facilitate backdriveability and payload features.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided comprising: an input device; a first actuator and a second actuator; a controller for controlling the first actuator and the second actuator, the controller configured to apply a first scale factor to a first commanded output and a second commanded output for the first actuator the second actuator, respectively, when the first commanded output would fall outside a first predetermined working range of the first actuator, wherein the first scale factor adjusts the first commanded output to be within the first predetermined working range.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided comprising: an input device: and a controller for receiving control inputs from the input device and for providing haptic feedback at the input device, the controller configured to apply a staged transition from a first haptic feedback profile at the input device to a second haptic feedback profile at the input device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a wearable robot hand device removable from a hand structure, including: at least one of first and second exglove modules as one or more exglove modules attached to the hand structure, the first exglove module being attached to a surface of the hand structure and the second exglove module being attached onto a exglove of the first exglove module.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-mode imaging device control includes a manipulator having one or more first joints and one or more second joints and a controller. The one or more first joints are configured to pivot a focal point of an imaging device about a pivot. The one or more second joints are configured to position the pivot within a three-dimensional space. The controller is configured to actuate the one or more first joints in response to sensed movement of one or more input devices until a release of the actuation of the one or more first joints is detected, detect the release of the actuation of the one or more first joints, and actuate the one or more second joints in response to sensed movement of the one or more input devices following the detection of the release of the actuation of the one or more first joints.

Abstract: A force-sense visualization apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire image data and force-sense data, image data being obtained by taking an image of a surrounding environment of a robot, the force-sense data relating to a force sense that the robot has received from the outside, a conversion unit configured to convert the force sense into text information composed of onomatopoeia based on the force-sense data, and an image output unit configured to superimpose the text information on the image of the image data and output the resultant image data.

Abstract: A robot for testing lower limb performance of a spacesuit includes a pressure maintaining box, an air circulation component, an air cooling unit, heat radiating hose components, and two mechanical legs. The air cooling unit is connected with the pressure maintaining box; the air circulation component is arranged in the pressure maintaining box; the mechanical legs are installed on the pressure maintaining box, and the heat radiating hose components are arranged in the mechanical legs; air in the pressure maintaining box is cooled through the air cooling unit and delivered into the heat radiating hose components through the air circulation component; each mechanical leg comprises a thigh, a knee joint component, a shank, an ankle joint component and a foot; the thigh is connected with the shank through the knee joint component; the shank is connected with the foot through the ankle joint component.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a haptic feedback component is configured to generate haptic feedback in accordance with movement of a user. The haptic feedback component includes a frame having a size and shape for receiving an appendage of a user, a flexible beam member coupled to the frame, and a haptic feedback element that is coupled to the flexible beam member, wherein the haptic feedback element actuates in response to receiving an electrical signal so as to cause the flexible beam member to displace from an initial configuration to a modified configuration such as to direct the haptic feedback towards the appendage.

Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a processor that generates an artificial environment that includes a virtual object, (2) a display that presents the artificial environment, (3) an input subsystem that detects tracks positioning of a body, and (4) a plurality of haptic actuators that are arranged to apply haptic feedback to a first plurality of locations on the body, where the processor (a) determines, based on the positioning of the body, a virtual contact of one of a second plurality of locations on the body with the virtual object, where the second plurality of locations is different from the first plurality of locations, and (b) activates, in response to the virtual contact, at least one of the plurality of haptic actuators based on a mapping of the second plurality of locations to the plurality of haptic actuators. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A strain generation body and a force sensor equipped with the strain generation body, which can reduce a temperature error between strain sensors and reference resistors and the influence of external noise and which can improve detection accuracy, are provided. A strain generation body comprises a center part, an outer-peripheral part, connecting parts, a plurality of strain sensors, a plurality of reference resistors. The outer-peripheral part surrounds a periphery of the center part. The connecting parts connect the center part and the outer-peripheral part. The strain sensors are provided on main surfaces of the connecting parts. The reference resistors are provided on a main surface of the center part and constitute bridge circuits together with the strain sensors.

