Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses and methods thereof. An example sensor apparatus includes a capacitor and sensor circuitry. The capacitor includes a first substrate having a first electrode, a second substrate having a second electrode, and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a plurality of dielectric structures arranged in a pattern, the first and second electrode being separated by the dielectric layer and arranged with an overlapping area with respect to one another. The sensor circuitry is coupled to the capacitor and configured and arranged to detect normal and shear forces applied to the sensor apparatus based on changes in capacitance derived from changes in at least one of a distance between first and second electrodes and the overlapping area of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens assembly that includes at least one lens that defines an optical axis. The apparatus also includes a substrate, an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and an actuator coupled to the substrate and configured to adjust a position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly to move the image sensor along the optical axis. The apparatus additionally includes a capacitive position sensor that includes a first capacitive plate coupled to the substrate and a second capacitive plate coupled to the lens assembly. The capacitive position sensor may be configured to generate a capacitance measurement indicative of the position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly. The apparatus further includes circuitry configured to control the actuator based on (i) the capacitance measurement and (ii) a target position of the image sensor relative to the lens assembly.

Abstract: A method for reducing hysteresis error and high frequency noise error of capacitive tactile sensors includes the following steps: step 1: calibration, specifically including positive stroke calibration to form n positive stroke curves and negative stroke calibration to form n negative stroke curves; step 2: averaging, specifically including positive stroke averaging to form an average positive stroke curve, negative stroke averaging to form an average negative stroke curve, and comprehensive averaging to form a comprehensive stroke curve; step 3: fitting modeling, to obtain a positive stroke fitting function, a negative stroke fitting function, and a comprehensive fitting function; step 4: measurement; step 5: noise filtering; step 6: stroke direction discrimination; and step 7: resolving, to obtain the force at the current time by using a corresponding fitting function based on the stroke direction discrimination result.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a biometric sensor, which includes a substrate and a plurality of sensing electrodes over the substrate. The sensor device also includes an amplifier electrically coupled to the biometric sensor and configured to provide an output signal in response to a touch event received by the biometric sensor. The sensor device further includes an interface circuit arranged between the amplifier and the plurality of sensing electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a performance metric of a heart includes a housing, a tactile sensor, a finger clamp, a linear actuator, and a controller. The tactile sensor measures blood pressure pulsatility in a digital artery of a finger via applanation tonometry and outputs pulsatility signals indicative of the blood pressure pulsatility. The finger clamp extends from the housing to clamp the finger against the tactile sensor with the digital artery aligned over the tactile sensor. The linear actuator drives the finger clamp with a clamping force directed along a linear path. The controller is coupled to the tactile sensor and the linear actuator to control the clamping force and to generate pulsatility data, based upon the pulsatility signals, from which the performance metric of the heart may be determined.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring a mechanical loading, comprising a first member to be mechanically loaded; a first sensor component arranged on the first member; a printed circuit board (PCB); a second sensor component arranged on the PCB and spaced from the first sensor component, wherein an output signal of the second sensor component is indicative of the distance between the first and second sensor components; and an electronic component arranged on the PCB and configured to receive the output signal of the second sensor component, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured such that the distance between the first and second sensor components depends on the mechanical loading applied to the first member.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor configured to detect a change of pressure from a living body in a predetermined location includes: a pair of electrodes spaced from one another and formed to spread as a sheet; a pressure-sensitive layer disposed between the pair of electrodes and configured to generate electric charge in response to the change of pressure; a pair of terminals connected to the pair of electrodes, respectively, and configured to output an electrical signal supplied from the pair of electrodes in response to the change of pressure of the living body. An edge of at least one of the pair of electrodes extending toward the pair of terminals is disposed to protrude outside the pressure-sensitive layer, and the electrical signal propagates through the edge and is outputted from the pair of terminals.

Abstract: An elasticity measurement apparatus includes a lower layer structure having first and second openings, first and second deformable membranes covering the first and second openings to define first and second chamber and deformable by pressure within the first and second chambers respectively, a support layer structure on the lower layer structure to protrude and configured to support the first and second deformable membranes to be spaced apart from the elastic body, a driving portion to apply pressure within the first and second chambers to deform the first and second deformable membranes, and first and second deformation detecting portions to detect deformations of first and second deformable membranes. When the pressure within the first and second chambers is increased from a first pressure to a second pressure, the first deformable membrane is deformed with contacting the elastic body, while the second deformable membrane is deformed without contacting the elastic body.