Abstract: A system for use in surgery includes a central body, a visualization system operably connected to the central body, a video rendering system, a head-mounted display for displaying images from the video rendering system, a sensor system, and a robotic device operably connected to the central body. The visualization system includes at least one camera and a pan system and/or a tilt system. The sensor system tracks the position and/or orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to a reference point. The pan system and/or the tilt system are configured to adjust the field of view of the camera in response to information from the sensor system about changes in at least one of position and orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to the reference point.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a physical change of a marine structure includes a complex optical measuring instrument configured to detect a behavior and structural change of the marine structure by using at least one optical sensor by means of optical fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a wearable robotic upper body garment. In an embodiment, an upper body garment or apparatus comprises a shoulder saddle, one or more actuators, one or more flexible tendons, back torso section, front, torso section, torso wrap, and upper arm cuff. The shoulder saddle may be comprised of a yoke and one or more elevated shoulder sections. The one or more elevated should sections may be comprised of a first elevated shoulder section. In an embodiment, the back torso and front torso sections may be structurally connected to the yoke. In an embodiment, the one or more actuators may be structurally connected to either said back torso section or front torso section. In an embodiment, the one or more flexible tendons may be operationally connected to a predetermined one or more actuators and an upper arm cuff.

Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove, finger saddles attached to a respective glove finger, one or more tendon actuators, and artificial tendons. The saddles have a rectangular body partially circumscribing a respective glove finger. Each saddle includes end lobes at opposite distal ends of the body. A first end of each tendon is secured to one of the tendon actuators. A second end forms a triple Brummel loop defining a main loop and two anchor loops. The anchor loops are disposed around the lobes. The saddles may form a rounded, double-headed arrow shape that is at least double the thickness of the body. The finger saddles are anisotropic, with different bending strengths depending on the axis, and may be constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane-coated nylon. Flexion and/or contact sensors and a controller, may be used. A method of connecting the tendon actuator to the finger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a substrate with a reference plane, a plurality of kinesthetic-sense sensors disposed on the substrate, each of the plurality of kinesthetic-sense sensors being configured to output signals of three axial directions corresponding to an orthogonal-axis direction orthogonal to the reference plane and two axial directions parallel to the reference plane, respectively, according to an external force from an object received at a force receiving part, a control unit configured to determine whether or not a value of each of the signals is larger than a predetermined threshold, and calculate a pressing force in the orthogonal-axis direction or a moment around the orthogonal axis received from the object based on a result of the determination, and an output unit configured to output a result of the calculation.

Abstract: A virtual reality system including a garment worn by a user, such as a glove, includes a jamming that jams movement of a portion of the user's body by increasing a rigidity of certain portions of the garment or by preventing a certain portion of the garment from expanding past a certain length. This allows the garment to simulate the physical sensation that occurs when the user touches an object. For example, to simulate the sensation of holding a coffee mug, the jamming mechanism prevents the user's fingers from curling after the user's fingers have reached a position equivalent to making physical contact with the coffee mug.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to robotic point capture and motion control. A robotic device may synchronize one or more robotic device axes with one or more axes of a handheld control device. The robotic device may establish a connection between a robotic device and the handheld control device, wherein the robotic device is capable of moving along the one or more robotic device axes. The robotic device may receive a control signal comprising an indication to transition to a point in space along travel path, wherein the travel path is based on information relating to one or more locations and one or more orientations of the handheld control device. The robotic device may cause to transition an end effector of the robotic device to the point in space based on the indication in the control signal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a VR glove capable of measuring the movement of individual finger and thumb bones. The VR glove can include a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to track the movement of one or more finger and/or hand sections. The IMUs can include one or more motion sensors, such as a gyroscope and an accelerometer, for measuring the orientation, position, and velocity of objects (e.g., finger bones) that the IMU can be attached. An IMU can be located proximate to a finger (or thumb) bone and can measure the inertial motion of the corresponding bone. In some examples, the VR glove may include magnetometers to determine the direction of the geo-magnetic field. The VR glove can also include one or more other electronic components, such as a plurality of electrodes for sensing the heading, enabling capacitive touch, and/or contact sensing between finger tips.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a remote object comprising a wearable jacket for a user, two actuators for supporting arms of the user, motors for causing movements to at least one of a torso and the arms of the user, and sensors for measuring at least one of a force applied to the user and a position of the user, and a controller and data transmission device for communicating with the remote object.