Abstract: A flexible display panel has a display area, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, and a bending area having at least one overlapping area with the peripheral area. The flexible display panel includes a plurality of conductive layers disposed in the display area, and at least one interdigital capacitor disposed in the at least one overlapping area. One of the at least one interdigital capacitor is disposed in a same layer with a same material as one of the plurality of conductive layers.

Abstract: In an electro-optical touchscreen inputs into an electronic system are able to be realized by the electro-optical touchscreen being touched by an input member and wherein the electro-optical touchscreen comprises a display and a first sensing device for determining the location at which the electro-optical touchscreen is touched, and a second sensing device for determining a force applied to the electro-optical touchscreen, wherein the position of the electro-optical touchscreen with respect to a reference surface is variable by way of the force being applied to the surface of said electro-optical touchscreen, wherein the second sensing device is configured in capacitive fashion and comprises an electrode, it is provided that the electrode of the second sensing device lies in a plane with electrodes of the display or in a plane with electrodes of the first sensing device.

Abstract: A hypertonicity measuring device comprises at least one wearable item. The hypertonicity measuring device comprises at least one communication pathway. The at least one communication pathway is configured to communicate with a processing device. The hypertonicity measuring device comprises a sensor array. The sensor array is disposed to the at least one wearable item. The sensor array comprises a plurality of capacitive pressure sensors. The sensor array is configured to communicate capacitive pressure sensor data to the processing device employing the at least one communication pathway. The plurality of capacitive pressure sensors comprises at least one structured dielectric. The hypertonicity measuring device comprises an inertial measurement unit. The inertial measurement unit is disposed to the at least one wearable item. The inertial measurement unit is configured to communicate motion data to the processing device employing the at least one communication pathway.

Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises an elastic substrate, a first strain-gauge element formed on a first surface of the elastic substrate, and configured to output a first signal in response to a strain applied in a first direction, and a second strain-gauge element formed on a second surface of the elastic substrate opposite to the first surface, and configured to output a second signal in response to a strain applied in the same first direction.

Abstract: An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes an interleaved connector including a plurality of layers of conducting material interspersed with insulating material. A plurality of electrodes are to identify a change in capacitance of the interleaved connector to indicate a penetration of the device.

Abstract: Objects are examined with electric fields to determine properties of the objects. An active-plane (300) is defined by active electrodes (301-308) mounted on a dielectric-membrane (309). A processor energizes a first active electrode during a coupling operation and monitors a second active electrode. A cooperating plane (310) is defined by cooperating electrodes (321-329). The cooperating plane is displaced from the active plane and the processor selects electrical attributes (grounded, floating etc.) for selected cooperating electrodes during each coupling operation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device, such as a wafer, die, or the like, includes a viscoelastic pad upon a contact. The viscoelastic pad includes a viscoelastic material and an electrically conductive material within the viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic pad provides for a probe needle of an IC device tester to be electrically connected to the IC device contact without the probe needle directly contacting the IC device contact. The viscoelastic pad may be probed multiple instances by the probe needle and may be washed or otherwise removed from the IC device after testing is completed. The viscoelastic pad may be formed upon the IC device by forming the viscoelastic material within a mask, aligning the viscoelastic pad to the IC device contact, and ejecting the viscoelastic material from the mask upon the IC device contact.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a base substrate changing a cross section area corresponding to an external force applied from outside and a sensor changing a cross section area corresponding to the external force applied from outside. The sensor comprises a first electrode disposed on the base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the base substrate, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A thickness of the dielectric layer stays substantially the same when a cross sectional area of the base substrate changes.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a strain sensor and a method of fabricating the same. The strain sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an X-axis sensor formed on a flexible insulating substrate and responsible for sensing X-axis strain; a Y-axis sensor formed on the flexible insulating substrate to be orthogonal to the X-axis sensor and responsible for sensing Y-axis strain; a metal electrode formed on a region of the flexible insulating substrate where the X-axis sensor and the Y-axis sensor are not formed; and an encapsulation layer formed on the X-axis sensor, the Y-axis sensor, and the metal electrode. In this case, the X-axis sensor and the Y-axis sensor have a metal-insulator heterostructure.