Abstract: One example provides a wireless wearable device including a flexible wearable base configured to be worn at a location of a skeletal joint, an electrostatic clutch including a first electrode, the first electrode having two or more first electrode sheets, each first electrode sheet having a core, a conductive layer formed on the core, and a dielectric coating formed on the conductive layer, and also having a common conductor to which each of the first electrode sheets are connected, and a second electrode having two or more second electrode sheets arranged alternately with the first electrode sheets in a stacked arrangement, a tensioner coupled to the electrostatic clutch, a battery, and control circuitry coupled to the electrostatic clutch and configured to generate a control signal to control an electrostatic force between the two or more first electrode sheets and the two or more second electrode sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a motorized mount with a plurality of degrees of freedom coupled to a seating system. The motorized mount assembly can include an attachment assembly configured to attach to a seating assembly. A vertical control assembly can be connected to the attachment assembly with an arm having a first end attached to vertical control assembly by a first hinge. A mounting assembly can be attached to a second end of the arm. The mounting assembly can configured to receive a personal computing device. A linear actuator may be attached to the vertical control assembly to raise and lower the arm and mounting assembly. A first motor can be configured to attach to the arm. A second motor can be configured to attach between the arm and the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot including a tactile sensor and a hand having the tactile sensor, a tactile information generator configured to generate tactile information defined by a pressure distribution based on pressures detected by a plurality of pressure sensors and spatial positions of the plurality of pressure sensors, and output the tactile information, a manipulator configured to make an operator sense the pressure distribution according to the tactile information outputted from the tactile information generator, and when the operator manipulates the manipulator, output manipulating information according to the manipulation, and a robot controller configured to control operation of the hand of the robot according to the manipulating information outputted from the manipulator.

Abstract: An upper arm module of a wearable muscular strength assisting apparatus includes: a base part fixedly connected to a wearer's body; an upper arm part being configured such that a first end thereof is coupled to the base part to be rotatable about a fixed point, and being coupled to the wearer's upper arm to apply a rotational torque thereto; a first link configured such that a first end thereof is rotatably coupled to the base part at a point of application; a second link extending on a plane on which the upper arm part extends, and being rotatably coupled to a second end of the first link at a first point; a third link coupled to the second link at a second point to guide movement of the second point; and an elastic body generating an elastic force by deformation.

Abstract: An interface device including: a first fixed portion and a first rotation portion which are fixed to a body; a first power portion which is connected to the first fixed portion and the first rotation portion and provides power to the first rotation portion; and a control unit which controls, when receiving a signal from an external device, the first power portion to control rotation of the first rotation portion, wherein the first power portion switches the first rotation portion to a free state of being rotatable by external force or a control state of being not rotatable by external force.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a first hinge defining a first axis of rotation and having an arm connected thereto. A parallel link mechanism includes a second hinge connected to the arm and first and second links pivotably connecting the second hinge to an attachment such that the attachment is vertically movable relative to the second hinge. A nut runner is configured to rotatably drive a fastening tool about a third axis of rotation and is connected to the attachment. A first motor is provided on the first hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the arm about the first axis of rotation. A second motor is provided on the second hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the parallel link mechanism about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first and third axes of rotation.

Abstract: A transport arm for transporting objects comprising: an elongate beam coupled to a carriage, a first arm section movable along the elongate beam and a second arm section pivotally attached to the first arm section such that the second arm section an object engagement means for engaging an object to be transported arranged on the second arm section and an operator handle and a drive unit coupled to the first and the second arm section wherein the operator handle comprises a control means which is connected to the drive unit such that an operator by operating the control means may control the drive unit to pivot the second arm section.

Abstract: A kinesthetically enabled glove for providing kinesthetic feedback to a user are provided. The kinesthetically enabled glove incorporates various actuators configured to provide resistance to movement and/or to provide movement. Kinesthetic actuators employed include electroadhesive actuators, electromagnetic actuators, air-jamming actuators, and inertial mass actuators. The kinesthetic actuators are arranged in various portions of the kinesthetically enabled glove to provide force feedback at different locations. The kinesthetic glove may be employed during interaction with a computer system, providing a user with a more immersive experience.