Abstract: A combined force- and temperature-sensing array includes an array of drive plates, an array of sense plates corresponding the drive plates, and a layer of dielectric material separating the drive and sense plates. A diode with a forward junction voltage is connected between at least one of the drive plates and at least one of the sense plates. A multiplexer is operative to select between an electrical pulse or an electrical current for delivery to the at least one drive plate. Circuitry is provided for sensing an applied force resulting from a change in capacitance between the at least one drive plate and the at least one sense plate when the electrical pulse is delivered, and for sensing a temperature resulting from a change in the forward junction voltage of the diode when the current is delivered. The sensor array may be provided as a shoe insert for diabetics with neuropathy.

Abstract: Example techniques involve a speaker grille of a playback device that is connectable to a capacitive proximity sensor, which may increase the area over which an object's proximity to the sensor can be sensed. An example implementation includes a playback device that includes an enclosure comprising a first surface and a second surface, one or more speakers mounted on the first surface, a conductive speaker grille covering the one or more speakers, one or more playback controls mounted on the second surface, and a capacitive proximity sensor oriented away from the second surface. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a grounding plane that is connectable to the conductive speaker grille.

Abstract: An input device can be integrated within an electronic device and/or operably connected to an electronic device through a wired or wireless connection. The input device can include one or more force sensors positioned below a cover element of the input device or an input surface of the electronic device. The input device can include other components and/or functionality, such as a biometric sensor and/or a switch element.

Abstract: A wearable member may include a plurality of energy transmitters that are arranged on a surface of the wearable member, each of the energy transmitters being configured to project energy into tissue of a user. A wearable member may include a plurality of energy receivers each of which is configured to generate a signal based on a received portion of the energy that is projected by one or more of the energy transmitters and reflected by the tissue of the user, wherein at least one of the energy transmitters and the energy receivers are multi-dimensionally arranged on the wearable member such that energy reflected by the tissue of the user at locations that are multi-dimensionally different is incident on the plurality of energy receivers. The processor may be configured to calculate a biological metric based on signals generated by at least part of the plurality of energy receivers.

Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter in each of the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured parameter values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured parameters and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured parameters upon occurrence of a change in measured parameters of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor. The data analysis device is configured to receive the data packet, compare the measured parameter values of the data packet to previously-measured parameter values associated with the sensor underlayment into and generate a result therefrom.

Abstract: In described examples, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a first element and a second element. The first element is mounted on a substrate and has a first contact surface. The second element is mounted on the substrate and has a second contact surface that protrudes from the second element to form an acute contact surface. The first element and/or the second element is/are operable to move in: a first direction, such that the first contact surface comes in contact with the second contact surface; and a second direction, such that the second contact surface separates from the first contact surface.

Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter system includes a urethral catheter and a sensor array formed on the urethral catheter. The sensor array includes a plurality of pressure sensors distributed along a length of the urethral catheter. The sensor array is configured to produce a dynamic pressure distribution profile along a urethra.

Abstract: A pressure sensing array includes a plurality of pressure sensing units and a control unit. Each of the pressure sensing units includes a plurality of first electrode blocks and a plurality of second electrode blocks. The second electrode blocks are arranged in a staggered manner along a first direction or a second direction, in which the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The control unit is coupled to the pressure sensing units and used for controlling the first electrode blocks and the second electrode blocks of the each of the pressure sensing units to be turned on or off respectively.

Abstract: A transparent pressure sensor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The transparent pressure sensor includes several layers of transparent electrodes, at least one pressure-sensitive deformation layer between the transparent electrodes, and a metal oxide layer. Each layer of the transparent electrodes is composed of nanowires, and the metal oxide layer is disposed in a space among the nanowires.

Abstract: Provided are a high-performance touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch sense includes a substrate, a sense electrode part formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer formed on the sense electrode part. A pitch of a unit sense cell including the sense electrode part is in a range of 50 ?m to 70 ?m. A dielectric constant of the insulating layer is in a range of 6 to 10. A unit sense cell pitch and a mutual capacitance sufficient for stably identifying a user's fingerprints may be achieved and both light transmittance and visibility may be improved.

Abstract: The invention describes a system comprising a capacitive information carrier, wherein an electrically conductive layer is arranged on an electrically non-conductive substrate, and a surface sensor, wherein the information carrier is in contact with the surface sensor. Furthermore, the invention comprises a process for acquiring information, comprising a capacitive information carrier, a capacitive surface sensor, a contact between the two elements and an interaction which makes a touch structure of the information carrier evaluable for a data-processing system connected to the surface sensor and can trigger events associated with said information carrier.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a first plate (102), a second plate (104) and a foam (106) disposed between the first and second plate. The foam is a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 50 to 250 urn and a density of between 5 to 30 lbs/ft3.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device, including a window defining an outer surface of a main body, and having a pressure touch receiving area for receiving a pressure touch input, a metal case supporting the window and defining the outer surface of the main body, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display module disposed beneath the window and configured to output visual information through the window, a metal support frame supporting the OLED display module, a guide frame supporting the OLED display module, and coupled to the window, and a pressure touch sensing unit disposed beneath the window and configured to detect a touch input applied to the window.

Abstract: Disclosed here are systems and methods which enable high-bandwidth communication between a mobile device and an accessory. The high-bandwidth communication uses electromagnetic waves in the extremely high frequency range between 30 GHz and 300 GHz inclusive, also known as millimeter waves. The millimeter waves travel through at least the chassis of the accessory and the chassis of the mobile device without significant scattering and attenuation. The properties of the materials through which the millimeter waves travel determine the attenuation of the millimeter waves. Disclosed here are various materials, and their thicknesses, which form a transmission stack through which the millimeter waves can travel unimpeded. In effect, the transmission stack acts as a dielectric member which facilitates the transmission of the millimeter waves, while attenuating transmission of waves outside of the extremely high frequency range.

Abstract: Pressure applied to the surface of a first panel is measured by a simple beam-type pressure-sensing assembly, said pressure-sensing assembly being in contact with the first panel and a second panel by means of first supports and a second support. When a user applies pressure to a pressing area, the pressure is transferred to an elastic bearing plate; the pressure is then evenly concentrated on the elastic bearing plate; having pressure applied thereto, the elastic bearing plate is then deformed; a pressure sensor detects the deformation of the elastic bearing plate, and then the pressure sensor outputs a pressure signal to a pressure-sensing detection circuit to analyze, process, and then output to a processor for execution of an operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a touch control structure, a display panel and a touch control method. The touch control structure comprises a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a plurality of insulative supporting points, and a detection module. The second conductive layer comprises a plurality of electrodes which are independent from each other. The plurality of insulative supporting points is arranged on the first conductive layer and under the second conductive layer. The detection module is connected to the plurality of electrodes, and configured to detect an electrode in the second conductive layer contacted with the first conductive layer when the first conductive layer is pressed, and to determine a level of pressure pressed on the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A multilayer structure for a garment, optionally footwear, includes a flexible substrate film for accommodating electronics, a number of flexible sensor pads provided on the film utilizing printed electronics technology, optionally screen printing or ink jetting, at least one electronic circuit, preferably integrated circuit, further provided on the film for controlling capacitive measurements via the number of sensor pads for obtaining an indication of pressure subjected to the multilayer structure, a number of conductor traces further printed on the film for electrically connecting the at least one electronic circuit and the number of capacitive sensor pads, a power supply element for powering electricity-driven components including the at least one electronic circuit, and at least one plastic layer molded upon the film substantially embedding the number of sensor pads, conductor traces and the at least one electronic circuit therewithin. A related method of manufacture is presented.

Abstract: A keyboard including a plurality of key assemblies configured to be pressed by an input object. A subset of the plurality of key assemblies each includes a key cap and a first electrode pair underneath the key cap and configured to detect key motion in response to downward force applied by the input object. The key cap also includes a second electrode pair disposed underneath the key cap and configured to detect positional information about the input object interacting with the key cap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a strain gauge device and a strain gauge device are presented. The method includes obtaining a first substrate, preferably a first formable substrate film for accommodating electronic components, printing by a printed electronics method, such as by screen printing or inkjet printing, a strain gauge on the first substrate, and molding, preferably by utilizing injection molding, a molded material layer embedding the strain gauge. The strain gauge device may comprise two, preferably formable, substrate films between which the strain gauge and the molded material layer may be arranged.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure on a substrate includes forming a patterned metal layer over the substrate; forming an insulator layer over the patterned metal layer; forming a second metal layer over the insulator layer; removing part of the insulating layer and part of the second metal layer thereby forming a substantially coplanar surface that is formed by the patterned metal layer, the insulator layer, and the second metal layer; removing a portion of the second metal layer and a portion of the patterned metal layer to form a fin from the insulator layer that protrudes beyond the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and forming an inter-metal dielectric layer over the fin.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises an operating circuit and a pressure-measuring cell comprising a counter body, a measurement membrane, which is arranged on the counter body and can be deformed by a pressure to be measured, and a capacitive transducer, which has at least one membrane electrode arranged on the measurement membrane and at least one counter-body electrode arranged on the counter body. The capacitance between the membrane electrode and the counter-body electrode depends on a pressure-dependent deformation of the measurement membrane, wherein at least the membrane electrode has a temperature-dependent impedance. The operating circuit is designed to sense at least one capacitance between the at least one counter-body electrode and the at least one membrane electrode and to provide a pressure measurement value on the basis of at least one capacitance and to determine the impedance of the membrane electrode—particularly, the ohmic portion of the impedance of the membrane electrode.