Abstract: A control for a virtual reality (VR) system environment includes a portion and an additional portion each configured to contact different portions of a user's body. As one of the portions of the user's body moves towards the other potion of the user's body, the corresponding portion of the material contacting the moving portion of the user's body also moves towards the other portion of the material contacting the other portion of the user's body. Different positions of the portion and the additional portion relative to each other may correspond to different instructions that cause the VR system environment to perform different actions. In some embodiments, the control includes one or more feedback mechanisms providing the user with tactile feedback that simulates interactions with one or more virtual objects presented by the VR system environment.

Abstract: A robot includes two links, a joint portion that connects the two links so as to be rotatable relative to each other, a control unit that controls an operation of the joint portion, and an optical transmission device that transmits an optical signal between the two links, and in which the optical transmission device includes an optical wiring that passes through the joint portion and allows the optical signal to propagate, and a light source unit that is disposed on one of the two links and emits the optical signal, and the control unit transmits a signal for adjusting intensity of the optical signal according to a bending amount of the joint portion to the optical transmission device.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (10) has a carrier chip (20) in and/or on which at least one sensor element (30) is integrated, the measuring signal of which depends on the mechanical stress in the carrier chip (20). The carrier chip (20) is connected on its back side in a flat and material-locking fashion to a solid body (50), the modulus of elasticity of which differs from the modulus of elasticity of the carrier chip (20). The carrier chip (20) has at least two independent and longitudinal grooves (80a, 80b) between which the sensor element (30a, 30b) is arranged. The pressure sensor has a bias voltage circuit (40) and is used in a common rail injection system.

Abstract: An input interface configured to be worn on a portion of a user's body includes tendons coupled to various rigid cuffs in the input interface. The tendons include one or more activation mechanisms that, when activated, retract the tendons, which repositions a rigid cuff into a position relative to the user's body that restricts or prevents some form of movement of the user's body. Various activation mechanisms may be included in the tendons in various embodiments.

Abstract: A haptic device is provided that includes a jamming assembly, anchored to the back of a user's hand, having (i) a jamming lever, (ii) an actuator to move the jamming lever from a first position to a second position different from the first position, and (iii) a slidable member configured to move back and forth in response to movement of a first of the user's fingers. The haptic device also includes an elongated element with opposing first and second end portions, where (i) the first end portion is anchored to a predefined portion of the user's first finger, and (ii) the second end portion is attached to an end portion of the slidable member. The jamming lever, when moved to the second position by the actuator, engages with a portion of the slidable member to prevent movement of the member, the elongated element, and the user's finger in a direction.

Abstract: A virtual reality system including a garment worn by a user, such as a glove, includes a jamming that jams movement of a portion of the user's body by increasing a rigidity of certain portions of the garment or by preventing a certain portion of the garment from expanding past a certain length. This allows the garment to simulate the physical sensation that occurs when the user touches an object. For example, to simulate the sensation of holding a coffee mug, the jamming mechanism prevents the user's fingers from curling after the user's fingers have reached a position equivalent to making physical contact with the coffee mug.

Abstract: A robot control device includes a feature-point detecting unit that detects, from an image of an object acquired by a visual sensor, the positions of a plurality of feature points on the object in a predetermined cycle; a position/orientation calculating unit that updates, in the predetermined cycle, respective equations of motion of the plurality of feature points on the basis of the detected positions of the plurality of feature points and that calculates the position or orientation of the object on the basis of the detected positions of the plurality of feature points calculated from the updated equations of motion; and a robot-arm-movement control unit that controls the movement of a robot arm so as to follow the object, on the basis of the calculated position or orientation of the object.

Abstract: A tool includes a switch and a controller. The switch is configured to cause an electric component to operate. The switch includes a switch manipulation part and a load sensor. The switch manipulation part is configured to manipulate the switch. The load sensor is configured to detect a load corresponding to a pressing force according to a manipulation of the switch manipulation part. The controller is configured to correct an output corresponding to the load detected by the load sensor. The switch is configured to cause the electric component to operate based on the output corrected by the controller.