Abstract: An input device includes a position detection sensor capable of detecting an input operation position of an operation body on an operation surface, a load detection sensor capable of detecting a load in the input operation position, and a control unit capable of executing offset calibration to correct an offset of an output of the load detection sensor based on input operation information resulting from an output of the position detection sensor.

Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure zone capacitance in of the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured zone capacitance values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured zone capacitance of the sensor and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured zone capacitance values upon occurrence of a change in capacitance of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a semiconductor chip may include: a semiconductor body region including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a capacitive structure for detecting crack propagation into the semiconductor body region; wherein the capacitive structure may include a first electrode region at least partially surrounding the semiconductor body region and at least substantially extending from the first surface to the second surface; wherein the capacitive structure further may include a second electrode region disposed next to the first electrode region and an electrically insulating region extending between the first electrode region and the second electrode region.

Abstract: A capacitive finger navigation module including a pressure detection mode and a finger movement detection mode is provided. In the pressure detection mode, a finger press is detected to generate a continuous cursor movement signal. In the finger movement detection mode, a finger movement is detected to generate a single cursor movement signal.

Abstract: A touch input device capable of detecting a pressure of a touch on a touch surface includes: a display module including a display panel; a substrate which is located under the display module and is spaced apart from the display module by a spacer layer; and a pressure electrode. An electrical signal, which is changed according to a capacitance between the pressure electrode and the substrate, is detected from the pressure electrode, and the capacitance changes depend on a change of a relative distance between the pressure electrode and the substrate, such that the pressure of the touch is detected based on the capacitance.

Abstract: A smartphone includes: a cover layer; a display module, and comprises a component configured to cause the LCD panel to perform a display function; a pressure electrode which is located under the display module; and a shielding member which is located under the pressure electrode. At least a portion of a touch sensor which senses touch in a capacitive manner is located in the display module.

Abstract: Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an input device for generating input signals, that as such correlate with the motion as well as the position of a user standing on a contact area. The present invention concerns an input device for generating input signals that as such correlate with the load of a contact area, with a contact area structure that constitutes a substantially horizontally oriented contact area, a foot structure that passes under that contact area structure and supports it as to a support area, a detection circuit for detecting detection events that correlate with the shifting of the.

Abstract: Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters.

Abstract: A sensor unit is provided and includes a first substrate, first and second electrodes, an input portion disposed so that a gap exists between the substrate and the input portion, a plurality of first structures disposed in the gap and extending at least partially between the first substrate and the input portion, and a second insulating structure disposed on a side of the first structures that is away from the input portion, or between adjacent first structures. The sensor unit is configured to detect a change in capacitance between the first and second electrodes upon a change in position of the input portion relative to the first substrate.

Abstract: The capacitive measuring circuit for a moved elongated test material contains at least two measuring capacitors, each of which is configured for receiving the test material. It further contains electrically actuatable selection means, by means of which one of the measuring capacitors can be selected in such a way that only the selected measuring capacitor contributes to the measurement, whereas the other measuring capacitors do not. As a result, the total capacitance of the measuring circuit is reduced and its sensitivity is increased.

Abstract: Strain sensing may be provided. First, a strain threshold for a circuit board may be determined. Then a strain capacitor may be selected that will fail when the circuit board is subjected to the strain threshold while the strain capacitor is mounted on the circuit board. The strain capacitor may be ceramic and may be in a commercially available size. The strain capacitor may then be mounted to the circuit board and monitored for failure.