Abstract: The various robotic medical devices include robotic devices that are disposed within a body cavity and positioned using a support component disposed through an orifice or opening in the body cavity. Additional embodiments relate to devices having arms coupled to a device body wherein the device has a minimal profile such that the device can be easily inserted through smaller incisions in comparison to other devices without such a small profile. Further embodiments relate to methods of operating the above devices.

Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose a haptic device that includes an elastic planar member. The haptic device also includes an inelastic planar member attached to the elastic planar member. Additional elastic and inelastic planar members may be attached to the inelastic planar member, with each elastic planar member attached to an inelastic planar member in an alternating fashion. An inflatable bladder is attached to a first surface of the inelastic planar member. Additional inflatable bladders may be attached to the additional inelastic planar members. The inflation of the inflatable bladder(s) causes a curvature in the inelastic planar member. This curvature increases the rigidity of the inelastic planar member.

Abstract: A directional force sensor and sensing system are described. The directional force sensor includes a leaf spring and one or more load sensors disposed about the leaf spring such that in response to a force applied to the leaf spring, the one or more load sensors provide a signal. A controller is coupled to receive signals from the one or more directional force sensors and determines characteristics of forces applied to the directional force sensors.

Abstract: A termination assembly of a cabling system in a robotic surgical manipulator comprises a block including first and second cable pathways sized for receipt of a first cable. The first cable pathway includes a first retainer sized to prevent passage of a first fitting coupled to the first cable. The termination assembly also includes a first support coupled to the block and around which the first cable is routed.

Abstract: Provided is a hand controller device for detecting movement of one or more fingers of a user holding the device. The device includes: a support structure and opposing first and second finger supporting means, at least one of the finger supporting means being movably coupled to the support structure so that a movement of the movable supporting means increases or reduces an opening angle and/or distance between the opposing first and second finger supporting means; and a force and/or torque generation means that generates a force and/or torque between the first and second finger supporting means. The first and second finger supporting means include a finger detecting means to detect if the user's finger is in contact with a surface of the first and/or second finger supporting means, independently of whether or not the movable supporting means is moved.

Abstract: A robot hand controlling method executes calculating a position and changing grip force when the grip force for gripping a work W is to be changed in a state that fingers are gripping the work W with first grip force. In the calculating the position, the hand controlling unit uses a correlation value indicating a relationship between the grip force of the fingers and position of fixing portions, the first grip force, and second grip force that is a target value of the grip force to calculate the position of the fixing portions in gripping the work W with the second grip force. In the changing the grip force, the hand controlling unit drives a motor by calculating a driving quantity of the motor necessary for moving the fingers to the calculated position of the fixing portions.

Abstract: An operation system of a robot arm includes the robot arm disposed in a work box which is sealed, an operation apparatus disposed outside the work box and including an operation device which is operated by an operator to input an operation command of the robot arm, a control apparatus moving the robot arm based on the operation command from the operation apparatus, and a reaction force controller. Based on movable region information which indicates a movable region of the robot arm in the work box, as the robot arm approaches the limit of the movable region, the reaction force controller increases a reaction force which is against a force of moving the operation device by the operator in a direction approaching the limit of the movable region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device developed for surgical interventions comprising (i) an inner end (1) guidable/steerable to the operation field, (ii) an outer end (3) operated by the user and (iii) a middle part (2) which connects both ends (1, 3) together. According to the main concept of the present invention, it further comprises force transmission units extending between the outer (3) and the inner (1) ends, and said force transmission units, the outer and the inner ends and the middle part (2) are designed to transfer the movements of the outer end (3) to the inner end (1) in an identical measure, as if the inner end (1) were the straight continuation of the outer end (3).

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising: a first portion; a second portion; a hinge element between the first portion and the second portion; a magnetic sensor disposed on the first portion configured to measure an ambient magnetic field; a non-extensible element configured between the first portion and the second portion, and fixed with respect to the second portion; a magnetic element configured on a free end of the non-extensible element so that a rotation of the first portion with respect to the second portion causes relative motion between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor, thereby causing a change in a magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor; wherein an angle of fold between the two portions is calculated based on the change in the magnetic field as determined by the magnetic sensor.